Danelectro Cool Cat Transparent Overdrive Version 1 vs V2 guitar pedal shootout w SG & Dr Z amp

[hisfroliness]

I have the cto-1. Picked it up new for $20. Love that pedal.

[technoguyx]

V2 is far more transparent it seems. :P Not "cheaper" like someone else said, it's just less driven, more subtle. I think V2 has a bunch of diode lifts and a gain control where the battery goes - that might affect the amount of drive somehow.

[Rob50strat]

..what is the intro song??? ..I wanna do it in my band!!

[chopperdeath]

@Rob50strat I believe the band is "The Replacements" don't know the song though. They rock.

[TheSpoonwood]

After reading a comment that uses the word "cheap".... I'd like to see a blind test with Boutique vs Affordable pedals..... GearManDude you got the goods to pull it off brother..

[nymetsrock]

@TheSpoonwood alright to both of you i said v1 sounded cheaper sounding in comparison to v2, you both read it wrong

[thefireorgan]

What's the song playing in the beginning?

[tothetop777]

v2 i like

[CaptainLazer1000]

V1 is just plain nasty. I'm going to have to buy that one. Thank you for the comparison!

[istmap]

I liked that. Good job, Mr Gearman.

[nymetsrock]

v1 sounds cheaper

[TheMattinara]

I have, and love both. I use them regularly They both sound bad ass, but ii love the v1 better. Only problem is there is a bad connection somewhere in the line, and its starting to go....I imagine its from cheap parts. Its in the footswitch, because i can wiggle it with my toe and it comes back. I took it apart, cleaned it, and it worked like new for about 3 more months....i dont know if anybody else is having these issues, but i do. Cant complain for 40$

[rocksteve83]

@TheMattinara Hiya, I get the same with the Chorus pedal of theirs.. must be the switches..

[TheMattinara]

@rocksteve83 take em apart, and clean the little rocker switch thingy inside. It works for a while....

[ec101dm]

come on people, it's clear that V1 is a much better sounding pedal.

[MrRcheek]

@ec101dm I liked the V1 as well, but let's not forget 30% play fender and 30% play gibson. I play fender...

[gato0rm]

Thumbs up if you so the pick fallin at 5:01

[rhendel03]

What is the meaning of true bypass?

[organdyPI]

@rhendel03 Just google something like that. But since I'm already this far- true bypass means that your signal and sound are not altered in any way when the pedal is OFF. The signal "bypasses" the pedal in a very "true" fashion.

[Semmoleinen]

Just recieved my V2 in the mail and it works amazing with my Jazzmaster!

[nelsonmisiek]

i like V2 more. For me it is much more warm and selective.

[monkey789able]

what song is that?

[pawnluvguitarist]

v2 seemed to have more balls, more bottom end, less high end fizz

[NeckPickup]

Here is my comment: "DanDickholentro"

thankyou for reading my comment.

[drbillyhell]

You didn't mention all the new switches in the battery bay. Dig your reviews and your boots!

[hotpoot]

I really wish you'd test with single coil guitars more.

[Barcslay]

The V2 sounds like it has a bit more balls

[b44styreraug]

V1 sounded better... Actually there's one thing I have regarding the sounds of all drive pedals. Sometimes I just kinda feel that the expensive pedals can be good, however when any low budget ones like these were to be put as a standalone on the floor with no other drive pedals to compare with. I somehow feel that all of them sound great in some way here and there. Maybe it should all be traced back to the pair of hands that play the guitar, rather than the gears.

[shredknowledge]

love that pedal too, V2 that is ;)

[MichelVonBerlin]

hey dude...fantastic testing!!!!

very helpful. well done

Thanks again!!!!

[marcuspinson]

i kinda like the v1 better i like the muddy sound it puts out

[HolyDiverII757]

Niiiice shoes

[worshipmusician45601]

Ebay'd a cto-2 and received today. has anyone experienced a siren-like whistle or hum when using a wall adapter? thanks a lot china. the same adapter powered a boss sd-1 and v.l. sparkle drive quietly. the seller very generously refunded my money, luckily.

[timj41]

@worshipmusician45601 yeah we get some noise when powered by wall power, fine on battery though.

[worshipmusician45601]

@timj41 this wasn't just some noise, it was the only noise! when engaged, no guitar sound came through. bypassed allowed sound to come through, battery only engaged ok, but completely unusable engaged with a dc plug.

