Morse and gain

[cionian]

Has anyone noticed that SM's tone has gradually increased in gain? For example early SMB and later albums especially on Outstanding in their field and with Kansas as well? I know with DP it's a given..I wonder if it's a natural evolution or perhaps due to general audience expectations or if it's his personal preference?

 

[guitardan]

My guess is that it's personal preference based on what the music calls for. It could also have something to do w/ the fact that he has more gain on tap w/ his Engl Sig amps, and has discovered new tones that he didn't have before.

 

[cionian]

My guess is that it's personal preference based on what the music calls for. It could also have something to do w/ the fact that he has more gain on tap w/ his Engl Sig amps, and has discovered new tones that he didn't have before.

Makes sense..I was just curious. His sound has changed subtly as gear in general has developed over the years and offered a wider variety of tones. I recently saw him at a clinic and his tone was pretty much spot on; gainy but crispy clear.

 

[BUC]

If there ever was a guitar designed to get the most out of a hi gain amp, it's the Morse Model. When you see him play it up close it all makes sense.

I saw him up close a couple of times in 2002 w/Dreggs/SMB/Purple when he was using Marshalls. He pretty much dimed most of the amp and just used his guitar to tame the tone.

You really need to understand how he works the volume knob and the single coil pickup to get the most out of that guitar.

But to respond to the OP, I think for a SM fan it's obvious when he started using Engl amps to record with. And yes, his rock tones have gotten heavier to my ear.