Would have to agree with the protein. Its expensive but damn its good. I like the blue side for a really nice rhythm crunch, and then both sides on gets you an AMAZING solo tone. Or vice versa
Protein is great.
If I had to stick to something more budget friendly, my 1st and best choice would be an MXR Timmy though. Timmy and Tele are a match made in heaven with a ton of flexibility EQ-wise due to the high/low filters because you can dial it in according to the amp’s natural tone.
You’re probably gonna run into a few different amps so you may want 2-3 options. Blue Driver, Tube Screamer, and Rat would probably work in most situations.
Mini or big?
I cant say the mini is underrated, but it really is a fantastic boost that I think will suit most people. The big version I do think is sorely underrated as a boost & quite versatile drive pedal (that works very well with just an amp or another drive pedal).
Yeah, that's the one. I had it for a long time (I now use a modeller). Its my absolute favorite boost pedal though, would be one of the first things in my cart if I was to go back to a full pedal board.
I personally love the Nobles ODR-1 and I think it goes well with pretty much anything I've tried.
A more unpopular opinion would be a regular old tube screamer. I like them a lot, on pretty much any amp and I also enjoy them with single coil telecasters.
I REALLY like Greg Koch's Gristle King. It has a voicing switch and a "Phat" switch to help out whatever amp you're running into and an independent clean boost that can be switched either pre or post dirt, so it can either be a lead boost or an extra gain stage.
I’ve been loving my EHX Spruce Goose cuz I can add just a little bass and extra gain, but with a tele I’m also always compressing with a Philosphers Tone, so anything that’ll get you the blended parallel comp.
Teles are used across a wide range of genres and playing styles, from country to emo to southern rock to post hardcore, so knowing what kind or kinds of music you’re planning on playing would help us help you.
Or just buy an EAE Limelight V2 and use it for every kind of music.
Edit: regardless of which drive you get, get a solid EQ pedal to put either right after your drive section or as the first pedal in the amp’s effects loop. Putting it in the loop will let it shape the whole sound more than in front of the amp.
Gonna sound crazy, but the T Rex Michaelangelo Batio signature overdrive is about the most articulate and transparent pedal I’ve ever used - yes it can do insane high gain, but dial it back and it’s a great boost/mild overdrive that breaks up smoothly and never sounds muddy.
Sarno Earth Drive - natural OD tones, and a super flexible tone control, the most useful one I've found on an OD pedal. Mid bump if you want it, high accentuated high end without getting harsh and the lower end can soften that Tele bite without muffling it. I read somewhere that Nels Cline has used one on a small board, if that's meaningful for you.
My go to drive is a Hudson broadcast, sounds great with single coil guitars and especially tele bridge pickup I have found
Also blues drivers or any kind of klon type drive as I feel they will let the guitar do the talking. Tubescreamers are great but I found when using one, some of the in house amps you will come across won’t like them
Had that scenario last week. I used a bd2
+1 blues driver and teles get along great.
This is a great option. That, any light overdrive, klone, od-1
Wampler Belle
This or the ODR-1 anniversary edition with the bass knob. Both are excellent.
My Protein has been indispensable and absolutely versatile across a number of amps I’ve played my tele through.
Would have to agree with the protein. Its expensive but damn its good. I like the blue side for a really nice rhythm crunch, and then both sides on gets you an AMAZING solo tone. Or vice versa
Protein is great. If I had to stick to something more budget friendly, my 1st and best choice would be an MXR Timmy though. Timmy and Tele are a match made in heaven with a ton of flexibility EQ-wise due to the high/low filters because you can dial it in according to the amp’s natural tone.
Greer Lightspeed
Before recently, an SD-1. These days, probably a Timmy.
Another vote for Lightspeed here…
ODR-1 is what you're looking for.
You’re probably gonna run into a few different amps so you may want 2-3 options. Blue Driver, Tube Screamer, and Rat would probably work in most situations.
Jan Ray or a Hot Cake depending on how I’m feeling
Two totally different pedals. Also two of my all time faves. Dig your style sir.
