itt people who play music

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by Iron Mickey, Jan 31, 2016.

  1. ButchCassidy

    ButchCassidy Well-Known Member
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  2. ButchCassidy

    ButchCassidy Well-Known Member
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  3. BJ

    BJ Well-Known Member
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  4. ButchCassidy

    ButchCassidy Well-Known Member
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    I’ve never had an electric, just an acoustic forever. Pure acoustic, too, so just wanted something to mess around with.

    Will check out boss katana 50.
     
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  5. Redav

    Redav One big ocean
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    What kind of sound do you want/what type of music do you want to play is what I usually think about with amps and buying them. There are a ton lunchbox amps <$500 so you don't have to get the orange unless that's the sound you're going for.
     
  6. Redav

    Redav One big ocean
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    You could also buy the new Mark VII for $3500. Really up to you
     
  7. ButchCassidy

    ButchCassidy Well-Known Member
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    As an acoustic player mostly chords. Biggest fan and influence tho is classic rock, so that would be fun to mess with.
    Not really anything too grungy/hard.

    mostly clean tones, and experimenting. That Boss is probably best idea since you can hook it up to a laptop to get multiple effects. Instead of a pedal.
     
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  8. Redav

    Redav One big ocean
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    There should be guys you can search for playing through a bunch of those lunchbox amps, basically demoing them. That's usually how I research it. Tone is also subjective so you can find one that sounds good to you personally that way.
     
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  9. Stagger Lee

    Stagger Lee Crazy. Sexy. Cool.
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    Mesa Boogie is what's up
     
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  10. Redav

    Redav One big ocean
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    Word. A Mark series amp is on my bucket list
     
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  11. Drew Swinney Esq

    Drew Swinney Esq Successful Attorney in Atlanta
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    Meant to respond to this. So he is playing all of the modes of G, built from the rest of the major scales. G mode of A, G mode of B, etc.

    A way I also think of and use modes, which is probably a bit of a crutch:

    If I am in the key of D, and there’s a Bm 6th chord. I know I can play the relative minor scale without moving out of the D major scale. If I just start and stop my run/phrase on the 6th of the major scale, then that is a free minor scale without learning another pattern.
     
  12. Stagger Lee

    Stagger Lee Crazy. Sexy. Cool.
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    Check out Fuchs. Very similar to the Mesa Boogie, but even better IMO. I have this Fuchs pedal to try and imitate the Fuchs amp sound. https://fuchsaudiotechnology.com/product/effects/plush-drive/

    I can't justify buying a nice amp. I have a second-hand Fender Deville I bought about 10 years ago. I don't know the last time I've turned the volume up loud enough to even hear the tubes ring. It's just too much volume for a small house with a wife and three kids.

    My talent level also doesn't justify it.
     
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  13. TC

    TC Peter, 53, from Toxteth
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  14. cutig

    cutig My name is Rod, and I like to party
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    Same question- I have been playing mostly acoustic while my electric gathers dust. I wanted to start playing some electric blues, what kind of cheap (<$400) amp and pedals should I look at? The gear side of electric guitar is overwhelming
     
  15. Stagger Lee

    Stagger Lee Crazy. Sexy. Cool.
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    I'd get something like this:
    https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/F...Mf_cQc1TtrBmQ16YYzboHnFHbWK-rYOwaAksoEALw_wcB

    On pedals, I'd recommend (1) a compressor and (2) a tube screamer and/or overdrive pedal.

    1. Compressor. https://reverb.com/p/mxr-dyna-comp-...AXyOaGyplkeFuwZkQ367Lgdzml3Iz4lcaAlhAEALw_wcB

    2. Tube screamer. https://www.sweetwater.com/c969--Di...Byots4D435dR1aeYx1EaAndSEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

    3. Overdrive. https://reverb.com/p/fuchs-plush-dr...e_z9qcCgbzIFZrr44wOe34WS4cUxd0ZsaAkPbEALw_wcB
     
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  16. TC

    TC Peter, 53, from Toxteth
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    Can prob find a beginner package for around that that includes guitar and amp with built in effects. Amp with onboard effects will be simpler than buying different pedals, esp for a beginner
     
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  17. M'ark Pepperonio

    M'ark Pepperonio Free mahi mahi! Free mahi mahi!
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    The correct answer is almost certainly a decent solid state/modeling amp as others have said (Roland Blues Cube is another), but I'll be a contrarian and give you some bad advice...you can scoop up a vintage Danelectro or Valco similar to a Fender Champ for not much more than $400. These will be loud and require service periodically but unicorns fart pixie dust all over them so the tone is magic ;)

    With an old tube amp, I wouldn't worry about getting a bunch of pedals to play the blues, personally, I would use the knobs on the guitar to change the tone.
     
    #1467 M'ark Pepperonio, Mar 9, 2023
    Last edited: Mar 9, 2023
  18. Redav

    Redav One big ocean
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    Yeah it is. There's endless stuff.

    I think fender amps are what you'd want for blues like stagger posted. Marshall makes lunchbox amps and Marshall's are generally great but they're more classic rock.