[urbandecayable]

@worshipmusician45601 I had the same problem, I contacted the ebay seller, and they never heard of such problem. I sent the pedal back and they will send me another one. After reading this I'm starting to question myself if that was just a faulty pedal or if they all have that horrible noise...

[worshipmusician45601]

@urbandecayable let me know how the new one works out. I'm wondering if maybe my casa has "dirty" power, it seemed to work at a band practice a couple days ago, but I gotta try it a few more times to really see, if in the clamor and clangor, it was just a fluke from shipping or what... Good luck to you and new cto!

[urbandecayable]

@worshipmusician45601 the first one I got defínetly had a problem. The new one they sent me works fine and sounds good but it is by far the noisiest pedal in my signal chain. So I'll probably try to sell it.

[frandijabaz]

V2 sounds way better. V1 is so artificial sounding, also in person (I have it, this video is really well recorded, sounds just like in real life)

[minikurt67]

where did you buy your shoes they rock ??

[pacbellpark]

Version 2 sounds better, has more low end

[bluegang3]

come on jack, play us some Tenacious D please

[pablonoxi]

Hey, I wanted to ask you something, what do you think is better for boost solos, coolcat transparent overdrive or the digitech bad monkey? thanks!

[ManoliXios]

...man I tried the V2 through my friends 65 twin reverb reissue and it was truely amazing.

I have come to the conclusion that my fender Bassman is a P>O>S> and is not the amp for me as nothing sounds 100% through it....went to the music store and almost bought a Dr.Z a la gearmandude...but in the end I left with a bluesbreaker 62' amp.

For $40 the cool cat sounds good through almost any amp..except the Bassman.

[jonw82]

If you listened and weren't watching, it could just as easily be a comparison vetween CTO and some high end boutique. These overdrives have such small differences. I have to admit this comparison did have some more noticable diffferences, compared to your average OD comparison video. We guitarists care way too much about tone lol, splitting hairs on the 1000's of TS variations.

[wojsterman]

Hey - thanks for doing an awesome job yet again- Great demo with intro & outro music.I have the V2 - and it is as you described. The dual nob does suck but solid otherwise.

[Tulkazar]

I have tried all of them, V1, V2 and the Timmy (great pedal, really) and at last i bought the V2. I think that it's all about what you need. Well, i wanted it transparent and the V2 is the most transparent, it doesn't give anything new to your sound apart a good amount of gain, other knobs are useful only to correct the reaction of your amp. For 40 euros I think it's perfect...

[thmsrojo]

V2 on the transparent overdrive

V1 on the drive!

[cjlandry]

I appreciate your videos, gearmanndude. They're a huge help with my decisions while I'm in Iraq with no music store nearby. I like the V2, and I believe I'll have one waiting for me when I get home.

[CheetoBales]

Gearmanndude, could you possibly do a Version 2 only demo showing what it sounds like with the "dip" switches changed. Some may not know that Version 2 has FET dip switches under the battery that adjust it's FET settings.

[SCAMPISOCKS]

THIS IS A GREAT DEMO.

I THINK THE V1 SOUNDS FAR BETTER THAN V2, IT IS SMOOTHER WITH A MORE ORGANIC TONE. I RECENTLY PURCHASED THE V2 AND IM NOT IMPRESSED WITH IT, IT SOUNDS HARSH BUT I CANT GET HOLD OF A V1 ANYWHERE AND THEY DONT MAKE THEM ANYMORE. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I COULD GET HOLD OF A V1?

[roryrockssocks]

@SCAMPISOCKS

Ebay or in shops that still have some in stock. :)

[jb1563700]

In terms of bang for buck, this has to be the best pedal on the market.

[TheRealErob]

what about the internal switches? where are they in this video?

[dark1tran2]

nice shoes man

[sergeramic]

V2 got that "in your face" tone! punchier!

[A7Xblood]

Version 1 totally!!!!!!! It has more of an AC/DC sound and Version 2 is more... Van Halen

[chuecco]

I have found the version 1 of this and the drive in a local shop in my city. Finally, living in a forsaken argentinian province has at least one advantage... im on my way to buy the drive now, there was only left! yeah!

