Apache - bluesy overdrive - advice needed

[apachewarrior]

Hi all,

As a new convert to BGP, I'm new here. I was after some advice. I recently installed a set of Apache's in my recently finished Strat build (will post some pics soon), which sound unbelievable for clean tones. However, on the Apache page on the site, there is a sound clip which demo's them producing a mild bluesy overdrive tone, which sounds fantastic. But try as I might, I can't get it out of them! My usual amp is a Fender Blues Junior, I've tried running through a Marshall Jackhammer pedal into it, but the signal goes muddy and compressed rather than the natural, clear sound on the clip.

I was wondering if anyone who has a set of Apache's could offer any recommendations on settings/an overdrive pedal (the blues junior doesn't really do overdrive, so I'm imaging a pedal would be the way I'd need to go) that would help me push them over the edge into that lovely velvety blues tone when the mood takes me? I really want that natural bluesy tone rather than the horribly compressed/ processed sounds some pedals give. Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Andy  8)

[lulusg]

Hi Andy!! Have you tried contacting the person that made the clip at BKP for information? You could bring your guitar with you to an instruments shop and try different pedals on similar amps too, if you have any music shop close. The 5 stores that are close all have Fender Jr amps, just ask for different deals to try. Good luck!

[metale]

Andy,

From what I remember from the Jackhammer, it's not easy to get that kind of sound from it.

Put it in OD mode, lower gain settings and play a bit with the EQ knobs on the pedal, to replicate the "classic crunch" settings on the handbook as a starting point ( http://www.marshallamps.com/downloads/files/Jackhammer%20hbk%20Eng.pdf ). Also, neck pickup.

It still won't be the same tone as the sample, as we are talking about a hi-gain pedal.

I've got their two other od/dist pedals of the same series, and while they are nice and all, it's dificult to get past their base own voice.

[Andrew W]

I have Apaches in my Strat and I use a TS-808 Tubescreamer into a Fender style amp to get what sounds to me like the tone you describe. On the pedal I have the level set quite high, the overdrive set low and the tone about half way. With 11 gauge strings on the guitar this really pushes the front end of the amp to break up nicely.

[Elliot]

If you can't get that type of OD with a blues junior you need to spend some more time with it - OK mine is a 6V6 conversion with all the BillM bells and whistles and it does easily, but that sound is pretty much in built into the stock box.  Check out Stevie Snacks on YouTube for how to get there.

[BigB]

I can only second Elliot and Andrew W here...

I've played on a BJR for half a year or more, and even without any mod I never had a problem pushing it into overdrive, even with my CiJ Telly anemic stock pups.

Now for the kind of overdriven tones on the "slow blues" clip, you really want some good TS-808 clone used (as described by Andrew) as a dirt boost, ie low to mid drive, max output level.

[Telerocker]

I play the Blues Junior at smaller gigs and it's picky when it comes to od-pedals. I nevertheless get good results with the Emma Reezafratzitz. Lower gainsettings will provide that bluesy tone you're after.