Gain like Ampeg's SVP-BSP (5-Pro) without the obscene noise?

Sound Chaser · #1 11-02-2009, 11:06 PM

My old Ampeg SVP-BSP had incredible, energetic, super high-gain distortion that was, in my opinion, freakin' incredible. However, it was also incredibly noisy, even when using just the clean channel. So much so that Billy Sheehan doesn't actually use it (from what I can tell). So, what I'm wondering is, does anyone know of a good pedal that can get me a similar sound but won't hiss like crazy? What I love about it is that's it's so smooth. Not the crackly synthy fuzz that a lot of guys seem to like. It also imparts sustain like nothing else I've played through.

Here's a video of me and some guys tearin' through YYZ back in '05 for reference.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg_eWyRzlnA

And here's us playing King Crimson's Red. Notice the wall of droning destruction I create during the verses.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKqLdqLBxl0

Here's a solo. Sheehan/Van Halen. It's a little off, but you get the idea:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nlG4Tg1PjY

Ouch.

Anyway though, hope somebody can help me out. My only other option is to buy the less noisy 5-Pro used and run a second amp... which I'm not totally against, but it would sure cost a whole lot more. The distorted 5-Pro can be heard in tandem with a clean 3-Pro on Primus' Lacquer Head, if you want a sample that's recorded a little cleaner:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn-s5cmy8dU

MakiSupaStar · #2 11-03-2009, 10:49 AM

I run a SVP-BSP pre/power set up. The dirty channel is dirty that's kind of the deal. I love the "noiseyness" of it. However, my clean channel is perfectly quiet. Sometimes it can get a little noisy if I pop out the some of the buttons for boost. I love this distortion, and a result have never gone out and looked for a distortion pedal. I run my fx loop through that channel too.

I guess I'm just bumping to see the results here.

RickenBoogie · #3 11-03-2009, 11:26 AM

Nice covers, I like your band. I didn't hear any bass o/d or distortion even that an EBS Valve Drive couldn't duplicate. That's what I'd be looking for if I were in your shoes. Good luck, there's plenty more options, (and everyone will share their fav's).

Sound Chaser · #4 11-03-2009, 03:21 PM

Thanks man, I'll definitely look into that EBS pedal.

Any other ideas?