[verlaine4]

A fantasic demo, thanks. I think version 2 sounds more transparent too, so I'll go for that one - a good job as finding V1 is very hard now

[verlaine4]

A fantasic demo, thanks. I think version 2 sounds more transparent too, so I'll go for that one - a good job as finding V1 is very hard now

[15thearlofbangor]

quite alot of difference, V2 sounds better in my opinion, V1 doesnt sound very transparent at all

[kelcarruthers123]

love the shoes

[fioressere]

@kelcarruthers123

i too...:)

[Ncuab]

VERSION 1 (YELLOW LABEL) - sounds way gainier, gain sounds more raspy, mids & lows have nice edgy sizzle to them

VERSION 2 (BLACK LABEL) - sounds more transparent and more mid-ranged

***like always, it depends on what other gear you're using, how all of your gear complements/works against each other, what sound you're looking for, how it feels, and what you're willing to pay.***

[29396]

to me, the v2 actually sounds more like the timmy.

[BlackBalloonGraz]

i think version 1 sounded better, the lead parts especially, seemed like a subte treble boost that just gives the SG guitar what it needs. the v2 was not a good lead pedal with the SG. with a strat it could be different

[pissballs]

The Dano TO ver 1 is a very cool pedal at its price point. I bought both the Drive ver 1 and TO ver 1 recently... the last batch in the music store.

The TO suited my grainy taste for keeping the stringy tone and I found the Drive had way too much fuzz but not like a good Big Muff fuzz.

The Hellbender from Rothwell which costs way more and worth it is excellent at high gain style playing for amps that lack that gain stage.

[58TweedDeluxe]

Believe me, the V1 is very transparent. I use mine with either a 57 Tweed Deluxe or Fender SuperSonic on the Vibrolux channel and on some settings on the CTO is no gain, just a slight boost to vol. But has lovely brown edges when you dial up.

A great noise free, quality pedal.

[UltimateGuitarist17]

You sound like Jack Black and even talk like him

[danceofthedruids]

Great demo ... v1 is my choice. v2 sounds more like the Fulltone OCD v4 which also went more "transparent" in Mike's latest version. And as far as popularity of the OCD v4 ... just check all the musicians dumping v4 on Craigslist and GC's used site. I see the Dano v2 going the same route ... the v1's will continue to be a must have. IMHO ....

[danceofthedruids]

@danceofthedruids ... yes its supposed to be a Timmy clone but compares as well to the OCD 4. Not just my opinion .... a bunch of us in Ohio and Michigan agree ...

[zofo666]

To me version 1 has a smoothness for solos that sounds sweeter.V2 sounds a little hard maybe but probably a better clean boost.

[RythmTR]

v1 have too much distortion and less bass compared to the v2, they are both good but so different, i dont understand how we can say if its transparent or not.

[elpingo06]

Hi Gearmandude, what is the difference betwween CoolCat Transparent Overdrive and Cool Cat Drive V2 pedals ? What does "Transparent" means ?... sorry my poor english level doesn't allow me to understand from manuals reading. Thanks for your help and great demos !

[cornjuicy]

Seems like the v.2 has more mid, to the point of making the v.1 sound like it has reverb. Weird.

[Euphoriaman]

love your demos! glad your mike-ing everything now!

[marcoantonio78]

holy crap that sounds great, now.....what should i do, go analogman mod on my sd-1 or buy this? damn...

[29396]

@marcoantonio78 Both!

[scarpafranz]

Does V1 have true bypass like V2?

[jcaelectric]

yes indeed.

[mikeayotte182]

@scarpafranz Yes, all the cool cat are 3PDT

[gregjgman]

@scarpafranz Read the sticker....

[jjhanzy]

I have to say, I think, based on this comparison, that the V2 sounds more transparent. Which is cool, cause I just bought one cheap on ebay!

[JoshuaJH1987]

Hey gearmanndude just curious what were the settings on the DIP switches on the version 2 in this demo? It sounds stock to me (like there all in the down position) but thought I'd check. As usual, great demo!

[TheSchoolsux345]

is this analog?

[imdesigner]

These Danoelectro pedals don't seem that bad.

[Sick1982]

If it means anything to you: I am very happy with the CTO-1!

[IStoleYourPotatoes]

During most of the demonstration the volume was set louder on the V2. That will make it appear to sound better. I like my TOD V1 but the V2 sounds good too. And I like my V1 in front of the Dano Distortion pedal.  With this combination you have a lot of variety in o.d. sounds. Alone or combined these pedals sound good imo. I would buy the V2 if I didn't already have the V1. I'm satisfied with what I have. I usually play single coil Telecasters and the V1 works great with the single coils.

