Clean tone in JEM?

[xklusivly4u]

I have a JEM with evos and can’t get decent clean tone from any pickup position. I am using Roland amp (crystal clean with my mahogany body RG). Is that because of basswood or evo in JEM?

[Algiman]

Is it that the tone isn't quite clean or that you don't like the sound?

[nickcoumbe]

Is that a valve or transistor amp?

Evos are really voiced for valve amps. I have found the tone disappointing through transistor and modelling amps.

[xklusivly4u]

Originally Posted by Algiman

Is it that the tone isn't quite clean or that you don't like the sound?

I don't like the sound Not very 'acoustical'?

Its a Solid State Amp.

[Algiman]

Evo's do sound a little hifi when clean (which I like) but added to a solid state amp they'll probably be rather uninspiring.

[GTR-MAN]

Probably the amp, rolands aren't exactly tone kings afterall(not trying to dis your amp). Have you tried another amp? Or just maybe it's your settings? I have 2 Jems & they sound great clean. I have used a tube amp (Legacy) & a solid state amp (Marshall Zakk Wylde Micro stack) & they sound awesome through both.

[Clonetool]

If you want an acoustic sound get a pee-ayyyy-zoeee

[xklusivly4u]

forgot to mention, it runs through Digitech GNX4. Maybe that further degraded the sound. I am looking for clean sounds like GnR's knocking on heaven doors intro (Just an example, I know it is different). I can achieve that with my RG using same settings. But obviously I want to play JEM.

[plugger]

Probably pickup differences. Evos are hot pickups optimised for the singing distortion sound that Vai likes so much. I wouldn't use a Jem with evos to try to get a nice clean sound. You need a pickup with less output, less mids, and less compression.

Maybe you could try putting something like a Fender vintage voiced (e.g. a 57/62) single coil in the middle position, and use that by itself for a classic clean sound? Clean doesn't get sweeter than that, imho.

[jim777]

The neck clean was really the only stock sound I liked out of the Evos through my half stack. But generally I've found that bright high output pickups through digital processors and digital amps don't sound good. For my tastes only hollwbodied guitars sound great through digital amps, solid bodies sound better through tubes.

So, I'd say the Jem and your amp simply aren't a good match; it happens. Because your mahogany guitar sounds great through your amp, I wouldn't change anything at this point.

[jb4674]

Use the Jem on the pickup positions 2 or 4 to get a nicer clean sound.

Jimmy

[nienturi]

Originally Posted by jb4674

Use the Jem on the pickup positions 2 or 4 to get a nicer clean sound.

Jimmy

And dont forget the 3rd also.

By the way, if you want "really nice" clean sound, why dont you get a strat with pair of single p.u.s with their clarity and cyrstal brightness?

[lynchfan6]

I agree with positions 2 and 4. Played through the normal channel of my SLO,,,goose bumps. And all the reviews I've been reading on the Evo's being too harsh.......I love the sound of the bridge and neck pickups on the overdrive channel. They really "sing." Especially that bridge pickup,,,,hit a note with high gain,,,and you can really hear something going on with those overtones....really cool. Very unique pickup.

[CosmicDebris]

Lower thy pickups. How low can you go?

[DEADTUNES666]

Position 4 on any Jem I own or have ever owned is the sweetest clean tone on the earth. Warm, yet crisp, with the right amount of twang. That's my opinion of course, but I have wowed many a fine musician in the studio with my clean tone. In fact I'm going to play some clean stuff right after this...

I'd also try playing with the tone controls to see where it is the sweetest. Too much or too little mid can ruin a sound IMHO.

I've never owned a Roland anything. Played through them a few times, so I might just be crazy. Good luck with your tone...