The Best way to Raise the volume for Soloing?

Kipperfetish · #1 04-01-2005, 07:21 AM

What is the best way to raise the volume for soloing. I want to do this without changing the tone, or as little as possible. i have an effects loop so do i put a volume pedal in there are something?

jem7vwh93 · #2 04-01-2005, 08:55 AM

I just picked up a MXR ZW-44. Zak Wylde pedal. I use it to push my boogie from dirty to solo. What I like about it is that it doesn't affect my tone much - just makes it sing. I can't see getting Zak's sound with it though. Guess you need EMGs for that.

The volume pedal idea sounds interesting. Tell us how you make out.

Stormcrow · #3 04-01-2005, 11:31 AM

time machine booster pedal by Robert Keeley
there is a new George Lynch model
price is a little steep though around 300 bucks

here is a link

http://www.georgelynch.com/catalog/p...roducts_id=118

Drew · #4 04-01-2005, 11:41 AM

http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_In...d_designs.html

built-in clean footswitchable solo boost across all channels - works like a charm.

-D

Rotti · #5 04-01-2005, 12:21 PM

volume knob on your guitar.

red5 · #6 04-02-2005, 12:47 AM

Well on a tube amp, you will change the sound somewhat.

But may I suggest a Keeley Java Boost? It can be a treble booster, mid or full booster. I find as a treble booster it makes an excellent solo booster (at least for mildly overdriven tones) because it amplifies the high notes and really makes them scream.

lyconxero · #7 04-02-2005, 01:32 AM

Yet another reason why I love my Spider II. With the footcontroller that I use, I can just save my different settings. So I can quickly switch between normal dirty tone to my lead tone which is EXACTLY the same except it has the drive boost turned on (and up

) along with just a slight touch of delay and reverb. I can also adjust the delay with tap tempo right from the foot controller so if I want to change it mid-solo....no problem.

BeastofLove · #8 04-02-2005, 08:15 AM

Put an RC Booster at the end of your pedal chain in front of the amp. Turn the gain way down and the volume up to taste for your solo boost (on the pedal). This is a very transparent booster, unlike others that add thickness or the like. Works great for me.

Check 'em here: http://www.prosoundcommunications.co...ter/index.html

-Ben

nick1 · #9 04-02-2005, 11:35 AM

Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster.

It wont boost your gain at all just the volume.

bpd111 · #10 04-02-2005, 12:36 PM

Voodoo Amps is working on clean boost, but I'm not sure if it's available yet. It'll retail for $195, but it's HAND WIRED!!

Keeley's Java Boost has already been mentioned but they have a Katana Clean Boost (same ball park price) which won't increase your gain -- the Java does. I don't know about the Keeley being hand wired (it probably is, since they build their pedals to order).

Both pedals should be true bypass, so it won't effect your tone too much otherwise.

Whey · #11 04-02-2005, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew

http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_In...d_designs.html

built-in clean footswitchable solo boost across all channels - works like a charm.

-D

Thats what I use as well

red5 · #12 04-02-2005, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpd111

Voodoo Amps is working on clean boost, but I'm not sure if it's available yet. It'll retail for $195, but it's HAND WIRED!!

Keeley's Java Boost has already been mentioned but they have a Katana Clean Boost (same ball park price) which won't increase your gain -- the Java does. I don't know about the Keeley being hand wired (it probably is, since they build their pedals to order).

Both pedals should be true bypass, so it won't effect your tone too much otherwise.

Any kind of input boost will boost gain on a tube amp though. The transistor in the Java Boost does OD a little, but it still can be very clean. If you want to just boost the volume, put it around 12-1 oclock and it works nicely. Plus a little OD on solos even on a clean song usually is pretty cool.

BeastofLove · #13 04-02-2005, 04:39 PM

Just so there's no misconception- the RC Booster is really a clean booster; it can add some hair if you want, but it really isn't intended to overdrive anything much at all. I had a Greer Royal Fromage and you couldn't dial out the (slight) overdrie at all- with the RC you can. And unlike the Java or Fat Boosts, it doesn't alter your tone (which is neither good or bad- just depends on what you like). On the plus side, it does have Bass and Treble controls, so when you DO kick in the volume boost with it, you can up the treb and knock down the bass a tad so your solo cuts through a little better.

-Ben

bpd111 · #14 04-02-2005, 05:39 PM

I haven't used either, just going by what I've read. The Java pedal is designed to boost gain. The Katana is not.

bammbamm · #15 04-03-2005, 12:40 PM

I used to have an EQ set up just for boost.
If you're using a pedal setup, this is easily done, just add an EQ with say +3db on the level and then engage it during your solo and off again when you're back to rhythm. Another option if you're using rack gear (or any midi controllable system) is to add a preset with the same settings as your rhythm, but just add a tad more in the level department. When you need the boost, call up that preset and go back one, since you're not changing amp voices or effects, you won't get a noticeable drop in sound during the patch change.

Another option is to just add +3db in the 1k,2k, and maybe 2.5 Khz range for soloing, and roll back the freq's when your have completed the solo. Via midi this makes life so much easier.

Hope this helps,

Bamm