• macg1
  • BONAMETAL
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  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,020

Re: Fulldrive II Mosfet vs. AC Booster

Yeah my amp, even though only 50 watts, does get too loud before it breaks up.  However, in my alone times, the comp cut mode was great fun.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint

20 Reply by Doug (edited by Doug 2010-10-15 05:16:33)

  • Doug
  • New member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2010-10-14
  • Posts: 2

Re: Fulldrive II Mosfet vs. AC Booster

I own a Fulltone Full-Drive 2 'Mosfet' addition and thought I'd add a few thoughts to this thread as Im simply in love with the thing.

I don't own a massive array of gear, its the only distortion pedal I have on my board at the moment and play through the clean channel of a Laney VC15, which is more than ample for bedroom playing.

The main plus for the Full-Drive for me is the versatility - it gets as close as Im ever likely to want to get to the Bonamassa/Eric Johnson style lead sound, while also doing a more than solid job of getting a decent SRV/John Mayer (who apparently used the non-mosfet one for a bit just after Continuum was released I believe) style sound.

Like all pedals/amps it does need to be 'switched on' at a certain volume, but I generally find that you can hit a beautifully sweet spot with it very quickly without having to go much past 3 or 4 on the Laney (in my case) provided you balance the volume knob on the pedal nicely. For me, and its just a personal opinion, it will probably give you a thicker and creamier sound than an AC pedal will - its been my (limited) experience that they can be a little harsh at times...

I will say that when I have tried to use the pedal at far more considerable volume, I have had issues (probably more to do with the amp naturally breaking up at that volume etc) and I haven't played anywhere near enough with the settings to give a decent report on how it responds there...

21 Reply by NPB_EST.1979 (edited by NPB_EST.1979 2010-10-15 08:22:02)

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Fulldrive II Mosfet vs. AC Booster

I just got my Fulldrive II and I'm really happy with it. And I've used TS-9's and Marshall Guv'nor pedals in the past. Usually after dabbling with these pedals I'll purposely leave them home when I gig cause I can get by with in-amp gain stages. I might be bringing the fulldrive II whereever I go now!

or maybe i should wait until the "honeymoon phase" with the gear is over!  cool

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 2,183

Re: Fulldrive II Mosfet vs. AC Booster

I agree with a fair few posts above.

The FD2 just didn't do it for me...I think it kills with some amps though...maybe putting in front of something like a Tonemaster clean channel or Twin...

Currently looking for a clean boost/flavour pedal - looks like I'm going to hit the Beano Boost!

Are there any Analogman SunLion's for sale?  hmm

  • From: Los Angeles
  • Registered: 2010-03-19
  • Posts: 105

Re: Fulldrive II Mosfet vs. AC Booster

Good Day,

I too, acquired a FullTone FD2 MOSFET...Much of my decision process was influenced by Justin ie:

Stratpaulguy86 (Thanks to you, Justin)...as I read with much interest his posts and I watched

his excellent YouTube demos, performing several of Joe's signature songs. Very well, I might add.

Having said all of that, although, I think it's a keeper, ( I can indeed duplicate Joe's sounds, on some

songs)  I also have a ZenDrive 2, and quite honestly, the Zen system has really become my favorite. It

really does depend on the tube you use, and I am using a NOS  Mullard in mine, and it sound GLORIOUS

That's the beauty of the Zen 2 is..change the tube..and a whole nother tonal world opens up,

from Crystal clear Dumble-like sounds, to Joe, or Clapton or .... almost anything in between

I can get there.....The tonal spectrum seems unlimited.

I think they all have there own applications, and depending on the amp (s) your utilizing, and

your personal settings, and playing technique...ANY of them would be desirable.

My problem is: once I get them...I can't let go of them!...

Cheers