Are there any gain pedals with expression blend?

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 4:23 pm

Once I had this setup where my signal split into two channels out of a stereo pedal into my amp, one going clean (with a dirt pedal if need be), the other had a fuzz pedal and volume pedal to blend in dirt with my clean tone

I ditched that setup eventually because it seemed way too bulky for what I was trying to do and did have minor volume issues between channels, but it did sound great, it was almost like hearing two guitars at once- really filled out the sound.

So are there any overdrive/fuzz/distortion pedals that have a wet/dry blend, and in particular compatible with an expression pedal to control said blend? I probably could look at digital multi-fx options but I'd rather not.

Progrockabuse · Post by **Progrockabuse** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 5:39 pm

Akai did that shred o matic pedal a while back. That's the only thing I can think of at the moment.

BearBoy · Post by **BearBoy** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 5:49 pm

Bass dirt pedals often have blend controls. Not seen any with expression pedal control though.

Stuff like the Bass Big Muff and Bass Soul Food are supposed to be good with guitar.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » Wed Mar 11, 2015 6:00 pm

BTW I don't know much about this stuff or how feasible it is but if any of our resident pedal builders here (Mike, Tim, Aen, probably others I'm forgetting) can whip up something along the lines of a simple fuzz pedal with an expression pedal output for an additional blend control, or modify an existing pedal, feel free to pm me, I am very interested in this.

It seems so obvious, I think there's been Digitech artist wah type pedals that do this type of thing, I just really don't really want to go down the multi-fx road. I thought I remembered the new Moog effects having expression but it's just for drive, no blend.

paul_ · Post by **paul_** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 2:52 am

Tone In Progress used to make a mechanical expression-style pedal called the 3rd Hand with a cable you'd attach to the potentiometer shaft of another pedal. They aren't made anymore and prices tend to vary wildly when you see 'em (one sold on Reverb a few months back for $60 tho), but that's always an option. Electro-Harmonix developed the original in the '70s or '80s called the Hotfoot.

Alternatively you could just get one of those "option knob" things which is just a huge big stupid ugly wing-nut shaped thing you replace the blend knob with so you can turn it with your foot. There's another brand's circular plexiglass/acrylic one called the kick pad or something like that... admittedly an expression pedal would be vastly preferable to this.

Post by **Doog** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 7:10 am

Not your style I know, but on the Line6 M series pedals, you can control any parameter (even multiple simutanelously) with the exp pedal.

You can effect have multiple fx set up with different values for the heel and toe, and sweep between em; pretty bonkers.

benecol · Post by **benecol** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 8:10 am

^ Came in to post this exact thing. What's more, I'm a dirt snob, but a lot of the distortions, ODs and fuzzes on the M13 were brilliant.

Fakir Mustache · Post by **Fakir Mustache** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 8:52 am

The Fender Blender has a clean/distortion mix knob, but no expression pedal out.

Boss PD-1 has a pedal, but for varying the distortion amount; not a blend.

A processor would be more likely to have this. Or get a custom made thing.

moogmusic · Post by **moogmusic** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 9:03 am

Surely the best thing for this would be some kind of parallel loop like the LS-2 which takes an expression pedal? Then you could use a drive of your choice provide the dirt.

Though unhelpfully, I've no idea if such a thing exists.

YuriK · Post by **YuriK** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 11:46 am

Doesnt the moog OD do that?

paul_ · Post by **paul_** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 12:57 am

YuriK wrote:Doesnt the moog OD do that?

Think the Moog ODs exp input controls the tone or gain, not blend.

sp3k · Post by **sp3k** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 5:12 am

Just have someone build you the dirt pedal you want with that option, or mod some pedal.