[Jan]

I've been playing ENGL for about 3 years now. I've been really happy with it for rhythm work and truly couldn't find a better amp for my metal. However, the other guitarist in my band plays a MARSHALL JCM 2000 head and I must say his amp sounds much better for solos than mine. I would never use his MARSHALL for rhythm, but for soloing it just sounds warmer, fuller, has that singing quality. Now, since it's my job rather than his to provide melody and solo ocasionally I've decided to do something to improve my lead sound. That is, I'm definitely not considering buying another amp and a splitter right now, not enough cash. I'm just thinking what magic stomp box to buy. I want a warmer, smoother, fuller, more "singing" lead sound. So far I've had the following ideas:

1. using a booster (Ibanez Tube Screamer or some other)
2. using an external distortion pedal, e.g. KEELY Boss DS-1/Boss Turbo Distortion
3. Using an equalizer pedal

Please tell me which you think will work for me.
I mainly use bridge hambucker only for solos, ocassionally both the neck and bridge pups in my Blackjack.

Thanks

[loktide]

I'd go with an EQ pedal. A tubescreamer is always nice, but won't mess much with the sound the way it is, but more with the gain response to your picking.

[Shaman]

The Marshall is a pretty mid-oriented amp, and a singing lead tone needs a healthy dose of mids, so that might be why his Marshall sounds better when playing lead.

I would say get an EQ or a Tubescreamer/Overdrive to get a bit more mids when playing lead.

[InTheRavensName]

maybe add some compression? something like

compressor-->amp-->eq in loop with a mid boost-->amp return

[Heavy Ed]

Have you tried using just your neck pickup for lead lines and solos? I find it gives a lot warmer (mid) tone than the bridge or bridge/neck combo. If not I'd go with a pedal EQ, you should be able to really shape your tone to what you want for leads.

[Jan]

thanks guys. Now if I go for an EQ, should I use it in the Loop or in front of the amp?

[Karl Hungus]

The Fireball can be a very harsh sounding amp if you're not carefull, and it took me a while to EQ it right for a good lead sound.

I've found that the best way to smoothen things out is not to turn any knob up high. As it is, I've got the Mid and Treble controls at around 6, Bass at 3, prescence at 2, and gain just a tad before 5.

No doubt, it's a very rythm orientated amp, but you can really squeeze some great lead tones from it, without having to use any other devices. If that doesn't work for you, then an EQ pedal would definetly be the next step.

[Jan]

Karl, the problem is playing it LIVE, so I need something to get a lead tone that would be different from the rhythm sound. BTW. what do yopu mean e.g. bass at 3? Do you mean three o'clock as if the knob was a clock (that would be ->) or 3 lines from zero (that would be <-). thnx

[daemon barbeque]

Jan try the MXR 10 band EQ !If you just want some midds ,stick it to the fx ,if you want to gain/volume push a bit for your leads ,put it infront of your amp!You don't need any other boost for the Lovely Fireball!

There is a secret weapon tho i used with teh Fireball ,wich quite surprized me !!The Line6 Rotomachine!!!
It gives a wonderfull 3D effect ,and has a wicked gain control wich works as a small boost!Very tasty ,ans works great in the FX loop!Check those out!

[Karl Hungus]

Originally Posted by Jan

Karl, the problem is playing it LIVE, so I need something to get a lead tone that would be different from the rhythm sound.

Ah, I get you. You want something to act as a seperate lead channel, and keep your rythm as it is?

Originally Posted by Jan

BTW. what do yopu mean e.g. bass at 3? Do you mean three o'clock as if the knob was a clock (that would be ->) or 3 lines from zero (that would be <-). thnx

3 lines.