Fulltone Full-Drive 2

The sound is pretty much the same across the board. Barely noticeable.

The sounds really are not all that different from all the switches that are on the unit. The boost was dissapointing as well, not a huge difference. I'm using a JCM 800 50 watt head from 1984 with a full stack and a Fender Strat, I know my equipment is good. The effect level is very weak, maybe I'm spoiled with my JCM 800 and this pedal is trying to "emulate" that sound. Not really impressed.

This unit seemed well built, lots of attention to detail, quality contruction. I think thats as far as it goes. All show no go.

Here is the email that I had sent:
I'm writing in regards to a purchase that I made a couple of weeks ago. I was looking to purchase an overdrive pedal, it came down to 2 choices, Hughes & Kettner and Fulltone. I heard great things about Fulltone Products and felt that I couldn???t go wrong in purchasing the Fulldrive 2. My current setup is a Marshall JCM 800 full stack with a hotplate to minimize "loudness". I have a typical setup, no effects loop etc. I have my guitar going into the fulltone then to the amp. I was quite surprised by the lack of overdrive that I experienced in using the pedal. The difference of the use of this effect is barely noticeable, the boost is also not what I expected. The effect level is pretty much transparent to my current configuration. I have a Fender strat that I'm using for that "bluesy" vintage sound, my equipment is good its just that I thought I would get more out of this pedal than I had read about. Maybe there is something that I'm not doing correctly, I've checked the battery etc., even tried a power supply (PFS-1), again unless I'm not doing something correct, or have a "lemon" I'm not at all impressed with this pedal, not for the cost. I'm thinking is this just "hype" about these products, are they all this way? The pedal seems to be constructed very well and with quality parts and attention to detail. If there is a "magic" configuration that I should be doing please advise, otherwise I am returning this pedal for a full refund.

Still waiting to hear from them.

Like I stated earlier, it was a choice of two pedals. I heard a lot about the Fulltone so purchased it. I am dissapointed, I hope that "maybe" I'm doing something wrong with the unit and thats why it's not operating as the "hype" suggests. I'd like to think thats the case because this pedal is built great and I assume that that same level of detail carries over into the effect pedal responsivness. My JCM 800's overdrive sounds better than this, maybe thats why I'm not impressed, hopefully I cant get an answer as to why there is an apparent lack of overdrive with this particular pedal otherwise its Hughes and Kettners turn...

As noted below, fairly easy, but it does have a quirkiness factor that you need to experience and adjust to: and that's mainly the reaction of the Boost switch to Volume in either Comp or Cut mode. In Comp there's a respectable amount of gain when you kick on the Boost, but in Cut- whoa, it's just too much unless you dial back the Boost. Once you understand this relationship you've got it. In my use of the pedal, I stick to Cut mode and dial my Boost accordingly. On rare occasions I'll use the Comp (for additional sustain properties) and I know where to put the Boost dial for personal taste. Since I wish these variables did not require 'operator input' - I'll give it a '7' for the Ease of Use.

Here's what it all comes down to: I've been playing this particular pedal for 10 years (so you know, it doesn't have that modern switch, but the up-down pull pot from Comp-to-Cut, one of the old ones). I am always looking for better tone, and I keep on searching for 'the One' that'll be better than the last. And I know that's never going to end, but lately I've been struck by how versatile and indispensible this old pedal is to my rig. I've added other stuff, and taken some out to make room for newer boxes, and that'll keep happening. But this FD-2 could never leave my rig. It's on almost constantly during shows. I use a variety of amps for different sized venues, and the FD-2 is always on to pick up the sound of whatever amp I'm using and give it a little extra edge & clarity.
The Boost function is not a Clean Boost, so it's not all that great for just stepping forward on a solo - I do use other boxes for just that purpose - but it adds some useful distortion, at times. The best I can say for the Boost side is that, tone-wise, it stays true to the sound you're getting from your Comp or Cut side, but it adds a lot more hair to it. Sometimes that's good; sometimes you just don't need the extra hair. The left side of this pedal gets a "10" for sound; the right side rates a "6" - there are better boost effects. That equals "8" overall.

I've owned this pedal for 10 yrs. 7 yrs ago a switch crapped out on me. I also remember that I had dripped a lot of sweat on the unit, and the switch washers were kind of rusty. I emailed Mike and he told me that the old switches were crap, so he had invented new ones (which I now see a lot of other builders using) and he sent me a pair of new switches-- for free. That was 7 yrs ago, and this thing is still going strong.
I definitely depend on this for every show. And, uhh, yeah- I've been depending on it without a backup. I guess that won't be one of our better shows if this thing ever tanks on me....

See above- I got better than I could have expected from any 'normal' company. That's a real nice feeling, I've got to tell you, and it's served Mike well: I've bought and will keep on buying more Fulltone stuff. Hey, it's a sickness - so what? Just get the good stuff and you don't get hurt.
(But to rate this category a "10" H-C asks if he's "incrediby kind and helpful"? no, no, no. That's just not the way Mike is; that'd be Robert Keeley.)

