OK,

I have all the guitars I want, (no more room ) and apart from changing the Epiphones for Gibsons and the Peavey Tele for a Fender Tele I'm wondering what I should aspire to next??

I've been thinking about a tube pre-amp. Would one be ok with the Boss GT-001?

I don't really need another amp, I have 2 Blackstar 4x10 cabs, a Blackstar HT 1 R head and a Vox Lil Night Train head.

I have some Tannoy 402 monitors, a Boss GT-001 with Roland EV-5 and a 24" widescreen monitor.

No point suggesting an upgrade on my PC as that is what we class as household requirements Don't know how I managed that one but I did

Cheers folks. Bring on the suggestions

If you like to play with clean tones, I would recommend a Fender tube amp. There's nothing quite like playing a Fender through a Fender.

Thanks, but as I said I don't really need another amp, I only have one Fender (Mexican HSH).
Here's the room



Cheers

Did you ever try an analog overdrive into the GT-001?

Since I've been using one I don't think I can go back to direct into soundcard for soloing, the guitars touch sensitivity increases greatly and I use much less effort to play the same thing.

Interesting Mertay,

I've just sold an original pre 1978 Big Muff Pi because I never used it. I'd that the type of thing you mean?

How about one of THESE? I can get a used one.

Phil


UPDATE:
I've decided to go for a VDL Hotbird to run in front of the GT-001

The muff is more of a distortion/fuzz type pedal almost replacing the amps tone. Overdrive is like hitting 11 when the amp is already set at 10 if we're considering shred. But take example an ehx soul food, blues guys only use it for a hardly noticable boost to sweeten their amps tone.

To be honest as long as its analog and adds some dirt its hard to go wrong. For the sake of testing, I'd recommend something affordable like a used boss sd1, ibanez ts9 or new joyo, mooer...

That Nova should also work but I have no idea if you'll like it, also it might be a bit harder to sell it later. Thing is besides the pedals tone, an overdrive must be selected for the right amp/style etc. too...

I like this video as its educative, might help; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdKjhXWpjq8

For shred, Todd's channel is cool he recently tested the tightdrive from amptweaker and you can hear how it affects the tone.

I'm sure you'll get the idea quickly, but when deciding to buy the first overdrive be aware its almost impossible to nail the right pedal at first attemt. Everybody I know including me changed or are thinking to changing their first bought overdrive pedal



Lol thats a super aggressive sounding pedal What I ment was more like getting the clean tone the guy is using on the video, notice the subtle breakup of the amp. Not saying it won't work but situation is like this;

Using subtle overdrive pedals; the tone itself won't sound good or atleast amp-like, but it will work with any amp sim. as it isn't doing much to the tone so you get flexability.

Using strong overdrive/fuzz pedals; Software amp must always be clean to slight breakup, you can tweak the pedals tone but can't jump to alternative distortion tones.

Just give some thought into this, if you find yourself always using a similar tone (and its like the VDL sound) than cool I nowadays only use a metalzone thats boosted with a ts9 or bb9 for shred stuff. But if you still feel like there is some room to experiment then something that lightly drive might be better.

Thanks,
I've just been talking to Ace about the pedal, he says it's very versatile, use as drive, distortion or fuzz, lots of scope for variation. I've started thinking that maybe I could use it for drive tones, the GT-001 for chorus, delay etc and Amplitube for cab sim. Also I'm thinking when I have a blast on my tube head it will work well.

Hotbird

What you reckon?

As I only watched 1 video and never tried the pedal its a bit hard for me to comment much on it, but if its capable for subtle overdrive than it should work fine. Extreme settings never blend well, like if the amp is too cracked then a cranked pedal would make it fuzz or dull...its always about balancing where a majority of tone is coming and what is supporting it.

Yeah overdrive is very versatile for usage, since you have the gear can experiment with a lot of combinations (like wether the amp being analog or software). I don't know the vox but the blackstar has cab. outs so that might work well too.

