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Tool tone/FX sticky thread ver. 1

#1,021
I have been able to get really pretty close to a lot of popular Tool tones using just the HX Stomp and a Stingray. That gives the option of signal splitting, Rat, EQ, and GK amp/cab sims all in one. It's not exact, but I'm honestly not sure that if you gave me a Wal, JC's amps and pedals and let me tweak them all myself and play that I'd get any closer. :D The main issue for me is that I have never had the discipline to learn how to play with a plectrum, and that attack and articulation is a huge component.
 
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#1,023
I just used that JC infographic that's been passed around here a lot detailing his signal chain and set up a patch that split my signal into two. I think one was clean and straight to a GK amp with the mids dialed up. The other half of the signal went to a Rat, then an EQ that scooped the mids, then to another GK amp. You'll have to fiddle with the % of signal that goes both ways, and also the settings on the EQs and amps. You might not even need the EQ after the Rat, not sure. Really digital modelers give you a tremendous number of knobs and degrees of freedom, you could probably get to where I got in 100 different ways.
 
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#1,024
keatz said:
Hi, I've got a Tool cover show coming up but only have 1 amp(GK Fusion 550 into Berg 410). Would you bother blending in a rat at the end of the chain or just forgo the "dirty amp"?
I've got the rest of the effects covered.

Also, those of you that have done Tool shows, what did your setup include?
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I used to be in a Tool tribute band. Like you, I used a G&L L2000. I had a custom rat built at that time, but I switched to the MXR bass distortion recently and I find it to be just ok, but better than most. Like ToomyBass, I went through about every Rat on the planet searching for the right one. If I were to do a Tool tribby again I would switch back to the custom.
 
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#1,025
Toolmybass said:
I can hook you up with a guy that Mod's Rats for bass. Although its not a specific wet/dry blend like a whammy has...but it does have a blend function that takes your signal and blend as much of the Rat in as you want.
If your interested, send me a PM and i will give you his deets.

TMB
Click to expand...

check out the cat tail or blower box. Both great on bass and sound awesome imo. Those are what I use for rats
 
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#1,026
I like that he's still using the GT2. I love that pedal but with my current tuning the low end loss is ridiculous, although I had one for a while. If anyone knows of someone who mods these to allow more low end and take out some noise I'd be all OVER that. It just has an "It" quality and sound.
 
#1,027
spector_boogie said:
I like that he's still using the GT2. I love that pedal but with my current tuning the low end loss is ridiculous, although I had one for a while. If anyone knows of someone who mods these to allow more low end and take out some noise I'd be all OVER that. It just has an "It" quality and sound.
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Mike from putnamguitars.com does great work on Tech 21 stuff and is very good about accommodating customer requests.
I was also a big fan of the GT2’s distinct flavor of gain but needed more flexibility and less noise. I’m pretty happy now with Source Audio’s dirt selection, namely the Aftershock.
 
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#1,028
LSMFT6 said:
Mike from putnamguitars.com does great work on Tech 21 stuff and is very good about accommodating customer requests.
I was also a big fan of the GT2’s distinct flavor of gain but needed more flexibility and less noise. I’m pretty happy now with Source Audio’s dirt selection, namely the Aftershock.
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I've got some feelers out for 'latest and greatest' OD/crunch pedals, the Aftershock has come up, it's on my list to check out as well as the Creation Audio Grizzly and Damnation Audio MDB-1/2 (?).
I'm emailing Mike now to see if he can do anything to allow more low-end pass thru on the GT2.
 
#1,029
spector_boogie said:
I've got some feelers out for 'latest and greatest' OD/crunch pedals, the Aftershock has come up, it's on my list to check out as well as the Creation Audio Grizzly and Damnation Audio MDB-1/2 (?).
I'm emailing Mike now to see if he can do anything to allow more low-end pass thru on the GT2.
Click to expand...

to me aftershock is good if you have no other dirt to compare to... it’s decent and a pretty darn good digital pedal with loads of options... but just can’t replicate some boutique stuff.

I love my mbd1... just nothing beats it’s low end and clarity yet grind..
 
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#1,030
theunknowndude said:
to me aftershock is good if you have no other dirt to compare to... it’s decent and a pretty darn good digital pedal with loads of options... but just can’t replicate some boutique stuff.

I love my mbd1... just nothing beats it’s low end and clarity yet grind..
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Someone had recommended the Shift Line A+ buzz bass and THAT is what I was looking for in a more "GT2"-ish tone, that can retain the low end.
I think I'm going to have to add that AND the MBD-1 to my board. Both sound great.
 
#1,031
spector_boogie said:
Someone had recommended the Shift Line A+ buzz bass and THAT is what I was looking for in a more "GT2"-ish tone, that can retain the low end.
I think I'm going to have to add that AND the MBD-1 to my board. Both sound great.
Click to expand...

Depending on the cost of mods+shipping....what about an eq pedal post GT2 to give back what you are missing?
I found the 5 digit serials have a nice warmer sound than newer ones (6 digit)
I use a Boss eq pedal post BR2 and Tonebender because of the same low end loss/presence when pedal engaged.
 
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#1,032
Toolmybass said:
Depending on the cost of mods+shipping....what about an eq pedal post GT2 to give back what you are missing?
I found the 5 digit serials have a nice warmer sound than newer ones (6 digit)
I use a Boss eq pedal post BR2 and Tonebender because of the same low end loss/presence when pedal engaged.
Click to expand...

Tbh I've done that in the past, I had an Analogman TS variant, and then had the Boss Bass EQ in a loop with it. I've considered doing same with the GT2, I'm just trying to avoid needing the extra pedals for a 2-loop pedal, plus extras, a brick, etc... I may end up doing it anyway though, depending on how busy my new band gets.
When you say the 5-digit serials, I assume you're referring to the GT2? I've only had 1, but it was a little older- loved how it sounded.
 
#1,034
Hi everyone ! Currently playing a Wal and looking for a great fuzz, tried some from Big muffs (Russian and reissues), Tech21 Red Ripper to EQD Terminal (Shin-ei Companion) but not so satisified to get another territory than my current Darkglass B3K OD and Fuzzrocious custom Rat tail w/blend. I'm ideally looking for a compact pedal with top mounted jacks and it would be in blended loop so not necessarily needs a blend.
Do you know which is the best clone/equivalent to Coloursound Sola Tonebender Justin uses ? I couldn't afford it as such expensive and rare nowadays, and I've seen JHS recently released that "Bender" inspired by this pedal...
 
#1,037
vivaknoxvegas said:
@Mark06 look into the Sanford & Sonny Bluebeard fuzz. It’s a monster.
Click to expand...

He is looking for a compact pedal with top mounted jacks...which the BB is neither.
I beleive the company also took out the germ/silic switch??...which wasnt received well.
So used ones with this feature are more than ones new, straight from the company.
Its also more of a "break up fuzz", than a straight fuzz of the Tonebender.

These are great pedals....for Tool? Not so much....do they meet what the OP is asking for?....i would say no.
 

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