The FD-2 is such a mainstay of my sound that even though it's the oldest pedal on my board, it is the primary tone-shaper of my sound: any other pedal has to blend in with it or gets tossed. That's because whatever amp or guitar I'm playing through comes out sounding better with this pedal. I'm long-past the first blush of a new toy here: I'm writing this now because, after all this time, I'm a bit surprised how well it's held up against each of the next "must-haves" that I've been able to acquire and try out. This one's a keeper.

It is very easy to get instantly a very good sound. But it is worth to spend a little more time for tweaking, cause there are lots of good sounds in the pedal. But you have to work a bit on it,
since you got three different settings (using a mini toggle switch) and an additional boost for all settings

It is not a heavy distortion type of pedal, while there is a lot of gain if you want. I play it with a RMC Picture Wah, Barber Tone Press, Analogman chorus, Keeley Fuzz-Head, Sweetsound Mojo-Vibe, Carl Martin Delayla XL into a Marshall 6101 LM / Fender Super-Amp (4x10).
With the FD2 you can cover all needs of overdrive, from crunch to distortion, from the vintage tubescreamer-sounds to sweet and creamy high gain lead sounds in one pedal. It is good for all clean stuff, blues, classic rock and harder rock, but not for metal. Because of the three modes and the additional boost it is the most versatile overdrive-pedal I played so far.
Though there are other very good overdrives on the market (e.g. Keeley, Barber, Analogman, Xotic ???), one sound of the FD2 is uncomparable: the FM-mode with a (Strat)-Singlecoil-Neck-Pickup. I haven???t found such a warm and clear sound with other overdrive-pedals yet and for me just this sound is worth having the FD2.

The Pedal is ??? as far as I can see ??? very solid and till now I had never problems when I used it.

Had no need to contact Mr. Fuller yet.

I play Blues, Classic Rock and Hard Rock and this pedal covers all my overdrive-needs. I would replace it, if it was lost.

turn knobs, get what you want, very easy to use

Love this pedal. Only wish is more control of the boost setting, I don't understand why there is such a volume difference when switching to compcut mode. Make it unrealistic to switch between modes at a gig. The other nice thing would be a foot switch to switch between the modes. They are all good and I'm gonna have to buy 2 of them to use it how I want.

Bottom line, there are great tones to be found with this pedal. If you can't get what you like out of it, there is something else wrong with your signal flow. It made a HUGE difference what order I put my pedals in. Play with that and you will fall in love with this pedal.

I play an American Deluxe Strat and a Fender 410 Deville RI.

Yes I feel comfortable using it without a backup, only had it 2 weeks though....

Never tried

I think all Tone purists should have one.

Very easy to use. You just turn the knobs and you get that warm rich tone you have been looking for. The manual is helpful and easy to understand as well as looking at the website for further questions.

Currently I am playing with a Les Paul Standard. Can you say Jimmy Page? The sound on this pedal is amazing. You can get such a great sound on this for playing Classic Rock, Blues ect., although I wouldn't suggest this for a metal or punk guitarist. Overall though it is great and I love the boost feature!

I don't even need a backup. Built very well like a tank.

Haven't had to talk to Mr.Fulltone

I play Classic Rock and Blues and I gotta say this beats anything I have heard and trust me I have tested a lot of overdrive pedals to see which one to get. I was looking at the Boss Blues Driver first off and it is a good pedal but if you are into Classic Rock like Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, ect, this is the pedal for you!!!!

It's great if you're into vintage tone. It will go from super-light to super-heavy. I don't recommend using the compressor (by pushing down the volume knob) because it makes your tone sound kind of pinched. I only use the compressor if I have to because I'm playing in a small room where I can't over-drive my amp at all. It provides plenty of boost. It doesn't sound as good as cranking up the volume on the amp (I use a '74 Fender Deluxe Reverb) but it's as good as it gets as far as pedal distortion goes. I highly recommend it!!!
For reference, I've played it with a Gibson LP Customer, American Standard Tele, and a Gibson ES-335... Sounds great with all of them.

Built like a tank.

Never had to deal with customer service. Like I said, it's build like a tank.

It takes a little while to dial in.

I don't like this pedal & have returned it.
The only mode the Boost works in is, Comp Cut.
The Comp Cut mode sounds good by itself. When the
Boost is on the tone is very Muddy.

It is built very well.

Mike is very easy to deal with.

I was looking to get rid of a couple pedals & thought this pedal would do the trick. I was 100% wrong. The Comp, FM, Vintage by themselves sound OK alone, but with the Boost on it's a MudFest. Kind of sounds like a Boss Blues Driver on 10.
I wouldn't say these pedals are all hype, but I've yet to try a Fulltone pedal I liked enough to keep for more than a couple months.
I play Hard Rock & Punk Rock most of the time thru my Bandmaster or Bassman. WIth my other pedals I can nail the tones I want no problem.
The Comp Cut feature does sound good on this pedal. But, not good enough for the price tag.

It's a snap. Plenty of options in the circuitry. I like "Vintage" mode with just a titch of grind, and the second stage anywhere from 12:00 to full out. The FullDrive 2 wipes the floor with any single-sound pedal I've ever tried, from the TS-808 on down the line. Definitely a keeper!

