Help me spend my birthday money

[indianrock]

Spouse has approved about $350 and I want to get a gadget. I've been looking at the Electro Harmonix POG but remain unconvinced by the online demos. Only interest was to simulate a clean electric 12 string. Why is it everyone, including manufacturers, post all of the weirdest possible sounds a device can make. Don't we really want to hear useful mainstream sounds a mature player could actually use in a live situation. Who's got the money to spend out there anyway? End of rant.

Next I considered the new Boss DD-7 delay. Haven't ruled it out. Also looked at the Boss PS-5 phase shifter even though I'm sure I'd have to pick individual strings ( arpeggio ) since it probably won't do chords. TC Electronics has some Nova pedals -- one had really nice sounding chorus ( chorus on my Korg MFX is so so ). Also considered the Tri AC Sansamp -- still a possible but I have so few occasions to use overdrive at church.

The biggest bang for the buck is going to be something that improves my clean or slightly overdriven rhythm sound -- lusher, fuller.
Ideas?

[Crunchyriff]

With those prospects you listed and what you are looking for, I'd go for the SansAmp and pocket the change.

[indianrock]

You may be right on the sansamp. I'm finding that I've been overly conservative in church. And most actually like it when the electric guitar "talks" a bit. When I started on the worship team our Pastor said not to scare the sheep. But my team members seem to like hearing a little 'grit.'

[Tech Player]

I like this ZOOM G1, better than my new-in-box, wrapped-up and staying put GT6, which would be a GT8, oops G10 @ $499, better check the ME-50 if you want to spend all your money. All available through this link. The ME-50 looks so-pro, and is priced where you want it, but should be a little cheaper somewhere, since it has been around for awhile, I believe, but am not sure. We had its predecessor the ME-33 and sold it while it still had value.

The ZOOM G1, which I paid $99 for with power supply - it's only $59 in the US? There's also a G2 already for $99, that has to be the most bang for your buck, IMO.

http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--ZOM505II

I tested the G1 as soon as it was in a magazine, bought it and love it. I guarantee you that it has that slightly overdriven, rough-amp sound that absolutely works with chords. And a bonus, bit of fake 12 string attempt too, and 40 other choices. Comes with all kinds of other toys inside the unit and drum machine that really works!:huh:

For those who aren't actually shopping, but should feast their eyes for fun, here's the boss ME-50. It's so purrty.:)

http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--BOSME50

The Line 6 Shortboard is also worth a look, and perhaps a little of your time, but I honestly don't know if either the rugged Boss or the acclaimed Line 6 has the versatility and range of effects, 30 vs. 40 or 46, that the G1, G1-X with X-pression, or G2 have.

And I'm sorry, I know very little about POD's, other than those who use them for recording, because I just have stomps. People here know their POD's as well as their ME-50's I believe.

[Crunchyriff]

But but...that zoom wasn't ON HIS LIST, TP! :dunno: :D

To my ears (and this is just ME), BOSS has had quite a conundrum with getting their modeling right.. This I have heard firsthand up thru the GT-8. I almost bought the GT-Pro but couldn't get on with its models. Though I have not heard for myself yet, trusted ears I know were sadly disappointed with the GT-10 at winter NAMM. Could I make the BOSS GT stuff work for me? You bet. But I wouldn't be staying with them long. ...frustrating for one who has been a Roland user for over 25 years. :(

RIGHT now, IMHO, in hardware-based modeling solutions, short of spending $1500 for the Fractal Axe FX, Line6 has pretty much got it as far as modeling, IMHO. Again, IMHO. The latest L6 amp models are pretty darn convincing...some absolutely wonderful. FWIW, The X3Live has really impressed me enough to use it as my primary rig at this time.

Zoom has always had some cool stuff for an untra-reasonable price. Ya might wanna add that to your list as Tech Player suggests!

[Tech Player]

But but...that zoom wasn't ON HIS LIST, TP! :dunno: :D

Well, then I got off track again.rofl

[Crunchyriff]

Naw, ya just added another!

[indianrock]

How would you compare the V-stack Tweedy and the Sansamp Tri-ac?

[Crunchyriff]

How would you compare the V-stack Tweedy and the Sansamp Tri-ac?

I haven't tried the Tweedy. Canna help ya there, cap'n, sorry...

[Tech Player]

Yes, I truly missed the point, and will blame it on my multi-tasking, too many things on the brain, and narcotics.

But I usually know something about amps and sound and want to share, and not be a storehouse or goods or info. I sincerely try to make the information which I am blessed to possess, go forward and be of benefit, if not "reward" others.

