Santana / Vai / Satch like sound with EBMM? What amp?

[Junior]

Could you get the Vai or Satch or Santana sound with a EBMM? ...SUB1, let's say... is the secret of their sounds just having the mids really big or something else?

*talking about solo's and high freq tones*

I'd kinda like to get a SUB1 and a DSL50, but I'm worried about the sound... I like the modern like sound better, as oposed to the crunchy sound that most people use Marshall for...



I tried a DSL100 with a 4x12 at low volume and it was really cool (for a 3 year playing rookie ) ... I liked the clean sound (I like cleans to be bluesy and muddy on the neck pickup, I hate crunchy cleans like Petrucci's) , but I don't know if the Marshall gain would suit the modern sound. And the SUB1 comes in question, too.

I like the Marshall sound for riffs and low pitch notes. Maybe I could use a pedal for the solos and similar.

Listen to some of Santana's, Vai's or Satch's solos... I love that kind of sound.

What would you get? (has to be 50W tube head)

BTW VERY GOOD NEWS!!! My mother told me that I have some money on my credit card, she's been saving it for a while. And she came from the bank the other day and said something like this "Oh look, you have 615$ on your account, a little more and you'll be able to buy yourself that guitar you wanted"

*happy*

 

[The new guy]

yes you can bro!!!!

click on the mixposure link hear some of my tunes
they where made playing an axis super sport enjoy!!

 

[hbucker]

Sort of depends on which era of Satch you want. If you want the current version I'd say you should look towards a Peavey JSX. That's his signature model.

In the past he's been a huge fan of the Boss DS-1 distortion pedal. I'm not sure which Marshall he preferred to plug it into though. I think he still uses it a little though. He had the clean channel on the JSX specifically designed to work well with pedals.

 

[Junior]

I'm kinda leaning towards the "Always With me, Always With You" Satch solo sound.

I totally dig most of Marshall amplifiers for heavy riffy sounds.

I'm thinking, DSL + DS-1 ... I want a lot of sustain in a modern sound.

Since the DSL is a tube amp, I'm guessing that the DS-1 used as an additional distortion and booster for solos wouldn't make a lot of noise, ey?

This is what I'd like: Marshall DSL50 head, DS-1 for lead stuff, and ME-5 in the FX loop. (for delays, choruses and whatnot)

BTW What was with the forum in the last few days?

 

[Neskob]

I'm kinda leaning towards the "Always With me, Always With You" Satch solo sound.

I totally dig most of Marshall amplifiers for heavy riffy sounds.

I'm thinking, DSL + DS-1 ... I want a lot of sustain in a modern sound.

Since the DSL is a tube amp, I'm guessing that the DS-1 used as an additional distortion and booster for solos wouldn't make a lot of noise, ey?

This is what I'd like: Marshall DSL50 head, DS-1 for lead stuff, and ME-5 in the FX loop. (for delays, choruses and whatnot)

BTW What was with the forum in the last few days?

I have a TSL 60 head + 4x12' and a JP6, and yes you can get THAT sound my friend , for a boost tried friends Zack Wylde and it kicks butt, DS-1 that Satch and Vai use is a heavily modified unit, so standard one wont cut it.
My advice is to try TSL range, I like them more than DSL and price is pretty much the same, naturally you should change tubes (JJ/Tesla are my favourite, and they're cheap , being made in Slovakia). For effects I use pedals and, IMO Me-5 would change sound (in a bad way) 2 much - it's AD/DA converter is too cheaply made to preserve natural tone of our beloved EBMM...mmmmm...
My JP6 + TSL 60 (it's not too loud when I crank it to 9) is a perfect combo, but Peavey and Engl are excellent too!
Pozz

 

[Junior]

I like DSL more. I've tried it and I like it a lot. As for the distortion pedal, I'm open to suggestions. Has to be modern sound with lots of mids and sustain. (that's why I'm stuck on the DS-1) ...the Boss ME-5 is a unimportant part of my dream rig. The only two things that I need from that thing are the delay and chorus, and I can shure as hell live without those. I don't force a lot of effects, nor do I play the kind of music in which you desperately need those effects. (old Deep Purple stuff, Richie Sambora and Bon Jovi mostly)

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

But watch the build quality. Modern Marshalls are not that well made anymore. The last decent one they made was the Anniversary head IMOHO.

 

[Junior]

I'm well aware of that, but then again, you have warranty for the new ones. And after all, you never know what will happen, I might just end up with a JCM800 or JMP MkII. The only thing I don't like about the old ones is the lack of channels and , I think, they have a small range of clean sounds. They go to crunch quite easily.

 

[beej]

Another thing to keep in mind is how it's going to sound at low volumes. The classic Marshall sound only happens when you move a lot of air ... whereas some of the more modern designs sound good in your bedroom.

 

[Junior]

Yeah, that's what's Marshall is well known for.

50W is less, but the difference in volume, from what I've heard, is not that big. Also, you have atenuators to help you with those.

