DeltaLab MB1

This pedal is easy. It has the typical 3-knob options - Gain, Level, and Shape. There isn't much in the way of instructions that comes with it but it so simple to figure out you don't really need one, unless you can't figure out how to install a battery.

I use this with my Fender USA Standard Strat w/stock pickups into my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.

This pedal has virtually noiseless operation. The only noise I heard was the hum from my single-coils in the 1, 3, and 5 positions (however, if you avoid standing in front of your amp then that takes care of the noise) When I had the Strat in positions 2 and 4 there was no noise at all. The "True Bypass" switching is a plus, especially for the asking price.

I was having a hard time finding a distortion that sounds good with single-coils. As most of you know single-coils just don't have the output like Humbuckers do and it's hard to get a good distortion tone sometimes, outside of a bluesy/rock overdrive. This pedal delivers. It sounds great with my Strat. Rich harmonics, really big sound, lots of sustain and crunch.

This thing can go from creamy low tones to shrill high tones and at any settings it still maintains a rich, articulate sound and I'm glad I took a chance on this pedal. I had only seen vague references to DeltaLab products but I never actually explored them.

This thing is built and assembled very tough. I dare to say that if you had to use it to hammer a nail it would do the trick and still work just fine. The metal casing is at least as tough as a Boss pedal, probably even better. It reminds me of the feel of an SM58/57 microphone casing. I'd have no worries if this was my only distortion. I don't believe I would need a backup.

I play it all - Jazz, Blues, Rock, Country. I've been playing for close to 20 years now. My effects range is small. I have a Boss PS-3 Pitch Shifter/Delay, and Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive, This DeltaLab MB1, and a Dunlop Crybaby.

I love how sturdy this pedal is. It was well built and assembled. All the components are high quality and for the prices on these pedals I can't see why one would NOT at least give it a chance. If I lost it or it was stolen and I would definately have to get a replacement. I used to have a Boss DS-1 Distortion. That pedal sounded fine but it didn't have the same kind of power as this thing does. The DS-1 pales in comparison to this one and this one is only a small bit more $$ and it's worth the extra $10 or so.

My only complaint is that the battery compartment cover seems cheap and if one isn't careful it could easily go missing (because it's not really attached unless it's closed. It's also plastic and it seems to be the only weak area on the whole thing. I personally like using 9 volt DC as opposed to the AC option (which is an a option, like most any pedal). With a 9 volt battery it just seems to make for a better signal with my pedals. It would be nice to have a BLUE LED rather than the typical red. It would just be different is all - only cosmetic, no real complaint there. I have a thing for blue lights. On the plus side, it IS a triangle shaped light which is outside of the norm. I can handle that.