Guitar question. [Archive]

TomBanks147

02-20-2007, 02:03 PM

Just a question to all those who play guitar. On electric guitar, I, like Lindsey suffer from a lot of low end and have a large (in some cases unwanted) dynamic range. So basically I want to know how to go about reducing the amount of bass.

Unlike Lindsey I don't use any nail when I'm picking. I tried growing nails once but just couldn't get them to work so I just pick with flesh. Playing steel string acoustic isn't a problem. I may loose a bt of the brightness in tone that I would gain from using nails but it's a sacfrafice I've already made and don't regret it. The same could be said about nylon also. The problem I'm having is finding a tone that I really love on the electric. My electric is a strat (it's a squire, a top range squire but a squire none the less. Still, I'm saving to get an american made Fender telecaster in a couple of months so I should have a real quality instrument then.) My amp is great. All tube Peavey valveking 212 (basically a 100 watt amp with two 12 inch speakers.) As far as pedals are concerned I have the Boss SD-1 (which I haven't really used.) and the boss DS-1 (that's in the post, not yet arrived.)

Soooooooooooooo, what do I do? Are there any pedals I could get? I was thinking of an equalizer so everything is the same volume, but that doesn't solve the overly bassy tone. Was also thinking of changing and or altering the position of the pickups in relation to how close they are to the strings. (with the advice of a guitar forum.)

Guitar forums are great up to a point, it's just there are few people that can help with playing the electric guitar without a pick. Do/did anyone else suffer with this problem? Also curious if you players use finger nails or not cause perhaps that's my problem.

Thanks :)

Sarah

02-20-2007, 02:12 PM

Are you using factory pick-ups with factory settings? You may find a sound you like a bit better just by adjusting the pick-ups a bit if you haven't tried it already. Your manual may have a page about doing that. If not, you might check Fender's website. Many manuals are available in .pdf form.

EDIT. I meant to say that I, too, pick with the flesh of my fingers instead of the nail. Being that I'm a girl, I typically have nails, but for whatever reason, I just find this the best way for me to play. I use an 81 Fender Bullet with mustang pickups.. it's kind of a telehybridfrankenfender. :lol: Usually low end comes out heavier than the highs for me, too. I've pretty much just adapted what I play around it, and save the intricate bits for acoustic. There, I mostly play nylon now, but am looking for a good, parlor sized steel string with just the right sound. One of these days. The loss of brightness from playing with flesh instead of nail or pick doesn't bother me one bit, and I have zero desire to change. :)

chiliD

02-20-2007, 02:12 PM

1) How do you set the tone controls on your amp?

2) Which pickup setting do you use mostly on your Strat?

TomBanks147

02-20-2007, 02:51 PM

2) Which pickup setting do you use mostly on your Strat?

Mainly the neck one. On occasions the middle one or the combination of both the neck and the middle. I rarely use the bridge pickup as I find the tone harsh, apart from strumming chords (ironically)

1) How do you set the tone controls on your amp?

Well I'm not a great fan of effects. I don't plan on owning that many pedals and I want to be able to play clean. Therefore I use the clean channel. I set the tone by altering bass, middle and trebble (there are other fancy things on like reverd which i use a bit of. I can boost gain. there a push buton called "bright" and two other knobs for resonance and prescense.) As my amp is still pretty new I'm playing around on it to try and find a tone I like. There no real setting(s) I sick to.

Are you using factory pick-ups with factory settings? You may find a sound you like a bit better just by adjusting the pick-ups a bit if you haven't tried it already.

Well when I bought the guitar I hadn't a clue about them so I was led on by the shopkeaper. I certainly wouldn't of got a squire because in the long run it costs more hence me saving up for a real fender lol. But anyway, the shopkeaper held on to the guitar to sort it all out presumably alter pickup settings and lower action etc. So I don't really know if the settings are factory settings but I'll have a look, thanks.

They say the tone is all in the fingers so maybe its just me and my lack of nail that's causing the problem. I love my acoustic playing, however and like you i don't miss the nailless tone on nylon and steel strung acoustics, so I'm convinced it my electric guitar because if it was my amp I'd have a mental breakdown. I am slightly exaguratting here i can get a weak lindsey style lead tone it's just very hard to find that setting and keep it. My problem's not all that bad at least, still i start with the rythm :lol:

but am looking for a good, parlor sized steel string with just the right sound.