    I'd get the the SD -1 or BD-1 over the tube screamer though I'm not a huge tube screamer fan and the SD-1 and BD-1 are a lot cheaper and sound better imo
     
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  19. TC

    TC Peter, 53, from Toxteth
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    ButchCassidy IMO amp doesn't matter too much if you're just gonna screw around at home. You need to crank an amp up pretty good to see what it's really about and that rarely happens in personal jamming situations. I wouldn't put too much in the amp unless you're gonna play live/with other people
     
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  20. Redav

    Redav One big ocean
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    Yeah you can get a decent tube amp for <$500 used.
     
  21. TC

    TC Peter, 53, from Toxteth
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    I feel bad turning my tube amp on at home; wear and tear for nothing. I almost always use my little solid state practice amp
     
  22. TC

    TC Peter, 53, from Toxteth
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    I apparently lucked up on the Strat combo pack I bought from Facebook Marketplace. It's a Fender, not a Squier (Mexican made but still) and the amp it came with has onboard effects. All I can find right now searching on Guitar Center and Fender's website is a Squier starter pack and the amp it includes just has basic clean/dirty channels.
     
  23. glimmer

    glimmer queen of tmb
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    been getting back into playing guitar

    i’ve got a focusrite solo and i just run amp sims in my DAW. i’ve found a really nice 5150 clone. the 6 string is an ironbird that a friend made from an old kramer strat style - it’s in drop C right now. the 7 is a jackson dinky i’ve got in drop G#

    F78AA8D1-869D-4A4B-BA8B-32FCC3EA7536.jpeg

    A5300E40-6D8C-4248-B519-5CD3A0E8BF00.jpeg
     
  24. TC

    TC Peter, 53, from Toxteth
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    Not my style but both are sick axes glimmer. I like some of your books too
     
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  25. Redav

    Redav One big ocean
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    Amp sims can sound indistinguishable from the real thing in recordings nowadays. It's a really good way to quietly play too.
     
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  26. M'ark Pepperonio

    M'ark Pepperonio Free mahi mahi! Free mahi mahi!
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    With all the technology available today, there is no practical reason for home players to own a tube amp. I acknowledge this.

    But, even as a mostly home player, I'd give up my left leg before I let go of any one of my tube amps. For me, nothing else has come close to giving me the same level of enjoyment I get from cranking them up. Attenuators have improved as well to reduce some of the volume, though modelers are still a better solution for most.

    Practicality and logic are fine. But I think it's ok to leave some of the romance in this too. I got into tube amps before I ever picked up a guitar and they still inspire me every day.

    Not disagreeing or arguing, just wanted to share a different perspective. Find what makes you happy and keeps you playing.
     
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  27. Redav

    Redav One big ocean
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    Google the best bless tube amp.

    First return is an SLO 100 for $4000.

    Thanks Google
     
  28. Redav

    Redav One big ocean
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    I love having a tube amp and am planning on upgrading to the 120w 6505 whenever they get back in stock, an amp I definitely do not need lmao.

    I've also used modelers and think they're good too but in a different way.
     
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  29. Deep dirt

    Deep dirt Well-Known Member
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    I have saved searches on slickdeals.net and my local Craigslist for “musical instruments” that yield good results. Check those pretty much daily for anything tempting online. In addition to scrolling through Reverb all the time lol.
     
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  30. Redav

    Redav One big ocean
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    *Scrolls reverb*

    "I definitely need a lot of this stuff"
     
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  31. TC

    TC Peter, 53, from Toxteth
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    I have a Fender Blues Jr. which is considered a good tube amp. $800 new at a local music store and got them to waive sales tax because of a ding in the tolex

    Edit: Fender Hot Rod Deluxe is the amp I have, not Blues Jr.
     
    #1481 TC, Mar 9, 2023
    Last edited: Mar 9, 2023
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  32. TC

    TC Peter, 53, from Toxteth
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    How loud do you usually crank when you play? Do you play when no one else is home?

    Ever get where you can see the tubes glowing red hot in the back?
     
  33. Redav

    Redav One big ocean
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    Yeah just a bizarre suggestion for $4000 and the slo is in no way a blues amp.

    Reminds me of Eli Porter recommending $800 shoes to a factory worker
     
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  34. TC

    TC Peter, 53, from Toxteth
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    Also M'ark Pepperonio how do I know when it's time to change a tube. Will the amp not turn on, or does it just start to sound shittier?
     
  35. Redav

    Redav One big ocean
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    Amp will sound like shit when the tube is out
     
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  36. Deep dirt

    Deep dirt Well-Known Member
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    Have just recently begun watching the YouTube channel called Psionic Audio

    https://m.youtube.com/user/psionicaudio

    Specializes in tube amp repairs, diagnosing issue, etc. I think some signs of tubes going bad include additional noise, decreased output, crackling, glowing in one power tube more than others, hearing a “pinging” sound if you tap on the warmed up tube (tube has gone microphonic)

    But this is all just secondhand knowledge gleaned from that channel.
     
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  37. M'ark Pepperonio

    M'ark Pepperonio Free mahi mahi! Free mahi mahi!
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    I don't own anything above 30 watts. But even a 5 watt amp is far too loud for me to turn up while anyone else is home unless I am using attention.

