Distortion/Overdrive/Tone - What I didn't know.

[DetroitBlues]

I've been struggling to get some of my overdrives to sound good with the band.

Been trying to get brighter, fuller tones out of my guitar into an amp.

Always sounded like I never had enough gain, can't cut through and I'm using high gain pedals like the JHS AT+.  Should be an insane overdriven tone.  But it sounds dull, lifeless, and thin.

Decided to look up how to set up overdrive pedals with a band.

Some great tips I will certainly try...

 

[Yooper]

What works for me: Cut the gain, boost the volume. Then stack as desired.

[DetroitBlues]

3 hours ago, Yooper said:

What works for me: Cut the gain, boost the volume. Then stack as desired.

It’s curious about their method for cutting gain and adjusting the tone control…

[DetroitBlues]

Tried this last night.  Gain down, volume up, reduction of tone controls.  What an amazing sound I got.  I was rather pleased by what I heard.  Sounded much better.

[Gianluca]

interesting

would you say your guitar is more on the mid range with that setup?

[DetroitBlues]

2 hours ago, Gianluca said:

interesting

would you say your guitar is more on the mid range with that setup?

Definitely stood out and dynamics were there.  So I’d say so.

[greywolf66]

While my amps (Mesa / Peavey) have great high gain sections, I usually set them clean and let the pre-amp boxes do the dirt. For me it works better.  If I have that rare ultra distortion desire , I can always add their boost .

I use the gain on my tube OD's to just at the edge of dirt when pushed for channel one and a bit higher for the boosted mode. . ( Tone bone Tri axis, Fender MTG tube distortion) . I learned over the years, you have to keep the notes clarity even when on high boost or you just have mush.

[DetroitBlues]

Tried this method out with different guitars, I'd have no problem playing a Stratocaster and getting the "gain" I want to hear.  Remarkable how this can make such a difference.

[Steiner]

It's fun taking every step toward that sound in your head!

congrats.

[bolero]

A lot of recorded gtr sounds aren't as distorted as people think. And live, you generally need volume to avoid sounding rinky dink. IMO.

 Although all the amp modellers etc are putting some of that to rest. 

[rockabilly69]

On 5/14/2022 at 9:45 AM, bolero said:

A lot of recorded gtr sounds aren't as distorted as people think.

As you know, I record a lot, and I have found as I go that, I'm always pulling back the preamp gain, I always start a bit too dirty.