I have a "freshman" and I love it. Very good value for money. If you want a reallllly cheap acoustic and your from the UK try this. http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbcg45.htm I don't own one but at that price it can't even be a gamble, probably plays like crap though, lol.

Offtopic but why oh why are the same guitars so much more expensive in the Uk than they are in america.

Han Solo

02-20-2007, 05:16 PM

It's hard to determine the problem from a distance, but there are a few things you can try.

As mentioned before, lower the pickups. If neck and middle p'up are close to the same height as the bridge pickup they are way to high. I have most of my guitars set up with bridge high, middle halfway and neck even lower.

Also a lot of players ( as do I ) have the pickups on the bass side (Low E) slightly lower than on the treble side (high E) to even out the sound.

Test sounds with your guitar volume on 10. Squiers can be fine guitars but do not have sophisticated electronics. If you turn down the volume you will also dial out the highs leaving you with a lot of Bass.

Do not hesitate using "weird" settings on the EQ of your amp. "Everything on five" does not work with many amps, especially tube amps. On my Fender Twin Reverb I set the bass on 2. Anything more would blow out the windows.
On my other Fender amp, I have the bass on 6.........

I assume you play near the bridge; the closer you get to the neck, the more boomy it becomes ofcourse.

Good Luck.

TomBanks147

02-20-2007, 05:49 PM

My pickups are almost exactly how yours are set jsut without that much of a tilt on them. I was hoping for them to be horendously wrong lol but oh well. I play usually over the middle pickup but can play near the bridge. I don't enjoy playing near the neck though.

I normally have my amp on 10 and my guitar on borderline 0 lol. I heard tube amps sound better at full volume and obviously could play both guitar and amp at 10 so just turned my guitar right down. I'm gonna turn the bass to 2 my volume on the amp right down and on the guitar upto 10. Thanks for the advice.

Han Solo

02-20-2007, 06:28 PM

Believe me, I've tried it too ( Amp on 10, guitar volume low) It does not work unfortunately. With every strat-style guitar I have you can hear the treble disappear when you turn the volume below 7.

While it's true that most tube amps sound better at higher volume (but not on 10, more like around 6 or 7) this is more evident with single channel amps.
I see that the Valveking has two dedicated channels. I'm sure you will be able to get a good clean sound with the amp volume on 3 or something.

Keep in mind that tube amps are really loud. I can't even use a 15 watt amp at home without annoying the neighbours. And if you turn the volume really low, the speaker will not move enough air to generate a nice, full sound. It is a universal problem for all home players.
My solution: headphones :(
I am fortunately able to play in a friends soundproof room a few times a week. There you can be as loud as you want......

chiliD

02-20-2007, 06:43 PM

1) How do you set the tone controls on your amp?

Well I'm not a great fan of effects. I don't plan on owning that many pedals and I want to be able to play clean. Therefore I use the clean channel. I set the tone by altering bass, middle and trebble (there are other fancy things on like reverd which i use a bit of. I can boost gain. there a push buton called "bright" and two other knobs for resonance and prescense.) As my amp is still pretty new I'm playing around on it to try and find a tone I like. There no real setting(s) I sick to.

As previously stated, try keeping your "bass" control turned down and the "middle" about in the middle.

If you WERE playing with the amp cranked and the guitar volume turned down, that's 90% of your "overly bassy" problem, right there.

You might want to kick on the "bright" button, too...that boosts the highs, which at a low to moderate volume will give some nice "sparkle" to your guitar tone.

mylittledemon

02-20-2007, 08:33 PM

As previously stated, try keeping your "bass" control turned down and the "middle" about in the middle.

If you WERE playing with the amp cranked and the guitar volume turned down, that's 90% of your "overly bassy" problem, right there.

You might want to kick on the "bright" button, too...that boosts the highs, which at a low to moderate volume will give some nice "sparkle" to your guitar tone.

Chili couldnt have solved your problem more easily. You probably need to play thru a nice clean amp too. That tone that Lindsey has on "The Chain" from the Dance album is probably the hardest to achieve.