The whole idea is either getting some or all drive tone before the soundcard to get a more organic experience. I still like digital stuff but slided to the analog domain simply because of the feel on the fingertips, some do it specifically for tone. I just select a cab., use some eq on computer and ready to rock as my base distortion tone is already setuped by pedals.

Like I said its really up to what budget you can use, just remembered for example Gabriel recently started endorsing Joyo pedals and he made a test video on husky drive. Joyo stuff is very affordable and good sounding for the price while that hotbird seems like nice boutiqe quality stuff.

If you check any stores avalible overdrive pedals menu the list is huge, I don't want to recommend anything specific as I can never be sure if you'll like it. Would be easier for me if you couldn't make up your mine between a few products, then I would listen to your current tone or ask what ou listen or do you aim for a specific sound in an album etc...since you're not in a rush, take some recommendation from here or your local guitar store to atleast know the popular options some I named earlyer and listen them on youtube to get some idea. If still then you'll be certain on the hotbird then go for it

Thanks Mertay

I have to admit I hate trying lots of things. I always forget what the earlier things sounded like. Even written notes don't seem to help. It seems like a minefield with pedals which is why I went the multi fx route. I don't get much spare time so I try to make work what I've got or when I buy something I bite the bullet, buy something and get the best I can from it. My head is spinning just thinking of trying all the pedals
Cheers
Maybe I should get another guitar I'll find a way to fit it in

Wow Phil... congratulation to your guitar room... I am envious...

... and my wife is angry because I want to buy me a second guitar!!

Cheers you need to educate her in the priorities of life
When I got married nearly 25 years ago I didn't have a guitar. Now I have those and my wife has bought me three of them.
Maybe show her a picture of my room to show her how sensible you are. That might help persuade her

Thx Phil...

I try it with the picture of your room and on the sensitive manner...

ok then I'll recommend a Boss sd1

Its affordable, very recognised, built like a tank, buffered and has a good drive range to be used with plug-ins (not too much or not too clean). Has good output so should drive anything, I think Zack wylde used it for shred and many used it for all eras of rock.

As said, its sound on its own might not please you but once you get a good sound from your amp or computer, adding this will enrich the sound.

If you ever want to upgrade its relativly easy to sell but you can also use it too boost other pedals to like the hotbird if you ever want to buy it.

Thanks Mertay,

I spoke to him again later on and I asked him, "Can the Hotbird do subtle breakup?" and his answer was "Totally. It can sound like a valve Channel"

That video is interesting, thanks.

The SD1 is so cheap I might get one too. It will be a couple of weeks before I get the Hotbird so I may get the SD1 in the mean time. I have to say, the Hotbird is a piece of art, it will look lovely on my desk next to the GT-001 You must have bought something in the past just because, well, just because

If you watch the three video demos, the guitars all retain their character.

I need to go the the doctors, I have GAS bad

More info HERE

I'm starting to get a better idea after watching 3-4 times the same pedal with different guitars.

My only negative comment would be that he drived the amp a bit too much for the demonstration although its a fine sounding pedal. Being a geek, I love stuff with lots of buttons/knobs it is well thought though, even the light colors (my guess) represents inspired units from the past.

Fuzz although sounds like distortion is definitly a different fx for the player. I don't use it much, it has such a huge sound shred style simply doesn't go with it but a lot of blues guys love it. Its less depended/sensitive to picking articulation but when the backing track is right nothing sounds as huge as a fuzz.

I think you're going to spend more time on the afterburner. Still the stuff I said before applys as first you dial your amp tone then add and adjust the overdrive. Having lots of settings option on the pedal, might become a comfort to you as you develop a defoult amp sound (analog or software) setting and adjust from the pedal as needed (for backing tracks or gain adjustments). Options may look scary at first but are always nice to have.

I agree, a boss sd1 would be nice for you to experiment while waiting. It basically has 1 sound to it unlike the option loaded hotbird so until the unit arrives you'll probably setup/chain your gear to be ready to accept the hotbird.

