Studio Guitar Sound
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Posted on Dec 21, 2006 02:51 pm
Drako
Member Since: Sep 15, 2004
Hey HRC -
I've been very happy with my home recordings up to this point minus one element: My guitar sounds. I've been plugging in direct into my interface (I know, I know) because I am more of a bass player and I lack equipment. But now I'm ready to buy. But what? I dont need fancy effects (phasers, modulations etc). I just want a nice warm clean tone, and a rocking thick distortion. What product/combination of products would do the trick? Lets say my budget is $2000. What would be the best route to take if I'd also like to play live with the gear? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
David
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TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Dec 21, 2006 03:08 pm What is your recording space like? Can you crank up an amp and be loud? There's nothing like the sound of the power section of a tube amp being pushed to its limits.
If volume isn't a concern, then take a look into a good mid-level tube amp. Examples are Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, Traynor YCV40, Peavey Valveking/Classic/5150/JSX, Orange amps, maybe a used Marshall or Mesa Boogie, VOX AC series, Buddha, Bogner. Really the list goes on and on for good tube-alicious sounds. That's going to be your best bet for good clean tones, thick distortion, and ability to play live all in one chassis.
15 watts is plenty for home usage since you can crank it and not go deaf. 5 watts are even better if you can find it...like the Epiphone Valve Junior. Just remember that the perceived volume for tube amps is a whole different thing than volume of solid-state amps. A 100 watt tube amp could shake your house apart when cranked. Well, not literally, but close at least.
Then you'll want a good overdrive pedal to accompany any tube amp. That way you can set your gain to a nice even breakup for rhythm tones, and step on an overdrive to push the front end of your amp hard for more distortion and sensitivity for solos/heavy distortion. An example would be the Ibanez Tube Screamer.
Damn I wish I had $2K to blow on a guitar rig! It'd be a sweet one you could guarantee :D
Honestly though, the simpler the better for good guitar tone. Angus Young of AC/DC simply plugs a Gibson SG into a Marshall JCM800 (I think) and voila! One of the most recognizeable and well-rounded tones on the planet. Of course, those 2 pieces of gear alone would run you about $2000, and that doesnt even cover the speaker cabinet!
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Dec 21, 2006 03:41 pm As DB pointed out in another thread. www.axetrak.com
Tube sound without the house shaking volume. I think this idea sounds very cool and would be great for us guys who have amps that go to 11, but also have babies in the house.
I will say just from reading, it seems they did their homework and used quality parts customized specifically for it.
I want one! If not a giggin guitar player I think it could be a very affordable option that would give you a great sound. Of course, best to read up on it online and check the return policy.
LokiCone PokerMember
Since: Apr 07, 2002
Dec 21, 2006 06:26 pm A good amp and a good stomp box. The amp is the most important thing, go into a store with your guitar and try out a ton of amps. Find the one that you think sounds best, and then see if it's your price range. You can get a good distortion sound from several stomp boxes out there. Mty favorites being the Big Muff, Big Muff Pi, and the Booss Mega Distortion.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 21, 2006 08:34 pm IF you have 2 grand to spend I suggest a Line 6 Flextone III. Absolutely killer clean and distorted. Even the Flkextone II was a great choice.
zZounds has the Flextone III XL 2 x 12 for $699.00 new. Its a 100 watt 2 x 12 combo, so it is a one piece rig. Even the standard Flextone II 1 x 12 at 75 watts is killer. They will allow you the advantage of amp modeling and simple or drastic effects. And the sound is stellar.
Have a look at Line 6 to see what I mean. www.line6.com/flextoneiii/
Dec 22, 2006 07:42 am If you want to play live with it too, the Flextone Noize2u mentioned would rock. Or, perhaps a simple 4x12 cab along with a simple poweramp and a POD...maximum flexibility.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Dec 22, 2006 12:53 pm I picked up my Line6 HD147 off ebay with the gigantic foot pedal for just under 1K. Combined retail on that would be upwards of $1500. Sad thing is, I rarely gig with it anymore as it is wired into my studio and all I use for recording. The ole Ampeg Reverb Rocket gets all the glory when it comes to live shows.
Dec 22, 2006 05:32 pm I have a fender twinII all tube and it will peel paint but it will not get dirty, a mesa boogie DC3, very good for this use, a fender blues deville,that you have crank to get that burn, and a flextone III, it would do the job. And it would probably get close to the sound of all the others. And I believe the newer models come with XLR direct outs, another plus. But to get the max out of the Flextone you may want to get at least the short floorboard. The flextone III can be picked up on ebay in the $450ish area.
Dec 24, 2006 08:54 am Just'won' a 15 watt Laney valve on Ebay its wicked and really does kick like a mule,hope it doesn't fart like one too.
