Budda Phatman Distortion

I feel this unit is very easy to use, the layout is easily accessable with large tone and volume control knobs etc. My only 2 complaints are the wall wart power supply, and the reversed input/output jacks. I think Budda did that just to be "different" or something, but the reversal can cause a bit of a mess in the effects chain with cabling. Aside from that its very simple to use, and not a rocket science pedal. There is also easy access to the 2 tubes via the removable protector plate on top.

Ok, it is hard to describe what this thing sounds like. It is certainly not a metal distortion pedal, so if you are looking for metal, look elsewhere. It really does nail a good rock crunch tone, and would be great for blues/jazz as well. I personally feel that this pedal does not sound very good on its own, over a crystal clean tone. I STRONGLY prefer to use it in conjunction with a bit of my amps distortion. I typically will have the gain dialed low on the Phatman, treble fairly high, and bass fairly low (its very bassy by nature) and this seemms to work.

Im using this pedal with a Fender Stratocaster w/Duncan Custom in the bridge position, and a Gibson SG Supreme... through a Mesa Boogie DC-5 head.

I also strongly recommend you DO NOT go with 12AX7 tubes with this pedal. To me they sound harsh and brittle with the Phatman with any increased gain on the unit. A much nicer choice, and way better compliment to the pedals natural tone balance, is a set of 12AT7's or even 12AU7 tubes. The AT7's sound more smooth, without the harshness and still break up nicely.

The fact that Im not a huge fan of it as a stand alone stomp box, is why I deduct points.

This thing seems like a tank. I have had no problems with it whatsoever after a couple years of use, and would feel confident to gig with it with no backup. It consists of solid metal construction and an ironman made chassis. You would probably have to take a 4x4 over it to dent it.

I have not had to deal with Budda because they make a solid product! I have had no problems to call about.

I play mainly a harder brand of rock and roll ranging from industrial, to metal (not death metal or extreme), modern rock/punk rock and more inbetween. This pedal isnt necessarily a good match for metal music, but combined with a good tube amp it sounds great for hard rock. I really like the warmth of the sound, and extra organic bite it adds to my amps distortion. If someone stole it, I would fine them and submit them to Chinese water torture.

Two things I wish this unit had that it does not is 1) a mids EQ control, because you could dial in a more specific tone, but I guess Budda just decided to simplify it and roll that into the bass and treble. and 2) a built in powersupply, so you wouldnt have to deal with a wall wart. Overall though, the pedal sounds good if you work with it, put different tubes it and tweak it right.

The Phatman is easy to get good sounds out if you know what sound you are looking for. Once you do that you must change the tubes to get that sound. I have two Phatman Distortions. One I changed the 1st tube to a GT 12AX7M and get a real good "plexi" tone. I dime the gain and have the bass and trebble at 2 o'clock. The second I changed the 1st tube to a GT 12DW7 and the 2nd to a 12AT7. I get a great blusy tweed overdriven sound. I have the EQ the same as above but the drive at about 9 o'clock. I did not feel the need to have any mods done once I changed the tubes. The EQ section is fine since I don't need much of mid scoop for my tone. I am only giving it a 7 here because you need to change the tubes and this may take awhile to get the sound you want.

I really like the tone I get out of these units. My guitars are a Class 5 Les Paul, a Heritage 555, and a G&L Comanche. the Les Paul and the 555 both have Dimarzio Virtual PAF's in them. I run these through either of my Keeley DD3's before a 18 watt Marshall clone. Each guitar has its own unique sound and this comes through. I always hated the term transparent but in this case it is true. I don't really notice too much noise out of these considering they are distorion units. I sometmes use a Red Witch phaser before the Phatman to get a real good Vibe sound.

Only had a few months so I have no opinion

Never dealt with them

I ahave been playing for 25 years and the Phatman Distortion is a great unit. From what I have read in this forum is that they are made for Marshall type amps. I have tried them with my Dual Showman and they sounded better with the clone so I didn't try very hard. If they were lost or stolen I would buy another but unfortunatly they have been discontinued. I play mostly Classic Rock on the side of Jimi, Allman Brothers, and Clapton. I can get any tone I want out of the Phatman.

Like anything at home is easy on stage your ear is surrounded by noise but you get your band mate to play your AX and Well? you get the sound your way!!

I was reading the reviews on here and contacted Jim West at bonepickerguitaramplifiers.com and after a couple days and a reason to have the Mod done I sent it off to Jim!!
A week or so later it came back and with a new set of JJ Tesla 12ax7 preamp tubes!!