Also, make sure to ask about the power supplys for the pedals (battery is a hassle for home usage trust me) and don't forget extra cables. Boss power supplys are easy to find as they're very universally used (for other brands too) but the hotbird may need something special as its a boutiqe unit. Let me know if you need and help

Cheers Mertay,
Glad you're warming to the Hotbird
I agree it sounds too driven in the demo but I thought someone with his experience wouldn't do that and maybe the producer had got some recording input set too sensitive but I might be blowing outta my ass with that
Cheers again

Artistically actually he isn't doing anything wrong, soundwise he gets a nice sound from the rig and it can even be driven more depending what one is looking for.

My comment was more on the marketing side, to really have some idea of the overdrives character its better not to drive the amp much as we want to hear the pedal more. Most demo's aren't made with very clean amp settings for a good reason, most overdrives aren't designed to sound good on clean amp settings.

A common negative comment from beginers who bought their first pedal is that the pedal doesn't sound like the videos, this pretty much explains the importance why not to drive the amp much on demo's.

It will sound different with your amp or computer too specially the overdrive section, probably not radically but it will. I see this as a nice thing, everybody gets their own sound

Update edit; This is a nice video, its the more expensive version of the sd1 which is non necessary for you but should give some idea on overall overdrive usage. Further in the video he always gives the amps sound first then engages the pedal. In my experience using with soundcard makes even more difference.

Hotbird ordered. Dispatch next Monday from Italy. I'm getting signed model number 8

Cool! another collectable item Now you're in trouble as we'll want to hear it through your playing once you get your hands on it

Eeeeek

yep, we wanna hear the new prs through the new hotbird

congrats on the new pedal btw, it does sound pretty badass.

Cheers,

Valerio (The V in VDL Valerio Alfredo Di Loreto) is going to send a signed photo with it. I might make a little shelf to put the pedal on the wall underneath the guitar with the pic by the Ace pic Only when I'm not using it of course

Should be here tomorrow

Cool! I hope you've practiced shred-tastic solo's for us!

Kidding we do want pic's and first impressions though!

Most definitely getting pics.

Ok, it's here. He forgot to put the signed pic in but I did get a tee shirt It's got a very hand made look to it, nice and industrial. Not played through it yet, much experimenting to do

Nice! I think it actually is handmade

Yes it is, and they haven't tried to disguise it

Sounds great through my amp, not much success through my GT-001 yet but it's early days.

Keep testing but yeah no rush, depending on the chain you feel best sounding and most comfortable let me know if you need any assistance (and I'm curious too)

Thanks.

Any suggestions for starters? I have one problem. I wanted to feed the GT001 from my Blkackstar emulated output BUT I can't use speaker emulation without a preamp in the chain and I can't find a transparent one.

Would a Shure SM57 be a valid option?

Cheers

We might be able to get a clean signal from the aux input, though not 100% sure this should work (it should get the sound through but not sure if it can record);



this converts a guitar jacks tip into a smaller, earphone-like tip. It should be extremely affordable and easy to find in music stores (or electronic supply type shops).

Worth a shot cause from mic input either we'll need a di-box for direct in or an sm57, mic.ing may be a problem for the neighbors at night

Does the boss amps offer to disable the amp but keep the cabinet? blackstars I think also has line or headphone outputs, if possible we could use the cabinet from the gt001?


edit; found the parameter guide; http://lib.roland.co.jp/support/en/manuals...-001_r_e01W.pdf

as I understand from page 4, if you press on/off the preamp should be disabled?

Thanks Mertay,

If I disable the preamp it disables the cab emulation. The GT001 has phantom power mic inputs so I was thinking of trying that. I can do more experimenting at the weekend. Best option so far has been using the Blackstar emulated output which is for recording or headphones.

Cheers

The sm57 is a dynamic mic. that doesn't require phantom power but the thing is its not a very sensitive mic. and thats why I'm a bit suspicious on how it would work in a home environment.

In studio, the best sound happens when the amp is really cranked. If wanted to record vocals for example, the preamps of a console or soundcard are forced a bit. Think of a loudly speaking person in the room, that would be the minimum healthy sound level acoustically needed for an sm57 to do its magic.

