Are all bluesbreakers like this?

[newpedals]

Recently got to play a Bluesbreaker clone made by friend of a friend using DIY info on the web.

It had very low output, and it did not clean up with the volume knob at all. Also, irrespective of whether I played softly or digged in, there was no change in it's flavor of overdrive.

It sounded beautiful. My strat was plugged into his Dr Z Amp.

Was this because there was something wrong with the schematic/ parts which he used or do all bluesbreaker circuits react like this to our playing?

 

[Aelred]

The original "transparent" pedal!

Fwiw, my Wampler Pantheon has a few options that do alter the gain, tone and cleanup. I suspect a King Of Tone would too considering the waiting list/time for one!

 

[norminal]

I believe low output is a characteristic of the OG Bluesbreaker circuit. Clones such as the JHS Morning Glory and others apparently address this.

 

[newpedals]

I believe low output is a characteristic of the OG Bluesbreaker circuit. Clones such as the JHS Morning Glory and others apparently address this.

While I won't be buying a bluesbreaker soon, I feel that it would be a good idea to list Bluesbreaker based pedals/ clones on here for others' sake, which have resolved the low output issue.

 

[laxu]

Low output is pretty normal for the original afaik.

The DIY clone of the Browne Protein's modded Bluesbreaker I have cleans up just fine though, but even on that the volume knob needs to be at about 2 o'clock for unity gain.

 

[dronerstone]

The OG Bluesbreaker needs to see 18V to come alive, but a DIY clone might not be safe, so better ask the builder before trying - unless you feel like gambling.

 

[newpedals]

The OG Bluesbreaker needs to see 18V to come alive, but a DIY clone might not be safe, so better ask the builder before trying - unless you feel like gambling.

Just had the opportunity to try the pedal that night. The pedal is not with me.

 

[JasonE]

The low output is definitely a thing of the OG Blues Breaker. I don't remember it not cleaning up well. As some others have mentioned there are BB circuit pedals out there that address these issues. The Pantheon is a very good pedal. I have the Deluxe which is a dual pedal.

 

[joebloggs]

While I won't be buying a bluesbreaker soon, I feel that it would be a good idea to list Bluesbreaker based pedals/ clones on here for others' sake, which have resolved the low output issue.

The Origin Effects Halcyon Blue.

 

[la szum]

The Kings and Princes of Tone are not for everyone.

 

[ChordInversion]

The VFE Blues King, which is no longer in regular production, has more output. I'm a fan.

 

[shgshg]

The Kings and Princes of Tone are not for everyone.

I prefer the stock BB circuit over the KoT or PoT.

IMO the best BB clone is the Mooer Blues Crab, because it sounds identical to the original and costs almost nothing; the best derivative is the Wampler Pantheon Deluxe, because it's two incredibly tweakable modded BBs in one enclosure.