Before I had this mod done it sounded OK for the size I was expecting more, but after the full blown mod it sounds real quiet has controls for Midrange and Presences, Jim told me he removes the cheap resistors some that the values are not always the same as the next pedal (makes me wonder what BUDDA dose with it???s budget?) and well the Damn thing is tighter has more control and is a lot smoother with out that Damn hiss!!
I play this through my Matchless clubman, 68 Les Paul custom, and it sound awesome Joe Perry old school toys in the attic tones!!

Before I had this modification done I played it a few times but now I can???t turn it off it is a gain monster now!!
I have depended on it for three weeks now, no issues!!

If they made this pedal this way in the beginning would not need it!

As a guitarist for over 25 years It amazes me how a big company starts off small loyal to there buyers built Point to Point amplifiers, now went the way of the rest of the other guys!!
Glad to know bonepickerguitaramplifiers.com found a good gig to improve on it!

It is real easy!
I had it modified by Jim West of Bonepicker amplifiers and now it is a new beast the controlled, no loss of bass as now it has a Midrange control as well as a presence control Pots installed running to the circuit board I don't know how he did it but this Phatman is now? Well a Fatman!!

Before the mod was done I thought this pedal sounded weak and transistor like, I paid $150.00 for it and well I just put it away and never thought about it.
A friend of mine in New Mexico told me Jim overhauled his new tubes and talked him into this mod!
I gave it a shot contacted Jim West at www.bonepickerguitaramps.com
and sent the pedal off, a few weeks later I received my pedal and was floored by the sound and newness of the tone and real cool how the Pots are setup where the lockdown knobs where for the tube guard!!
I did open it to take a little peek at his soldering work and was impressed, clean and tight!!
Before the mod I would have not even reviewed this pedal it would have stayed in my closet or back up on EBay!!
It now is a true keeper!!
I run this through a Super Reverb as well as the clean channel of my Budda Verbmaster

These Budda pedals are like there older amps built like tanks!

Not that I will be sending this to Budda or Jim as this pedal is clean and built to last!!

Before the mod I would have not even bothered after the Mod It is up there with the big boys now, been playing for 30+ years and had a few pedals built by the the bid name Pedal Gurus and for the price these Phatman pedals are selling on Ebay and a few extra bucks I would give it a shot!!
I see Jim has a review for a Tightsqueez compressor pedal as well as a couple Amplifiers, my guess this guy dose it all.

When I bought it, it was like a normal boutique 2 tube distorion pedal...gain, bass, treble, volume. Very easy to get at the tubes. But, I had a hard time getting a good sound.

I few weeks ago, I had an upgrade performed by James D West at the web site bonepickerx@msn.com. He added a mid and presence control. Tweaked the tone controls to get less treble and more bass and changed tubes. Now it is much easier to get a good sound. Almost every setting yields a usuable sound.

Before the mods I would have rated it 5. After the mods 10.

I have a home studio and I am old, so I have several guitars and amps. But, with this pedal I mostly use my Strat plus ultra (SSH), an American Tele w/Antiquity bridge pickup and a Gretsch 6120. The amps I use have been the new Gibson tube 5 watt class A, the new Vox AC30CC head w/Celestion Blues and an old Solvtek mig 50.

Before the mod by Jim, I had to turn the bass up all the way and keep the treble at 1/3 or less. I felt like it had more of a "chain saw" sound. I tried different tubes but with little luck. It was not the electric blues or rock sound that I was looking for. Although, there was plenty of distortion. Also, before the mods, my son liked the "chain saw" sound with the Solvtek head and Bogner 4-12 cab for heavy metal sound. But, to me it almost had a transitor sound to it.

After the mods performed by James D West at bonepickerx@msn.com...he added a mid and presence control. He also tweaked the tone to get less treble, more bass and changed tubes. After his work, it was so much easier to get a good sound, I was very happy. I had been considering selling the pedal, but now every setting seems to yield a usuable sound. There is no extra noise from these mods.

To me it was well spent money to get the mods. Before the mods I would have rated it 4. My son would have probably rated it higher for heavy metal. After the mods, it is a 10.

I would use the modified pedal live. I believe it will be dependable.
But, I have not had the upgrade long enough to further comment.

I never dealt with Budda.

Jim, who made the modifications for me, called me and spent considerable time discussing my wishes for the sound. Before that, we exchanged several EMs answering questions I had about the mods.

I also believe he did extra work for me at no cost, getting my bass/treble issue worked out...which I greatly appreciated.

