Should I get a boost pedal?

haydn · 07-10-2012, 03:36 AM

I just bought an ENGL Blackmore and for the most part I like it a lot, but with one of my guitars (Ibanez RG1570 w/ Dimarzio Evolutions) solos/leads sound very thin, trebly, and harsh. I tried turning down the treble and presence but no luck. I do a lot of shred so this is definitely an issue. Would a boost such as a TS9 help in this situation?

HeHasTheJazzHands · 07-10-2012, 04:06 AM

Maybe try changing pickups? From what I've heard, the Evo's are pretty brittle and harsh for lead work. Maybe try the CL/LF setup? They're supposed to be godly for lead work.

wakjob · 07-10-2012, 04:10 AM

It might. If you turn the TONE knob down (counter clockwise) all the way, it rolls off quite a bit of high end. Or an EQ pedal will do just as well, maybe better actually. I don't like 'boost pedals' with Engl's or old Marshall's. They just thin out the tone even more.

Stock tubes?... get rid of em'. This is one of the few amps that I like JJ's in.
Vintage 30/T75 or clones?... no good. Try G12-65/12M/12H, or if you can find them, V60's.

But sounds like that EVO is just too bright for that guitar/amp/speaker combo.

pentecost · 07-10-2012, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wakjob

Or an EQ pedal will do just as well, maybe better actually. I don't like 'boost pedals' with Engl's or old Marshall's. They just thin out the tone even more.

ditto, not sure the tubescreamer is the direction to go. you'll get the mid bump, but the extra fizz might just add to your treble problems. you could buy and return at your local big box?

haydn · 07-10-2012, 03:21 PM

Thanks for the advice. I forgot to mention that the cab is an Orange PPC412 (V30's), so that could be the problem as wakjob mentioned.

I'm not sure I want to get rid of the Evolutions because I just got them and they sound good through other amps/my practice setup. I'm going to look into getting a cab with Greenbacks (was already looking to get a 2x12 cab), and I'll probably pick up an EQ pedal too.

Wrecklyss · 07-10-2012, 03:50 PM

An EQ pedal will probably help more than a boost. Ever try Vintage 30s and Greenbacks together? Killer combination

mniel8195 · 07-10-2012, 03:52 PM

i think changing your pickups will be the best choice.

budda · 07-10-2012, 04:08 PM

Have you tried adjusting your pickup height?

VBCheeseGrater · 07-10-2012, 04:16 PM

Seeing as a boost will not set you back too much $$$, i'd grab one. I definitely prefer my leads boosted, it's just creamier, maybe even a little thicker. Plus OD pedals are good for quite a few tones, so you'll end up using it somehow.

GuitaristOfHell · 07-10-2012, 04:19 PM

I traded my TS-9 for a MXR ZW OD to fatten it up and had never been happier.

Luke Acacia · 07-10-2012, 04:27 PM

A good eq can make a slice of bread turn into a recto.

VBCheeseGrater · 07-10-2012, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuitaristOfHell

I traded my TS-9 for a MXR ZW OD to fatten it up and had never been happier.

Big difference? How do the ZW and TS compare?

GuitaristOfHell · 07-10-2012, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vbshredder

Big difference? How do the ZW and TS compare?

ZW boots a hell of a lot more and with my amp being dry in it's nature I can use not just the level but add some distortion so it's not cardboard but fat and clear. The TS-9 doesn't boost as much but has more mids in my experience however the ZW is by no means scooped.

wakjob · 07-10-2012, 05:29 PM

And if I were to use a boost. The Xotic BB preamp would be the top contender.

Flat eq, no mid bump, transparent.

If you really like that pickup/guitar combo, don't change it. You just need to find a good workaround.

VBCheeseGrater · 07-10-2012, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GuitaristOfHell

ZW boots a hell of a lot more and with my amp being dry in it's nature I can use not just the level but add some distortion so it's not cardboard but fat and clear. The TS-9 doesn't boost as much but has more mids in my experience however the ZW is by no means scooped.

Cool, i may have to give the ZW a shot. Dryness is something i've been noticing lately with my Blackstar, at least when it's boosted. Without starting a whole new thread, if anyone has one for trade message me.

GuitaristOfHell · 07-10-2012, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vbshredder

Cool, i may have to give the ZW a shot. Dryness is something i've been noticing lately with my Blackstar, at least when it's boosted. Without starting a whole new thread, if anyone has one for trade message me.

PM me. I may trade you it.

Sdrizis89 · 07-11-2012, 03:42 PM

Most likely better off with an EQ instead of a boost. I've heard most engls don't sound as good with a boost but to each his own. I have an engl savage and do not boost it but boost my marshall with an OD808.

