Gear Demo - Fulltone OCD vs. Zvex Box of Rock (Tele)

[stratelite]

for the slight bit of money you pay extra for the Zvex, you get a build in boost feature for leads, pretty awesome I'd say.

[TrapDaddy65]

Shoes?? I thought all stomp demos required socks only!

[JoshFazzz]

I have a OCD and I love it. But if I had the money, I would get the box of rock. Those things are crazy expensive.

[crxshdxmmy]

@JoshFazzz A used Vexter version can be had for $150 or less.

[35935840]

@JoshFazzz You think this things are expensive because you don't live in Brazil...

[whitecloudization]

That should be no problem as both amps I have are lower wattage tube amps

that are on the bright side. Thanks for your help

[whitecloudization]

yes I guess ProGuitarShop does show just the boost side briefly after watching it

Got to buy this pedal. The Distortion side rocks and the Boost side an extra bonus

[crxshdxmmy]

@whitecloudization Yeah, for the money it's very good. Really bassy though, so get ready for that. Great through a small, bright amp. Not so awesome through a big bruiser that's heavy on the low end though. :(

[whitecloudization]

Thats cool, but I have been having difficulties finding YT vids that showcase just the boost side. Your vid was great for me to hear the distortion side. I would use the boost to an amp already in a gain stage output tubes cooking just to bring it over the top usually for solos

and to give more ump for amps that just don't have enough OD/drive. The Distortion side would be great with a warm clean for that classic Marshall tone.

and If the boost would work good enough for my purposes cool

[crxshdxmmy]

@whitecloudization Have you watched the ProGuitarShop demo of the Box of Rock? I think they showcase the boost a little.

[whitecloudization]

I don't know why you never used just the boost side of the BOR. It is another featured of the pedal and it wan't utilized.

[crxshdxmmy]

@whitecloudization There are plenty of other Box of Rock demos that do showcase the boost side, but for this one — a comparison between 2 somewhat similar sounds — it just didn't make sense for me to use that function, I don't think... considering that the OCD doesn't have the same. Just my opinion.

[SecretBreaksatDawn]

It seems to be that the OCD is very muddy compared to the box of rock. When playing big chords or just anything polyphonic the box of rock seems to have a clearer quality to it. Still looking into the BOR, not sure what to get quite yet.

[frankbarbarino]

I own both Both are excellent! Not to throw the whole thread off, but if anyone is following the vid and thread that is more budget conscious that needs an overdrive, the MXR Distortion III is a pretty decent pedal too.

...

now to everyone that is thinking of bashing me for saying that, keep in mind, we're comparing new prices of $80/$135/$200. For $40-$60 used on craigs, I don't think the MXR is a bad choice. My ears don't hear that huge a difference, but my wallet can sure feel it!

[Danthehorse]

The OCD sounds fuller and warmer, the BOR more transparent, both good to my ears.

[komedyoferrors]

Do two overdrive pedals equal a distortion sound?

[collzxc]

@komedyoferrors not really but is does give a full sound

[bigedentom]

very nice test

[frankie28web]

strange comments here. I have both pedals and think of the BoR as an overdrive, not transarent but rather marshally, and of the OCD as a moderate, flexible distortion, capable of some overdrive characteristics. both can be made to sound rather similar in the low gain, crunch area imo. but everyone hears things differently. anyhow, thanks for the vid!!!

[crxshdxmmy]

@frankie28web I'm with you. :)

[paulbaemedia]

@frankie28web that's crazy. Zachary himself calls the BOR a distortion pedal. And the OCD is very amp-like high-gain overdrive. It's possible for an overdrive to have more gain than a distortion. The BOR is a distortion pedal, according to Zvex. These names and labels, however, have little to do with how they sound. Both are awesome.

[frankie28web]

@paulbaemedia

Exactly! Both are great pedals. In the end it's just labels: who cares if the're called overdrive or distortion?

[Noseheros]

@frankie28web exactly, I just care which sounds better and fits my style best

[AnthemicPolemic]

V different pedals, dont know why there is a need to compare them, they do completely different things.

[crxshdxmmy]

Yeah... one is an overdrive and the other is an overdrive.

[1IDCallaghan]

Actually no, the BOR is far more a distortion, it only has an overdrive effect if the boost is also applied; the OCD on the other hand is a heavily saturating overdrive with a far more modern design, not appropriate for the same sounds that you would use the BOR for. As for transparency, again you are wrong, the BOR is marketed as highly transparent, and this is very true, it retains the tone even with the volume rolled off. There is a difference between fullness and bassyness you know?

[crxshdxmmy]

Vex himself says the BoR is a mid-gain overdrive and not a distortion, so think what you want there, but it's not a distortion. The OCD offers more gain saturation. And nowhere I know of is the BoR billed as being transparent, at least not in the way that transparency translates to guitar pedals -- it's an amp (JTM45) in a box; it's meant to change the sound/texture of your signal; it is in no way transparent. Go read the description on the Vex site, that should clear up any questions there.

