|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 14, 2014 22:28:40 GMT -7
Or anyone that has any input is welcomed to comment So personally I am not sure what the flavor of a low powered tweed Twin clean sounds is like as I don’t believe I have heard one in person (You tube don’t count). However, I know I can get a great clean sound off my Therapy with my Strat and/or Tele completely different than my EZG (EZG more Blackface-LOVE IT) I can also get a good awesome OD sound off my Therapy but I obviously have to change settings to acquire that OD. Has anyone found a good “in between” settings that can accomplish both with little turn of the GV? I don’t want to use pedals with this amp. I want to go from those nice cleans ( maybe with a bit of hair) to mean but not necessarily the high gain that you get from turning the V knob all the way on the Therapy. If I lower the MV and up the V, I get those nice OD tones but I lose the clean tone. I played around using an EP booster to go from clean setting to some OD and it does not work too badly but I don’t want to increase the volume at the same time I add OD tones. I played around tonight with the EP, without the EP, with adding an airbrake (added more OD at low volumes) but again lost my cleans. I guess I want to go from clean(or semi-clean) to mild OD but I feel that when I lower the GV say from 10 to 8 I lose character on the tone. That is with my 2 Teles, Strat and Gretch. I like all speakers I have tried with the Therapy but #1 for me is the Gold. I get the same experience with all speakers (more or less). Have you guys found a setting that will put you right in the middle of both worlds? I know I am being “picky” here but I don’t want to use pedals to go from clean to OD. I like the OD the amp produces by itself. Sorta wish in a way it was a 2 channel amp (don’t beat me up) or a tone bypass to add that extra muscle but all from the amp. I am sure Doc had his reasons for not building a tone stack bypass circuit. He knows best…I am just saying. So if you are at a gig and you are enjoying them nice OD tones from the Therapy and the middle of the song calls for cleans...do you just lower the GV a bit? say from 10 on the GV to 8? 7? Church guys...from nice ambient contemporary christian tunes (Like Bethel church, casting crowns,Jesus culture) to more OD with the Therapy...pedals? Country dudes? PS: I am very happy with this amp, so happy I don’t want to add a solid state circuit device in front of it . Been fighting the stomach flu, time for bed…good night. I will read this tomorrow and go…what the heck did I try to say?
|
|
|
Post by Pete aka shouldb on Dec 15, 2014 0:53:34 GMT -7
A very good, and always challenging, question when dealing the simple and straightforward structure of Z amps........... Choices are, in no particular order: 1. if you're happy use a EQ Bypass switch (as in the Remedy / Maz), then using a clean boost should be okay? Set your EP to the Unity setting, and try that, but I'm confused by the "no volume boost" bit - the EQ Bypass on the other amps definitely gives a volume boost........ 2. Make sure you have a good treble bleed set up in your guitars, especially the Strat. I find with most Fenders that once you roll back the GV more than a notch or two, they lose their mojo pretty quickly, so fitting a good treble bleed cap will help to sort that out, but it will always be a compromise to be honest. I find setting the V at just around 1 o'clock and liberal use of the GV works best for what you want. 3. get another Therapy and a Headbone switcher, then you can have the full, undiluted benefit of both worlds Oh, and one other thing - I find adjusting the dynamics of my right hand helps hugely too. A gentle touch with the GV rolled back, cleans everything up; dig in and you get more attack. I've learned to "play" this amp, rather than just plug into it and it's ben a VERY rewarding experience!
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 15, 2014 1:54:49 GMT -7
Thanks for the reply Pete. I just need to find that super sweet spot where the EP or even the SP will put it where I want to be. I think I am being a purist with this amp as I love the core tone it produces as well as the rich dynamics.
I guess what I was trying to say regarding the increase in volume etc is that on a 2 ch amp sometimes one can dial the same volume for clean to crunch. You are correct about the EQ bypass mods and the volume increase. I think I rather have something like that than an external device but is all good.
As far as another Therapy, well that would be cool but not doable anytime soon. However, I do have a radial switcher and an EZG and have switch between the heads as needed but just wanted it all from the Therapy.