TomBanks147

02-21-2007, 02:56 PM

Wow, solved. Thanks for the help everyone. I turned my strat up to ten amp down to 1-2 ish and it sounds beautifull. I'm not 100% satisfied with the tone but I'd say im 95% happy with it.

mylittledemon

02-21-2007, 04:16 PM

Wow, solved. Thanks for the help everyone. I turned my strat up to ten amp down to 1-2 ish and it sounds beautifull. I'm not 100% satisfied with the tone but I'd say im 95% happy with it.

That part you're not satisfied with could probably only be made up with actually having a Model 1 then I'd imagine.

Madness Fades

02-21-2007, 05:00 PM

That part you're not satisfied with could probably only be made up with actually having a Model 1 then I'd imagine.

Possibly the single greatest advertising campaign ever for the RT Model 1.
Have you sent quote that off the the marketing department.

Tom, The Demon is Right. Thats exactly that missing 5% and more is.

shackin'up

02-21-2007, 06:24 PM

I don't understand anything of what you guys talk about. But can you believe that I suck this stuff up everytime I read it?:shrug: For what purpose?:shrug::laugh:

mylittledemon

02-21-2007, 07:10 PM

Possibly the single greatest advertising campaign ever for the RT Model 1.
Have you sent quote that off the the marketing department.

Tom, The Demon is Right. Thats exactly that missing 5% and more is.

HA! I'd work for Rick if the fates allowed! I will one day, hopefully within the year, own my own Model 1.

BTFLCHLD

02-21-2007, 07:22 PM

I suck this stuff up everytime I read it I find these type of threads very interesting. :nod:

mylittledemon

02-21-2007, 07:25 PM

While it's true that most tube amps sound better at higher volume (but not on 10, more like around 6 or 7) this is more evident with single channel amps.
I see that the Valveking has two dedicated channels. I'm sure you will be able to get a good clean sound with the amp volume on 3 or something.

Keep in mind that tube amps are really loud. I can't even use a 15 watt amp at home without annoying the neighbours. And if you turn the volume really low, the speaker will not move enough air to generate a nice, full sound. It is a universal problem for all home players.
My solution: headphones :(
I am fortunately able to play in a friends soundproof room a few times a week. There you can be as loud as you want......

I leave my volume around 3-5...no louder. Although that tone is tough to get. I was playing a 22 watt Fender for awhile that was super clean, then added an SD1 overdrive pedal and that got the tone right...but I play a Les Paul so it tends to sound muddy anyway...I dont prefer Strats or Teles anymore...so I need to graduate to the Turner 1 soon!

Han Solo

02-21-2007, 08:14 PM

mylittledemon

02-21-2007, 08:45 PM

I would love to own a Turner someday. I can't justify parting with that amount of cash at the moment :D .

It's funny you mentioned the SD-1. I have several very nice overdrive pedals, which I prefer over the SD-1. When we decided to add "Go your own way" to our setlist I couldn't get close to Lindsey's sound on the record no matter what.

I finally gave up and pulled out the trusty old SD-1 from the storage closet. It's back on the pedalboard now.......

yeah I think he was using a Les Paul and HiWatt cabs back in the day for that Rumours GYOW way sound. I prefer the sound he's got on "The Dance" but you can get that with Mesa Boogies and the SD1

TomBanks147

02-22-2007, 04:23 AM

That part you're not satisfied with could probably only be made up with actually having a Model 1 then I'd imagine.

That's so true. Although if offered with the choice i'd take a RS 6 of a model 1. One day, I will own both an RS 6 and a model 1 though, at least that's what I tell myself.

Tom, The Demon is Right. Thats exactly that missing 5% and more is.

haha i know hes right, I just can't afford one right now. As I said before I'm saving for an american made tele which will cost me about £600-800 any model 1 will be 3 times that lol.

Do you have a right handed model one and a left one?

Madness Fades

02-22-2007, 04:46 AM

Do you have a right handed model one and a left one?

Yeah Quite strange isnt it. But I do have a 2005 Lefty model 1 and 1998 RS-6 and a 1980 Right Hand Model 1. (Which is for sale)
I play through a Mesa Boogie Subway. Its a fantastic amp. For Effects
I use a boss GT-6.
All the great tools dont make a great craftsman though. I have only been playing 3 years.
I think its great to hear the rest of the guys share the guitar knowledge too. Theres always something new to learn.