I'll be right on topic with the 2 pedals in question, while referring y'all who are interested, to have a little peek at others. It's free candy IMO when we can visit a manufacturer's website.:yikes:

But first, I got my BBE Sonic Stomp, brand new, it arrived yesterday. I have serious issues with it's quality of construction, not to be discussed here, but it will do, it is nearly average structurally and just barely acceptable cosmetically, and way-over-the-top in sound enhancement! I recommend indianrock, if you don't have one, add it, though you are looking for an effect.

I have no exposure to either of the pedals in question, the V-Stack Tweedy and the Sansamp, which the other guys know about or own, and I have heard alot of good things about. So, that's the Sansamp. I can tell from their descriptions, what a sound product is going to sound like, and that took some 40 years of not just exposure, but interest. I was building radio components and extra stereo speaker cabs when I was 10 - 12 years old, when these products weren't for sale, at least not "here".

I proceeded to raise my son to identify sounds and settings on amps and stereos by ear, besides recognizing guitars and pedals from their sound, on records, CD, radio etc. He IS going into Electronic Engineering, thank God. :)

I heard the demos or audio clips on the Sansamp and think it does what it should, in amp modelling, and in variable controls. I particularly liked the Fender sound, and also I wouldn't want anything for myself that didn't include one form of Mesa Boogie. The Marshall emulation has to be there to offer all the choice in the world rofl, but I believe it comes more cheaply, but in a dedicated way from their own pedals too, the Blues Breaker (I have the old one) or the Guv'nor. Those begin to add up in cost, while being rather tone-specific, or limited.

I like the look and features of the Sansamp. It's made specifically to be what it is (a complex machine), and NOT from a plain project box, like the Sonic Stomp, V-Stack or these, for example.

http://www.moogaudio.com/?gclid=CPHIgZbg1ZICFQIgPAodDQJNlg

So, looking at the V-Stack and reading their stuff, there isn't a lot to it for $200. It appears that the Fender sound they are mimicking, is different from the Sansamp, more warmer, fantastic but limited, and the Sansamp would have much more headroom. Just my analysis. Please get the one that you like the sound of.:yeah:

And quickly; 2 related things? :dunno: a former Christian-turned-Muslim has turned to me to help him buy a Mesa Boogie as well as a PRS guitar at the same time, from a distance, somehow, since we have no dealers here. We have done this routine many, many times before and gone to dealers & guitar shows, though he is blind, and still a stranger. He went back to his former Muslim faith, saying that Christians wouldn't help him with material things or tangibles, only doctrinal or spiritual matters, ie. admonishing and rebuking. WOW! I have been trying to win him back for at least 8 or more years, it has been hundreds of hours of ministry, travel, guitar shows, try-outs and sound sampling. Why me? Leading a blind man? It's bizarre. But, store personnel will not attend to him alone, either. :( He won't buy my stuff which is for sale, he only goes for new, and spends tens of thousands at the lucky dealers, after he has made up his mind. Generally, people say forget it, drop him.

But I got my calling, and my mission, rather late in life, and after my own disability, to recommend guitars and gear to people who call, and thus be able to witness to them.

Oh, and here's where my son's project is at right now, up and running - he and my 10 year-old daughter have built half of the whole thing from scratch, here it is. I think it makes any and all sounds, but there's the top half to be filled in. The circuit behind each of the 12 panels is sometimes as much circuit or more, than in one entire amplifier. Amps are so simple, too simple, that's why we have effects.;)

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj37/techplay/100_2079.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj37/techplay/100_2192.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj37/techplay/100_2199.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj37/techplay/100_2198.jpg

[indianrock]

For the moment I ordered a Radial Tonebone Bigshot ABY passive switcher so I can run my signal to the PA with certain effects and to my small tube amp on stage modified differently. I noticed the new Tech 21 Liverpool ( sansamp ) device and may get that later on.

Next on the radar is a volume pedal. ( recommedations ? ) When I really look at the basic problems I face weekly, adjusting guitar volume is the main one. I'm just not quick enough at reaching the guitar's volume control and when you're leading there can't be any accidental gaps from my guitar. I don't want to deal with batteries or any more 9V connections so I'm looking for the best volume pedal that isn't powered.

I think if I put this in the path going only to my amp I can hear myself as needed without jacking the guitar's volume in the PA back and forth.

[Crunchyriff]

I've got a bigshot. GREAT device. I just wish it had a 'status' LED or two on it.

IMHO- the best VP by far is the Goodrich. I've had Morley, EB and EB Jr's, etc.

The Goodrich is a keeper.