The Radial switcher does have a boost that I have also tried and I find it adds a bit too much OD however it does have a gain adjustment so I will play with that. It also has the ability to boost just mids and I tried that as well but I need to adjust the gain. The choices are 5 or 10 db but has a gain adjustment in front that one can adjust with a screwdriver or even a pick as it fits in the slot.
Will research a bit more on the treble bleed for the guitar. Just like you said, I feel the mojo goes out the window once I roll the GV. Thanks brother Pete
|
|
|
Post by Pete aka shouldb on Dec 15, 2014 4:36:17 GMT -7
just as another FYI........ I am finding the Xotic AC to be a stellar OD pedal for this amp, purely to do what you want, BTW.. I have mine set at unity volume with a fairly low Gain setting, and it seems voiced VERY like the Therapy. I use it to drive the Therapy harder, which let's me keep the amp cleaner. It does this a bit more "accurately" than the EP to be honest. I use the EP as a solo boost only. However, I fully understand the desire to play the Therapy straight in. Boy do I ever!! My challenge is, gigging in a covers band, I just need a wider palette of tones, so a few pedals are essential. With this amp, I can get away with just the AC and EP (I terms of boost OD), which is a first for me
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 15, 2014 5:06:37 GMT -7
I knew you would read between the lines and get where I am coming from. You actually gig so it would be understandable to add variety to the rich tone.like having another channel
|
|
|
Post by Pete aka shouldb on Dec 15, 2014 7:15:38 GMT -7
Yes, a good point - HUGE difference between home playing and gigging in my experience, so my gigging requirements are more about broad brush stroke stuff - I don't get to be picky or subtle at gigs. I just want to be heard!! Either way, the Therapy has it nailed
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 15, 2014 8:06:59 GMT -7
Sure does
|
|
|
Post by Easyrom on Dec 15, 2014 8:50:53 GMT -7
Hi, I really like the idea of avoiding anything between guitar and amp which could corrupt the feel... But if needed, I've been more than seduced by my Lazy J Cruiser Deuce in this amp. Feels like the same voice, but crispier. That's just my first impressions though, I don't have much experience with my Therapy yet!
|
|
|
Post by pcns on Dec 15, 2014 9:30:58 GMT -7
I run my amp with the master volume between 9 and 11 and the volume around 1 o clock. Roll off the guitar volume and/or use a different pock up to adjust my gain.
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 15, 2014 9:35:23 GMT -7
Actually, the hand dynamics have come into the equation...I can make it happen with the hands as the amp just takes and gives. I just get a bit heavy handed sometimes. Another thing is my choice of pick. Thinner picks keep that fender twang and '"quack" clear
|
|
|
Post by benttop (Steve) on Dec 15, 2014 10:19:24 GMT -7
I feel that when I lower the GV say from 10 to 8 I lose character on the tone. This sentence produces a question in my mind: How are your guitars wired? Do you have a treble bleed cap, or is it factory wiring? This makes a HUGE difference in keeping your sound when you turn down.
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 15, 2014 10:27:30 GMT -7
factory wiring
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 15, 2014 10:41:00 GMT -7
Looks like a simple mod
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 15, 2014 10:41:47 GMT -7
Pardon my ignorance can I buy such capacitors say Radio shack?
|
|
|
Post by hymns on Dec 15, 2014 10:43:37 GMT -7
Try a good clean boost or the Sea Blue EQ. Then set at close to breakup and apply the boost with just enough to take you where you need to be. I like the EQ because not only does it sound good when set for cleans it can add some boost and not take to much from the amp. It's not an overly aggressive pedal and it sounds good with combo IMO. I don't have a Therapy yet but it's only time.
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 15, 2014 10:49:16 GMT -7
Looks like they have some caps but only online. I think I will order an orange cap from somewhere
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 15, 2014 10:52:34 GMT -7
Thanks brother. I did try the clean boost (EP booster) tried the EQ back in July but can't recall the results, will try again I have an old boss EQ. I think this treble bleeding thing may be the key as it is acting just like the articles describe
|
|
|
Post by nmz on Dec 15, 2014 11:02:18 GMT -7
Pardon my ignorance can I buy such capacitors say Radio shack? Yes, I think you are going to be surprised at the difference. Roscoe turned me on to the mod easy and worth it. I also would love an EQ by-pass if it was like the remedy. I know I can use a boost but it ain't the same. On the remedy I love going from killer Z clean to killer Z drive! But the remedy has two volumes so it might be hard to pull off.
