I keep hearing good things about the Maxon SD9.
The Maxon ones go for more on ebay, it seems.
Check out my maxim signature:
Convention creates following, following supports convention.
People talk more about expensive pedal for some reasons.
The difference of function between TS circuits in various 'peripherals' [where the cost lies..box-switch-pots-jacks and related wireups] is as great as the cost difference between the most inexpensive TS circuit and the most expensive TS circuit?
The difference we found with TS and all the other drive-distort pedals is what they're plugged in to, and the related settings, even the "Little Green Turtle'' [I got for 5bux] "Ibanez Mini" sounded remarkably identical to the vintage 808, plug-de-plug style test, Turtle>808, also 808>turtle. The little turtle box had us all fooled ! There's no way that box could sound the same. Long time ago, having built BB's and TS derivitaves, it's the opamp/feedback loop/tone control thing. Not to say that some diode changes or even re-voice tryouts won't light up nearly any amp [the mid-boost may isolate extended frequencies some amps 'reject'], stock circuit is nice, and does come w/TC.
Some use it as mid-booster, some as a heavier distortion element [hot pickups or pre-boost]. After learning about opamp precision and reliability, I found it rather silly that the TS of all circuits would be singled out as the one which deserves endless discussion of 'this one' that one, the better one, the cheep one...if ever there was a circuit that can follow the schematic and become almost exactly like any TS, it is a TS. Schematics vary, as do pickup outputs.
The peripherals are a bit harder to figure out. If on stage with 10's of demanding audience members, it makes sense to figure out which type of TS actually has the best field test record [ie lowest failure rate]. I don't know if this type of information is available though. Plastic ones seem to provide very good service also.
For modding of course you'll want a 'reglar sized' board, and sturdier is obviously an advantage. I've had 'em, built 'em on perf with modsockets and other frills, even had a kit OA/FBL/TC distorter. The recipe's turned out fine in any case except I sometimes ran short of the wierd taper tone pot.