[nymetsrock]

def. v1

[jimmygtr]

V2 is more transparent. I have heard the real Timmy and it's okay but doesn't do it for me personally. I think there is more glass to the V2.

[Fiarzen]

apparently in the v2 theres buttons in the battery compartment which changes the sound or something

[bartboop]

The knob placement is a huge negative to otherwise very good pedals. I may have to drop mine into a Hammond box.

[odnick]

Does anyone know weather this pedal sounds good on a distortion channel? Or is it intended for a clean channel only?

[trylonperisphere]

It should sound good on either channel.

[Twistchawa]

I can see how people would like the tone from V1 better, but this pedal is advertised as a TRANSPARENT Overdrive. therefore, the most transparent is the winner. So, I believe V2 is the winner.

[TheRealErob]

@Twistchawa good point but, i think whether or not the pedal sounds good is more important than if it lives up to its name

fucking loser

[TheDavidNoble]

I hate how they put the knobs in the back, patch cables mess up your levels. Also this guy is Jack Black.

[paulignacius]

V1 for the win!

[nylonsteel]

Recieved a V2 version last week, wow cant be happier. I based my purchase off this video, IMO the V2 just doesnt sound as fizzy.

[4NXCHANGE]

OK, majority of people + me like the V1 of this and the Cool Cat Drive as well. So, Danelectro created the V2 which should mean or at least more tone settings, flexibility and improved versions. But in my OPINION, "This is not a good development especially w/ the higher price. I didn't buy the V1 of this and the Drive V1 because I wanted to wait for these V2's anticipating that they would be better. Now can't buy the V1's. That sucks! I'm not crying, just giving my opinion. Great demo. Thanks.

[c32linder]

Dude! if you want v1 just check ebay, I'm sure there's one floatin around for ya

[4NXCHANGE]

Thanks.

[Rambo29]

Id go with the V1 just because its a certified Timmy clone

[WYSHBONE1]

V1 is better V2 sounds dry.

[dirtypaper]

depends on what you want or which genre you play.

[WYSHBONE1]

yep agreed. Both good pedals for the money neither are bad just personal preference really.

Great demo too by the way :)

[nylonsteel]

V2 sounds more organic and better to me

[SGfreakdotcom]

I bought the V1 of this pedal online from G/C New Years Day because of this video. I check G/C's website today (Jan 4th) and notice the V1 is no longer available...Guess this means they're gonna start showing up on Fleabay at booteek prices

[berklez]

is this fucking jack black?

[snotmale]

Yes don't be fooled into which is best V1 or V2 as it was V1 that was/is so close to the TIMMY and if that is what you like (as I do) then is irrelevant how V1 compares to a V2 !! Cheap TIMMY means V1

[BlueBarrier782]

Also, Gearman what would you recommend for high gain?

I'm looking for basically a clean boost and I know the v1 gets great reviews so it would be safe for me. Its just that the version 2 has a 4 position DIP switch which intrigues me.

[BlueBarrier782]

LOL liked the end. Nice vids as always.

[d14m23]

There is more options on v2. There are a few sets clipping diodes that you can turn on for more drive (the switches are located in the battery compartment).

BTW, v2 sounds awesome with Marshall VM 2466

[Geetarfrik]

V1 has a bit more drive, it sounds like.

[playguitar6789]

"I hate the concentric knobs...sue me." ahha

[gmlasam]

V1 seems more scooped, a little toppy sounding than the V2. I agree v1 has more of that classic 60s-70s vibe to it.

[swiftmusicschool]

Reviewer sounds just like Jack Black.

[mariaelizabeth06]

i wonder if they got pressured to change it up because of the timmy rumors.....

#1 one sounds a lot more like timmy than two...

[Sick1982]

V1 sounds more open and transparent, also has more bite to my ears; I think V2 sounds a bit muffled here.

[dhenry531]

version 2 indeed.

how about some amp demo's...like the vox night train vs the marshall haze vs the orange twin terror?

[markbauzon]

Hey, GMD! ...maybe you can post another shootout. This time, a Timmy versus the Number 2.

Cheers to all!