After playing for over 40 years, everything I play sounds the same---like me. I built the guitar (alder strat, maple neck, trad hardware, and Lawrence L-280s) and I built the amp (AX84 through a Marshall 4X12 Greenback cab). With a product like this, it's all a matter of degrees of distortion, and this pedal has so much capacity for dialing in just the right amount of it. It leaves the original tone intact, and simply adds as much punch and grind as you want. FM mode is cool, but Vintage is where I leave it. Does exactly what I need it to do and then some---I leave the green channel on all the time, and hit the red channel for leads. Or...when things get even more wiggy, I leave the red channel on all the time, and hit the Fulltone '70 went I want to go nuts. You can't beat Fulltone these days. Don't even try.

After several months, I hooked it up to a Danelectro D-2 and powered it with 18 volts. Momma! More of the same...it simply doesn't get any better. Still very little operating noise, much more dynamic response, and the same delicious chewy tones, only more of it. Try THAT with your Keeley or your Zach...but make a wish when you plug it in, because it will certainly blow your candles out.

Are you kidding? I could drag this thing to the gig BEHIND the van and it would work fine. I don't use a backup. Never have. Wouldn't be worth the transport. A surge protector is the only concession to bad karma that I use. Other than that, in the immortal words of Dubya, I say "Bring it on."

I have no idea. I am in line for the new GT-350, simply because of the great products I've already gotten from Fulltone. I haven't seen fit to bother Mike for anything. I doubt I ever would. I'd rather he spent his time building these puppies, not on the phone or his email inbox enduring my rambles and raves. Because of the design, anybody with a cerebral cortex and a soldering iron could fix it. So I don't plan on taking any of Mr. Fuller's time for any reason, now or in the future.

I'm a blues guy, but we all take trips into the rock realm once in a while. My band is insanely purist. If I showed up with a 24-fret anything, or a Floyd Rose, they'd beat me to death with it. Stomp boxes, per se, are also verboten. Fulltone products are totally blues-approved, however, even for the old-timers who don't like to see anything on the floor of the stage except feet. Yeah, Fulltone stuff costs more money than others, but they're worth it. I did use a one-off handmade TS-808 clone for a while, but Fulltone is simply a cut above. Well-made, by hand, without the stench of corporate hands upon it.

If Micheal Fuller didn't exist, we would have to invent him. And, far in the future, when Mike leaves us, he's going to go to the same heaven where Saint Leo has gone. Room service. Front row seats for all the Hendrix concerts. And a Porsche that never needs a tuneup.

I wrote this review simply because I am tired of reviewers trashing this pedal, or writing ho-hum so-so reviews. If your sound needs improvement, don't look to your tools, kids---look to your hands. Play for another ten years, and then another ten, til you bleed if you have to, and then we'll talk. When you can take a half-dead warped Kay, play it through a rusted-out Airline, and make the angels cry, well, then you'll know what I'm talking about. Until then, you won't.

How easy is it to get a good sound out of it? Easy

I like natural break up. This pedal handles that sort of thing very nicely. It works fantastic with both rhythm and bridge pick ups. It really does sound way better then the other Fulldrive II's I've owned. It kind of freaked me out. I'm useing it currently with a 1x12 Ghia clone and a telecaster for the last month. I liked it so much I bought another.

He makes very well built pedals. I've owned quite a few.

He's a great guy to deal with.

My favorite overdrive.

This is a good quality pedal. When you get into this caliber of gear, all the sounds coming out of it are "good", you've just got to find what you need. For me, no pedal I've heard, even the best of them, has even come close to the "best" amp gain I've heard. Nonetheless, usually, I only use gain for my leads, and play all my rhythm clean. I feel like this pedal would be a great power trio pedal. Something to leave on all the time, if you need gain all the time. It fills a lot of room, great bass response in the FM mode, good "full" clean boost. Aptly named pedal. Ease of use? This is just what came out when I played it. You've got to fool around with it for a little bit just like any other piece of gear. Manual? I don't think a manual can tell you more than your ears can.

I don't use gear to get the sounds of other artists. Does this pedal help me sound like myself? Yeah. I play this with a US strat through an old '66 super reverb. It's not an incredible sound. It's definitely different, which is cool. It can do the tube screamer thing in vintage mode, but that's not why I bought this. FM mode or the clean boost are my favorites. I bought it because it's insanely well built, point to point hand-wired and steel chassis.

Haven't used it that much but most pedals are built solid, this is no exception. It's made for getting stepped on. Cool insides, all pt to pt. I love that.

Like I said, this'd be a great pedal for a sole guitarist in a band, who needs to fill lots of room. I've got two keyboardists in my band, so I need to cut back on the room I fill. If I do a power trio thing, which I might, this'd be what I used. Been playing for 17 years, I want to like this pedal more than I do. Currently, I use a Voodoo Lab sparkle drive that's had all the metal oxide resistors replaced with carbon film resistors, and the transistor replaced with a different brand. It crunches a little bit more but loses a lot of the bottom end that the fulldrive keeps. Trade-off.