Darious has a lot of experience with such approach at home or smaller rooms, I strongly recommend you sending a pm to him to get the best advice if such workflow is ok for you and your environment. Maybe he could recommend something better for home use.

What I'd brainstorm would be either using the emulated output (as you did), stick with that cab. sound from amp and use eq to change its character when needed (use gt001 fx post)...or get a line level (non-emulated, it the amp has that option) from the amp, use gt001 fx (pre) and use cab. sim from computer. Either way you won't be forcing any cpu (cab. sim.s/ir's need really low power, lots of good freeware on web too).

Thanks Mertay,

I have full version of Amplitube 3, I just hate the interface. I'd like to persevere with the Hotbird as it feels different when playing through it and sounds great through my Blackstar (no line out on it).

Thanks again for your help Mertay.

Cheers

Cool, very understandable as although pedal+plug-in is frequently adviced by me or friends here full analog is always something else...

If you decide not to mic. your amp but feel the cab. emu from the amp isn't enough for any reason let me know as thats solvable by using an eq. Have fun experimenting

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr,

A whole night wasted, my GT-001 has stopped outputting any sound from the guitar input. All other sounds on computer are working fine. The GT-001 is my soundcard.

The only thing I have done is to update firmware on my Korg NanoKontrol2 but I can't see how that would affect anything.

Hmmm I also couldn't think of a reason, when you insert a track in reaper does it playback ok too? also why not revert to previous setup and re-install the korg?

Thanks Mertay,
I didn't try Reaper but I can't see it being a problem, Windows sounds work, youtube works, media player works, iTunes works.
I tried a system restore and it said it could restore and I tried about 5 restore points.
Cheers

Check the asio settings for the soundcard and reaper. I guess it changed a setting somewhere, re-installing the boss+ (maybe) reaper worst case should solve it if its that sort of an issue...

Big Muff is a very specific type of vintage drive. I think it can't be treated as a reference analog overdirve to make you opinion of whole range of analog OD. I would say it's "overcompressed, broke, old radio" type of sound for Jack White

Darius???

A Big Muff is a 'fuzz' tone.
It can also do lower gain, almost overdrive tones but it's more famous as a HUGE sounding fuzz pedal.
Smashing Pumpkins, Dinosaur Jr. and Nirvana are some of the famous 'big muff' using bands.
*Gilmore's solo on 'Comfortably Numb' is a Big Muff.
Keep in mind there are several different versions of the muff. The classic tones are all from the 70's and early 80s Muffs.

Thanks Ken,

Yeah I kinda understod what Darius was saying but was a little confused as to why he was saying it at this point in the conversation I was talking about a Big Muff originally back on page 1 of this thread as I had just sold a pre '78 one and when I tested it before putting it on the bay I thought it "felt" different to my digital stuff.

Thanks

Phil

I feel such a HUGE fool!!!!!!!!!!!

Turned out it was my EV-5 vol/expression pedal was up. What a total dingbat. Sorry folks. What makes it worse is that it has caught me out before. Because it's under my desk tucked away I don't think of it. It must have been when I was plugging the Hotbird back into the mains. I had taken it to my friends guitar shop for them to see and I must have caught it.

Sorry.

heheeh don't feel sorry and trust me we've all have such storys

Ha ha ha ! I was refering do Big Muff since Mertay (?) mentioned about trying analog OD and I understood it as you had Big Muff and was not satisfied with it. So...I wanted to clear things up Because it's like buying hollowbody guitar for playing metal. You can't say you don't like electric guitars when you try to use above, and it doesn't work Sorry for the brutal comparison

I meant that when I played through it into my Blackstar head it "felt" different, it did also get some nice Hendrixy type tones too but it was the feel.
Do you have any suggestions to how to get the best recording from my Blackstar emulated out with the Hotbird in the front end Darius?

Cheers

OK,

For those interested, HERE are some details about the knobs/switches in case you can advise me.

I've not had pedals before really, only digital multi fx. I have to say, playing through an amp is totally different to the PC even though I'm using my PC monitors (The emulated out switches of the cab speakers Wish there was a way to fix this so I could choose)

Cheers

Phil