TheProgWay · 07-11-2012, 04:37 PM

TS-9 may not help much, it will just balance out your levels and tone

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07-10-2012, 03:36 AM	#1
haydn ss.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: CA Posts: 11 Thanked: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Should I get a boost pedal? I just bought an ENGL Blackmore and for the most part I like it a lot, but with one of my guitars (Ibanez RG1570 w/ Dimarzio Evolutions) solos/leads sound very thin, trebly, and harsh. I tried turning down the treble and presence but no luck. I do a lot of shred so this is definitely an issue. Would a boost such as a TS9 help in this situation?

07-10-2012, 04:06 AM	#2
HeHasTheJazzHands Eck! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Louisiana Posts: 6,833 Thanked: 47 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Maybe try changing pickups? From what I've heard, the Evo's are pretty brittle and harsh for lead work. Maybe try the CL/LF setup? They're supposed to be godly for lead work. Sdrizis89 and haydn like this.

07-10-2012, 04:10 AM	#3
wakjob SS.org Regular Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: CNY Posts: 1,054 Thanked: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	It might. If you turn the TONE knob down (counter clockwise) all the way, it rolls off quite a bit of high end. Or an EQ pedal will do just as well, maybe better actually. I don't like 'boost pedals' with Engl's or old Marshall's. They just thin out the tone even more. Stock tubes?... get rid of em'. This is one of the few amps that I like JJ's in. Vintage 30/T75 or clones?... no good. Try G12-65/12M/12H, or if you can find them, V60's. But sounds like that EVO is just too bright for that guitar/amp/speaker combo. haydn likes this.

07-10-2012, 03:50 PM	#6
Wrecklyss SS.org Regular Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Fort Leonard Wood, Misery Posts: 557 Thanked: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	An EQ pedal will probably help more than a boost. Ever try Vintage 30s and Greenbacks together? Killer combination capeterson7x@gmail.com Custom tour ready speaker cabinets for instruments and live sound. Authorized dealer for: Celestion, Eminence, Jensen, JBL/Selenium, Sica, Peavey, RCF, B&C, and more.

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07-10-2012, 03:21 PM	#5
haydn ss.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: CA Posts: 11 Thanked: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks for the advice. I forgot to mention that the cab is an Orange PPC412 (V30's), so that could be the problem as wakjob mentioned. I'm not sure I want to get rid of the Evolutions because I just got them and they sound good through other amps/my practice setup. I'm going to look into getting a cab with Greenbacks (was already looking to get a 2x12 cab), and I'll probably pick up an EQ pedal too.

07-10-2012, 03:52 PM	#7
mniel8195 SS.org Regular Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: seattle,wa Posts: 686 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i think changing your pickups will be the best choice.

07-10-2012, 04:08 PM	#8
budda Guiterrorizer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: London ONT Posts: 18,906 Thanked: 174 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Have you tried adjusting your pickup height? Dead Undead likes this. _______________________ J S Moore pickups: www.tonefordays.com Rock on!

07-10-2012, 04:16 PM	#9
VBCheeseGrater not quite a shredder Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Hampton Roads Posts: 1,740 Thanked: 31 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Seeing as a boost will not set you back too much $$$, i'd grab one. I definitely prefer my leads boosted, it's just creamier, maybe even a little thicker. Plus OD pedals are good for quite a few tones, so you'll end up using it somehow. Ibanez ARZ307, SA32EX Gibson LPJ, Squire II frankenstrat of doom Dual Recto Rev G,6505+, B-52 AT-100 POD XT Pro, Velocity 100

07-10-2012, 04:19 PM	#10
GuitaristOfHell The Optimist Prime. Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Long Beach or Saugerties Posts: 4,157 Thanked: 129 Feedback Score: 2 reviews	I traded my TS-9 for a MXR ZW OD to fatten it up and had never been happier. If You're selling a Gibson Explorer PM Me! Proud gear owner of: Schecter V-1 ATX with passive duncans Takamine EG 431 SC (something like that) 1994 Peavey bandit 112 combo/ head Hughes and Kettner 4x12 Boss GT8 MXR ZW OD and that's all folks!

07-10-2012, 04:27 PM	#11
Luke Acacia STRAYA Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Australia Posts: 489 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	A good eq can make a slice of bread turn into a recto. Sdrizis89 and Wrecklyss like this.

07-10-2012, 05:29 PM	#14
wakjob SS.org Regular Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: CNY Posts: 1,054 Thanked: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	And if I were to use a boost. The Xotic BB preamp would be the top contender. Flat eq, no mid bump, transparent. If you really like that pickup/guitar combo, don't change it. You just need to find a good workaround.

07-11-2012, 03:42 PM	#17
Sdrizis89 SS.org Regular Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Queens, ny Posts: 191 Thanked: 2 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Most likely better off with an EQ instead of a boost. I've heard most engls don't sound as good with a boost but to each his own. I have an engl savage and do not boost it but boost my marshall with an OD808.

07-11-2012, 04:37 PM	#18
TheProgWay SS.org Regular Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada Posts: 160 Thanked: 5 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	TS-9 may not help much, it will just balance out your levels and tone FS: ESP LTD M-1000 (Original floyd rose) w/ JP pickups (Crunch lab and liquifire)

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