[1IDCallaghan]

Thats funny because the single leaf page that came with my hand-paint BOR, written by Zach, says its a distortion, and it certainly acts like a distortion in front of my amp. I'd actually say that regardless of names, it has traits from both.

[crxshdxmmy]

"Distortion" ... lol. It's a medium-gain drive pedal, call it what you want.

[1IDCallaghan]

In addition, regardless of he label you place on them, even if they can both be called overdrives, are utterly different overdrives and no need to compare because you wouldnt look to both for the same result. The BOR is best used as a low-mid gain drive/distortion for chord work, it lacks the saturation (i.e. has the transparency) for thick lead work, even with a Gibson through 100w of Marshall Valve, but beautiful for choppy blues chords etc. The OCD is a modern, high gain od better for lead.

[crxshdxmmy]

I won't argue the that the the OCD is better for lead work... but it's a long way from modern high gain IMO. I just really don't think you understand the difference between distortion and overdrive, but regardless of that, this demo was made because there are a LOT of people interested in how the two pedals compare. And for good reason, I think. We can agree to disagree on the rest, but uh... I'll let the 18 thousand views of this clip in the last year and a half speak for its relevance.

[certinshadeofgreen]

i have both. I like both

[mikeoxlong11]

the box of rock feels better imo, it's nice and punchy and a real pleasure to play. AWESOME pedal imo.... both are great

[alexmetallicaZFC13]

if i get fulltone ocd on my line 6 30 watts spider amp it will be wasted or even tottally shitty?

[tcinpa37]

@alexmetallicaZFC13 That fucking stupid digital solid state fake ass sounding amp is what's a waste. God I hate Line 6's amps...

[Hugoow16]

@tcinpa37 my $6 PC speakers even sounds better than a line 6..

[GreenManalishi8151]

I tried and tried to like the OCD, but the more gain used the more muddy bass kept creeping in, I had a V2, a V3 and a V4, but couldn't get any to work for me. There was also a mid frequency missing from the OCD that takes away from the "Marshall" tone from it. Box of Rock worked much better for me, and was more authentic "Marshall" I did play both thru a Marshall 50W Plexi.

[darkrreaver]

The problem is that the OCD is meant for the lowest output pickups like singlecoils. Les Pauls and other humbucker guitars get the max gain earlier. best to stay left of 12. The bass has something to do with the transperancy of the pedal, taking it away would make the OCD too bright and harsh. Not a bad pedal, you just gotta remember ITS OVERDRIVE NOT DISTORTION.

[crxshdxmmy]

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I don't think you're right either. ;p

[GreenManalishi8151]

The BoR can go max and not get muddy, with any guitar. The OCD gets muddy at higher drive settings with any guitar, strat and tele included. If you have a nice full clean sound, then kick on the OCD at higher drive settings, mud. Adding a lot of low end is not transparent.

[crxshdxmmy]

I had almost the opposite experience... across several different amps and guitars, the BoR was OVERWHELMINGLY more bassy than the OCD. And I'd argue that neither of these drives are billed as being "transparent" at all -- so if that's what you're looking for, I don't think either of these are what you're after.

[darkrreaver]

I got an e-mail from a Fulltone tech that said the gain taps out earlier with HB's n' that the bass is related to the transparency circuit in the OCD. Its a great pedal, I love it, but I'll only ever use it as a light overdrive and maybe push another pedal with it. Get very good results with that.

[frankbarbarino]

@darkrreaver have to agree with all. Both pedals are excellent. Both respond very differently with diff pickups. With humbuckers, OCD is more distortion-ie. With singles its overdrive. I tend to use the lower gain stages of the OCD more and the higher gain stages of the BoR more. If someone is viewing the video trying to decide between the two, lets asssume the price is the same: (BoR versus the OCD + a boost pedal). I say BoR for no other reason than saving pedalboard real estate.

[gree17]

The functionality of the tone knob is enough for me to pick the OCD. Its also got a massive amount of volume on tap. the OCD is definitely designed for more of the cranked marshall sound, rather than a transparent overdrive. If it didn't have the HP mode I wouldn't even touch it though. it never leaves that setting.

[bobbyswamp]

Excellent comparison demo, crxshdxmmy. I love hearing the tone differences on these two pedals. I own a Zvex, but I've been reading great reviews on the OCD and have been tempted.Yet, I see you sold and then bought back a BoxOfRock! How cool. Yeah, I think its an amazing pedal, and I'm still learning more and more of the settings that work best for me. Love it as a boost. I'm learning not to "dime" it so much, and roll back the guitar's volume. Anyway, great demo!

[caseyforever]

i LOVE Zvex but i don't like the box of rock.

[3rdIDCallaghan]

OCD has more over the top distortion and harmonics from the sound of it. I have a box of rock (handbuilt/paint version) and it is the best clean boost ever but I have trouble using the drive for any lead parts, it simply isn't saturating enough, don't know if anyone finds the same... I play an SG through a marshall 100w valve.

