Just comparing the schematics, it looks like the original one knob version would have slightly more distortion when the boost switch is kicked in because the op amp gain resistor is set at 510K. The max total gain resistance is 400K on the newer 3 knob.
The biggest difference would be the op amp itself. The original one knob Dumbbell used the 1458, which is basically just a dual 741. The three knob version uses a HiFi NE5532.
I think for overdriven guitar tones, the NE5532 is not exactly in it's wheelhouse. The 741 is used in awesome-sounding classic overdrives like the grey DOD250 and original MXR Distortion+. So in this application, I think the 1458 is the superior op amp, but to each his own.
The biggest difference would be the op amp itself. The original one knob Dumbbell used the 1458, which is basically just a dual 741. The three knob version uses a HiFi NE5532.
I think for overdriven guitar tones, the NE5532 is not exactly in it's wheelhouse. The 741 is used in awesome-sounding classic overdrives like the grey DOD250 and original MXR Distortion+. So in this application, I think the 1458 is the superior op amp, but to each his own.




