Guitar punch at low volume
Hi, I play in what is a predominantly acoustic band, but I've recently introduced the electric on a few things to add some color. I'm using a line 6 with 1 12" (i know, not the best), and the problem I'm having is that at lower volumes, which some of our venues require, I can't get any punch. It sounds tinny and empty. Not knowing much about amps and electrics, I'm not sure if there's anything I can do. Thanks for any help!!
# 1
The punch is usually made by pushing the amp... "Pushing" meaning running it at it's highest point of output... What tube amp owners often do is get something called an attentuator that allows them to "push" the amp as much as possible but still turn back the volume.... With solid state amps like the Line 6 amp that you have it's a little bit different... you have to tweak on the knobs quite a bit... In the end what you're probably going to have to do is crank your amp and use the volume knob on your guitar to adjust it to the appropriate amount..... it will give your tone that full sound while giving you the control over the amount of volume your putting out....
A lot of people neglect the volume control on the guitar... they always have it all the way to ten..... The volume control on your guitar can work as an attentuator if you use it right... it can also work as a gain control because you'll notice that it bleeds off a lot of distortion when you turn it down... Just try that out and see how it works gfor you
A lot of people neglect the volume control on the guitar... they always have it all the way to ten..... The volume control on your guitar can work as an attentuator if you use it right... it can also work as a gain control because you'll notice that it bleeds off a lot of distortion when you turn it down... Just try that out and see how it works gfor you
# 2
Here's one situation where a transistor amp has an advantage over a tube amp.
A tube amp sounds best when you push it into 'the sweet spot' where the tubes compress and distort the sound in a very pleasing way. I have yet to hear a transistor amp that truly duplicates this. The problem is, there is not much you can do to adjust the volume of the sweet spot.
A transistor amp will accurately reproduce the signal, at whatever volume it is set to, as long as it doesn't get pushed into clipping. This allows it to deliver the same sound at any level. So, if you were to record your amp at different volume settings, the recorded sound would be the same.
What you're experiencing is a phenomenon related to the way the human ear works. At different volume levels, the ear's sensitivity to different frequencies changes, making quiet music sound kinda tinny and thin. I think you'll find that if you raise the bass a bit and roll off a bit of the treble, it will help.
Something else to consider: are you 'backing off' your playing in order to accommodate the quieter venue? Pick attack on the strings has a big effect on the punch. Dig into those strings, and let 'em ring!
A tube amp sounds best when you push it into 'the sweet spot' where the tubes compress and distort the sound in a very pleasing way. I have yet to hear a transistor amp that truly duplicates this. The problem is, there is not much you can do to adjust the volume of the sweet spot.
A transistor amp will accurately reproduce the signal, at whatever volume it is set to, as long as it doesn't get pushed into clipping. This allows it to deliver the same sound at any level. So, if you were to record your amp at different volume settings, the recorded sound would be the same.
What you're experiencing is a phenomenon related to the way the human ear works. At different volume levels, the ear's sensitivity to different frequencies changes, making quiet music sound kinda tinny and thin. I think you'll find that if you raise the bass a bit and roll off a bit of the treble, it will help.
Something else to consider: are you 'backing off' your playing in order to accommodate the quieter venue? Pick attack on the strings has a big effect on the punch. Dig into those strings, and let 'em ring!
# 3
Originally Posted by: LordathestringsHere's one situation where a transistor amp has an advantage over a tube amp.
A tube amp sounds best when you push it into 'the sweet spot' where the tubes compress and distort the sound in a very pleasing way. I have yet to hear a transistor amp that truly duplicates this. The problem is, there is not much you can do to adjust the volume of the sweet spot.
A transistor amp will accurately reproduce the signal, at whatever volume it is set to, as long as it doesn't get pushed into clipping. This allows it to deliver the same sound at any level. So, if you were to record your amp at different volume settings, the recorded sound would be the same.
What you're experiencing is a phenomenon related to the way the human ear works. At different volume levels, the ear's sensitivity to different frequencies changes, making quiet music sound kinda tinny and thin. I think you'll find that if you raise the bass a bit and roll off a bit of the treble, it will help.
Something else to consider: are you 'backing off' your playing in order to accommodate the quieter venue? Pick attack on the strings has a big effect on the punch. Dig into those strings, and let 'em ring!
LATS you truly are a genius! I've a Vox transister amp which sounds great, but i think its about to sound a whole lot better :D
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I met my maker, i made him cry, and on my shoulder he asked me why, his people won't fly thru the storm, i said, listen here man they don't even know your born.
strat-man rocks with vox
Six string slingin
Son of a gun
I met my maker, i made him cry, and on my shoulder he asked me why, his people won't fly thru the storm, i said, listen here man they don't even know your born.
strat-man rocks with vox
# 4
Originally Posted by: aschlemanA lot of people neglect the volume control on the guitar... they always have it all the way to ten..... The volume control on your guitar can work as an attentuator if you use it right... it can also work as a gain control because you'll notice that it bleeds off a lot of distortion when you turn it down... Just try that out and see how it works gfor you
That's very very true. I almost never change my amp's volume. I have it set to where I think it has the right amount of kickassness, and I control all volume with my guitar volume knob. The trick is knowing the exact point where it stops increasing the volume and starts increasing the gain.
# 5
Since the amp is facing a large open area, try turning the lows up and cutting back on the mids.
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# 6
One thing that hasn't been mentioned is compression. Ever think of putting a compressor pedal before your amp? If you end up losing some notes because of picking attack or if the highs are too high and the lows too low a compressor could put everything back in line. Look at that option if it's not the amp.
# 7
