SillyOctpuss
Rock Star
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Have You Bought Any Pedals Lately In 2026?
- Thread starter Dave Lewis
- Start date
Shask
Roadie
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Kinda weird it is all handwired, but then they use a SMT IC chip....
newholland
Shredder
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thats one ive wanted to try a while!
SillyOctpuss
Rock Star
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I really like the red snapper
Richard_G
Roadie
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Based on my quick test run today, I think you definitely should if you get the chance!
Yeah – me too so far!
dronerstone
Shredder
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Are these similar to or based on anything familiar?
I've been wondering ever since I read that Duane Denison (Jesus Lizard) is a long-time user. I love his tight-ass playing technique and sounds. Aluminium necks and Hiwatt amps are ingredients, but the red snapper is one of his staples.
SillyOctpuss
Rock Star
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I'm pretty sure it was based on the Clark Gainster and I think the bite control is similar to the voice knob on a Zendrive.
Richard_G
Roadie
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I believe the Gainster was released after the (original) Red Snapper. Right?
Richard_G
Roadie
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So far, I really like the Red Snapper and I can see a lot of situations where it would be a good option. Perhaps especially in cases where I’d normally reach for my Timmy, which is one of my all-time favourite pedals.
While they both sit in the “transparent overdrive” space, they approach EQ and voicing a bit differently. The Timmy mainly shapes tone by cutting frequencies: bass is reduced before clipping and treble after clipping. With both controls fully counterclockwise, you’re closest to a flat, relatively un-EQ’d signal. From there, I tend to dial out low-end “mud” before clipping or high-end “fizz” after clipping without changing the overall character of my amp too much. That’s a big part of why it feels so transparent and works well as an always-on pedal.
The Snapper, on the other hand, feels more voiced. The Bite control pushes upper mids within the drive character, which makes it more forward and present, adding a slightly “glassy” or cutting quality. Combined with the Cut knob to tame the top end, it can get more aggressive and assertive than my typical Timmy settings.
There are also some differences in gain structure and feel. The Timmy feels very open and dynamic—great for that edge-of-breakup sound where your picking really comes through. The Snapper feels a bit more immediate and punchy in its attack, with a bit more inherent character in the drive.
I like both and definitely see a use for both!
While they both sit in the “transparent overdrive” space, they approach EQ and voicing a bit differently. The Timmy mainly shapes tone by cutting frequencies: bass is reduced before clipping and treble after clipping. With both controls fully counterclockwise, you’re closest to a flat, relatively un-EQ’d signal. From there, I tend to dial out low-end “mud” before clipping or high-end “fizz” after clipping without changing the overall character of my amp too much. That’s a big part of why it feels so transparent and works well as an always-on pedal.
The Snapper, on the other hand, feels more voiced. The Bite control pushes upper mids within the drive character, which makes it more forward and present, adding a slightly “glassy” or cutting quality. Combined with the Cut knob to tame the top end, it can get more aggressive and assertive than my typical Timmy settings.
There are also some differences in gain structure and feel. The Timmy feels very open and dynamic—great for that edge-of-breakup sound where your picking really comes through. The Snapper feels a bit more immediate and punchy in its attack, with a bit more inherent character in the drive.
I like both and definitely see a use for both!
SillyOctpuss
Rock Star
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Wow, you sir are correct. I always thought the red snapper was a modified Gainster but it looks like it was the other way round.
keef
Roadie
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I *think* the Red Snapper came out in '95 at the NAMM Show. I've had the Fish Factory for 20 years (Red Snapper/Blue Collar).
@Richard_G great comparison tone wise with the Timmy.
@Richard_G great comparison tone wise with the Timmy.
EOengineer
Rock Star
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Lovepedal OD11 naked arrived yesterday. This was purchased to add some juice to a deluxe reverb and silverface Bassman. The Superlead was setup when it arrived so I’ve been putting it through that with an SG Standard. It made the ponyboy klone I’d been using on this board sound like a toy.
It’s a great natural sounding boost that stays tight on the lows without getting too anemic. This would probably be great boosting the dual rectifier.
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Nice!
Never tried the Red Snapper. Have wanted to since Dave Cobb confessed to it being
a primary OD he has used on damn near every record he has produced through the
years.
Time stamped.
Richard_G
Roadie
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- 899
I don't know. According to Menatone themselves the Red Snapper launched in 1996, but made its NAMM debut in 1998:
And thanks, btw
Stratzrus
Shredder
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The last pedal I bought was about this time last year, a Tone King Imperial Preamp.
I couldn't be happier with it and have been playing it exclusively plugged into a pair of Fender FR10/12 amps for the last few months. My tube amps and even my beloved Fractal FM9 are collecting dust. It's absolutely wonderful for Jazz, R&B, and Funk.
I couldn't be happier with it and have been playing it exclusively plugged into a pair of Fender FR10/12 amps for the last few months. My tube amps and even my beloved Fractal FM9 are collecting dust. It's absolutely wonderful for Jazz, R&B, and Funk.
