BJFE / BearFoot fx Guitar Effects Community

Does anyone have any ideas for how I might get RAT-like distortion with my BJFE treasures? I am working on a project where that sort of sound would be ideal. What might get me close?

Also, any favorite RAT clones?

Cheers!

rockeroo wrote:Does anyone have any ideas for how I might get RAT-like distortion with my BJFE treasures? I am working on a project where that sort of sound would be ideal. What might get me close?

Also, any favorite RAT clones?

Cheers!

The whiteface reissue is always great. If you're looking to build your own, GuitarPCB and madbean both have great versions to try out

I hear the Hartman clone is pretty good. Actually everything I've tried by Hartman is excellent.

I think the Model R can get into RAT tones in terms of BJFE pedals. If you are looking for an actual RAT, i have seen a few original 80s Big Box RATs come up for very affordable prices in the past year.

musicsoma wrote:I think the Model R can get into RAT tones in terms of BJFE pedals. If you are looking for an actual RAT, i have seen a few original 80s Big Box RATs come up for very affordable prices in the past year.

Wish I saw those -- I'm after one and they're always $300+. Wish I still had my Keeley modded tone knob rat. I don't know why the original owner modded it but man was that a perfect pedal. Sigh...

I'll keep you in mind.

I got mine for $200 (original big box), and another went for $225.

A little company called VFE does a RAT clone with a massive amount of control over many tonal aspects. http://vfepedals.com/alpha-dog.html I have almost pulled the trigger on that pedal so many times, but in the 3 or 4 years since playing and owning BJFE pedals nothing else satisfies.

To go slightly off topic. Is the Model R based on a particular amp? At times I think it is a massaged DRD with non-symetrical clipping where the DRD is symmetrical. For me the DRD4k (mine is the Bearfoot version) sounds great at lower to mid volumes, but the MR is best at mid to high volumes (as is the model H).

While it is true that not much else satisfies beyond BJFE goodies, I do need RAT tone for a project. I am considering CMAT Black Plague and the VFE Alpha Dog. We'll see which entices me more!

rockeroo wrote:While it is true that not much else satisfies beyond BJFE goodies, I do need RAT tone for a project. I am considering CMAT Black Plague and the VFE Alpha Dog. We'll see which entices me more!

I've heard great things about both although no first hand experience with either. My vote is still vintage but of those two I'd say...

Traditional rat tone - go for the CMAT (he does great work)
Tweakability and control - go VFE

cajone5 wrote:

rockeroo wrote:While it is true that not much else satisfies beyond BJFE goodies, I do need RAT tone for a project. I am considering CMAT Black Plague and the VFE Alpha Dog. We'll see which entices me more!

I've heard great things about both although no first hand experience with either. My vote is still vintage but of those two I'd say...

Traditional rat tone - go for the CMAT (he does great work)
Tweakability and control - go VFE

I had the VFE Pale Horse and the green tube screamer clone and the build quality is great and you can get custom everything. They now offer a less tweakable versions for less cash. Depending on your personality the option of too many things can be frustrating!