I Can't Find A Good Tone

HailHailVitalogy
HailHailVitalogy Posts: 6,035
edited May 2006 in Musicians and Gearheads
So today I decided I would find my ultimate tone, the past few months I have been playing with just something that let me enjoy playing.

My clean is great

My overdrive is driving my crazy.

I've tried the OCD by itself sounds alrite
I've tried the BD-2 by itself, not my sound
I've tried running either one through my overdrive on my amp, but the problem is I can't find a tone I love for an overdrive through my amp.

UGH, I wish someone would just throw me David Gilmore's tone and then I would be so happy. That or 20 grand.

I'm thinking of getting a Greedtone (but if I don't like it I couldn't sell it on ebay because no one really knows about it)...or maybe I'll just take out the big bucks and get a BJF pedal.
2003: Uniondale, MSG x2 | 2004: Reading | 2005: Gorge, Vancouver, Philly | 2006: East Rutherford x2, Gorge x2, Camden 1, Hartford | 2008: MSG x2, VA Beach | 2009: Philly x3 | 2010: MSG x2, Bristow | 2011: Alpine Valley x2 | 2012: MIA Philly | 2013: Wrigley, Charlottesville, Brooklyn 2 | 2014: Milan, Amsterdam 1 | 2016: MSG x2, Fenway x2, Wrigley 2 | 2018: Rome, Krakow, Berlin, Wrigley 2 | 2021: Sea Hear Now | 2022: San Diego, LA x2, MSG, Camden, Nashville, St. Louis, Denver | 2023: St. Paul 1, Chicago x2, Fort Worth x2, Austin 2 | 2024: Las Vegas 1, Seattle x2, Indy, MSG x2, Philly x2, Baltimore, Ohana 2 | 2025: Florida x2, Atlanta x2, Pittsburgh x2
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • keeponrockin
    keeponrockin Posts: 7,446
    Keep on working, you'll never find the ULTIMATE tone, but you'll come close. What kind of guitar, what kind of EQ? All these things are a factor. Keep at it.
    Believe me, when I was growin up, I thought the worst thing you could turn out to be was normal, So I say freaks in the most complementary way. Here's a song by a fellow freak - E.V
  • HailHailVitalogy
    HailHailVitalogy Posts: 6,035
    I got a Gibson SG Special

    That's what I'm using to find a good tone because my Strat needs to be worked on and my strat is my 2nd guitar.
    2003: Uniondale, MSG x2 | 2004: Reading | 2005: Gorge, Vancouver, Philly | 2006: East Rutherford x2, Gorge x2, Camden 1, Hartford | 2008: MSG x2, VA Beach | 2009: Philly x3 | 2010: MSG x2, Bristow | 2011: Alpine Valley x2 | 2012: MIA Philly | 2013: Wrigley, Charlottesville, Brooklyn 2 | 2014: Milan, Amsterdam 1 | 2016: MSG x2, Fenway x2, Wrigley 2 | 2018: Rome, Krakow, Berlin, Wrigley 2 | 2021: Sea Hear Now | 2022: San Diego, LA x2, MSG, Camden, Nashville, St. Louis, Denver | 2023: St. Paul 1, Chicago x2, Fort Worth x2, Austin 2 | 2024: Las Vegas 1, Seattle x2, Indy, MSG x2, Philly x2, Baltimore, Ohana 2 | 2025: Florida x2, Atlanta x2, Pittsburgh x2
  • enharmonic
    enharmonic Posts: 1,917
    I need a bit more info, bro. What are you playing through, and what kind of sound are you trying to achieve?
    new music: http://www.myspace.com/blackbirdsymphonique

    old music: http://www.myspace.com/slowloader
  • HailHailVitalogy
    HailHailVitalogy Posts: 6,035
    Im running:

    Gibson SG Special
    Fender Fat Strat
    Ibanez Artcore Hollowbody

    through
    Fulltone OCD
    Boss BD-2
    Boss DD-3
    Crybaby 535Q

    into
    Traynor YCV40WR

    I don't know what I'm trying to achieve...it just doesn't sound right to me...its one of those things that when you hear it, you will know it and love it, you know?
    2003: Uniondale, MSG x2 | 2004: Reading | 2005: Gorge, Vancouver, Philly | 2006: East Rutherford x2, Gorge x2, Camden 1, Hartford | 2008: MSG x2, VA Beach | 2009: Philly x3 | 2010: MSG x2, Bristow | 2011: Alpine Valley x2 | 2012: MIA Philly | 2013: Wrigley, Charlottesville, Brooklyn 2 | 2014: Milan, Amsterdam 1 | 2016: MSG x2, Fenway x2, Wrigley 2 | 2018: Rome, Krakow, Berlin, Wrigley 2 | 2021: Sea Hear Now | 2022: San Diego, LA x2, MSG, Camden, Nashville, St. Louis, Denver | 2023: St. Paul 1, Chicago x2, Fort Worth x2, Austin 2 | 2024: Las Vegas 1, Seattle x2, Indy, MSG x2, Philly x2, Baltimore, Ohana 2 | 2025: Florida x2, Atlanta x2, Pittsburgh x2
  • moster78
    moster78 Posts: 1,591
    HailHailVitalogy wrote:
    I don't know what I'm trying to achieve...it just doesn't sound right to me...its one of those things that when you hear it, you will know it and love it, you know?

    Thats me and everything I attempt to play today. It all sounds like crap. So instead of breaking something, I'm just going to put the guitars down and walk away!
  • HailHailVitalogy
    HailHailVitalogy Posts: 6,035
    moster78 wrote:
    Thats me and everything I attempt to play today. It all sounds like crap. So instead of breaking something, I'm just going to put the guitars down and walk away!


    Haha, I know what you mean but I would never walk away.

    Man I love Rivera amps so fuckin much, their overdrive on their amps is just so fantastic....especially the Quiana and Suprema series
    2003: Uniondale, MSG x2 | 2004: Reading | 2005: Gorge, Vancouver, Philly | 2006: East Rutherford x2, Gorge x2, Camden 1, Hartford | 2008: MSG x2, VA Beach | 2009: Philly x3 | 2010: MSG x2, Bristow | 2011: Alpine Valley x2 | 2012: MIA Philly | 2013: Wrigley, Charlottesville, Brooklyn 2 | 2014: Milan, Amsterdam 1 | 2016: MSG x2, Fenway x2, Wrigley 2 | 2018: Rome, Krakow, Berlin, Wrigley 2 | 2021: Sea Hear Now | 2022: San Diego, LA x2, MSG, Camden, Nashville, St. Louis, Denver | 2023: St. Paul 1, Chicago x2, Fort Worth x2, Austin 2 | 2024: Las Vegas 1, Seattle x2, Indy, MSG x2, Philly x2, Baltimore, Ohana 2 | 2025: Florida x2, Atlanta x2, Pittsburgh x2
  • enharmonic
    enharmonic Posts: 1,917
    I have half a mind to suggest that it's not your pedals or your amp. It's your tubes.

    Get those Sovtek's out of there. Replace with Ruby 12AX7's and Tung Sol 5881's. I bet that solves the problem. If it doesn't you will still have better tone.
    new music: http://www.myspace.com/blackbirdsymphonique

    old music: http://www.myspace.com/slowloader
  • HailHailVitalogy
    HailHailVitalogy Posts: 6,035
    I actually think I need to retube my amp anyway

    I know nothing about tubes
    2003: Uniondale, MSG x2 | 2004: Reading | 2005: Gorge, Vancouver, Philly | 2006: East Rutherford x2, Gorge x2, Camden 1, Hartford | 2008: MSG x2, VA Beach | 2009: Philly x3 | 2010: MSG x2, Bristow | 2011: Alpine Valley x2 | 2012: MIA Philly | 2013: Wrigley, Charlottesville, Brooklyn 2 | 2014: Milan, Amsterdam 1 | 2016: MSG x2, Fenway x2, Wrigley 2 | 2018: Rome, Krakow, Berlin, Wrigley 2 | 2021: Sea Hear Now | 2022: San Diego, LA x2, MSG, Camden, Nashville, St. Louis, Denver | 2023: St. Paul 1, Chicago x2, Fort Worth x2, Austin 2 | 2024: Las Vegas 1, Seattle x2, Indy, MSG x2, Philly x2, Baltimore, Ohana 2 | 2025: Florida x2, Atlanta x2, Pittsburgh x2
  • enharmonic
    enharmonic Posts: 1,917
    HailHailVitalogy wrote:
    I actually think I need to retube my amp anyway

    I know nothing about tubes

    How long have you had the tubes in and how often do you play?
    new music: http://www.myspace.com/blackbirdsymphonique

    old music: http://www.myspace.com/slowloader
  • harrisonmerwin
    harrisonmerwin Posts: 766
    may i suggest....

    im not familiar with traynor specifically, but i know a couple "old tricks" that might help you out, and its good experience. On your dirty channel on yoru amp, turn the gain ALL the way down so no signal is getting through, then turn the volume ALL the way up so it is maxed out, now adjust the gain forward and use it like a master volume. By running the amp like this it kind of reverses the usual order, and sometimes a neat tone can be brought out. Also, try playing with some more tube powered overdrives.
    2005.09.04
    2005.09.05

    "how many people did die from that?...did P.Diddy kill them?" - Eddie Vedder 2006.02.19
  • HailHailVitalogy
    HailHailVitalogy Posts: 6,035
    enharmonic wrote:
    How long have you had the tubes in and how often do you play?

