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Post by Russell B on Sept 10, 2021 9:13:46 GMT -7
As mentioned in the "Tone Suck" thread, I wanted to discuss the Boss PS-6. I got it because I wanted to add harmony to a couple of leads. Allman Brothers "Jessica" and Bad Company's "Can't Get Enough".
Overall, it work pretty well. It tracks pretty well with single notes (thing the beginning of the solo on Can't Get Enough), but not as well with the bending parts (the last of the solo on Can't Get Enough). I basically add a -3rd to the played note. It's not bad for a single guitarist in a band. I do wish it sounded more natural, but that my just be pie in the sky.
Any advice? Any other harmony pedals out there that you would recommend?
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Post by simpleton on Sept 10, 2021 11:27:03 GMT -7
I use the BOSS SY-1. Although it’s a Synth pedal, I really enjoy the octave abilities it has. Each of the different sounds (synth, organ, pad ect….) all have a octave setting where you can either go 1 note at a time higher or lower. So full up or down octave, and you are not locked into a key. I started using instead of my old EHX POG….the Bass setting are great and can add a fat low end to single notes….again even in 3rds, 5ths or ANY other note desired above or below the note played.
It has a lot of options …. As it is not just an octave pedal. Tracking seems great to me.
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Post by "Z" Steve on Sept 10, 2021 15:03:20 GMT -7
I have the PS-6 predecessor, the HR-2, which gives me what I want - a mimic 12 string sound and a lush chorus sound if needed. If set up right, and my playing is accurate (never happens), I can pull off a 3 part Hellecaster's lick as long as I stay in that scale. But like you stated - bending is not s a strong point with these types of pedals. I quit looking into octave pedals because I got what I was looking for, but I remember seeing Allan Holdsworth do some incredible stuff back in the 80's, including string bends, with some Eventide rack mount gear. I'm sure there's a pedal that can pull off what you want without breaking the bank too bad, but you may get more effects than you need in the package. I'm looking forward to see what you come up with! Oh yeah, I get minimal tone suck with it.
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Post by nicholas on Sept 11, 2021 4:29:26 GMT -7
Have you tried running it in stereo with two amps? I'm not familiar with that pedal, but every octave/pitch shift type pedal I've ever tried sounded way better in stereo. Might be worth a try if the pedal is capable of that. For instance if output A is your dry signal and output B is the affected signal it usually sounds way more natural all around.
I use the Eventide Micropitch algorithm in an H9 pedal all the time. I run the Micropitch into a powered wedge. So my main amp is dry and the pitch shifted signal comes out of the wedge. I use a volume pedal to blend in the effect. It sounds great. The micropitch is a pitch shift pedal with delay.
Eventide makes a simple stomp box sized micro pitch pedal now, not as expensive or complicated as the big Pitchfactor or H9 pedals . Maybe watch a few reviews and see if it's something you'd be interested. I definitely like the Micropitch, it's become part of my core sound.
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Post by Russell B on Sept 11, 2021 4:51:56 GMT -7
Have you tried running it in stereo with two amps? I'm not familiar with that pedal, but every octave/pitch shift type pedal I've ever tried sounded way better in stereo. Might be worth a try if the pedal is capable of that. For instance if output A is your dry signal and output B is the affected signal it usually sounds way more natural all around. I use the Eventide Micropitch algorithm in an H9 pedal all the time. I run the Micropitch into a powered wedge. So my main amp is dry and the pitch shifted signal comes out of the wedge. I use a volume pedal to blend in the effect. It sounds great. The micropitch is a pitch shift pedal with delay. Eventide makes a simple stomp box sized micro pitch pedal now, not as expensive or complicated as the big Pitchfactor or H9 pedals . Maybe watch a few reviews and see if it's something you'd be interested. I definitely like the Micropitch, it's become part of my core sound. I’ll try the 2 amp rig today!
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Post by Russell B on Sept 11, 2021 6:27:17 GMT -7
Ok, first test. It makes a HUGH difference when I have the harmony pedal split to my Z-Lux and Wreck Jr! I will explore this more later when everyone is gone and I have the house to myself.
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Post by jbrad on Sept 11, 2021 9:54:03 GMT -7
I have had a few stereo pedals that you could run y cables in and out and kind of trick them into being thicker sounding for the times you don't want to lug 2 amps. It's not quite as good as the real thing but a couple of pedals really sounded a lot better like this
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Post by jbrad on Sept 11, 2021 10:04:28 GMT -7
I have had a few stereo pedals that you could run y cables in and out and kind of trick them into being thicker sounding for the times you don't want to lug 2 amps. It's not quite as good as the real thing but a couple of pedals really sounded a lot better like this.
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Post by LT on Sept 11, 2021 12:27:28 GMT -7
I had the Digitech HarmonyMan. It worked well and would set the key by you strumming a chord. It's a big pedal though so it needs some real estate on your board.
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Post by nicholas on Sept 11, 2021 14:11:56 GMT -7
Ok, first test. It makes a HUGH difference when I have the harmony pedal split to my Z-Lux and Wreck Jr! I will explore this more later when everyone is gone and I have the house to myself. Nice!
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Post by Russell B on Sept 12, 2021 5:56:48 GMT -7
After the wife left, I was able to test it with the Lux and the Wreck Jr at a more gigging volume level. That really made all the difference. It’s much more authentic with two amps, especially so in this cause because I use two completely different amps.
I might try the Y cable trick too.
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Post by jbrad on Sept 12, 2021 11:22:33 GMT -7
The y cable doesn't work with all pedals but some pedals do really well with it.
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Post by zpilot on Sept 14, 2021 22:38:21 GMT -7
I've used the harmonizer effect in my Line 6 M5 for several things. Works great once you get the balance dialed in. What I really like is that you can seamlessly switch between two settings by using a controller pedal. Such as when needing to go from a major 3rd to a minor 3rd. I am currently using it on the octave down setting to approximate a baritone guitar sound. It is good enough that I don't have to lug another instrument to gigs.
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Post by Russell B on Sept 15, 2021 4:14:14 GMT -7
I've used the harmonizer effect in my Line 6 M5 for several things. Works great once you get the balance dialed in. What I really like is that you can seamlessly switch between two settings by using a controller pedal. Such as when needing to go from a major 3rd to a minor 3rd. I am currently using it on the octave down setting to approximate a baritone guitar sound. It is good enough that I don't have to lug another instrument to gigs. My M5 is what got me interested in harmony pedals. Bending strings are the issue with harmony pedals.
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Post by Rockerfeller on Oct 15, 2022 8:44:20 GMT -7
As mentioned in the "Tone Suck" thread, I wanted to discuss the Boss PS-6. I got it because I wanted to add harmony to a couple of leads. Allman Brothers "Jessica" and Bad Company's "Can't Get Enough". Overall, it work pretty well. It tracks pretty well with single notes (thing the beginning of the solo on Can't Get Enough), but not as well with the bending parts (the last of the solo on Can't Get Enough). I basically add a -3rd to the played note. It's not bad for a single guitarist in a band. I do wish it sounded more natural, but that my just be pie in the sky. Any advice? Any other harmony pedals out there that you would recommend? I picked up the TC Electronics Quintessence used (try and find them new, they're out of stock everywhere). Not sure it will work for me, but I am going to try it out at a show next week. But, it BENDS the harmony note well. As long as you're bending to a note in the key and scale you're playing in, it bends the harmony note perfectly.
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