I need to clean up some mud.

[Given to Fly]

I've using my UV and Legacy combo to practice with my band and no matter how much I try to tell myself it isn't true, it really isn't clear sounding at all. We are playing in a workshop with concrete floors and wood walls. I don't know if's it because of the room or the pickups or the amp, but it sounds bad. What can you suggest? I was thinking it could be the pickup's but I'm not sure if that's the case given that it sounds pretty good at lower volumes. Thanks!

[The_Grindfiend]

Well, that should be a fairly clear sounding combo. How are you setting it? You may need to to adjust the amp. Apart from that, the only other thing I know to tell you to do is try lowering the pickups, if that's applicable. New pickups might help things out, but Vai has gotten pretty clear tones out of the Blazes, so you should be able to get at least a passable tone out of them.

[caprile]

have you tried a thicker 7th string? I switched form 52's to 58's and the difference is noticeable. Some forum member have gone even further...I believe Darren uses a 70 or something

[guitarkatana]

Play around with your amps EQ. Without seeing your gear, that's about the best thing I can recommend.

[The_Grindfiend]

The heavier 7th string is a good idea. I use a .064 or .065 for B, and I quite like the results.

[Drew]

If it sounds good at lower volumes, but not at higher, my money is on your gain settings. Since the poweramp begins to compress and overdrive a bit as you turn the amp up, you need less preamp gain to get the same overall amount of compression and distortion at a higher volume. Back off your gain a bit next time you're jamming with your band, and see what happens.

-D