Looking for opinions on multi-amp rigs.

Ryan · May 24th, 2008, 10:20 PM

Howdy, folks.

I'm thinking of really getting profession on my rig. Just wanted some advice/stories from you guys.

Right now, I'm using a Tryanor Custom Valve 50 as my main electric amp, and a Fender Acoustasonic SFX as my acoustic amp. My band is a light rock outfit. We do a mix of covers and originals. Our originals are at about the Blue Rodeo/Sheryl Crow/Gin Blossoms/Matchbox Twenty level of rock. I'm the lead guitar player, though I also sing. We're a five-piece: Acoustic guitar/singer (female), keyboard/acoustic guitar/singer (male), electric guitar/acoustic guitar/harmonica/singer (me - male), bass, drums.

Right now my setup is somewhat straightforward. I'm thinking I'd just like to have a bit more of a higher-gain lead tone. The Traynor gets pretty gritty, but we do some harder-edged covers (Zep, Ozzy, VH), and sometimes I feel a more saturated tone is necessary. I have a Peavey VK 212 with has plenty of gain, but I don't enjoy the tone as much as the Traynor.

I'm thinking about going multi-amp, using the Peavey as my lead-tone and the Traynor as my rhythm tone/lighter lead tone. Other people have recommended I look into a higher gained distortion pedal. I have a few right now, but I usually don't enjoy the tones of pedals as compared to the sound of an amp. I'd probably get a Tonebone ABY switch.

My pedalboard as of now is simplly as follows:

Guitar ---- Dunlop Crybaby---Fender Tuning Pedal---- Ibanez Delay---- Traynor CV 50.

So, I was wondering if anyone here has more expierence with multi-amp rigs. We play fairly often, and usually at larger venues/festivals.

Is it worth it to get into three amps onstage? Or should I just try to find another distortion pedal that I can use for the smaller selection of songs I need it for?

StratDen · May 26th, 2008, 08:18 AM

You didn't say what your budget it, but I'll add these to your consideration:

Something vintage Fender like a Tremolux or a Fender Bandmaster.

If you could get your hands on one of these, you might find you could do some amp consolidation...

A contemporary offering would be something by either Divided by 13, or Mesa Boogie depending upon how much you may want to spend....

Ryan · May 26th, 2008, 09:28 AM

Hmmm, I wasn't really planning on buying a NEW amp, though if I did, I'd be getting a Mesa Roadking. Amazing amps, I must say.

That or maybe the Fender Twin Amp. That thing has has serious BAWLS.

Basically, I was thinking about using the Peavey as my lead tone and the Traynor as the rhythm. But I never really did a lot of multi-amping and I was wondering if there were a lot of hassles or things I needed to look out for, or if I should just get a distortion pedal and run it through my Traynor for a better lead tone.

I'm just not fond of distortion pedals. I've had numerous examples over the years, Boss OS-2 & DS-2, Danelectro Fabtone, Ibanez Tubescreamer, Digitech Metalzone, PODs, Johnsons... I just never found one I felt sounded anywhere nearly as good as an overdriven or saturated amp.

I guess my lower budget is a problem... if money were no object, I'd be going with a Marshall Silver Jubilee and a Fender Twin or Bassman....

StratDen · May 27th, 2008, 10:40 AM

For your overdrive solution, IMO, nothing beats a Fulltone OCD,.

Since you have your Traynor and Peavey now and money is an issue, the yes try out some combinations at a local music that will allow you to bring in your amps and can give you on-spot solutions for what you are trying to achieve to try without laying out cash first.

worldoftone · May 27th, 2008, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Is it worth it to get into three amps onstage?

Been there, done that. You should be able to get everything you need out of two amps IMO. If not, then find two amps that will work for you.

- WOT

Ryan · May 27th, 2008, 08:30 PM

Hmm.... Yeah, I've been thinking about getting rid of the Peavey... it IS a great amp for the price, but I think I should look at getting something different.

But gear is so pricey these days, especially once you start settling down...

I think the only amp I've ever had one of those 'check your underwear' moments was through an Orange Thunderverb. The most beautiful and raunchy amp I've ever played. Only thing is, it's the price of a good secondhand car....