[keto9]

V2 seems to have some top end sputter/fizzle that I dislike. Anyone else hear that? Could be the YT compression or something else in the chain...On the other hand, it's clearer and less compressed no doubt. Still, at least here, I like V1 better personally.

[SGPlayer0008]

Well if I had to pick one I'd go with this one two. lol. Love your demos. And your boots. You keep a sense of humor about it.

One is good. Very good. Doesn't quite sound like a Timmy. Actually number 2 sounds more like a Timmy, IMO. Your demo of the Timmy v TOD1 showed the Timmy a bit clearer. TOD2 is a bit clearer. Probably will catch more.

There's one more pedal I want to get but can't make up my mind... Timmy, Zendrive, Ethos. Waiting list time.

[rockfreak611]

v1. has that classic rock vibe and tone to it.

[Bobbofallenstar]

I think those fancy boots make the difference in the tone as well as your playing.

[lovehopetruthart]

ditto for a review with single coils!

[wwit63]

I like the one on the right best. It seems to have the cleanest sound coming threw. The pedal on the left sounds like its flavored with a reverb.

[strabbs1]

v2 is smoother. cant say i prefer one from the other to be honest, there both cool

[ravenslaves]

Shudder to think...but could the Dano V2 hold it's own against the mighty Timmy? Or other high priced boxes-o-fun?

Or even sound......better?

Don't know. But for the money it's worth finding out. It's sort of like when those now vintage pedals had been out for awhile...and nobody wanted them, so they were cheap.

Anyone else remember those days, and kick themselves?

[Gblackie13]

Which DIP switch did you use?

I think there are 4 difrent switches inside the pedal...

[pogoism1]

wouldn't they actually sound quite equally with the bass/treble switches adjusted to each other???

[maja63]

Agrees about it. V2 sounds better in my opinion.

[nylonsteel]

oh yea this is the V2 version with the internal switches doh

[nylonsteel]

Sweet upload mate

[IStoleYourPotatoes]

Yeah, the version 2 sounds great. I have the version 1. I have never had a pedal that sounds like the version 1. Very unique imo. I love it. I think the V1 sounds MORE transparent based on this comparison. Even though the version 2 sounds great, I have other pedals that sound basically like it. I have nothing else that can sub for the V1. It is awesome when placed in front of a distortion pedal too.

[iagobroxado]

V1 - cool for that 80s style distortion sound

V2 - definitely made more "transparent"..maybe more versatile, and more vintage sounding.

GMD - review the V2 with the King Bee Tellykaster please! :)

[HectorArcadius]

Well, well! Who would have thought they could actually improve this one on their 2nd version...? They actually...did! I like it better!

[tomiclav]

wow the second version is a real smooth overdrive, not so much bite like v1 and that's what i like......great pedals 4 hilarious price! :)))

[spider5001]

I actually like version 1 better LOL =P Alot better in fact

[haoliver1]

DANELECTRO SUX BALLZ

[ShameofaNation]

Your mother.

[chesshirecat2]

v2 good old vintage sound.. nice transparent distortion. but you can get a lot of transparent sound or heavy lazery sound out of one pedal sometimes.. I have this old boss hm2 pedal that seems to do that fine

[Kitarist88]

V2 is more transparent but V1 adds a nice mojo to it. I somehow like v1 better on a clean amp but i'm sure V2 sounds better on an already driven amp.

[myway43]

What is the name of the intro song? Wow! these pedals actually sound good. I am a fan of Version 1, but I can see both have they're advantages....Buy both! I can attest for they're construction quality.

[TheYeasteatingwalrus]

YESS!!!

[DavidLopezJr]

Sorry for all the comments but why didnt you mess around with the dip switches on the V2? Too much work?

[snowbrdr88]

probably because v1 doesn't have it, it would be sort of an unfair comparison.

[DeathPenguin1000]

I like 1, it has more of an edge to it.

[slowpokerhino]

I wish they'd change them to normal metal boxes.

[DavidLopezJr]

Maybe thats how they keep cost down?

[snowbrdr88]

but 25 bucks? what do you expect, they already blow away expectations

[GuernB2]

ya a better housing would be nice

[semifixtion]

Hmm I like V2

[DavidLopezJr]

Transperet Overdrive Shootout? Tim vs Timmy vs Dano TOD's?

[DavidLopezJr]

NIce geary!