1 Topic by GP

  • GP
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  • Registered: 2011-12-18
  • Posts: 6

Topic: Pimp my tone

*anyone feel free to use this same thread to ask for similar advice*
I'm a guitar player (doh...), I know next to nada about gear and am looking for a bit of help on getting my tone up to a better standard. Main influences are JB, Eric Johnson and John Frusciante of RHCP fame and hoping to sound as close as possible to a mix of all three. Here's a couple of vids of me jamming to give you an idea (excuse the camera stare tongue): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJOpm8pOu7g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLs-b4kKEuo
Gear I'm currently using: 1984 Gibson V, through a Fender 210R FM. Digital delay and a DS2 cranked way up.
Any suggestions are welcome - amp/pedal recommendations, dial settings, you name it. So long as you know what you're talking about smile

--- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4g9LX03YwA ---
  • From: New Castle, DE USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Re: Pimp my tone

Welcome to the Forum!  Now, prepare for the deluge of advice...   big_smile

Terrance Shuman
New Castle, DE
  • Registered: 2009-02-10
  • Posts: 470

Re: Pimp my tone

Nice playing smile
What's the Marshall behind you? If you're wanting a dirty tone that is a mix of those three players the marshall over the fender is a good shout (if it's yours that is haha)

4 Reply by GP

  • GP
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  • Registered: 2011-12-18
  • Posts: 6

Re: Pimp my tone

It's a Vintage Modern, and it is mine, but it sounds like hell on earth. Pretty much the opposite of the kind of thing I'm after (it does Angus Young authentically enough. Not much else...) Part of the reason I'm asking, as I'm looking to take it back and trade it in for something that, you know, sounds better. wink

--- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4g9LX03YwA ---
  • macg1
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  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,020

Re: Pimp my tone

my suggestion would be a Budda SD30 or SD45.  May not be the obvious choice, but it is quite a versatile one, and JB used to use them a few years back.  Of course you can do quite well with a JCM2000.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • Registered: 2009-02-10
  • Posts: 470

Re: Pimp my tone

Really? Just quite a difficult one to dial in a guess, heard loads of great reviews on the VM. That's a shame though, sometimes just doesn't suit.
A JCM2000 would be a good shout (DSL over TSL), Budda are great but not too cheap really.

And of course, there are thousands of pedals to try out tongue

  • From: Ireland
  • Registered: 2010-10-25
  • Posts: 57

Re: Pimp my tone

I too have a Vintage Modern, at first it sounded amazing but after a few weeks play the distortion just feels too artificial and its not half as touch sensitive as my 18 watt clone. Depending on your budget theres a few options that I think could work well.

18 watt clone - great dirty tone, might need to boost the bass and gain though, probably too quite for Frusciante's cleans though
Marshall bluesbreaker - good dirty tone driven with a pedal (timmy/tubescreamer?) and nice cleans by rolling back your guitars volume
Marshall Silver Jubilee and Superlead/Superbass - Jubilee for the gain and the super for the cleans

Guitars: Epiphone JBLP, Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Amps: Marshall Vintage Modern, 18 watt clone
  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: Pimp my tone

After watching you in a couple of your other you tube vids, I think your already on the right path. Your very good! Plus I like your attitude!! big_smile When you can find and afford a good 2550 Jubilee, and a decent Fender head, grab them.

and.... Welcome!!

  • From: Southampton, UK
  • Registered: 2011-09-06
  • Posts: 231

Re: Pimp my tone

Best thing might be to dial right back on the distortion on the amp and get a decent overdrive pedal (there's so many, but a high-end Tubescreamer could be the ticket) which might provide more clarity.  Also, try mixing the amp with another cleaner tone - a fender or similar.  As Joe once said, no amp ever did the whole thing tonally (or something along those lines!).

Gibson LP '89 Custom * Gibson LP '04 Classic * Gibson JB LP Studio * Fender 50th Ann. Deluxe Strat * Gibson Explorer Pro * Epiphone Korina SG * Michael Kelly Patriot Premium * Ibanez 105NT Artcore Custom * Takamine acoustics * Fender Blues Deville 4x10" * Marshall DSL100 and DSL50 * Marshall 1960A * Laney LH55 * Bugera V55HD * Bugera 212VT * Marshall 1912 * Roland Cube 60

Coolaxeman's Website

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Pimp my tone

GP wrote:

It's a Vintage Modern, and it is mine, but it sounds like hell on earth. Pretty much the opposite of the kind of thing I'm after (it does Angus Young authentically enough. Not much else...) Part of the reason I'm asking, as I'm looking to take it back and trade it in for something that, you know, sounds better. wink

Great playing I love the feel you put into it. I may be selling one of my Jubilee's if you are interestd. I have not decided yet.
Cheers again you sound great
Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 2,183

Re: Pimp my tone

Depends where you live a bit...
If you are in the UK...I'd give the early JCM800s a go (4 input 50w is the best)...JCM900 (only the Mk3) and maybe any 2000 model...run them loud and a lot cleaner than you think. With boosts on those...
John and Joe both use Silver Jubilees, plus John uses Marshall Majors...which I'm guessing are for his glassy clean sounds.
Great V.H. playing going on and most of all...great attitude.