distortion issues....

[Grizzly_Diesel]

hey guys. I have a bugera 333xl infinium tube head. ive heard that you can throw an overdrive pedal over the lead channel on a tube amp to push and tighten up the distortion on the amp. is this true? has anybody tired? if so what kind of pedals would you recommend? ive been lookin at the mesa boogie throttle body eq or the seymour duncan 805 od pedal? thanks for the input.

 

[Snake Aces]

Re: distortion issues....

It sounds like you have the gain cranked on the amp, which is ok, but some amps have great gain while others sound a bit sloppy when cranked. Personally, I prefer less gain but I understand some styles of music need more gain.

You could try changing the tubes out for starters: http://www.eurotubes.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=434 Sometimes a nice, new set of tubes can solve the problem.

Are you using a good compressor? If not, you should be to tighten up high gain.

If that doesn't work I would go to a good EQ pedal.

If that doesn't work you could try your idea but you may just want to get a OD or Muff-type of pedal that can do exactly what you want it to do when you are not using your lead channel.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: distortion issues....

Tube Screamer type pedals with the gain down and volume up can increase sustain and distortion (by boosting the input gain) and tighten the amp's response (the TS natural voice is a boosted midrange and reduced bass). Keep in mind this is usually done over a mildly distorting amp, not a searing high gain setting, but you never know what's going to work for you.

Zakk Wylde is the first example I think of, JCM800 (mid gain amp) with a Boss SD-1 (now signature MXR which is very similar).

Regardless, one thing you must remember is that tube amps need to be run at a decent volume to get the tubes working and get the speakers moving. Cranking preamp gain and keeping the master low can make you question the tube amp hype, goosing the master and backing off on the preamp gain gets the preamp, phase inverter, power amp and transformer all in the sweet spot of tone. (Then layering an OD or Fuzz can take it over the top. )

 

[Grizzly_Diesel]

Re: distortion issues....

hes a damn good comparison of what im shootin for. A nice thick chunky distortion. Are you fimilisr with mesa boogie pedals at all? I found the mesa boogie throttle box eq. I havent had any expierence with there pedals.

 

[El Supremo]

Re: distortion issues....

Tube Screamer works as does the Rat, both responsible for some great heavy sounds. Just got the new MXR Micro Amp + myself, works great for tightening up flabbier bass sounds.

 

[Mark_McQ]

Re: distortion issues....

I use a Boss SD1 in front of a Bugera 6262. I have the gain on the amp set to around 5-6.

 

[Grizzly_Diesel]

Re: distortion issues....

How is the 6262? Ive never seen one in person. So far im liking bugera. Thinkin about investing in a new head.