After his call to me, he was going to work on my pedal. I know he was trying to hurry and get it done and shipped out that day. But, I called him back, at a time when he was probably just finishing. I had changed my mind on something. He was tolerant with my call and said it was not a problem.

We also exchanged a couple EMs. His EMs were prompt and he explained himself clearly.

I assume he stands by his work, because he seems to take pride in it. So I assume future support would be good.

I play mostly electric blues and rock. I sometimes play on some of the CDs I record in my studio. Mostly Christian rock and some acoustic. I am 54 and have played since I was 15.

With Jim's mods, I would replace this if it was stolen. Before the mods, I would not have replace it.

I also have a tube SIB distortion, which is very good. But, the modified Budda seems to have more sound variety and harmonics. I also just bought the newest Expandora distortion. It has a lot of variety, but the sound is not as thick.

Not too tough. Plug in power supply, step on button...oh yeah inputs and outputs are backwards....subtract 2 points for that....and it is very very large...one point for that..

Here is where I am stuck. It sounds so so on the clean channel of several amps I have (including buddies amps) but can't get the hiss or noise out of it on the dirty channel of my or any other amp unless I turn the volume almost all the way off the pedal!!! Whats up with that? Have to give it a low mark for that. I have tried other power supplies to no avail, different tubes. Have tried it with JCM 900 and Fender Twin and my buddies Peavey Classic.. Its that darned noise....Played through a Superdrive 30 at GC and the amp sounded fantastic so I bought the pedal on a whim...

Well the noise.....Other than that can't use it because of the noise.

Haven't tried them yet but probably will send it back to them...

What can I say..Payed way to much for something that doesn't work for me. Tried replacing tubes, different power supply etc, still have a noise or hiss problem...Any suggestions email me at montyderhak@yahoo.com....Thanx

If this isn?t your first overdrive unit, you?ll know how to handle it instantly.

This thing is almost to good to be true! I use it as a preamp to boost the signal going to my Musicman 65 RP. This amp has a solid state preamp, tending to be a little to piercing in the top with a Strat. The result with the Phatman in the front in my chain is almost unbelievable. I was hoping to produce the kind of warm lasting tube sustain that Neil Young gets from his Les Paul and a Fender Bassman. When playing along with some records recently, it was suddenly there. Now I?ve got Pure Fender sound from my Musicman Fender imitation. I use the volume pot on the Strat to dial from a Fender break up rhythm sound to over the top sounds for solos. With the pickup selector in neck position it sounds just like heaven for several low frequent solos. The Phatman is pure quality and I have never noticed such tonal difference using my pick up selector to change my sound as I play.
I use the stock tubes (Sovtek) and they work just fine with my US Fender Strat. I?ve tried the same amp with my Gibson SG and a Les Paul. The tubes is to hot for humbucker guitars, at least on this amp. I think it would be wise to change the first tube to a 12AU7 if you?re using a humbucker guitar. I haven?t tried the Phatman on my Marshall, as this sounds as a Marshall should sound[SG direct in amp]. It could be useful as a solo booster, but I think this unit is to expensive and well sounding to be left off at all!
For fun I?ve tried it on my Peavey Bandit amp. It was a revolution to this amp also, removing a lot of the harsh tops produced from this all solid state amp. The Phatman is probably a quality lift for all kind of amps offering solid state technology in either preamp or power amp.

To early to say, but it seems solid!

Budda produce quality products, let?s hope there?s no use for their support division!

This unit is a little to hot for my humbucker guitars with the stock tubes installed. The mod necessary to lower the gain is a cheap and easy procedure, so it must be a ten for waking my Musicman (1980) up form it?s decades of sleep, at last it sounds as a Fender. Get this piece of gear and you will have trouble laying your guitar down!

Voici une pedale pas ordinaire. En fait ceci est est fait un preampli a lampe servant a booster le signal d'une guitare. Elle est tres facile a utilisee et comprend aque 4 boutons remplis de subtilites

C'est la que tout se joue ! Avant d'acheter cette pedale je jouais avec un distosion (DS-1 de BOSS) qui sonne vraiment tres bien. Avec la Phatman on se retrouve a un autre niveau. Elle donne a mon amplificateur a lampe (Fender super reverb 1968 + Fender pro Jr.) un son plus rock et surtout plus vrai. Tellement que j'ai parfois l'impression d'avoir LE son ultime.

J'ai l'impression de me retrouver avec un son style Sex pistols; vraiment 70... Hard rock !

Sachez que cette pedale offre un "vrai bypass" qui n'altere pas le signal lorsqu'il est hors circuit.