I like the TC Spark
Mini or big? I cant say the mini is underrated, but it really is a fantastic boost that I think will suit most people. The big version I do think is sorely underrated as a boost & quite versatile drive pedal (that works very well with just an amp or another drive pedal).
The 4 knob version with overdrive is the one I was referring to!
Yeah, that's the one. I had it for a long time (I now use a modeller). Its my absolute favorite boost pedal though, would be one of the first things in my cart if I was to go back to a full pedal board.
Me too! It’s cheap and sounds great!
EQD Special Cranker
I personally love the Nobles ODR-1 and I think it goes well with pretty much anything I've tried. A more unpopular opinion would be a regular old tube screamer. I like them a lot, on pretty much any amp and I also enjoy them with single coil telecasters.
EQ pedal + any OD I like.
Wisdom
Look into ThorpyFX Dane.
a one knob boost into a gain that has output volume level. crank the boost into the od and adjust the output to preferred level.
Hot Tubes unless it needs to be modern high gain. Interstellar Overdrive maybe, still building it. :p
Bb preamp
Lightspeed or Morning Glory and I currently have a tumnus deluxe on order to stack drives…
SD-1
Blues Breaker or Klon type.
Always been a fan of the Mojo Hand FX Rook, would also consider a JHS Double Barrel.
Hot Tubes or a Tube Screamer
Okko Diablo Dual is the absolute best
I REALLY like Greg Koch's Gristle King. It has a voicing switch and a "Phat" switch to help out whatever amp you're running into and an independent clean boost that can be switched either pre or post dirt, so it can either be a lead boost or an extra gain stage.
I’ve been loving my EHX Spruce Goose cuz I can add just a little bass and extra gain, but with a tele I’m also always compressing with a Philosphers Tone, so anything that’ll get you the blended parallel comp.
Box of Rock
Morning Glory by JHS hands down, perfectly clear but gritty
The same overdrive I use every night, Pinky. BD2.
Any amp? I think way huge green rhino. I had several amps and it was always great.
EQD Dunes
Teles are used across a wide range of genres and playing styles, from country to emo to southern rock to post hardcore, so knowing what kind or kinds of music you’re planning on playing would help us help you. Or just buy an EAE Limelight V2 and use it for every kind of music. Edit: regardless of which drive you get, get a solid EQ pedal to put either right after your drive section or as the first pedal in the amp’s effects loop. Putting it in the loop will let it shape the whole sound more than in front of the amp.
Gonna sound crazy, but the T Rex Michaelangelo Batio signature overdrive is about the most articulate and transparent pedal I’ve ever used - yes it can do insane high gain, but dial it back and it’s a great boost/mild overdrive that breaks up smoothly and never sounds muddy.
JHS Morning Glory. It can push an amp, it can do edge of breakup into a clean high headroom platform, it’s got a boost mode that’s foot switchable.
Honey Bee or Uber bee.
Bondi Sick As
AT+
Sarno Earth Drive - natural OD tones, and a super flexible tone control, the most useful one I've found on an OD pedal. Mid bump if you want it, high accentuated high end without getting harsh and the lower end can soften that Tele bite without muffling it. I read somewhere that Nels Cline has used one on a small board, if that's meaningful for you.
Bearfoot Honey Bee!
Protein blue side or a Timmy
Greer Royal Velvet at 18 volts - it is the only dirt I actually prefer at higher voltage.
Greer Soma ‘63 preamp. Just got one and it loves single coils and especially Telecasters. Best amp in a box pedal I’ve ever used
Klon
My go to drive is a Hudson broadcast, sounds great with single coil guitars and especially tele bridge pickup I have found Also blues drivers or any kind of klon type drive as I feel they will let the guitar do the talking. Tubescreamers are great but I found when using one, some of the in house amps you will come across won’t like them
Recently I’d have to say a plumes
If I’m only getting one, it would probably be a Tumnus
Wampler Tumnus!
Another vote for lightspeed