    Well I got the amp last August and it was in new condition and the speaker wasnt even broken in, it was 2 months old.

    I play it about 1-2 hours a day...about 5 or 6 times a week

    so yeah I think it's time, lol

    I'm going to try that idea
    2003: Uniondale, MSG x2 | 2004: Reading | 2005: Gorge, Vancouver, Philly | 2006: East Rutherford x2, Gorge x2, Camden 1, Hartford | 2008: MSG x2, VA Beach | 2009: Philly x3 | 2010: MSG x2, Bristow | 2011: Alpine Valley x2 | 2012: MIA Philly | 2013: Wrigley, Charlottesville, Brooklyn 2 | 2014: Milan, Amsterdam 1 | 2016: MSG x2, Fenway x2, Wrigley 2 | 2018: Rome, Krakow, Berlin, Wrigley 2 | 2021: Sea Hear Now | 2022: San Diego, LA x2, MSG, Camden, Nashville, St. Louis, Denver | 2023: St. Paul 1, Chicago x2, Fort Worth x2, Austin 2 | 2024: Las Vegas 1, Seattle x2, Indy, MSG x2, Philly x2, Baltimore, Ohana 2 | 2025: Florida x2, Atlanta x2, Pittsburgh x2
  • Dirty_Frank
    Dirty_Frank Posts: 957
    harrisonmerwin wrote:
    may i suggest....

    im not familiar with traynor specifically, but i know a couple "old tricks" that might help you out, and its good experience. On your dirty channel on yoru amp, turn the gain ALL the way down so no signal is getting through, then turn the volume ALL the way up so it is maxed out, now adjust the gain forward and use it like a master volume. By running the amp like this it kind of reverses the usual order, and sometimes a neat tone can be brought out. Also, try playing with some more tube powered overdrives.

    I run my lead channel like that, and then boost it for more gain. Sounds great.
  • enharmonic
    enharmonic Posts: 1,917
    HailHailVitalogy wrote:
    Well I got the amp last August and it was in new condition and the speaker wasnt even broken in, it was 2 months old.

    I play it about 1-2 hours a day...about 5 or 6 times a week

    so yeah I think it's time, lol

    I'm going to try that idea

    Might be time for the power tubes, but the preamp tubes should be fine.
    new music: http://www.myspace.com/blackbirdsymphonique

    old music: http://www.myspace.com/slowloader
  • HailHailVitalogy
    HailHailVitalogy Posts: 6,035
    enharmonic wrote:
    Might be time for the power tubes, but the preamp tubes should be fine.


    so what do you recommend I switch them to?
    2003: Uniondale, MSG x2 | 2004: Reading | 2005: Gorge, Vancouver, Philly | 2006: East Rutherford x2, Gorge x2, Camden 1, Hartford | 2008: MSG x2, VA Beach | 2009: Philly x3 | 2010: MSG x2, Bristow | 2011: Alpine Valley x2 | 2012: MIA Philly | 2013: Wrigley, Charlottesville, Brooklyn 2 | 2014: Milan, Amsterdam 1 | 2016: MSG x2, Fenway x2, Wrigley 2 | 2018: Rome, Krakow, Berlin, Wrigley 2 | 2021: Sea Hear Now | 2022: San Diego, LA x2, MSG, Camden, Nashville, St. Louis, Denver | 2023: St. Paul 1, Chicago x2, Fort Worth x2, Austin 2 | 2024: Las Vegas 1, Seattle x2, Indy, MSG x2, Philly x2, Baltimore, Ohana 2 | 2025: Florida x2, Atlanta x2, Pittsburgh x2
  • All Those Yesterdays
    All Those Yesterdays Posts: 2,723
    Ultimate Tone, yeah thats possible. I'd probably have to stop changing my mind.
    E. Lansing-98 Columbus-00,03,10 Detroit-00,03 (1&2),06, 14 Cleveland-03,06,10 Toledo-04, Grand Rapids-04,06 London-05, Toronto-05, Indianapolis 10, East Troy (1&2) 11, Chicago 13, Detroit 14

