Tips for playing loud

[Rextrade]

Hey--I could use a couple of tips from some experiencd players here on how to get a good loud sound.

Just started playing with some new people and they play LOUD, pretty distorted and sludgy--I generally played fairly loud, but this is a whole other level. I'm playing through a Blues Deluxe and I have it cranked, with pedals to boost it.

Needless to say, my rig sounds very different when everything is this loud--I'm used to having a pretty crunchy sound (through the Blues Deluxe, or an AC15), kicking on a boost or run-of-the-mill distortion and playing lead lines that seem to sound good tone-wise (musicality is a whole other issue ). Playing this loud though, everything just seems off. It's hard to describe--my guitar is cutting through the mix, but it just doesn't sound right--it's almost like my playing sounds slower or behind the beat when I solo. I know the answer probably is to tell the guys I'm playing with to turn down, but I'm the new guy sitting in, so I don't have much say.

So now, I'm basically going from an EH phase shifter-- OCD--Crunch Box--Fulltone Fat Boost--Boss Delay--I have the highs up pretty high, and the bass settings relatively low. I never use the crunch box and OCD at the same time (I use the CB for heavy saturated lead stuff). I'm using a tele with Kinman broadcaster pups, with a 4 position switch.

Does anyone out there have general tips on getting a good loud sound from my rig--pedal settings, eq, different rig etc.? I have access to a Marshall 1/2 stack, and could use an SG or hotter guitar, but volume and fatness don't seem to be the problem. Thanks

[rondillonmusic]

Maybe you're hearing amp sag. I'm not an amp expert...so I could be wrong.

In any case, your band should be playing as loud as your weakest instrument. If you're the guy with the smallest/weakest amp, they should turn down to match your volume. If your volume can't keep up with the drummer...I'd suggest mic'ing your combo and running it through a PA. New guy or not...it's pointless to jam with other guys if you're not going to be heard...or your playing is inhibited by other some other guy's amp volume.

If you insist on playing loud, then I'd suggest buying a Bassman.

[mlove3]

you amp may be loud but under powered to match your jam mates, power = more girth/bass, not just volume.

[klasaine]

I too would say that if your amp is maxed out and you're using some kind of boost and/or distortion your amp is basically "wheezing" and your speaker is straining to react and can't keep up.
You need something more powerful. (Maybe something solid state?)
I know from whence I speak as I regularly play in band that has two guitar players and we each play through a JCM 800 (100 watts, sometimes 50 watters, sometimes Mesa rectifiers, etc. - it's all provided backline) 1/2 stack - with distortion pedals.

[klasaine]

P.S. Get some decent ear plugs. Seriously. "Etymotic" are excellent and very reasonably priced ... http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx

[Rextrade]

Thanks. I'll lug the 1/2 stack down to the practice room and give that a go.

[edit--just to clarify-my problem doesn't seem to be volume--the Fender keeps up pretty well. So would a more powerful amp at the same volume just sound better?]

Klasaine--I use the etymotics--they're fantastic.

[Alter]

P.S. Get some decent ear plugs. Seriously

the best advice...

[Rextrade]

Originally Posted by rondillonmusic

If you insist on playing loud, then I'd suggest buying a Bassman.

Been eyeing one of these for some time--good excuse to get one. Do you mind calling my wife and telling her that it's absolutely necessary that I get another amp? Thx

[beep.click]

When you're playing loud, the fewer effects, the better. Delay, chorus, and reverb all make it harder to hear yourself.

I have a Blues Deluxe, and it's pretty bright (that's why I like it) -- so that's not your issue. Then again, I've never cranked that amp, so I don't know what it does when the going gets loud...

If you HAVE to play loud, consider a Twin Reverb. I don't like playing loud, but I just got one. Because SOMETIMES (fairly often, actually), people want me to play outdoors, with NO option of running the amp through the P.A. At 85 watts, with LOTS of clean headroom, I'm figuring the Twin will do the job.

P.S. What everyone else said about earplugs -- +1,000,000. I used to play louder when I was younger (crappy P.A.s), and ringing ears are the worst. Plus, you can't repair your hearing...

[charlie chitlin]

If it was me, I'd play at a reasonable volume and, if the others wanted to hear me, they'd have to turn down.