Ebs Multidrive for that Sheehan-like lead style?

JohnPativens · #1 01-09-2009, 09:24 AM

Hi,
I've always got that tone with my rack preamps, like the bodxtpro,
and I was searching for an alternative solution good for lightweight situations where I don't have to carry the rack system around.
Does the EBS multidrive get that type of lead distortion?
I listened to the clips on ebs website, and I like that crunch tone. So I wonder if it would also give lead distorsions, with more sustain.
I found this old thread

EBS Multidrive SOUNDCLIPS

where there are some samples I'd like to listen to (the tapping one above all), but it seems that italian service providers block the media.putfile service for unkown reasons.

So I'd like to hear your opinions.

Thank you

**DosiYanarchy** · #2 01-09-2009, 12:11 PM

well i've got one for sale in the classifieds if you're interrested, but personally i think you'd need something with more of a mid-hump, i mean you could eq that in after the multidrive, but thats your call. I have quite a mid-rangey tone on my VTbass, so the multidrive into that works pretty well,

Sheehan's general tone is a product of ALOT of things (separate amps for each pickup, Signature ampeg preamps, signature bass) but i have read that he also uses a modified Tube screamer sometimes.

ill get some clips up asap

wizay · #3 01-09-2009, 12:19 PM

Ampeg bsp or maybe a guitarpedal? I hear some use the Metal Zone, with a blender pedal and a sansamp. Search!

I ran my attitude with one pickup to my bass amp (just lows, no highs) and the other P pickup (just highs) to my guitarists Marshall combo amp. Instant billy sheehan (almost), minus the talent :|

**DosiYanarchy** · #4 01-09-2009, 01:04 PM

hey, heres a quick demo i did, first half is just bass (just p-bass pickup with dead strings) -> multidrive -> BBE optostomp compressor -> computer

and the second half has a VTbass after the multidrive,

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7222821

Volume is at about 1 o'clock and drive is at max, and i switch through the settings from Tube Sim, STD then Flat.

to me FLAT isnt a useable setting, its got no low end, but the other two work very well,
you can get a really crunchy, tubey distortion/overdrive that sounds quite similar to my GGG-tuned Big Muff. but probably not great for the billy sheehan thing

**DosiYanarchy** · #5 01-09-2009, 01:05 PM

oh yeah, sorry about the shocking playing. didnt really care what i was playing, just wanted you to hear the pedal

Mark Olson · #6 01-09-2009, 01:43 PM

Yeah, for that Billy Sheehan stuff you'd definitely want something not only with more of a mid bump, but something with some more sustain as well. Billy generally uses Tubescreamer type pedals, and I think more recently he was stacking one with a pedal called the Diabolical Gristle Tone Manipulator by T.C. Jauernig Electronics. Definitely look into that and a Tubescreamer.

JohnPativens · #7 01-09-2009, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DosiYanarchy

oh yeah, sorry about the shocking playing. didnt really care what i was playing, just wanted you to hear the pedal

Thank you so much DosiYanarchy, you've been just great! I really appreciated it! Also saw your ad on classifieds.

It sounds like the multidrive cranked all the way up gets a little fuzzy! Doesn't it? Maybe less drive would do the trick?

Mark Olson, do you say the MD has not enough sustain?
Talking about the tubescreamer, actually, when I had to get that sound with my BodXtpro for some MrBig songs, I used to mix an overdriven SVT model (blended with the DI signal) + a tubescreamer model with lot of gain and low drive + a little bit of chorus. It worked just fine.

Maybe a real tubescreamer would be good for it. Or a modded tubescreamer like the Jacques Tubeblower also..

wizay, I thought about the BSP but I'd go better for a stompbox!

Mark Olson · #8 01-09-2009, 10:38 PM

Yes, if you want that singing sustain, you're not going to get it with a MultiDrive. I have owned the MultiDrive and while it is a fantastic pedal, I really don't think it will do anything in the neighborhood of Billy Sheehan.

redangel · #9 01-10-2009, 07:50 AM

I am an Ampeg SVP-BSP user. I think what you need is a TS808 or Maxon OD808. It works great! I sold my Ampeg SVP-BSP last month and using TS808 and blend it with my clean channel by X Blender to simulate. Its GREAT!

JohnPativens · #10 01-10-2009, 08:17 AM

Are there any samples of the Ts808 here on the forum, as far as you know?

Anyway I also use this thing sometimes

Korg Ampworks

and I get pretty decent results on lead distorted sounds! It's a hassle to integrate it onto a pedalboard though, not as easy to bypass as a stompbox!

wizay · #11 01-10-2009, 08:57 AM

oK, am i missing something here? do you want his 'main' tone or the super overdriven one?

Main tone, i would use the Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive. Superoverdriven one, a Boss Metalzone with a blend pedal.

Registred member "kringle77" know a alot about this. Shoot him a PM

JohnPativens · #12 01-10-2009, 09:45 AM

Let's say something in between! An example could be his tone on Addicted to that rush.. it's a little more than an overdrive, just a little.
I know how to get that overall sound with other equipment mentioned before, but now I need something more ''portable''.

JohnPativens · #13 01-10-2009, 10:10 AM

I also listened to some Sparkle Drive clips here

Voodoo Sparkle Drive on Talkbass

It sounds like it could get close to the tone we're talking about..

Mark Olson · #14 01-10-2009, 02:18 PM

The Sparkle Drive is a good pedal, I'm glad you found my clips. I like it anyways. If you're looking to go that route you may even want to try stacking two Sparkle Drives, stacking tubescreamers is a classic way to get a more distorted tone. Haven't tried it myself with the Sparkle Drives, but I'd love to give that a whirl.