Finally, your wish has become a reality: the dream amp is ready with the ideal guitar pedal, and the dream guitar hangs on the shoulder. But no matter how you do it: the sound that you had hoped for is missing. And if it does, it may still sound halfway good at home, but you can hear nothing of it in the rehearsal room or on stage.
Many of us know this situation, and the reasons for it can have the most different causes. It’s mostly the amplifier settings, which can usually be fixed easily if you know what to do. And we can help you.
Guitar amplifiers — quick facts
What guitar amps are there?
Tube amps still play a significant role because their sound has shaped the characteristic guitar tone from rock and metal to jazz and country. But people prefer so-called modeling amps more and more.
What is the difference between tube amps and modeling amps?
Tube amps create their sound with classic guitar tubes. There are many vacuum tubes, and you can read about the guitar amp tubes to get a handle on the subject.
In guitar amplifiers with tubes, the quality of sound produced depends mostly on the number of power tubes used and the amplifier’s total wattage rating. When all the tubes in your amplifier are operating at the same power rating, you can obtain the best tone. More often than not, even the older tubes in your amp end up using more electricity from the output stage to produce the volume that you desire. That is why most guitar amp tubes require frequent replacement to keep the sound quality consistently high. Also, make sure that the guitar amp tubes you’re using do not experience too much heat during their normal operation.
Modeling amps digitally reproduce any amp characteristics. There are also hybrid amps, which usually combine a tube preamp with a transistor power amp.
Which amp has the best guitar sound?
If you are looking for the perfect guitar sound, you will find the same setting options in all amplifiers. Therefore, our tips are not limited to a specific type of amplifier, but apply to all.
1. Adjust amplifier – alone or with your band?
People often make the mistake of sitting in front of their amplifier in the living room and then turning the amp until they are satisfied with the sound on its own. But you forget one thing: sound is also context-dependent! Therefore my tip: Make sound adjustments in the rehearsal room, and ask your band to play a groove to find your amp’s settings that fit well into the band structure. Sound adjustments are also part of the rehearsal of every band!
You can’t adjust your sounds together with the band?
Then at least listen to a backing track at home and adjust your guitar sound there. You may be amazed when you hear your sound alone, and that’s perfectly normal. Listen to the “Isolated Tracks” of some guitarists on Youtube. You will be surprised how different a guitar sounds alone than in the mix of the song!
2. How do I find the ideal EQ setting for my guitar sound?
What is the best way to set the mid control?
Since the midrange control on every amp is designed differently, and the guitar cabinet and guitar itself also have something to say, it is impossible to set an exact guideline here. However, if you have the feeling that the guitar is not coming through, try it out! Frequencies have a lot to do with the location in which you play. So try to stay flexible and don’t stick to a particular setting!
3. How much reverb for my guitar sound?
Reverb is often used in the mix to create depth. It means that the more reverb, the further back in the mix. Of course, this is true on the guitar amp as well, and that’s why you should use caution when dealing with reverb.
Of course, it feels great to have a decent room sound on the guitar signal, and again, reverb can gloss over and cover up some playing weaknesses. But first, reverb is the mixer’s job on the desk or DAW. Second, it runs the risk of making your guitar signal opaque.
Of course, it’s different if you’re into unusual music genres that use reverb as a stylistic effect, like surf or rockabilly. But then your mixer knows that and adjusts the overall setting. Otherwise: Use reverb only in a nuanced way and if it gets washed out, turn it down.
4. What does the gain control do?
The gain control is often used to sound heavier and more aggressive. However, the opposite usually happens. A lot of gain compresses your sound. Of course, it’s understandable that you want a singing tone, especially for lead sounds, and a lot of gain also makes playing a lot easier. Therefore, my tip: Choose a rhythm sound that is rather moderate in terms of gain and a lead sound that may have a bit more distortion. Make your setting in the band, and check that the sound is defined in the overall mix.
Overall
I hope this list could be a little help for you when setting up your sound. Your sound can feel good in your room but not on stage or in the band. Try to be open to the fact that specific changes are suitable for the thing itself, and you can get used to those changes very well. The mixer and your bandmates will thank you with respect.
How to easily remember your amp setting
Cell phones can be a great help when it comes to documenting settings! So my tip is to set up your amp in the rehearsal room the way you want it to sound and take a picture of it right away. Then it will stay the same at the gig and the next rehearsal!
Good luck!