TomBanks147

02-22-2007, 08:18 AM

lol when I first heard you where selling your model 1 I thought you'd lost intrest in guitar ot something. Little did I know you own two. I've only been playing for 3 years as well.

All this talk of model 1's has ledt me searching turner guitars all over the internet. So instead of doing college work I'm sat stirring at a computer, mouth watering over pictures of an RS 6. Maybe I could sacrafice the Tele and save for a couple extra months. I know you can get an RS 6 for about £900 in america. but How much would it cost me to buy a new one here in the UK? I'm guessing it will be more either that or I'd have to get one from america with import tax on it, shipping costs and postal insurance.

Sarah

02-22-2007, 02:29 PM

i can relate to lost interest.

i've played most of my life. and i love it. for the longest time i breathed to play. but now, without any time to dedicate to it and a million other things always stressing out my mind, it's not an enjoyable experience to pick up and play, only to hear everything BUT the way i want to sound. i always convince myself that i suck, and it's getting to the point where i finally feel like i might just have to quit. :distress:

anyway. one of these days, even if it's just to say i have it, i'll get a model 1. i've always been into reading about any guitar, any specs.. but by far, and not just because of lindsey, the descriptions of the model 1 just seem perfect to me. like there's so much to refine and control. it's such an appealing guitar down to the electronics, and the way it's crafted is beautiful. i can only imagine how it feels.

does anyone still have that picture from eons and eons ago of the teal model 1.. i'm thinking a sunburst one was pictured as well. and, has anyone ever had a moment with the model 1 bass?

chiliD

02-22-2007, 02:44 PM

does anyone still have that picture from eons and eons ago of the teal model 1.. i'm thinking a sunburst one was pictured as well.

Hmmmm...I just was looking at that photo a couple of months ago. Now I can't seem to find it. Maybe got lost when they transferred my files from my old computer to this new one (we just got new computers about a month ago here at work)

HomerMcvie

02-22-2007, 03:04 PM

Sarah

02-22-2007, 03:27 PM

Pfft. I wouldn't pay $3,500 for one without the Piezo.

TomBanks147

02-22-2007, 04:13 PM

I don't understand anything of what you guys talk about. But can you believe that I suck this stuff up everytime I read it?:shrug: For what purpose?:shrug::laugh:

I find these type of threads very interesting.

That's because, if you don't allready play, you really want too. Especially Gerald. You can just tell he really, really, really wants to learn. Geralld, learn.

TomBanks147

02-22-2007, 04:18 PM

not just because of lindsey, the descriptions of the model 1 just seem perfect to me.

I know exactly what you mean. It's mere coinicidence that one of my favourite artists plays instruments that I really crave. Having said that I'd never of known about them if it werent for lindsey.

http://www.dreamguitars.com/instock_turner.htm That, for me is almost perfect. The only thing I'm not sure about is the bolt on neck. (would that cause it to lose some of it resonance? Doubt it probably just me.) I love the oil finish on it, you can just tell by looking at pictures of them how well crafted they are.

ajmccarrell

02-23-2007, 04:15 PM

Just why aren't your nails working? It could be one of two things: your hand isn't positioned right and you're holding your guitar wrong, or your nails aren't properly shaped. Lindsey is an odd breed because he holds his guitar wrong, yet his technique works for him. For most people, this doesn't work.

Check out books on classical technique and you will find the solutions for your nail problems. Believe me, the tonal difference you get is worth the effort.

Billo

02-23-2007, 04:25 PM

I quite like this one, and this I personally would get a great tone out of it:

http://www.dreamguitars.com/preowned/acoustic/Martin_00028_1910_11063.htm

#1LiddyBuckFan

02-23-2007, 04:36 PM

I quite like this one, and this I personally would get a great tone out of it:

http://www.dreamguitars.com/preowned/acoustic/Martin_00028_1910_11063.htm

I wonder how much you would have to shell out for that!

madformac

02-26-2007, 01:47 PM

Hmmmm...I just was looking at that photo a couple of months ago. Now I can't seem to find it. Maybe got lost when they transferred my files from my old computer to this new one (we just got new computers about a month ago here at work)

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/b3_3.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/8a_3.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/b7_3.jpg

mylittledemon

02-26-2007, 02:28 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/b7_3.jpg

Whoa! Way cool. Now I want a white one.