    I like to run two amps at a time and it will hit around 115db in my basement. I play with classic rock levels of overdrive typically and most of the style of amps I like are non master volume, they rely on power tube distortion, and need to be pretty loud to achieve that. Too loud for me to even do that alone for extended periods of time without hearing damage. 85% of my playing is done with an attenuator, but I really cherish the moments when I can turn up without them.

    I do like to keep the lights off (I have fluorescent lights that can introduce noise) and the tubes will always have a subtle glow. If they REALLY start turning red, they're probably drawing too much current and it's time to shut the amp off and go see a tech. It's called red plating and can damage the tubes and other components in the amp.

    Other guys have already covered it, I would add blowing a fuse to the list of symptoms as well. In terms of preamp tubes, they'll generally fail early or last a long time. Power tube life is highly variable based on usage, but I get years out of them as a home player.

    In short, the amp will let you know when they go bad. I don't worry too much about subtle tone degradation over time or anything like that. That's how you get in your own head.

    If you guys are interested in learning more about this stuff, I would strongly recommend The Truth About Vintage Amps podcast. It's entertaining and not super dry and they cover everything from basics to the minutia. Tons of info on YouTube as well but don't believe everything you read on forums.
     
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  38. glimmer

    glimmer queen of tmb
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    i do amp sims because i live in an apartment building. just easier and more considerate.

    i’d like to start performing live eventually and would love a 5150/6505
     
  39. M'ark Pepperonio

    M'ark Pepperonio Free mahi mahi! Free mahi mahi!
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    I'm not an expert in higher gain amps, but I believe those two rely on preamp distortion and because of that probably have very effective master volumes. In an apt., it might still be tough but I would think you could get some usable tones at home volumes from those.
     
  40. TC

    TC Peter, 53, from Toxteth
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    The band I'm playing with now is "indie" but I come from a background of alternative, metal, and classic rock. It's tricky to get the right tone...how do I sound powerful but not "heavy" when using distortion?

    (My best idea so far is get a Jazzmaster or other oddball guitar; maybe that will help me nail the sound more than my Strat or my PRS)
     
  41. Deep dirt

    Deep dirt Well-Known Member
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    This kinda sounds like a Fuzz vs Distortion pedal discussion. You mess around with any Big Muffs for this desired tone? Maybe a Rat? Also don’t discount the versatility and effectiveness of an eq pedal. Away from the pedal discussion you might also think about trying a p90 type PU to get a powerful but not heavy sound. Is your Strat s/s/s or is there a HB in the bridge?
     
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  42. M'ark Pepperonio

    M'ark Pepperonio Free mahi mahi! Free mahi mahi!
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    You ever play a Gretsch or anything with Filtertrons in it? They sound amazing with gain and retain more clarity than normal humbuckers. Obviously they can also jangle like no other.

    I love Jazzmasters, too, but Filtertrons are my favorite pickup.
     
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  43. Deep dirt

    Deep dirt Well-Known Member
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    My current drive pedals are a Boss Angry Driver, joyo pocket metal (which absolutely rules) and a reissue opamp Big Muff. Can get a good variety of drives with that. Usually just use the blues driver side of the angry driver to boost my amps “clean tone” which usually already has a little grit.
     
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  44. M'ark Pepperonio

    M'ark Pepperonio Free mahi mahi! Free mahi mahi!
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  45. Drew Swinney Esq

    Drew Swinney Esq Successful Attorney in Atlanta
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    I think I’ll learn to play an instrument. I can get a starter for pretty cheap.

    The rest of your life:
    upload_2023-3-9_14-43-24.gif
     
  46. TC

    TC Peter, 53, from Toxteth
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    Good info boys. Deep dirt my Strat is HSS. I'm finding the middle pickup gives me the indiest sound. My distortion is the basic Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal or the onboard Fender distortion; sounds like I need to give some different pedals a try.
     
  47. Deep dirt

    Deep dirt Well-Known Member
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    Yeah they can give you a lot of flavors of drive but as mentioned it’s a very very slippery slope lol. Definitely agree with the above takes on other kinds of pickups as well. I’ve been pretty satisfied with the JOYO brand pedals (many on Amazon) that are mostly in the $30-60 range. Always check out YouTube reviews of the particular pedal you’re thinking about just to try to get a general sense of what it sounds like. YMMV on those as well though since the YouTubers setup is going to differ from your own and they may also use additional processing
     
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  48. Deep dirt

    Deep dirt Well-Known Member
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  49. glimmer

    glimmer queen of tmb
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    my current jamming set up

    EFBF553E-43FF-4430-9AD3-99438101CFE9.jpeg
     
  50. Deep dirt

    Deep dirt Well-Known Member
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    glimmer looks like you’re running Reaper DAW? Ever try Ninjam? Super cool vst plug-in that lets you jam online in real time. Handles the inevitable latency and automatically saves the session locally for playback later. Buddy and I have been using it to virtually jam together. We even created new custom hold music for my workplace. From two separate locations. We could try to get a TMB session going sometime if others are Reaper users.
     
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