Hey everyone, my Stone Deaf PDF 2 pedal is acting up again, and it’s been less than a year since I got it fixed. I really like the sounds it gives me and it works great with my other pedals, but I don’t want to keep fixing it after just 2.5 years of home and jam-space use.
Are there any good budget-friendly pedals out there that can replicate those QotSA tones? I saw an EQD Zoar nearby for about $140 CAD.
Catalinbread SFT has worked well for me instead of my PDF-2.
I have a problem with mine where the frequency control does nothing and the height control is acting strange. I hardly used it; it’s practically new.
Teo said:
I have a problem with mine where the frequency control does nothing and the height control is acting strange. I hardly used it; it’s practically new.
I have the same issue with my Stone Deaf Warp Drive! The frequency control is hit or miss, so it’s not very reliable.
@Payton
Same here. The height knob seems off; sometimes I have to adjust the bandwidth knob for it to work. Now it only engages about 60-70% of the time. The lights come on, but there’s no EQ shaping. It’s really disappointing. I’ve taken it off my board and switched to an original Catalinbread VarioBoost, which I love.
Teo said:
I have a problem with mine where the frequency control does nothing and the height control is acting strange. I hardly used it; it’s practically new.
That’s really frustrating. Before I fixed mine, it wouldn’t turn on at all. Last weekend, it happened again—the frequency knob doesn’t do anything, and my gain control just adds feedback with very little gain.
I recommend the Zoom Ms-50g; it has a parametric EQ. I just use it for boosting mids, compression, and as a tuner. Definitely worth it for around $75.
You might want to check out:
If the pedal has good EQ options and some fuzz, it’s not hard to get some QOTSA sounds. The EQD Zoar could be a great fit.
@Koa
I didn’t expect the Oxford to be on this list.
Rory said:
@Koa
I didn’t expect the Oxford to be on this list.
It has many EQ options and can get pretty fuzzy when adjusted right.
I’ve had similar issues and switched to a Boss GE-7. I wasn’t using the boost much anyway.
If you want a parametric EQ, I’ve heard Empress makes a great pedal. There’s also the new EHX LPB-3, and I think JHS has one too.
@Jensen
I was just about to suggest a Boss GE-7 too.
Also, for you, maybe consider getting that PDF repaired. I’d be curious about what the issue was when you had it fixed last time.
You could also have someone build a clone for you or even build one yourself if you have soldering skills. If I remember correctly, PedalPCB has a circuit based on it.
@Perry
The gain knob creates a lot of feedback and barely adds gain, while the frequency knob is completely useless now. It’s a shame because I’m just moving it between my house and the jam space, so it shouldn’t be wearing out. No gigs for now, but I plan to in the new year.
If you’re looking for something to nail those QOTSA tones, check out Funny Little Boxes - Skeleton Key. It’s made for that sound, and it’s a great deal. I have one along with an SD PDF1X, and the Skeleton Key gets me really close to that sound. I posted about it a few months ago; you can search for it here.
@Drew
I looked into them, but everything seems sold out.
@Drew
Interesting. I noticed a PDF 1x available in my area, so I reached out to see if I could trade, but with so many good suggestions here, I think I’ll hold off for now.
I have one, but I usually use an Ampeg VT40 and a Boss GE7. It works well, but I like using the PDF pedals for mid-range boosts and anything that isn’t a cocked wah. They’re quite effective at changing the amp’s sound.
But if you can’t get the amp, go for the SFT pedal and Boss GE7.
An Empress paraEQ could be a good choice, or just look for a parametric EQ pedal.
Reagan said:
An Empress paraEQ could be a good choice, or just look for a parametric EQ pedal.
The QOTSA sound is basically just an overdrive with mid boosting at a specific frequency. It’s not some big secret like people think. I can get a sound that’s almost perfect by using my Strat on the neck pickup and boosting my clean channel with a Plumes pedal. It’s really easy.
Sorry to hear about your pedal issues. By the way, great choice on that muff! Tone Wicker is my favorite Bug Muff.