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 15, 2014 11:04:38 GMT -7
You know what I mean
|
|
|
Post by benttop (Steve) on Dec 15, 2014 11:11:20 GMT -7
Looks like they have some caps but only online. I think I will order an orange cap from somewhere Get an assortment. Everyone hears it slightly differently, and every guitar's pickups are different impedance, so you may like a different value than I like. They are reasonably cheap, so having several values to start is a good idea. If you put it in and are immediately repelled, try a different value. There is a perfect value for every guitar. Also, some mods add a resistor as well. I like this addition because it smooths out the taper of the pot. It is not required to get the bypass effect, but on my Les Paul, without the resistor my perception was half volume at about 8 on the GV. With the resistor, my perception was half volume at 5 on the GV. Easier to dial in for me.
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 15, 2014 12:17:07 GMT -7
Will do thank you so much
|
|
|
Post by iluvpunz on Dec 15, 2014 16:49:18 GMT -7
It's not inexpensive but you might try looking at the wiring kits from RS Guitarworks. I have their kits in my guitars and as everyone has said, it makes a huge difference in how you can use your guitar volume and tone. Good pickups are also a must to be able to ride the guitar volume and tone controls. Don't know what you have in your guitars but with the Fralins in my Tele and WCR's in my Les Paul I can roll back slightly and clean up real well with very little volume decrase.
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 15, 2014 16:55:04 GMT -7
So check this out..got home a bit early, told my boss "my tummy hurts" (thruth) and he said to go home Tried a few things with the Therapy today that I tried yesterday but went in with a clear mind and my tummy isn't as bad as yesterday. Anyway, between the SP Compressor, the Ep and the boost on the head switcher things were rocking. Then I turned all gadgets off and went back to a basic setting 9 O'clock on the MV and 1 O' clock on the V and things were rocking with the tele...a little GV manipulation and we were still good. went to 2 O'clock on the V again (as yesterday) and I swear this amp was singing. GV manipulation again and still good. while not exactly MR Clean it is clean enough from the natural OD I was kicking around I can see where the treble bleed will help. Thanks Pete for bringing that up and Bentop for providing more info. I probably will clip them caps and rsistors on before I decide what value then solder
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 15, 2014 16:56:10 GMT -7
Hey iluvpunz
I saw those online, may get some as well. just to experiment
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 19, 2014 18:17:27 GMT -7
Update:
Installed a treble bleed kit on my strat and Tele. What a world of difference mainly with the strat. Thank you all that suggested the mod
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 19, 2014 19:23:09 GMT -7
I run my amp with the master volume between 9 and 11 and the volume around 1 o clock. Roll off the guitar volume and/or use a different pock up to adjust my gain. With the treble bleed mod on the guitar I am really liking this settings
|
|
|
Post by zpilot on Dec 23, 2014 21:20:05 GMT -7
Larry Carlton used to use a tweed Deluxe in the studio with an ES335 for his Steely Dan stuff. I remember him saying that he would run his guitar on about 8 and set the amp to where it was just starting to break up for chords. He never played the amp really clean. Then he would run the guitar WFO for single string and double stop things. No pedals at all. I've always been partial to that sound and think it would work well with a Therapy.
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 23, 2014 22:00:12 GMT -7
Nice thanks
|
|
|
Post by benttop (Steve) on Dec 24, 2014 7:49:46 GMT -7
Update: Installed a treble bleed kit on my strat and Tele. What a world of difference mainly with the strat. Thank you all that suggested the mod I discovered that mod back in 1974 when I was working at a music store fixing guitars and amps. I've put it in every guitar I've owned since - once the GV works without mangling your tone, there is no going back.
|
|
|
Post by gplayer1965 on Dec 24, 2014 7:55:15 GMT -7
No doubt. I installed on my Strat and Tele and it was easy. I have to figure out how to install on my Gretch Electromatic
|
|