[indianrock]

The Goodrich, a little pricey but I'll check it out. I don't see myself riding the volume pedal all the time, although I know many use that to great effect for swells. For now I just want to be able to bump the volume maybe once or twice per service.

I also need to decide whether to just get a volume pedal or a pedal that does wah and volume. I really love that Mark Knopfler tone ( who doesn't -- I don't expect to match it but isn't part of it a wah in a fixed position? Doesn't Carlos Santana do something similar ? )

[Tech Player]

Good question. You might read this:

"For the most part, Carlos’ setup has stayed the same,” says Rene Martinez, who, along with Ed Adair, watches after Santana’s tonal arsenal. “His main guitar is a stock, green PRS Santana model which he has used consistently for the past year. From his guitar, the signal goes to a switcher box that allows Carlos to choose between two Dumble Overdrive Reverbs and a mid-’70s Mesa/Boogie Mark I head. The Boogie and one Dumble are dialed in with a fair amount of overdrive for sustain, whereas I try to dial in the other Dumble for a cleaner tone. All of the amplifiers are ready to go when Carlos steps onstage, and it’s up to him to decide what he wants to hear. Sometimes, he’ll only use the Boogie for most of the night, or he’ll use all three amps at once. The only effects Carlos uses are a Dunlop 535Q wah and a delay pedal.” (Martinez was reluctant to divulge the brand of delay, as Santana is always changing it, but word is he’s currently stomping on a T-Rex Replica at rehearsals.)"

........ which is from this:

http://www.guitarplayer.com/article/carlos-santana-spreads/may-05/8870

And BTW, I think that Martinez was SRV's tone man?

Enough from me, at this juncture. Easy does it. rofl

[Tech Player]

Yeah Rene Martinez was Stevie's main man. Here's how to get his tone.

http://www26.brinkster.com/jakapa/srv/equipment/guitars.htm

The Mark Knopfler tone is far more complex, layered and hard to get (from just a Strat 'n things) I have heard.

[Crunchyriff]

Yeah Rene Martinez was Stevie's main man. Here's how to get his tone.

http://www26.brinkster.com/jakapa/srv/equipment/guitars.htm

The Mark Knopfler tone is far more complex, layered and hard to get (from just a Strat 'n things) I have heard.

Not to mention today's Knopfler is doing the LesPaul thing thru a Komet dominantly, if not 100% in his newer work.

[Mark Revel]

I have the Tech 21 Tri-A.C. & it is a fantastic analog pedal/emulator. You can dial in just about any amp tone out there...sounds way better than my POD 2.0.

The only thing is, if I play just the Tech 21, I love it...but I am a tube amp guy...when I crank a tube amp into distortion after playing the Tech 21 I see that no matter how close we can get, there is no substitution for true tube tone, IMO.

My Tri-AC goes on every gig in case an amp dies.
It is a fantastic pedal that sounds best thru a power amp, direct, or thru a Tech 21 Power Engine which is simply a clean power amp that is transparent. (My POD sounds great thru that amp too...)

You won't go wrong with the Tri-AC. It does exactly what it says it will do.

But...it is not a tube amp. Sounds alot like one.....but it is still a pedal trying to sound like a tube circuit. I will never get rid of mine, Lord willing. Great backup and when my POD dies, it will become my church service rig.

[indianrock]

Lots of great advice. I'm still thinking about the Sansamp gear but I keep coming back to what will immediately solve problems for me, and that's a way to control volume during a song. It would be fun to learn to use it for volume swells but the main issue is bumping the volume in my monitor amp ( Carvin 15W tube ) when one of the following happens ( drummer gets louder, congregation sings louder, we switch to a softer song where I'm finger picking, etc ).

I don't want batteries or any more 9 volt connections so maybe a Goodrich L120. ( Crunchy Riff recommended a Goodrich ) It has a POT but it's not going to get a lot of constant use in my case anyway.

[indianrock]

Now I'm leaning towards an Xotic RC Booster. :dunno: I'm sure many of you have expensive gear sitting in a drawer so you'll forgive my shifting opinions :-) I've never used volume swells -- maybe someday -- just reluctant to buy a volume pedal that will get used once per service just to change volume a bit.

The RC sounds like it could be adjusted to toggle on/off a few decibels and used for solos/fills as well. Speaking of gear in a drawer, I should figure out how to sell my Boss EQ-20 Twin eq pedal. It has the Analogman mod
http://www.analogman.com/boss.htm#eq20

[Hardrokn1]

Have you considered a guitar synthesizer?
The Roland Gr-20 sound options seems pretty awesome: strings, drums, guitars, effects,orchesta etc!!!