Getting that lead tone DIALED IN

[downrodeo]

I'm trying to get a little more saturation for my lead tone. I really like my nailbombs a ton, but I feel like they could be a little more fluid for alternate picking runs. It could be due to my amp, a Marshall DSL 100, which I also like alot (I know it's not the best, but with an EQ, it sounds very good). I was thinking of getting an OD pedal or something like a clean boost to add that extra bite and gain to the amp. I was also looking into a THD hotplate. They look like a good investment, but I only have $300 to work with, so getting both units are out of the question.

THANKS GUYS!

[fps_dean]

Well if you turn the MV up, is that the sound you want?  If not, a hotplate wont help you...

If you never got that thing retubed and properly biased, get some SED "Winged C" EL34s and 4 12AX7s, ElectroHarmonix for good mids and gain and JJs for their smooth character, and take it to a tech.  Those things are biased quite cold from the factory, so a new set of tubes set to proper spec will improve your tone quite a bit.

[Skybone]

IMO FWIW:

To get that seriously saturated tone from any valve amp, you need to crank the volume to drive the output valves into distortion. The only sensible way of doing this is to use a HotPlate or other attenuator(especially with 50/100w amps).

Power Valve distortion rules.

[HTH AMPS]

I always like a compressor pedal for lead work, specifically an MXR Dynacomp.  Set the sensitivity to zero and the output to max for a very nice lead tone (imo).

You might also have success with an EQ pedal too so you can zero in on the right tone while boosting the signal too.

 :twisted:

[BleedMarshall]

It depends on the tone you want really, and there are several avenues you can follow.


A hotplate will help, but only if you like the tone the high volume gives you from the amp. The plate will keep the tone, but lessen the volume, and I don't think this is a route for you.

I always thought that a distirtion pedal in front of a distorted amp was just a mess, so my advice is to stay away from overdrive/distortion pedals, and just stay with an overdrive in that route, but in some cases it just pushes the gain and leaves the amp a little sterile. This may be a beeter altrnative in my opinion.

An eq pedal can rob tone if it is not tweaked right, and if it doesn't have enough tweak ability, but some have too much tweak ability and they suck too. :lol: They are nice, but can be a double-edged sword as well.

My advice would be to try out a few OD pedals and a few EQ pedals in tandem. That way you can drive the gain as needed, and tweak out the highs, lows, and mids with the EQ as you use them. Also you save a little cash to boot. Just my thoughts for you here.

[downrodeo]

I always like a compressor pedal for lead work, specifically an MXR Dynacomp. Set the sensitivity to zero and the output to max for a very nice lead tone (imo).

I have an EQ, but not a compressor...are compressors really worth the price? And what's the best compressor?  I also have a daisy chain to supply power to my pedals but all my spots have been taken up. If I get a new pedal I'm either going to have to buy another adapter or use batteries :? which is not so great. Thanks guys.

[downrodeo]

If I use a compressor in my loop, will I want to turn it off and on or would I simply leave it on?

[headtheball]

Compressor in the loop is a bad thing. Should be between amp and guitar. Gain effects before amp, man.

[downrodeo]

Ummm...okay. Well, in that case, should it stay on all the time? I really am not sure whether it will sound good enough for cleans and rythm along with my leads.

[downrodeo]

Now I'm looking at a BBE Sonic Maximizer pedal. It looks like something that would be a worthwhile investment!

[JamesHealey]

the BBE wont give u anymore gain just improve your tone, if you want just that tad more gain for fluid leads and stuff, just raise your pickups a bit more turn the amp up a bit, try picking harder.. before changing anything.

if none of that gives you the sound, try a compressor it will make everything a bit more touch sensative.. which is probably what your after with more gain.

[Dave Simpson]

I use the Keeley modded Ibanez Tubescreamer for a little boost for leads. Tim uses the Keeley modded Boss SD-1 for the same thing. It helps get the endless sustain thing going. The secert is just dialing in the eq, level boost, and added gain you want for leads.

Check this site out.
http://www.robertkeeley.com/home.php

[screamingdaisy]

I'm trying to get a little more saturation for my lead tone. I really like my nailbombs a ton, but I feel like they could be a little more fluid for alternate picking runs.

Sounds like you need a Tubescreamer.

It'll give you a slight compression that smooths out legatto runs and helps notes sustain longer.  It also has a slight mid hump that'll help solos cut, and you can dial it in so that you have a bit more gain if you choose.

[March]

Personally I like the Fulltone Fulldrive II, excellent pedal. The 10th Anni Mosfet edition in particular improves the tonal options still further.

Best thing though is try as many as you can, ideally with your amp and guitar, that way you can hear how they all interact and choose the pedal that's right for your setup.

[lifted]

For compressors,  I like the sound of the Barber tone press.  there are some clips on www.musictoyz.com  .  I have a similar prob/desire to get a little extra with a Rivera Knucklehead.  Tried a Fulltone OCD  (overdrive) and it soundd nice.  I might get a hotplate or weber mass one day, though.  I bought a cheap Danelectro($15) Metal pedal to try this, and barely put any gain and NO treble, and it gave me a nice edge.  It colors your tone quite a bit, though, but I did wind up playing old Sabbath and Maiden all night, whenI first plugged it in.  I figured $15 ,  what the heck.   Still searching for the bombtone, though.