Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

[Jack_TriPpEr]

For any other "metal inclined" forum members out there who prefer to get their metal tones from a pedal and not a high gain amp, and doing so in a real live-gigging type rig (i.e. not just as part of a sacrifice to be able to play at neighbor-friendly bedroom/apartment volume levels), I'm curious as to what pedal and amp you're using.

I'm always trying new distortion pedals to see if I can do better than what I have already, but currently I've found the MXR Fullbore Metal pedal w Gain set anywhere between 30% to 60% has worked best for me. My rig is a Fender BDRI combo into a Marshall 1960a cab w the stock Gt-75s.

By "metal tones" I mean Pantera/80's Metallica type tones.

I also use ceramic humbucker pickups that are not high ouput, so I can still get good clean tones when the distortion pedal is turned off, plus I find high output pickups get too mushy from the get-go.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

I thought the combo of JCM800 + 80's OD pedal de jour (TS9/RAT/Dist Plus) was the ticket to Thrash.

 

[Jack_TriPpEr]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

I thought the combo of JCM800 + 80's OD pedal de jour (TS9/RAT/Dist Plus) was the ticket to Thrash.

That probably is the ideal rig set-up if one is going *just* for 80's metal tones.

I guess I am more looking to find out about anyone getting good metal tones from non-metal-oriented amps using distortion pedals.

 

[dominus]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

Check out the AMT Legend pedals, especially the P1, S1, and R1. The E1 and B1 are also pretty good. Run them through the FX loop. They're typically about $100 used. If you can spend a little more money, the Amptweaker TightRock and TightMetal will also do some great thrash tones, are made in the USA, and designed by the guy that help design the 5150, JSX, XXX, and Transtubes for Peavey. Those run about $150 used.

If you're on a budget, the EHX Metal Muff is great, as is the MXR Custom Badass Distortion, both can be found used for $60. The Super Badass Distortion is supposed to be one step up from the Custom, but still a bit below the FullBore. I've got the FullBore and it has a few sweet spots, but the Custom is much easier to dial in. I've been looking for a used Super for a little while now.

Not my video, but gives you an idea of the Custom Badass:



Be sure to run an overdrive through any distortion pedal to tighten it up.

 

[Jack_TriPpEr]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

Be sure to run an overdrive through any distortion pedal to tighten it up.

What should the OD's settings be? e.g. volume dimed, gain level low?

 

[dominus]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

What should the OD's settings be? e.g. volume dimed, gain level low?

Start everything at noon and then start turning them up slowly. You're just looking to give it a little push.

 

[Nacho8807]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

I used to use an EHX Metal Muff through my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. I got a lot of compliments on my tone with that combo.

 

[MasterKtulu]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

I don't play much Trash anymore, but when I feel the need, a Metal Muff into my Hot Rod Deluxe get me where I need to go!

 

[dominus]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

Yeah, this could be a key for a thrash tone:

 

[Jack_TriPpEr]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

Thanks guys! Some great suggestions so far. I will try some of these, probably the Muff since its easiest to find, and used at that. I had tried one in the past and was not impressed, but it was in the store each time and never through my own rig. I'll make sure to do it that way this next time around.

 

[SlowGrind93Z]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

I rather use an amp but a overdrive pedals does help if its not really gain lol, but for a pedal purely, Mxr Dime pedal lol. Amp OD > Pedal OD

 

[mantis]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

Any good clean amp can be turned into a Metal amp with the right pedal. But if you have a choice and have a Fender amp , they to me take pedals better then anything else.
1) The MXR Distortion + will Give you plenty of option in a 80's metal sound. From Rock to Metal this pedal is still to this day hard to beat. They did release a new Super Distortion pedal thing But I didn't try it out , looks worth looking at.
2) Boss Metal Zone - I had one of these when it first came out and really didn't like it until I dialed it in for what I wanted it to do. It's a pretty badass pedal and sounds up your alley.
3) Tonebone - they make some remarkable flexible wide range tonal pedals. I strongly suggest taking one for a test drive.

If you really break it down , Metallica was Mesa Boogie tone. They ran the hell out of Boogies and did a fine job of dialing in some killer tones.
With Pantara you where solid state and very high gain , I believe it was mostly Randall Amps driven to death.

4) Krank Distortus Maximus. This is a unique pedal for metal playing. It's very versitle except it's difficult to get a rock tone out of it due to being very high gain. You can mess around with it to get it close to a rock tone but it's not creamy , it never loses that edge. For what you are looking to do , I suggest you test one out or just pick one up used as they are not made anymore.

 

[Securb]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

The MXR Distortion + was my weapon of choice in the 80s when I played thrash/metal. These days I prefer a BOSS Mega Distortion, very smooth but tons of gain and a truckload of bottom. Very "chuggy" if that is a word.

 

[whatshisname]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

A Marshall, with a Boss Super Overdrive, for "old school" thrash. Or, get a Boogie. (Not a Rectifier- A BOOGIE.) Truth be told, I've never cared for using a pedal for my main distortion tone. No matter how good they are, they ALWAYS sound artificial, to me. Although, I'm sure a lot of the suggestions the others are giving you, could make you very happy!

 

[DeathALT.]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

When I think thrash metal, I think Recto, but if your not willing to dish out $2000 for a head, then the Wampler Triple Wreck does a kickass job. Wampler in general does a kickass job.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

I wouldn't even approach a recto without a boost pedal ;]

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

That probably is the ideal rig set-up if one is going *just* for 80's metal tones.

I guess I am more looking to find out about anyone getting good metal tones from non-metal-oriented amps using distortion pedals.

I like what i get with my 1966 Bassman & EHX Metal Muff, or the Pigtronix Polysaturator, or the all-mighty T-Rex Mudhoney II.

Hope this helps.

 

[jpistolas]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

With so many modern high gain amps on the market I don't see the logic in piling pedals in front of an amp when Mesas, 5150's, Diezels etc. do it perfect right out of the box with no need for pedals.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

Well, there's no secret to it. Typically, a TS kind of boost in front of the amp cuts away the flub and adds a bit of texture or bite.
That kind of setup might sound tighter and "juicier" than turning up the preamp gain. Sometimes a guitar straight into amp does the job just right, sometimes turning the gain past the sweet spot sounds sub-optimal. That's why boosts still come in handy with high gain amps.

Another thing I want to add to this topic is that pedals usually don't work in vacuum. There is a lot of tone shaping happening in a tube amp and its cab, so I don't really believe in "getting tones from a pedal". Well, unless it's a floor processor going straight into PA but I don't believe in that either.

 

[mantis]

Re: Getting ur thrash metal tones from a pedal vs. an amp? which pedal?

With so many modern high gain amps on the market I don't see the logic in piling pedals in front of an amp when Mesas, 5150's, Diezels etc. do it perfect right out of the box with no need for pedals.

I gotta agree with this.