Here
is a collection of tone tricks that you may want to experment with, that
I will be adding to.
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"How
do I use time-based effects with my overdriven amplifier?"
I get asked this question all the time. For many people, an effects loop
works *ok*. I say *ok* because there is, IMO, a much better-sounding way
to do it. In fact, I consider this method to have astounding sonic qualities,
myself. This method that I'm referring to is known as the *WET/DRY* method.
It's pretty simple to set up. You will need several items:
1. A *LINE-OUT* jack on your amplifier *OR* a *LINE-OUT/DI BOX* that simply taps a line-level signal off of the cable that connects your amp to you speaker.
2. A reverb, delay, or combination of both effects processor. This processor must have the ability to be set completely *WET* so that there is no dry signal coming out of it, only pure reverb/delay. Most of them do this, but you should check in the store to be sure, before buying.
3. A second amp. Don't get excited...you don't need another hotrodded plexi halfstack, not even close, actually. You just need a small combo....solid state, even, that can produce some sort of clean sound. This is because, with the effects unit set completely WET, you don't really need much volume out of the effects amp to get a huge coliseum-like sound.
1. A *LINE-OUT* jack on your amplifier *OR* a *LINE-OUT/DI BOX* that simply taps a line-level signal off of the cable that connects your amp to you speaker.
2. A reverb, delay, or combination of both effects processor. This processor must have the ability to be set completely *WET* so that there is no dry signal coming out of it, only pure reverb/delay. Most of them do this, but you should check in the store to be sure, before buying.
3. A second amp. Don't get excited...you don't need another hotrodded plexi halfstack, not even close, actually. You just need a small combo....solid state, even, that can produce some sort of clean sound. This is because, with the effects unit set completely WET, you don't really need much volume out of the effects amp to get a huge coliseum-like sound.
Most people set the effects amp right next to the MAIN/DRY
amp, but you may enjoy spreading them apart a few feet or more, too. For
myself, I use 2 amps live anyway...a Marshall Plexi Halfstack (dirty sounds)
and a Fender Super Reverb (clean sounds), using an A/B BOX. The Super Reverb
has two channels....so I use the channel on the right for my clean sound from
my guitar, and use the channel on the left as my EFFECTS CHANNEL for the
Marshall. When doing this, you may have to unground *one* of your amps, to
eliminate a ground loop. Myself, I not only do that....I also have the cable
running from the LINE-OUT of my main amp and into my EFFECTS UNIT wired *OUT
OF PHASE*...to really keep down ground loop noise.
Additionally, The effects even have their own tone controls this way. By using this method, you are not putting too many duties upon the speakers in your main cab. You are also not compromising the tone of your main amp in any way, shape, or form. You are simply taking that already PERFECT sound, and adding to it. It really makes sustaining notes at lower levels alot easier, and just SOUNDS and FEELS louder, without completely blowing away the rest of your band. You can even use a VOLUME PEDAL on the signal going into the effects amp, so you can vary how much effect you have as you are playing.
Additionally, The effects even have their own tone controls this way. By using this method, you are not putting too many duties upon the speakers in your main cab. You are also not compromising the tone of your main amp in any way, shape, or form. You are simply taking that already PERFECT sound, and adding to it. It really makes sustaining notes at lower levels alot easier, and just SOUNDS and FEELS louder, without completely blowing away the rest of your band. You can even use a VOLUME PEDAL on the signal going into the effects amp, so you can vary how much effect you have as you are playing.
"Can I put
a a delay in between my guitar and overdriven amplifier?" Running a delay in between your guitar and overdriven amp
can yield some nice results. Having the delay level set very low, you won't
actually hear the delay's slapback until you stop playing, and make room
for it. This is useful for keeping your sound nice and clear, yet providing
some effect when you play a staccato section, as well as having something
to fall back on, besides dead space, if you miss a note (my main reason for
one!)
Setting the volume of the delay louder will yeild a much more aggressive and fairly psychedelic effect. When using it this way, it sounds wonderful to keep your foot on the pedal as you're playing, and turn the delay *ON* only during certain sections of your solo, to really reach out and grab people at those times. Certain delays will work better than others, obviously. I prefer an Echoplex for this, myself, though many delay pedals will do the job. Try to experiment before you buy, and also make sure that the power supply that comes with the pedal doesn't introduce noise of it's own, as an overdriven amp will tend to amplify this a great deal.
Setting the volume of the delay louder will yeild a much more aggressive and fairly psychedelic effect. When using it this way, it sounds wonderful to keep your foot on the pedal as you're playing, and turn the delay *ON* only during certain sections of your solo, to really reach out and grab people at those times. Certain delays will work better than others, obviously. I prefer an Echoplex for this, myself, though many delay pedals will do the job. Try to experiment before you buy, and also make sure that the power supply that comes with the pedal doesn't introduce noise of it's own, as an overdriven amp will tend to amplify this a great deal.
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