What's a really good equalizer?

[guitarplayer]

Right now I use a '78 MXR 6-band eq in between my guitar and amp, but thats mainly to boost the guitars signal and I wanted another eq for between my amp and cab, if thats possible, Ive got a Marshall JMP master volume series head with a marshall TV cab. I want an eq with a really nice warm tone. I dont know if I should go with a rack eq or a stompbox. Ive seen those MXR rack octave eqs but I havent actually used one so give me your input on this. Thanks.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: What's a really good equalizer?

There are LOTS of amazing analog EQs out there; I'm partial to the Pultec, but a new replica of a Pultec will set you back about $4k.

You would have to use it through the FX loop of your head, as you can't insert it between the head and cabinet.

I think your money would be better spent selling your head and buying one that had a better tone and EQ section on it for your needs.

 

[benjaturner]

Re: What's a really good equalizer?

You would have to use it through the FX loop of your head, as you can't insert it between the head and cabinet.

An interesting idea. Although I'm not aware of any EQ products that you can put between your head and cab.

What function do you want the new EQ to perform? Is it just genral tone enhancement? If so (and it sounds like it is if you want to put it between your head and cab) then I'd have to agree with Twilight...

Sounds like you're unhappy with your amps tone and no amount of pedals or extras will correct that. You need a new amp!

If you just want some some dimensions to the tones you have at your toes then both MXR and Boss make good affordable EQ's. Like you say though, these things should just really be used to boost and create new sounds, not compensate for what you think your amp is lacking.

 

[Robert S.]

Re: What's a really good equalizer?

If the JMP is a 70s 2203 you better hold on to it. Those are getting harder to find and they are killer amps.

I am not aware of any EQ that can be inserted between the head and cab. There are impedance and output signal problems that could cook your head and the EQ if you try.

You could have an effects loop installed into the JMP but that usually lowers the resale/collectors value of the amp. If you plan on keeping the amp though, it's worth considering.

Some of the new EQs out there have a +4/-10 db switch that will change the output from line level to instrument level and can be used in front of the amp. While I don't usually like rack gear before the preamp it can work.

I've had my eye on this one....

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/182536/

You may want to look into one of the Boss offerings if you don't want to install a loop.