Valvetronix dilemma

[CaptainCrunch]

I've been fighting a frustrating thing with my Valvetronix (60W head) in getting the cleans that I want. What is currently sounding best to me is the blackface model, and with sufficient volume (15W, master at least 11:00, even better at 12:00) I really like what i'm getting. But, to get the tone I want it is also creating an unacceptible amount of string squeak on the wound strings. Ya, play cleaner and all, but this is such that I can't even really slide into notes without the squeak, we're almost talking pick scrape stuff. When I dial it out (via presence, treble, even an EQ in the loop), the tone goes to crap, loses the sparkle and is just too dull and lifeless. Not all models create this, mainly the blackface and to a lesser degree the boutique clean. And in general I am not a fan of really bright, extremely trebley tones, so I just have a hard time accepting that I'm overdosing the higher frequencies. Anybody else fight this with their Valvetronix? Is this the digital experience, bad EQing, can I relieve some of this by adjusting pickup heights, other remedies or????

 

[Hoss]

Re: Valvetronix dilemma

i've never personally heard of this problem before...is there any kind of flatwound strings for electric...i know that cures a great deal of that noise on acoustics!?

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Valvetronix dilemma

No, never had that happen with mine. Was just playing some really clean blues last night as a matter of fact with my AD60VTX and 2X12 cab. Is this a newer amp? Try contacting Vox USA and see what they say.

 

[Dirt123]

Re: Valvetronix dilemma

What kind of strings are you using? Nickel might squeak less that chrome or stainless..

How high are the treble or presence set?

On my Tonelab, I have to set the master all the way up, & the gain at about 2 to get it clean. My pickups don’t have a terribly high output.

For the Fender twin model, I set the gain at 1.5, VR gain = 10, treble = 2 to 3, Mid = 7 to 8, Bass = 8.6, Presence = 5 & Master at 10. I keep the trebles low & boost the presence to give it sparkle.

I like the clean/dirty sound for the Tweed deluxe model too, where it is gritty with the guitar at 10, & cleans up when I back off on the guitar volume.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Valvetronix dilemma

One thing I always do is use one of the 3 OD models in conjunction with the amp model, even on clean amps. What this will allow you to do is set the EQ a little darker and add sparkle using the Treble Booster pedal. Or the opposite...set the EQ a little brighter and use the darkest OD model....the 3rd one.
Try that out. As far as string squeak, you should put less pressure on strings as you change chords.....but you know that.

 

[CaptainCrunch]

Re: Valvetronix dilemma

Thanks for the input guys. Using the OD models for more overall EQing and channel volume options is proving very helpful.

And I know you've posted that tip before, but never really explored it until now. Stubborn I guess!

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Valvetronix dilemma

Thanks for the input guys. Using the OD models for more overall EQing and channel volume options is proving very helpful.

And I know you've posted that tip before, but never really explored it until now. Stubborn I guess!

That's one of the things I love most about the Valvetronix.....the OD models.
If the stompbox modeler is in the off position, most of the amps sound a little lifeless to me. At first I thought I'd just want them to help out the gain, but I soon learned that they allow me to tailor the EQ and gain structure. Even on the clean amp models, a slight bit of overdrive makes the overall sound more punchy and tube-like.