La pedale offre de l'overdrive jusqu'a un niveau de saturation plus eleve que la BOSS DS-1 (distorsion orange) mais ne satisfera probablement pas celui qui joue du Death metal. Une Boss metal zone serait peut etre plus indiquee pour ce cas.

Seul defaut de cette unite : sa couleur ! un mauve metalic ne correspond pas vraiment a l'univers d'un rocker. Elle me gene un peu ! Mais lorsque le son sort de mon ampli je n'ai pas l'air d'une moumoune, ouf !

Je l'utilise toujours et elle repond bien a mon style. Elle complete mon ampli a merveille.

Je joue du rock (kiss, black sabbath, etc) depuis plusieurs annees (20 ANS) J'ai une Gibson les paul special et un Fender super reverb 1968 et je n'ai ja,ais ete totalement satisfait des pedales distorsions que j'ai achete dans le passe ( Fuzz face, Distorsion DS-1, Super overdrive SD-1, Fab distorsion de Danelectro, Big muff) bien que ces modeles sonnent relativement bien, je ne retrouvais pas de distorsion NATURELLE.

Ce concept est difficile a saisir pour ceux qui ont habituelleemnt joue avec des pedales transistorisees. EN generales ce type de pedales maquent davantage le son qu'ils le colore. Voila la difference ! En fait pour apprecier cette pedale (Budda Phatman) il est necessaire d'avoir une guitare de qualite qui sonne deja tres bien et un amplificateur de qualite aussi qui rendra bien la subtilite et la transparence (meme si vous etes TRES distorsionne !)du signal.

ATTENTION : Pour avoir essaye la Budda Phatman avec un ampli transistorise je tiens a vous informe que le son etait horrible et sans aucune mesure avec mon "vrai" amplificateur ( Fender pro Jr. ou Fender Super reverb)

This review is for the Phatman Bonepicker mod not the phatman itself.
With the extra controls it takes a little tweaking to get your pedal to play nice with your amp, but when you get the sweet spot it is awesome!!

This is what I was praying for as well as others about the Budda PHATMAN, a Midrange and presence control you can dial in at the top of the box. It really makes this pedal that is already fantastic even better!

Have been giging with it for almost a year twice a week at a club and hasn?t stopped, I would recommend replacing the two cheap Sovtec 12ax7 tubes with high end tubes due to the fact the two screws holding the tube cover on are replaced with the pots and will be a little aggravating taking all this off to replace the tubes besides you want the best sound to begin with!
The Bonepicker company tech Jim is truly amazing when it comes to figuring out problems and fixing them.

go to www.bonepickerguitaramps.com to get started Jim has a day gig so email is coming to you at night.
Jim West is always concerned with what ever he builds or mods
The $98.00 covered the parts the labor and return insured shipping I am sure overseas will be a little more.

I mainly play Rock, Blues old school Zep, Floyd, SRV as well as Trower and my own stuff.
I would really recommend this Mod to your BUDDA Phatman if your tired of the Mid Hump or lack of it depending on your setup, and with the extra Presence control gives it a little more clearness to the tone of this already cool driver.

Trick question. As you can see by the other reviews, this pedal is not everyone's cup of tea. It depends on what amp/guitar you're using and you also may have to tweak it and try different tubes. I swapped out both 12AX7s for 12AT7s. Some people change just one tube. Use your ears.

My main rig is a Top Hat Club Deluxe 1x12 with various single coil guitars, Fender, Zion, G&L, etc. Out of the box this pedal had way too much gain for me. After reading some reviews I replaced both tubes with GT 12AT7s. The pedal instantly became usable and one of my favorite pedals. I got a lot more variation from the gain control. The "fatness" that this pedal adds to my sound now is great. So much so that I tend to leave it on a lot. Noise seems pretty low to me even when I crank the gain. It does color your sound but that's why we buy this stuff isn't it? The term "transparent overdrive" always makes me laugh.

I haven't been using it that long so I really can't comment. I would gig without a backup because I don't really depend on it.

Never dealt with them but they have an excellent reputation.

I've been playing 40 years and have accumulated way too much gear. The Phatman has worked it's way onto my board and will stay there as long as it helps my sound. Right now I'm playing Country and Blues music but over the years I've played a little of everything. I've also been a session player for 25 years. I've tried most of the overdrive/dist. boxes out there both cheap and boutique and right now this one does what I want it to do. If it was lost or stolen I probably wouldn't replace it unless I could get a great deal on it.