What is the Badder Monkey?
The original Digitech Bad Monkey was a well-known Tube Screamer imitation, much like the legendary Boss Metal Zone, which was a staple for many young guitarists.
Depending on your perspective, this could imply that many players’ ears aren’t particularly discerning, that most overdrive pedals share similar characteristics, or that the Bad Monkey was indeed far superior to what most players, including its owners, had previously believed.
Perhaps it’s a combination of all three. The Badder Monkey represents DOD’s response to this renewed interest, branding it as an ‘evolution’ of the original design rather than a mere reissue.
Specifications
- Price: $159 | £129 | €149
- Type: Overdrive
- Controls: Bananas (Gain), Curiosity (Level), Barrel (Mode/blend), Mood (EQ), phase switch
- Features: Three circuits including Classic bad Monkey, Behaved, and Badder; Troop mode for blending all three; includes a reversible StagePlate for skid pad or hook surface; comes with a barrel of toy monkeys and guitar picks.
- Connectivity: 1/4-inch Input, Output
- Bypass: True
- Power: 9V DC center-negative or Battery, 25mA
- Dimensions: 67 x 57 x 119 mm
- Weight: 280g
- Contact:DigiTech
Construction Quality
Build Quality rating: ★★★★★
as with most DOD pedals, the construction is robust, and even the quirky ‘Barrel’ control feels sturdy enough for live performances. Notably, the dual gang Grunt/Screech ‘mood’ EQ control is impressive, and I particularly appreciate the tactile center ‘bump’.
Though, the standout feature lies beneath the pedal - the StagePlate back panel.It comes with a standard non-slip rubber pad, but if you remove it and flip it over, you’ll discover built-in hook-and-loop fastening. ingenious.
Ease of Use
Usability Rating: ★★★★☆
Adjusting the knobs without looking can yield good tones, but it lacks the simplicity of a Tube Screamer or a Klon.
Unfortunately, this is where the Badder Monkey stumbles a bit. You can find decent tones by adjusting the knobs without looking, but it doesn’t offer the same straightforwardness as a Tube Screamer or a Klon.
Using this pedal feels reminiscent of trying to navigate a Metal Zone back in the early 2000s. Patience is essential, but it can be rewarding. Additionally, the playful graphics and names may either amuse or annoy you during the dialing-in process, depending on your personal taste.
The most prominent control is the ‘Barrel’ knob, which adjusts the blend between the three drive paths within the pedal. The Behaved mode functions similarly to a Tube Screamer set as a boost, with lower gain and higher level settings. The other two modes increase the clipping intensity.
this control also highlights the pedal’s evolution, merging some characteristics of the Tube Screamer with the Klon Centaur, which it was favorably compared to online.
Sound Quality
Sound Quality Rating: ★★★★
It’s in the Bad and Badder modes that the pedal truly shines.
Using a Les Paul and a Strat with the pedal, I found that the Behaved boost mode sounded somewhat thin on bridge pickups. fortunately, this can be easily remedied by increasing the bass or grunt control and reducing the Screech or high mids.
It’s in the Bad and Badder modes that the pedal really comes to life. The in-phase Bad mode delivers a thick, powerful sound, while the Badder mode takes you through classic rock and even punk, reaching the edge of metallic chugs.
A Troop mode blends Bad, Badder, and Classic modes, offering the original Bad Monkey sound. However, I found it closely resembles the Bad mode, about 95% similar to my ears, albeit slightly cleaner with the gain knob set to minimum. The most distinct contrasts come from the Bad and Badder modes.
For chord work, the pedal became substantially more resonant and fuller once the EQ was finely tuned.
Interestingly, we found ourselves increasing the bass more than anticipated as the gain increased. For chord work, the pedal became much more resonant and fuller once the EQ was precisely adjusted for each gain level.
As expected, the Badder Monkey thrives when paired with a genuine tube amp to achieve power-tube saturation, but I enjoyed it just as much with a higher-wattage amp as with a low-headroom one.
Unscientifically, this characteristic seems more aligned with a Klon than with a Timmy or Tube Screamer, which typically favor low-wattage tube amps.
Final Thoughts
(Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln)
The Badder Monkey is a unique creation, straddling the line between a Tube Screamer and a Klon.
Ultimately, the Badder Monkey delivers exactly what it promises: a Bad Monkey cranked up to 11.
The most challenging aspect of this pedal is its pricing. While it sits comfortably outside the high-end category, offering excellent build quality and features, it still surpasses the typical cost of standard overdrive pedals, nudging into the territory of more complex effects like delay, reverb, and modulation.
