Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Good Tone For Vibrato

Posted by: steve25 Sep 2 2008, 11:38 PM

Hi guys i'm using a podxt and have multiple customs patches that i've made which are ok as of yet. I like tones that really bring out vibrato. An example of a good one would be Marcus' solo patch, whenever i play through that my vibrato always sounds good and just the way i like it. But i can't seem to make a patch that i'm happy with vibrato wise. Yeah i know it comes down to playing but surely you must know what i'm talking about. A decent setup will make vibrato and stuff better so is there anything i can take into account to build on it like certain settings and stuff or is it just a matter of trying all the different amos and cabs? By the way i don't have metal shop or anything yet its all default. Cheers

Posted by: Emir Hot Sep 3 2008, 12:48 AM

I don't understand how can vibrato sound better with an effect!?! Vibrato is just about playing. Maybe you want your vibrato to last longer? In that case you need good pickups a bit more gain and for even better effect there is "Sustainer". Your machine should have that as well. If not, find position in front of your amp where your sustain works the best. There is always a point in front of an amp where you can make your note last for ages (like Garry Moore)

check this video on 2:35
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18FgnFVm5k0&feature=related

Posted by: Ramiro Delforte Sep 3 2008, 03:07 AM

I agree with Emir but you can try to adjust your sound to make some techniques more comfortable. For example: sweeping is a technique that if you are not comfortable with the sound it could be a problem to get it nice, it'd probably sound with dirty.
So if that is the question I think you have to made your own sound based in your playing to be comfortable with the sound of every technique you use. In my opinion that is why every guitar player has it own sound, because each one is comfortable with different settings.
I hope it was useful.

Posted by: Tjchep Sep 3 2008, 03:54 AM

Must say, Vibrato is all in the hands. not much to do with tone there.

Posted by: fatb0t Sep 3 2008, 04:07 AM

+1 to Tjcheps comment. 90% of your tone comes directly out of your hands. It sounds cliche but it's totally true. If your vibrato seems like a weakness- practice is everyday for 1 whole hour - you'll see improvement I promise =)

PS - Check out Muris's vibrato and David's phrasing - these cats are unparalleled and you can learn SO much from them. Study every nuance...incorporate it directly into your improvisions. if you have any problems I can try to record some takes to show you what I mean...

Posted by: blindwillie Sep 3 2008, 07:13 AM

Maybe you are talking about something else? I don't think you are asking for any über vibrato pedal setting.

When you are using Marcus Pod patches and your gear otherwise is OK it should sound Marcus-ish and you say it does.

The vibrato comes to better use with a cleaner setting IMO. Just enough overdrive or maybe a little bit distortion. Mmmm, nice.
If the sound is too gritty the added feeling of the vibrato will drown in all the grittyness. Not to much delay maybe? I don't use those effects so I can't say for sure. Others here know more about effects The rest is in your fingers. Your main tone is in your fingers.

Just trying to point ppl in another direction.

Posted by: Marcus Lavendell Sep 3 2008, 07:41 AM

Steve,
First - you're of course welcome to use my patches as much as you like But if you want to make your own patch you could start by tweaking the ones I use. Just to get an idea what it is that give that "Vibrato tone".

In other words. Load one of my solo patches in your POD, then for example change the amp (in the POD) and check if you still have a nice vibrato tone. Then change something else like the mic, to see how that affect your vibrato tone. Then change something else... etc. etc.

Posted by: Noangels Sep 3 2008, 08:38 AM

Hey steve,I'm from Wiltshire too if your any where near Salisbury you can come along to my bands rehearsal area and I will glady show you anything about vibrato-tone-playing-ect

check out my website with audio and vids,to see I can play and it wouldnt be a wasted trip!

http://www.justinjohnwakely.com/

Posted by: steve25 Sep 3 2008, 12:46 PM

Ok perhaps i've worded it wrong . My vibrato is ok its improving still which is good but its a hell of a lot better than it was. I think yes the sustain of it but also the overall sound. Yes muris has good vibrato and his tone suits him. But i wouldn't personally use his tone because, well perhaps its the settings or something but sometimes it sounds like its missing something when he does vibrato. You can hear that it sounds good but everyone has their own sound that they want to hear and the only thing that i've found so far is Marcus' patch. Its difficult to explain the sound i can hear in my head without actually showing you or playing to you. It might be something as simple as the settings on the amp, certain settings on the pedals or the cab thats used who knows. Yes my vibrato sounds fine on a clean setting but to be honest when i hear anyone vibrato on a clean setting it doesn't sound all that exciting i guess everyone has their own taste

Marcus - cheers buddy but there will come a stage when i get into writing and recording that i'll have to make my own because otherwise, well to be honest its going to be a bit like stealing isn't it

Noangels - Hey thats cool well i live in melksham so its a bit far for me to get to at the moment but when i can drive i'll be sure to give you a visit

Posted by: kjutte Sep 3 2008, 02:23 PM

QUOTE (steve25 @ Sep 3 2008, 12:38 AM)

You're probably tricking yourself here.
It takes alot of time, effort and strength to grow a big strong vibrato.

I doubt the sound's the problem here.

Posted by: Matt23 Sep 3 2008, 03:44 PM

I do agree that vibrato sounds better with marcus' patch but my theory is that when you use that patch, you subconciously copy parts of marcus' playing style because thats what uv heard being played with marcus' patch. I find more reverb helps my vibrato to sound better but overall its down to playing not tone.

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Sep 3 2008, 08:05 PM

QUOTE (steve25 @ Sep 3 2008, 01:46 PM)

Ok perhaps i've worded it wrong

. My vibrato is ok its improving still which is good but its a hell of a lot better than it was. I think yes the sustain of it but also the overall sound. Yes muris has good vibrato and his tone suits him. But i wouldn't personally use his tone because, well perhaps its the settings or something but sometimes it sounds like its missing something when he does vibrato. You can hear that it sounds good but everyone has their own sound that they want to hear and the only thing that i've found so far is Marcus' patch. Its difficult to explain the sound i can hear in my head without actually showing you or playing to you. It might be something as simple as the settings on the amp, certain settings on the pedals or the cab thats used who knows. Yes my vibrato sounds fine on a clean setting but to be honest when i hear anyone vibrato on a clean setting it doesn't sound all that exciting i guess everyone has their own taste

Don't worry vibrato control will come in time. Vibrato is not all about getting it wide, strong and precise. You have to develop a feel for the vibrato, so it sounds natural to you to play it. Don't know how to explain it, but it certainly has nothing to do with patch settings. Vibrato is a vibrato, it makes no difference wheter you play it in front of a JCM800 stack or on a non-plugged guitar. What is important is your feel of the vibrato, you execute it, with a feel, and with a hand totally relaxed, and it will sound natural.