HomerMcvie

02-26-2007, 02:43 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/b3_3.jpg

This one, or one just like it, was on eBay, a couple months ago. It must be a cheaper Turner, because I believe it had $1500 reserve on it, and nobody bought it(if I remember correctly).

As much as I LOVE surf green, if it's a Model 1, I want it to look like LB's.:o

chiliD

02-26-2007, 03:13 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/b7_3.jpg

Ok...no powered EQ, just a volume & a tone control, so what are the switches for? Pickup coil split? Tone control bypass?

As much as I LOVE surf green, if it's a Model 1, I want it to look like LB's.:o

Exactly the idea of "surf green" to get the "stigma of Buckingham" off the Model 1. Sure, Lindsey made the Turner M1 famous, but that doesn't mean that every M1 has to look like his. Look at all the different models & colors of Gibson Les Pauls...if the same logic held true, all Les Pauls would be black.

HomerMcvie

02-26-2007, 03:44 PM

Ok...no powered EQ, just a volume & a tone control, so what are the switches for? Pickup coil split? Tone control bypass?

Exactly the idea of "surf green" to get the "stigma of Buckingham" off the Model 1. Sure, Lindsey made the Turner M1 famous, but that doesn't mean that every M1 has to look like his. Look at all the different models & colors of Gibson Les Pauls...if the same logic held true, all Les Pauls would be black.

^^^Hey, I've drooled over LB's guitar since what, 1979? On the day I can afford one, THAT's the one I want!

madformac

02-26-2007, 04:56 PM

Ok

Exactly the idea of "surf green" to get the "stigma of Buckingham" off the Model 1. Sure, Lindsey made the Turner M1 famous, but that doesn't mean that every M1 has to look like his.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/2439102.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/g1.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/photo1_bf4b3.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/292a.jpg

chiliD

02-26-2007, 05:19 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/g1.jpg

Ok...so I get the knob on the horn is the piezo/humbucker blend knob...but what's the "fifth" knob down by the bridge on this one?
Why am I asking YOU? I should just ask Rick Turner.

shackin'up

02-26-2007, 06:02 PM

Holy cow. The green one is so ugly that I want it. Bad. But if I had the money (I have, but not available) I'd go see lindsey live first.

mylittledemon

02-26-2007, 07:53 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/photo1_bf4b3.jpg

Whoa...that one is NICE. But whats with the extra knobs? Is that for the piezo instead of having it near the neck?

Madness Fades

02-27-2007, 05:26 AM

Yeah the 5th knob on that last one is for sure the piezo, its just in a different place. and I personally dont like it there.
On the Gold top the extra control is possibly for individual tone control over piezo and humbucker. This would never have a been a standard option on a Model one and I imagine its a coutom order someone decided to place.

Can I also say that the Green Model one is a great Guitar and its just a pity it such a horrible colour. Why do people want a colour like that.

The quilt maple flame one is looks fantastic.

But here is what I think. The Model 1 is basically the "Buckingham Guitar" thats the stigma with it, accept it. As Henry Ford once said about his Model T "It can be any colour as its black"

Billo

02-27-2007, 01:38 PM

Forgive me, but that Green one looks like it's for the ladies only. I see the Bangles or someone using that, not a feller. And that color looks great on some guitars, too, so that's what is even more perplexing. I had an old bandmate that had a seafoam green/gold Rickenbacker 360 and it was great looking, not as "candy coated" green as that Turner tho.

I'd still take a Les Paul myself, but have never played a Model one either, soooo.....

Sarah

02-27-2007, 01:58 PM

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/madformac/292a.jpg

Gorgeous. I've never seen the black. I really like that it's not solid.. the wood on the sides = beautiful.

I've always thought that I'd want one that looks exactly like Lindsey's or the burst, but after seeing the black one (good shots of the different angles, that neck is gorgeous).. i think that's the one i'd pick. I'd choose silver hardware though.. gold hardware always looks gaudy to me. (No offense to anyone.. I don't even like gold jewelry.)

Thanks for posting the surf green. I knew I wasn't imagining it. The turners truly are functional art.