[crxshdxmmy]

Yeah, I think most people would agree with you on this actually. The OCD has more of a distortion-oriented type sound on the top end whereas the BoR is really more of mid-gain overdrive pedal and shouldn't be mistaken for distortion.

[ferrarif40]

The OCD has twice the overtones... kicks the box to the curb.

[crxshdxmmy]

Funny story -- I had sold both of these pedals awhile back to try out some new stuff.... just wanted to see what was out there.

I'm glad I did, because that lead me to the Paul Cochrane Timmy, which is just a miracle in a box. But when nothing else really panned out, I bought another Box of Rock -- this pedal is fantastic.

[chromezeppelin]

this would be a fanfastic review but the audio quality is just not cutting it.

[crxshdxmmy]

Better than nothing? ;P

[jp6l6]

I own an OCD because I checked it by myself but this kind of comparison has no sense. Not only this one. We don't know the values of the pots so why to compare pedals at same settings ? Maybe at different settings these sound very close or similar...

[crxshdxmmy]

Well, typically... 1/4 gain = low, 1/2 = medium, and 3/4 or cranked = High. Same goes for tone.

I understand what you're saying, but generally speaking, those spots on the dial seem like plausible estimates for a fair enough comparison to me.

YMMV.

[PaulBunyan56]

i still think the OCD is a little muddy and not very clear on big chords (except maybe for killer overtones).

[bigskymind81]

i think th BoR sounds more define..but the ocd was more fatter..but anyone tried the damage control womanizer,,they say its the best OD pedal..and also has a good price...300+

[crxshdxmmy]

I haven't played one..... but I know this much: the Womanizer is an eyesore and a boardspace killer.

[bigskymind81]

what do you mean boardspace killer?im sorry im really a starter on effects..hope you can help me decide, i would really apreciate it..thanks

[crxshdxmmy]

It's just a really BIG pedal. Plus, its sorta wonky.... sort of oval-ish shaped. Just big and ugly on a board IMO.

[bigskymind81]

hi thanks for the reply and being nice..ur not like the other people out there that will shagged someone hu's ignorant like me..thanks for your help, and based on your demo im gonna get an OCD..thanks this vid helps me..

[crxshdxmmy]

No problem, man! Glad I could help. :D

[guns1rose]

dude heck yes! get the OCD!!! its the best pedal ever!

[SJP444]

the ocd is better and it's not even close. the womanizer still has that "push button mechanical sound to it" and it has tubes in it!...but the ocd is just natural. As close to a tube amp as u can get.

[crxshdxmmy]

Have you played a Box of Rock?

[SJP444]

I was talking about the womanizer. But I have tried the box o rock and it is a great pedal. I think the ocd and zvex are both great sounding. You can't go wrong either way. Which one is better depends on preference

[amarr1]

Fulltone should stop producing the Version 4, they got it right with the 3rd one.

[crxshdxmmy]

There are some who think they got it right the first time. LOL!

[EnTallrikPropaganda]

I think they should continue with developing it. I think it's better and better for each new version. A little bit more edge, and mid, and it's perfect!

[fjlorente]

The OCD is the best! i own one that i use with my strat into a Twin reverb, with a low gain setting, i needed another pedal to use my les paul form hi gain songs....i tried the BOR and...ended up buying another OCD and set it with the High Peak switch..drive at 2 o'clock...distortion heaven!

[liquidribs]

which of these pedals would suit a fender blues junior better?

[crxshdxmmy]

Man... I fell in love with the Box of Rock on a Blues Junior -- but with a bigger amp the OCD won out. I don't think you could go wrong either way to be honest. It's a question of features -- do you want a pedal with more tonal flexibility (OCD), or a pedal with a killer boost onboard (BoR).

[liquidribs]

Thanks for your opinion! Very good comparison. you must have taken a lot of effort :)

[guitarnlax36]

Im using a blues junior and i just got my OCD yesterday! Its Awesome i recommend it fully. On my blues junior i put the master volume on 2 and the volume on 1 and then set the OCD to about 3 o clock on the volume and then on the drive about 9 o clock and it boosts the sound so much! IT FUCKING ROCKS

[liquidribs]

ya balls!! you're reinforcing my feelings! can't wait for my blues junior tweed to arrive within this week!!! gonna try the OCD soon at my local shop man! \

anyway, at Master 2 and vol 1 don't u think it's rather soft? turn it up!!! :D

[guitarnlax36]

haha yeah i know its not loud at all but i was just trying to point out how much power it has. It can make your amp go from 1 to 10 in one stomp. I ended up trading my AC booster for it because the OCD does EVERYTHING. Definatley check it out you will probabley end up buying it right on the spot haha

[guitarplayerst]

Dude, thanks for demoing these with actual chords not just a bunch of blazing riffs. Much better feel for the pedal with chording going on!

[crxshdxmmy]

No problem!!

[firsel]

At last, a great demo, and with the exact two effect im considering XP