Tone advice

[mysterio2099]

Hey guys, this is my first post.

I've been told (by a respected professional) my guitar quality sucks. I can't seem to get it right.

My setup:
ESP LTD F-150 with PRS Tremonti pups --> Line6 PODxt processor --> Presonus Firebox sound input --> MacBook firewire-->GarageBand

Thanks!

**If my attachment didn't work, just go here: MySpace.com - Kevin Boyette - Foley, Alabama - Rock / Alternative / Metal - www.myspace.com/kevinboyettemusic

[Ken Walker]

Guitar tone is very subjective.

Did he bother to give you any specifics as to why he said it sucks? I'm assuming he means the tone, not playing.

[mysterio2099]

Originally Posted by kpaw

Guitar tone is very subjective.

Did he bother to give you any specifics as to why he said it sucks? I'm assuming he means the tone, not playing.

Yes, he was talking about the tone. He said there's too much bass, too much treble and no mids. I have been trying to get a good tone for years and I can never seem to please this guy, haha. I don't have much of a "recording ear" so I can't make very good tones. I always get told there's too much of this or that. Any advice? Or, do you think it sounds fine now?

[tomdarude]

get rid of the pod and try a tube-amp and 1 or 2 mics in front instead!

there you go

[mysterio2099]

Originally Posted by tomdarude

get rid of the pod and try a tube-amp and 1 or 2 mics in front instead!

there you go

I can't afford all that shnazzy gear.. but, if you would like to donate to the Mysterio2099 Recording Studio fund I will happily accept

Any tips for the Pod? haha

[Ken Walker]

Originally Posted by mysterio2099

Yes, he was talking about the tone. He said there's too much bass, too much treble and no mids. I have been trying to get a good tone for years and I can never seem to please this guy, haha. I don't have much of a "recording ear" so I can't make very good tones. I always get told there's too much of this or that. Any advice? Or, do you think it sounds fine now?

Why are you trying to please him? It's your music.

I prefer a more well-rounded ballsy sound for my rock mixes, but every sound has a place. I dislike pods, I'll say that. My attempts at recording pods have been, um, less than good. No mids and real bottom to speak of IMO. On the other hand, if you don't want to use an amp, get your hands on a Rockman--if you like that sort of tone. I and many others have had great success with those.

Or, if you have an amp you can overdrive, a mic or two positioned properly might be the ticket for you. A SM57 is fine for most applications. Just experiment and see what happens. It's the best way to learn. And despite what you might read on other parts of these forums, you don't have to drop a load of cash on a Mesa Mark IV. There are enough inexpensive amps on the market you can use. Go to you local Guitar Mart and just try a bunch of different amps. Bring your guitar though.

[8BallProductions]

I Would Agree With the Above Comment ... Ditch the Pod or any Digi Guitar FX plugins (Unless for demo or Effects) and go get your self a good valve amp and sm57 and try that out for size to begin with .. learn about recording with one mic and how positions effect tone and then move on to two and try to find the right relation ship of close to far mic'ing and getting a good balance .

j

[8BallProductions]

just a lil tip as well .. if you have too use the pod .. get your self a black star HT pedal or similar Actual Valve pedal for about £100 and or $200 and use that as to give the pod guitar a lil valve drive ....

or rune the pod track and another valve pedal track track behind it to give it some feel and depth ..

also you should read this guys thread on recording guitars

Slipperman's Recording Distorted Guitars From Hell

that will change your tones for definite ..

[mysterio2099]

Originally Posted by 8BallProductions

just a lil tip as well .. if you have too use the pod .. get your self a black star HT pedal or similar Actual Valve pedal for about £100 and or $200 and use that as to give the pod guitar a lil valve drive ....

or rune the pod track and another valve pedal track track behind it to give it some feel and depth ..

also you should read this guys thread on recording guitars

Slipperman's Recording Distorted Guitars From Hell

that will change your tones for definite ..

Thanks for the advice man! I'll read that post asap. Do you have a recommendation for a first tube amp? I've always heard they're a hassle to maintain and solid state amps can get just as good of tone. Is this true??

[Energie]

Tube amps are not a hassle to maintain, and I actually enjoy being able to further shape the sound by trying new tubes for tone. Tube amps are where its at for guitar amps, thall shalt not use solid state.

Your file sounded ok, but its the pod thinness and fakeness that is shinning through, but overall not bad for a pod. Someone who is used to a real guitar amp will not like the pod one bit, and for good reason, they are brittle with not much life or depth to them and a bit harder to mix imo. I don't mind using amp sims, but pod would be the last one i would reach for personally. What are you using to record?

I would personally spend some bucks and get a nice tube amp, possibly modular like the egnater and Randall series, seems to offer lots o flexibility and sound. I would recommend a separate head and cab instead of a combo, specially if you are doing more heavy stuff. though keep in mind this will cost you some coin, but if you are serious about guitar and want a better tone, its time to ditch the pod and get the real thing.

[mysterio2099]

Originally Posted by Energie

I would personally spend some bucks and get a nice tube amp, possibly modular like the egnater and Randall series, seems to offer lots o flexibility and sound. I would recommend a separate head and cab instead of a combo, specially if you are doing more heavy stuff. though keep in mind this will cost you some coin, but if you are serious about guitar and want a better tone, its time to ditch the pod and get the real thing.

Coin is the problem. I don't have any money to spend on gear right now, unless I put myself further in debt, lol

Well, I guess I'll just accept that the POD is my problem and it can not be improved. So I'll save my money for awhile, sell the POD on eBay and buy a good tube amp.

Lets throw some good brands out there and figure out what the best amp for a good price would be...

Marshall
Randall
Fender
Hughes & Kettner
Vox (?)
...
..
.