Guitar World Verdict: The Badder Monkey is a peculiar pedal, not entirely a Tube Screamer nor a Klon.It possesses enough individuality to warrant consideration. However, if you’re specifically seeking a Tube Screamer, it might be best to stick with the original. Conversely, if you’re interested in exploring a Klon option, the Badder Monkey is worth a try.
|
Test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Build Quality |
No issues here – it even features a wooden barrel knob. |
★★★★★ |
|
Usability |
The controls are entertaining but not as straightforward as typical drive pedals. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Sound Quality |
this monkey has truly gone to 11… |
★★★★ |
|
Overall |
In today’s market, it’s challenging to find an overdrive pedal that stands out, yet here we are. |
★★★★ |
Also Consider
Hands-On Demonstrations
DOD/DigiTech
Watch On
GuitarGuitar
Watch On
60 Cycle Hum
Watch On
(Image credit: Future/Matt Lincoln)
The Badder Monkey is a distinctive pedal, sitting somewhere between a Tube Screamer and a Klon.
In essence, the Badder Monkey delivers precisely what it advertises: a Bad Monkey cranked up to 11.
The most significant consideration regarding this pedal is its pricing. While it is indeed reasonably priced and not classified as high-end, it offers impressive build quality and features. However, it does come at a higher cost than the average overdrive pedal, approaching the price range of more complex effects like delay, reverb, and modulation.
Guitar World Verdict: The Badder Monkey is a quirky pedal, not entirely a Tube Screamer nor a Klon. It has enough uniqueness to stand out on its own. Though, if you’re specifically looking for a Tube Screamer, it might be best to stick with that option. On the other hand, if you’re interested in exploring a Klon alternative, the Badder Monkey is definitely worth a shot.
|
Test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Build Quality |
No complaints here - it even features a wooden barrel knob. |
★★★★★ |
|
Usability |
The controls are entertaining but not as straightforward as typical drive pedals. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Sound Quality |
This monkey has truly gone to 11… |
★★★★ |
|
Overall |
In today’s market, it’s challenging to find an overdrive pedal that stands out, yet here we are. |
★★★★ |
Also Consider
Hands-On Demonstrations
DOD/DigiTech
Watch On
Unleashing the Beast: A Deep Dive into the DOD Badder Monkey at Full Volume!
Overview of the DOD Badder Monkey
The DOD Badder Monkey is an innovative overdrive pedal that has gained popularity among guitarists for its unique sound and versatility. Building on the legacy of the original Bad Monkey, this pedal offers enhanced features and improved performance, making it a must-have for any serious musician.
Key Features
- Three Drive Modes: Classic Bad Monkey, behaved, and Badder modes allow for a wide range of tonal options.
- Blend Control: The barrel knob lets you mix between the different drive paths for a customized sound.
- High-Quality Build: Sturdy construction with a wooden barrel knob adds a unique touch.
- True Bypass: Ensures that your signal remains clean when the pedal is off.
- Compact Design: Fits easily on any pedalboard without taking up too much space.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $159 | £129 | €149 |
| Type | Overdrive |
| Controls | Gain, Level, Mode/Blend, EQ |
| Power Supply | 9V DC center-negative or Battery |
| Dimensions | 67 x 57 x 119 mm |
| Weight | 280g |
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the DOD Badder Monkey is where it truly shines. Musicians have praised its ability to deliver rich, dynamic tones that can range from subtle overdrive to full-on distortion. The pedal’s three modes provide a variety of sounds:
- Classic Bad Monkey: Offers a smooth, creamy overdrive reminiscent of classic rock tones.
- Behaved Mode: Functions as a clean boost, perfect for enhancing your amp’s natural sound.
- Badder Mode: Delivers a more aggressive,saturated tone suitable for heavier genres.
Benefits of Using the DOD Badder Monkey
Here are some of the key benefits of incorporating the DOD Badder Monkey into your setup:
- Versatility: With multiple modes, this pedal can adapt to various musical styles, from blues to metal.
- Enhanced Creativity: The blend control allows for unique sound combinations, encouraging experimentation.
- Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of live performances, ensuring reliability on stage.
- Compact Size: Easy to transport and fit into any pedalboard configuration.
Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Badder Monkey
To maximize your experience with the DOD Badder Monkey,consider the following tips:
- Experiment with Settings: Don’t hesitate to tweak the controls to find your ideal tone. Each setting can drastically change your sound.
- Pair with Different Amps: The Badder Monkey responds differently depending on the amp used. Try it with both tube and solid-state amps to discover new tones.
- Use in Conjunction with Other Effects: Combine the Badder Monkey with modulation or delay pedals for a richer sound palette.
- Adjust EQ Settings: Fine-tune the EQ to suit your playing style and the acoustics of your performance space.
First-Hand Experience
many musicians have shared their experiences with the DOD Badder Monkey, highlighting its ability to enhance their playing. One guitarist noted, “The Badder Monkey transformed my sound. I can go from a smooth bluesy tone to a gritty rock sound with just a twist of the knob.”
Case Studies: Artists Who Use the DOD Badder Monkey
Several well-known artists have incorporated the DOD Badder Monkey into their setups:
- John Mayer: Known for his bluesy tones, Mayer utilizes the Badder Monkey to achieve a creamy overdrive.
- Joe Bonamassa: This blues-rock guitarist uses the pedal to add depth and character to his sound.
- Slash: The iconic Guns N’ Roses guitarist has been spotted using the Badder Monkey for its versatility in live performances.
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