Joined: 06 Oct 2003 Posts: 70 Location: Lake Tahoe
Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 11:21 am Post subject: Fireball II / Zendrive comparison
Hey all..
Anyone care to make a sonic comparison of these two pedals?
I finally got a hold of a Fireball II a couple days ago, although I still havn't had a chance to play with it yet. Of course, it seems like it's already passe. I'm always running behind on trying the current flavor of the month.
I do love my AC Booster, but I thought the dual stage/channel (boost) of the fireball II would be a handy feature. We'll see. I've read a few comments on how the volume jump the fireball II gives can be hard to control. I'm hoping I can get to twisting some trim pots this weekend.
So anyways, I'm wondering how the zendrive compares..
Sorry I can't tell about the comparison between the Fireball and Zendrive, but I can say that the Zendrive is a truly wonderfull pedal, and I have tried just about all of the top pedals on offer (except the Fireball ).
You should do a search through the Gearpage.com forum, and check out harmony-central reviews for more info. It is all subjective of course, but I can personally say that I just can't believe the quality of sounds that you can dial up with the Zendrive. It is an extremely musical piece of sonic hardware. You WILL get the tones of a Dumble amp, and dare I say it, RF tones from this pedal with all that bell like chime and thick/smooth sustaining midrange we have grown to love listening to RF's music. It is also extremely dynamic and responsive to different playing techniques, and quiet when switching on/off, and when in use. It sounds as good with single coils as well as with humbuckers. It seems possible to dial in sweet spots on the neck that allow you to really milk notes, whilst letting each string ring clear when playing chords, etc. It is just like having the preamp from a top end boutique amp (a Dumble perhaps ). It is simply amazing (forgive me about going on about it, I just can't help it ). Don't forget though some part of the sound will depend on the amp (and settings) and guitar, and of course playing technique.
I can't imagine anyone not being amazed by the quality of the Zendrive pedal. I am sure my opinion won't change with time, except for perhaps becomming more amazed, but i have even thought about buying a second Zendrive in case I loose one, or one becomes inoperable and can't be fixed to the original state, or becomes unavailable etc, etc.
What I do know is that the Zendrive has seemly taken the place of the Fireball in RF's rig, so that must be saying something.
Also, PierreL from this community has recently said his AC Booster is now collecting dust because of the Zendrive he has!!
Enjoy the Fireball, and I am sure that too is a great pedal. However, ignore the Zendrive at your peril
All the best,
DD _________________ Music is the universal language; speak it with emotion, listen with a passion.
Now, as the great Alfonso has so kindly put one of these ***incredible*** pedals up for raffle in aid for the Hurricane relief, you guys have no excuse.
Watch this space.
All the best,
DD _________________ Music is the universal language; speak it with emotion, listen with a passion.
Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2005 12:09 pm Post subject: Everything vs Zendrive
I got rid of my Fireball II (actually I gave it Robben as a backup - guess he didn't need it afterall), and sold my AC and RC Boosters after getting the Zendrive. I also tried most of the HAO pedals (also good but tricky to set). The keepers for me are the SOV-1 and the Zendrive. I do have one pedal that I built and one that was custom made for me by the guy who designed the SOV-1, but those aren't commercially available so I guess they don't count. Bottom line, the Zendrive seems to be "it." A big thanks to Alfonso for a job well done.
There you go people! If the Zendrive is good enough for Bill it's good enough for anyone!
Alfonso Hermida really deserves all the success that WILL come his way, because quite simply he is a great guy who really cares about his customers (this is really true, he responds to emails very quickly, no matter what the question, and goes out of his way to please) and is quite simply a genius in his field of sonic creations. All the best Alf!
DD _________________ Music is the universal language; speak it with emotion, listen with a passion.
There you go people! If the Zendrive is good enough for Bill it's good enough for anyone!
Alfonso Hermida really deserves all the success that WILL come his way, because quite simply he is a great guy who really cares about his customers (this is really true, he responds to emails very quickly, no matter what the question, and goes out of his way to please) and is quite simply a genius in his field of sonic creations. All the best Alf!
DD
Yo 'dude, thanks for that vote of confidence!
And thanks for pointing out what I failed to mention, that in addition to being a very talented builder, Alf is also a heck of a nice guy. He definitely deserves to be a success in what can be a very competitive arena. Best of luck to you Alf. And thanks a million for my pedal!
Joined: 26 Jan 2004 Posts: 142 Location: Northern CA
Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2005 7:03 pm Post subject:
My Zendrive is on the way ... I do have the Fireball II and ordered the Zendrive after hearing Robben play it more than once. I'll report back when it arrives.
Joined: 06 Oct 2003 Posts: 70 Location: Lake Tahoe
Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2005 5:51 pm Post subject:
Well, I still havn't contacted Alf yet, but it's in the future for sure..
Michael, how have you been enjoying yours?
Anyone interested in buying a AC Booster or a Banzai Fireball II ?
If not, they will probably be going up on ebay in the next few weeks. Along with a bunch of other stuff. Trying to really cut back on the amount of gear that I own (and never seem to play). My '77 Marshall JMP50 will be sold tonight. Hmm.. there must be some zendrive funds in there somewhere!
Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 886 Location: SF Bay Area
Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2005 3:05 pm Post subject:
Yep, after trying a borrowed Zendrive, I have an order in with Alf and the Banzai is up for sale. _________________ There are no such things as wrong notes, there's only the look on your face.
My Stuff: www.stevekirbymusic.com
Joined: 26 Jan 2004 Posts: 142 Location: Northern CA
Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2005 10:09 am Post subject:
After ordering my Zen Drive ... Alf contacted me regarding the Fireball II pedal. I packed it up and sent it his way for evaluation as he had not had one in his possession. I'm not sure if Alf would share his opinion or not. But I'm guessing, he too is a fan of the Zen Drive ... ha!
Garth had the chance for a limited review at the house ... I had the Zen in a pedal box - volume/wah, Carl Martin Compressor, Zen Drive to amp (a Fender Concert 60watt tube) ... he played my PRS Custom, an older Gibson ES335 (primarily stock except for the blend pot), and I think maybe the 1983 Tele. Garth immediately unplugged the volume/wah and then eventually scaled it down to just the guitar, zen drive, and amp. He commented that the pickups on the PRS seemed to like the Zen Drive the best of the group ... and made a little mention ... something about ... now I'm starting to hear that dumble like tone. I think Garth is getting a Zen which was set in motion before the minimal testing. So no doubt, he'll get a better chance to give it a run thru.
When I saw Robben with his brothers up in Grass Valley, it looked like he had nothing but his guitar, zen, and Fender. He made a few Zen adjustments (a concert without Daved) on the fly and between songs ... but other than that, it was a very simple setup, i.e., less is often more. My ear said it sounded fantastic in Robben's hands.
If you get the chance, check out Garth's new "i" cd. He's a great guy and a world class talent (my opinion) ... and I'm sure many agree.
Joined: 06 Oct 2003 Posts: 70 Location: Lake Tahoe
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 9:46 am Post subject:
Ha! Hey, Alf you want to buy my Fireball as well? Actually, one is enough for anyone. I'm sure he spends most of his time playing through that other pedal that everybody keeps talking about.. hmm.. what was it called again??
Well, I ended up using some of the funds from the sale of that Marshall to buy one of Paul Cochrane's Timmy pedals. It hasn't arrived yet.. I'm anxiously awaiting though. It was new/used off ebay, so no wait. I've seen a couple zendrives on there as well, and they are going for over $200. I can imagine the wait from Alf keeps getting longer and longer. I also had read that he was having major power outtages, which was delaying things further. I would love to get one, just not sure if I can stand the six month wait.. or whatever it is up to now. *sigh*
Michael, lucky guy! You get to have Garth come over to test out your gear for you? haha I would love to get a chance to see him live. I've heard a few of his clips, and plan on ordering a cd or two when I get the chance. Which would you say is his best work?
Fender Concert's are great amps, infact I have one that's going up on ebay, with a bunch of music gear, starting tonight... Ending next Tuesday night. Not that I'm trying to spam or anything, and Kirk if this is considered uncouth, please let me know and I'll edit this post. Anyhow.. if anyone's interested, take a look! The auctions will start tonight, I put a fairly low starting bid on most items, so it's possible to get some decent gear at a great price.
Michael, BTW, the last time I saw Robben (probably the show right after Grass Valley) was in North Lake, and he was using the same setup. guitar, zen, super reverb. He always sounds good, but I think the 10" speakers maybe make his sound a little "thin". I would like to hear him with the guitar, zen, into a twin for comparasion.. Of course, the best tones I've heard from him have been through his full Dumble rig. The Blue Moon tour has been my favorite so far. Wish I would would have been able to catch the Handfull of Blues tour, that's one of my favorites as well.. hmm.. and Jing Chi!
Joined: 26 Jan 2004 Posts: 142 Location: Northern CA
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 8:40 pm Post subject:
Hello Patrick:
Yes, I'm lucky ... in my home, Garth is family ... my favorite Garth tape is one he made for me ... live at the Baltic in Pointe Richmond ... such fun ... our table was under some of the mic setups ... so I can hear members of my family singing along and having a great time. On that night, he had John Lee Sanders on vocals, keyboards, and sax. Garth also played live with Gregg up in the Tahoe area some time back ... it's a great story. But the last time ... oh my ... Mz Dee, Endre Tarcy and Garth at his best ... simply amazing.
Check out "Man on a Mission" or the new "i" cd ... as Garth does it all. If I'm not mistaken, Alf sent Garth a Zen and I cannot wait to hear it in action.
More than the music ... Garth is truly a great guy.
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).
). It is simply amazing (forgive me about going on about it, I just can't help it 
). Don't forget though some part of the sound will depend on the amp (and settings) and guitar, and of course playing technique.
Actually, one is enough for anyone. I'm sure he spends most of his time playing through that other pedal that everybody keeps talking about.. hmm.. what was it called again?? 
I can imagine the wait from Alf keeps getting longer and longer. I also had read that he was having major power outtages, which was delaying things further. I would love to get one, just not sure if I can stand the six month wait.. or whatever it is up to now. *sigh*