Author Topic: Guitar sounds good by itself, rubbish in band.. (Read 21490 times)

ibanez4life SZ · « **Reply #15 on:** May 23, 2006, 06:21:54 AM »

For band practice, take the hotplate out the the chain.....it is stealing some tone for no reason, as you can crank up now.

Next, more speakers would definitely help. I had the same problem with my previous Peavey XXX.....a 1x12 just doesn't get you that umph in a practice situation.

gwEm · « **Reply #16 on:** May 23, 2006, 08:25:41 AM »

some lame ideas, but low cost at least:

move the amp around the room, on/off the floor, by/away from the walls etc (i guess you may have done this anyway)

some kind of new 12" speaker for the amp, something with more definition to cut through the bassist maybe? also that shows you like the amp so much that you're upgrading it! should please the old man...

hunter · « **Reply #17 on:** May 23, 2006, 08:31:55 AM »

Also, alternatively to dialing in mids, try to leave the mids at 12:00 o'clock and reduce the treble/presence values - also varying the ratio of pre- and poweramp gain might change the result quite significantly.

Twinfan · « **Reply #18 on:** May 23, 2006, 10:12:42 AM »

My rhythmn guitarist uses a solid state 50w Marshall 1x12 and that cuts fine in a practice situation. Here's what I'd do:

1) Remove the hotplate. It's not needed live and will suck tone.
2) Crank the power stage to 9/10 and then feed in pre-amp gain as needed. This will give you more "balls".
3) Try the EQ flat, then add whatever you need in the room (e.g. less bass, more treble etc).
4) Make sure the speaker is pointing wherever you want to hear it. If you stand to the side, it'll sound flat.

What sort of tone are you after? If you're cutting loads of mids for metal that will be your problem and you'll need a more powerful amp...

_tom_ · « **Reply #19 on:** May 23, 2006, 10:26:09 AM »

Nope I tried the TS7 through my HRDx only, was cr@p!

About the hotplate, I cant crank my amp atall in practises, I have to have it on -12db, and the amp sounds cr@p without the hotplate at that volume.. I only had it on -8 for a gig aswell, the amps too loud. I think what I may try though, is turning down the volume on the amp and attentuating it less.. but then that means that I'll have to get all my overdrive from a pedal, whereas when I have the volume higher I'm mixing the pedals with the amps natural overdrive..

I was thinking of getting a new speaker, a Vintage 30 perhaps as I've heard they make HRDx better for rock than the stock Eminence. Oh yeah I was planning on getting an amp stand too so the sound is projected more, at the minute I'm leaning it against the wall which still projects it a bit but not as well as I think a stand would, as itd be higher and off the floor.. Anyone got any other ideas?

Also its just a general "good" rock tone, we dont play anything heavy, nor do we plan to

Muttley · « **Reply #20 on:** May 23, 2006, 10:27:19 AM »

How about removing the Hot Plate for rehearsal and maybe look at borrowing (or hiring) a 4x12 cab for rehearsal, and run your existing amp through that. Most rehearsal studios I've been to have backline for hire.

Muttley

_tom_ · « **Reply #21 on:** May 23, 2006, 10:30:40 AM »

Well I dunno, it seems stupid because the amp is so bloody loud, and the volume control is so sensetive, its either too quiet (and thin), loud (which is too much for practise), or too loud for anything.

They have a 4x12 at the studio we practise at so next time I could ask them to see what they say!

donovan.x · « **Reply #22 on:** May 23, 2006, 10:40:38 AM »

I know where your coming from with the amp. I had the 2x12(I think that was the De.ville) and it was either quiet as $%&# or to loud. These amps aren't known for great distortion, I didn't hold on to mine for long and got the DSL50 head a 2x12 cab, what a difference. I am not saying get that head but I think a change of gear is you only (and easiest)option.
Just a question..How old are you Tom?
I ask because I know for a fact that ,as a father myself, if my son was in your situation I would want him to have what was right for him, and if that meant chopping in his gear then, I would encourage him to do so.
Good luck mate, good gear comes to those who wait (and I am still waiting for the cash for my BKPs :roll:

:D !!!

_tom_ · « **Reply #23 on:** May 23, 2006, 11:02:32 AM »

I'm 17 now, and still havent found anyone wanting to give me a job, been to so many failed interviews! Anyway.. my dad isnt a guitarist and doesnt seem to understand tone because of that :lol: I told him I wanted to get a different amp and he was like "Whats wrong with the one you have now?" etc, and I dont know how to answer that because theres not really anything "wrong" with it, it just doesnt do what I want.. I guess I can keep trying with him but I doubt it'll work, but it IS my 18th in November so maybe I can persuade him that I need a rock amp 8)

badgermark · « **Reply #24 on:** May 23, 2006, 11:04:34 AM »

Try handing a CV into your local Woolworths, they hire on a personal basis, and won't kick you in the bean bag cos you don't have any experience.

Worked for me, and I get to put on ANY cd I want over the PA. Working on the entertainment desk rules.

_tom_ · « **Reply #25 on:** May 23, 2006, 11:13:43 AM »

Allready applied and failed at Woolies..

badgermark · « **Reply #26 on:** May 23, 2006, 11:23:32 AM »

You have no chance then. Ever considered a life of crime?

_tom_ · « **Reply #27 on:** May 23, 2006, 11:56:48 AM »

haha..ermm...no not really :?

Ratrod · « **Reply #28 on:** May 23, 2006, 12:15:46 PM »

I don't think the amp is the problem. I mostly play the thing hooked up to a 2X12 speaker cab. It'll fatten things up a bit and make the amp sound huge. On smaller gigs I leave the cab at home. The amp will sound thinner (like a combo does) but it shure shouldn't sound bad when clean.

An FX chain can suck alot of tone as well as the hotplate. Try playing without the hotplate and only the RAT in the chain. And add plenty of mids.

If the bass simply copies the guitar riff, that can ruin the mix as well. (This is why Metallica's Justice album sounds so bad)

_tom_ · « **Reply #29 on:** May 23, 2006, 12:36:11 PM »

Quote from: Ratrod

I don't think the amp is the problem. I mostly play the thing hooked up to a 2X12 speaker cab. It'll fatten things up a bit and make the amp sound huge. On smaller gigs I leave the cab at home. The amp will sound thinner (like a combo does) but it shure shouldn't sound bad when clean.

An FX chain can suck alot of tone as well as the hotplate. Try playing without the hotplate and only the RAT in the chain. And add plenty of mids.

If the bass simply copies the guitar riff, that can ruin the mix as well. (This is why Metallica's Justice album sounds so bad)

Do you not find the stock speaker to be harsh when pushed? Maybe its not the speaker, but theres definately a harsh edge when I play louder that isnt very nice! I always have the mids on full. Next week I'm gonna try a cleaner amp (volume on about 2-3) and less attentuation to see if that does anything