Need help deciding on which pedal to get.

[Erik2005]

Hello everyone,

Trying to decide which pedal to get the Boss Distortion DS-1 or the Boss Metal Zone MT-2, which one would sound more like say, a Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier's distortion. I have heard a Mesa Triple Rectifier with its distortion and I like the way it sounds, so im looking for something closer to that end of the spectrum. What do you guys think? Thanks!

-Erik

[PonyOne]

I don't know the Mesa in question, but if you're looking for a lighter, more vintage-ish distortion that sounds like the built-in from a Marshall or something, that's the DS-1. It's a good starter distortion pedal, if nothing else cause it's so simple. It's better for lighter rock and punk. The DS-1 is more midrange-centric, and so is better suited to rythm guitar, IMHO.

The MT-2 is for the Rob Zombie/Guns & Roses/Metallica/Deftones variety. Most metalheads have one of these pedals. It's harder to use in that it has 6 knobs and it EATS BATTERIES LIKE MAD. I've left Duracell Ultra batteries that power my other pedals for weeks in this thing over night with no cords going through it and it still slurps em down. So unplug the battery when not in use. The MT-2 is much more for the highs and lows than the mids, letting you do those earbleed-inducing solos and gravelly, grungy lows great for bands of Satanic misfortune.

So, to break it all down...

DS-1: simple, good all around. Doesn't squeal as much as the MT-2. Used by Nirvana, Weezer, Blur, etc.
MT-2: more complex, thirsty, but awesome if you can harness the beast. Very versatile if you're into harder rock. For a good example of what the MT-2 can do, listen to Song 2 by Blur.

[friskynibbles]

I don't know a lot about kit (I'm poor and I've only been playing 9.5 months), but i bought a Zoom 505 II effects pedal and it is pretty wild... 36 banks (programmable) with like a zillion effects. It runs for under a hundred US$.