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I need more "big"

#61
lunarpollen said:
Actually, I think if you are looking for an overall bigger sound, you need to figure out how to get a huge CLEAN sound first. A weak wimpy clean sound put through through tons of distortion, effects, and big amps is just going to sound like loud, fuzzed-out, effected, weak, wimpy tone. Some sort of pre-amp might be a good idea. Or even just an EQ pedal placed at the beginning of the signal chain. Of course, good pickups, beefier strings, and good right hand technique go a long way too.

I use my bass amp to take care of the low end (i cut the highs on the amp), and then I have a cable going from the tuner out of the bass amp into the input of a guitar combo (doesn't need to be big, 30 watts would be fine, as long as it can get a nice, clear, not-too-heavy, tube overdrive), I have the lows cut on the guitar combo so only the rich overtones are going through (the lows would just muddy it up). Doing this gets me much more of a big sound than just relying on an OD pedal through my bass amp alone.

Big doesn't = loud, and big doesn't = more distorted. Big = strong, rich, and punchy, no matter how loud or distorted it is. Start with a good, strong, fairly-clean tone, and then just add enough overdrive or distortion until it sounds right texturally in the context of the whole mix, making sure the distortion doesn't subtract from the bigness of the sound (a lot of distortions actually weaken the tone, they only superficially sound "heavier" because of the added noise and crunch). Then work on making it louder while maintaining the same balance and texture (usually turning the volume up changes those things).
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Good advice.
 
#63
two fingers said:
Sounds like you have lots of...pedals...and stuff. Sell your two small setups (rigs) and get a really powerfull head and lots of speakers. That low tech answer will probably make you very happy.
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I sold the Ampeg BA 115 already. I could get about maybe 700 for the Laney, and the pedals could possibly bring another 100-150 depending on how I sell them.

The Laney is 250 watts already, but I could get more power.:hmm:

I also don't know what I could scare up that is highly-powered for 850.
 
#64
Thunderscreech said:
I sold the Ampeg BA 115 already. I could get about maybe 700 for the Laney, and the pedals could possibly bring another 100-150 depending on how I sell them.

The Laney is 250 watts already, but I could get more power.:hmm:

I also don't know what I could scare up that is highly-powered for 850.
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how about 200-300 watts of TUBE power?

there are several options in that price range, both new and used
 
#65
Tired_Thumb said:
Perfectly legitimate comment, something I would have easily conceded to, then...

Now I'm supposed to trust you? Really, think about how you might have responded. :rolleyes:
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Im sure others on here would verify. Hell, have you thought about a search.

For being on here as long as you have Im surprised that you have not heard the expression "Daniel Tulip is beyond explanation" ;)

Now Im just fooling around WAY too much.

Anyways, I would be interested in the setup of your X3, especially if you run it thru a PA or not, if any other amps are involved, and what cab/mic combos you use (if any).

Seriously :D
 
#67
Thunderscreech said:
:eek:

Do tell. 200-300 watts of TUBE would be very nice, actually. Get a Bass Big Muff into a tube amp = ULTIMATE SLUDGE FUZZ.
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Off the top of my head, traynor YBA-200 (sells for like 500 in the classifieds all the time), that new Peavey tube head (what's it called again?), that Eden-branded offshore built all-tube head (don't laugh)...

but my (biased) pick would be "used mesa buster"

now get thee to amps and start asking questions about options like these
 
#68
RCCollins said:
Off the top of my head, traynor YBA-200 (sells for like 500 in the classifieds all the time), that new Peavey tube head (what's it called again?), that Eden-branded offshore built all-tube head (don't laugh)...

but my (biased) pick would be "used mesa buster"

now get thee to amps and start asking questions about options like these
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Mmmm.... Mesa Buster... We had one of those come through the guitar shop where I used to work, and it was an amazing piece of gear. Sounded like a way, way ballsier SVT. I wish I would have snagged that thing when I had the chance.
 
#74
Thunderscreech said:
Are tube amps high-maintenance? Cause I am considering a VT Bass as an option.
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higher maintenance than solid state, but they should not have major issues... just require tube replacement, which if you take car of your gear shouldn't be necessary more often than every couple years

it's EASILY worth it for the tone. A VT is fine for going direct but at the end of the day, it's a stompbox tube sim

but i think i hear the sound of a backpedalling sissy! :p
 
#75
RCCollins said:
higher maintenance than solid state, but they should not have major issues... just require tube replacement, which if you take car of your gear shouldn't be necessary more often than every couple years

it's EASILY worth it for the tone. A VT is fine for going direct but at the end of the day, it's a stompbox tube sim

but i think i hear the sound of a backpedalling sissy! :p
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Yeah. You're right.

I'm afriad If i sell my amp, i wont have the money for another one, and THAT would truly suck, being Amp-less.

meanwhile, RC, how does the Bass Big Muff behave with your t00bs?
 
#76
Could you get the tone you're looking for in the pedal+pre stages and use an SS head to get the volume? I know it's sacrilege, but SS watts are a lot cheaper than tube watts, so you can buy more volume for your money.

Just a thought, don't burn me at the stake or anything... ;-)
 
#78
Thunderscreech said:
Yeah. You're right.

I'm afriad If i sell my amp, i wont have the money for another one, and THAT would truly suck, being Amp-less.

meanwhile, RC, how does the Bass Big Muff behave with your t00bs?
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it sounds awesome!

I've never heard of any pedal not playing nice with tubes - they play different. they sound BETTER

the Laney is a nice amp though so I feel you. keep your eye on the local and TB classified though, there are deals on tube amps - it doesn't ALWAYS have to be an SVT
 

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