Controling The Output Volime

[Tim]

Hi To All,

I have a question on the correct way of controlling the output volume during playing.

Is it better to have the amp turned up 100% and control the output volume with the guitar, or turn the guitar volume up 100% and control the output volume with the amp?

How would you control the volume if you need less volume in a smaller room, with the guitar, the amp or both?

Also related to this question is at what setting does the guitar volume become to low to continue to be a clear signal (1/4, ½, 3/4)?

Thank for you replies.

 

[some_dude]

Re: Controling The Output Volime

I adjust the overall volume using a THD Hotplate, then use the guitar volume to adjust the gain.

If I didn't have the Hotplate, I'd use the master volume.

I need to keep my master volume above 6 to get my amp to sound right.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Controling The Output Volime

There's no right or wrong here, Tim.
Try both methods and see what gives you the tone you want.
Typically, the guitar volume is adjusted to go from a distorted sound to a mildly overdriven one, or possibly clean tone.
Some kind of aftermarket attenuator, like Daisy mentioned, will work fine. There are several quality ones available.

 

[Kent S.]

Re: Controling The Output Volime

If running clean most player won't run their guitar volumes lower than 1/2, and a lot at about 3/4. Like the say it really just depends, not only on what it is you are doing, but alos on the guitar and amp combo. Having an amp sitting full out with the guitar volume on 2 is going to give you a real flat, and lifeless tone clean, and a fair amount of noise and hiss. Turning down the amp and turning up the guiatr will yield better sounding results clean.
Dirty is a different game, generally volume (guitar) maxed will give the best tone, but for mildly distorted stuff many people use the volume to drift between cleanish, and dirty (blues). Some people also like the way the guitar sounds turned down slightly, and that's fine also, really all depends, and is something you have to experiment with yourself to find what works best for you.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Controling The Output Volime

I didn't even know that I could turn my guitar volume or my amp volume down...yikes.


Seriously, I usually keep the guitar volume on full, and then adjust my amp volume according to my sound, and to the situation. One cool thing is having a volume pedal, that way you can make instant adjustments while playing. I use a Boss GT-6 in bypass mode most of the time, but always run thru it to my amp because it has a volume pedal. I set the pedal about 1/2 way in it's travel, then adjust amp volume. If I need a little louder or softer, just move the pedal.

Just a thought.