    https://www.facebook.com/aghostwritersapology/
  • HailHailVitalogy
    HailHailVitalogy Posts: 6,035
    That reverse way of doing it is pretty nice...i got a nice light overdrive sound
    2003: Uniondale, MSG x2 | 2004: Reading | 2005: Gorge, Vancouver, Philly | 2006: East Rutherford x2, Gorge x2, Camden 1, Hartford | 2008: MSG x2, VA Beach | 2009: Philly x3 | 2010: MSG x2, Bristow | 2011: Alpine Valley x2 | 2012: MIA Philly | 2013: Wrigley, Charlottesville, Brooklyn 2 | 2014: Milan, Amsterdam 1 | 2016: MSG x2, Fenway x2, Wrigley 2 | 2018: Rome, Krakow, Berlin, Wrigley 2 | 2021: Sea Hear Now | 2022: San Diego, LA x2, MSG, Camden, Nashville, St. Louis, Denver | 2023: St. Paul 1, Chicago x2, Fort Worth x2, Austin 2 | 2024: Las Vegas 1, Seattle x2, Indy, MSG x2, Philly x2, Baltimore, Ohana 2 | 2025: Florida x2, Atlanta x2, Pittsburgh x2
  • harrisonmerwin
    harrisonmerwin Posts: 766
    HailHailVitalogy wrote:
    That reverse way of doing it is pretty nice...i got a nice light overdrive sound

    yeah no just experimentr with all parameters of your knobs, theres a tone for everybody ane because its tube driven, it makes it nicer to find what yoru looking for, they are much more responsive to slight adjustments
    2005.09.04
    2005.09.05

    "how many people did die from that?...did P.Diddy kill them?" - Eddie Vedder 2006.02.19
  • Dirty_Frank
    Dirty_Frank Posts: 957
    HailHailVitalogy wrote:
    That reverse way of doing it is pretty nice...i got a nice light overdrive sound

    Now take the OCD, put it on a mid gain setting, set the volume and tone appropriately, and layer it to see what sort of tones you can get.

    I get wicked crunch that way.
  • HailHailVitalogy
    HailHailVitalogy Posts: 6,035
    Dirty_Frank wrote:
    Now take the OCD, put it on a mid gain setting, set the volume and tone appropriately, and layer it to see what sort of tones you can get.

    I get wicked crunch that way.

    I tried that before, the OCD gives a very smoothe sound when its played over my dirt channel, but crunchy over the clean
    2003: Uniondale, MSG x2 | 2004: Reading | 2005: Gorge, Vancouver, Philly | 2006: East Rutherford x2, Gorge x2, Camden 1, Hartford | 2008: MSG x2, VA Beach | 2009: Philly x3 | 2010: MSG x2, Bristow | 2011: Alpine Valley x2 | 2012: MIA Philly | 2013: Wrigley, Charlottesville, Brooklyn 2 | 2014: Milan, Amsterdam 1 | 2016: MSG x2, Fenway x2, Wrigley 2 | 2018: Rome, Krakow, Berlin, Wrigley 2 | 2021: Sea Hear Now | 2022: San Diego, LA x2, MSG, Camden, Nashville, St. Louis, Denver | 2023: St. Paul 1, Chicago x2, Fort Worth x2, Austin 2 | 2024: Las Vegas 1, Seattle x2, Indy, MSG x2, Philly x2, Baltimore, Ohana 2 | 2025: Florida x2, Atlanta x2, Pittsburgh x2
  • one way needle
    one way needle Posts: 196
    Hey dude, i've got a YCV40T if you remember. What works well for me is playing though my BD2 on the dirty channel with level at 10 o'clock and gain around 2 o'clock. Then on the amp i have the gain set around 3 or 4, and the volume as appropriate - sounds great cranked, but also at low volumes. This set up gives me a great overdriven sound to work with. Then also if i turn the pedal off I get a smoother tone that sustains a little bit of the amp's dirty tone (awesome for those "quiet" songs). You can get a balance in volume quite easily between using the pedal and not. Basically adjust the level on the pedal in relation to the amp's volume.... i forget which way at the moment... just waking up to Stone's Bayleaf ^_^
    (
    =) wah wah waaaah!!! ..........viking banjo hits of the 70's!
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