I haven't been playing for a long time, a little over 3 years only, so I probably wouldn't even notice the difference in sound quality when it comes to low volumed Marshalls.

 

[Norrin Radd]

I'm well aware of that, but then again, you have warranty for the new ones. And after all, you never know what will happen, I might just end up with a JCM800 or JMP MkII. The only thing I don't like about the old ones is the lack of channels and , I think, they have a small range of clean sounds. They go to crunch quite easily.

As I've gotten older and played more and more, I keep moving towards simpler amps with fewer channels. My curent amp has two channels and I think really, that I could get by with just one (and there are days I wish I had just one!). I think when it comes to tube amps, in particular, simpler is better.

My two cents: go for the Marshall that has a base tone that you like really really like (even if it only has one channel). You can fiddle with other tones by adding whatever pedals you later find necessary - but be warned! I have also found that when it comes to pedals, you really get what you pay for and have to hunt around a lot to find the right ones to go with your particular amp! So if you do go this way - make sure you can test out pedals with your very own (not just same model) amp.

Okay, maybe that's more than 2 cents worth!

 

[Junior]

Actually, IMHO, the DSL is the amp that is the most similar to the single channel ones. It has one channel, and that same one with a different distortion level. And there are the modes in which the amp adds a certain ammopunt of gain itself. But the amp EQ remains the same for everything.

So basically, you have one channel, and you can choose the distortion that you want. The first, the second, and the 2 mods for each.

I love the Marshall "onboard" distortion so that's why I'm kinda leaning towards the DSL. And the clean channel is really good.

I like to compare it to presets with a multi-effect processor plugged into a single channel amp.

PS1 (clean) = DSL channel 1 mode 1

PS2 (soft crunch) = DSL channel 1 mode 2

PS3 (hard crunch) = DSL channel 2 mode 1

PS4 (full distortion) = DSL channel 2 mode 2

PS5 (solo) = DSL channel 2 mode 2 + distortion pedal

Or you can look at it as a single channel amp with 5 distortion pedals. The downside is that you can't control the modes by foot. You only have those buttons on the amp. So picture it as a single channel amp, with 2 Boss DS-2's (without external footswitches for turbo), and a DS-1 for the solos.

LOL I spend way too much time thinking about amps

 

[TheViperKing]

Hey man! Maybe you can think to change the pickups first... It will be more cheap to get your sound!! SUB1 is 2 humbucker right!? But you really have to thinking you want Santana or Vai sound... Santana is Big Smokey Fat tone but Vai is Big mid tone... Not the same... It's two tone!!
If you want Santana tone... very easy... Go to get a PRS "Santana III neck" and "Dragon II bridge"!! Just same of now Mr. Santana using for!! But you will get more bright tone because SUB1 is Basswood body.
If you want Vai tone... also go to get a pair DiMazio "Air Norton neck" and "Breed bridge"!! It will very close!! Because also same wood of Vai Ibanez!! Just see what you want man...

Good Luck...

Nick.

 

[Roubster]

Well basically I have a Silo with a pair of Breed pups ( bridge and neck), which gives the guitar a nice mid sound. It is basically in the middle of a Les Paul and a Fender. I can tell you that for a fact because I have compared all 3 together and have taken pictures of them which you can see in the Pics of my Gear Thread. Well anyway, I can get an AWESOME Satriani tone with this guitar through a measly Line 6 Spider 2. It's a matter of dialing the right thing into the amp. I dont really like the Line 6 I have and am, looking to buy either the JSX Peavey amp or the Carvin V3. But I suggest the DiMarzio Breed pups for that nice tone. They are very nice and clear and midy, and also sound AMAZING through a DSL50 which I tested it through.

 

[Junior]

Thank you for the advices. I'm not 100% sure, but apparently I will get a Steve Morse EBMM in the next year or so... *happy like a baby*

And now I'm kinda in the mood to search for 2x12 combos... hmm ...but head and a 4x12" cab is what I really want, so that's what I'll be seeking for

I really like the DSL sound.

BTW Does anyone know why the DSL combos have separate EQ's per channel, as oposed to the head?

And, I love that Marshall 2x12 combo I've seen in the guitar pics thread. The last page. With the Steve Morse EBMM.

 

[Colin]

If you want to recreate that early Satch sound, all you need is a DDL , Boss DS-1 (the orange pedal), a wah and the clean channel (he didn't use the dirty channel on his Marshall's). For all those years he had that basic set-up. Oh and one more thing, one hell of a legato technique.

Colin

 

[Jonny Dubai]

here is my 2p worth.
It does not matter!!!!!!!! Yes folks, i think the sound is in your fingers and style. J--find a sound that is good to your ears then play your Vai, satch, and santana truff. Mess around with pedals and setting till you feel you have the J-sound--then go for the solos in your own style.

IMO things change a bit when you are buying very expensive equipment, but you still end up sounding like you.

Thats why we play----millions of variable abd choices. You are looking for the Holy Grail....YOUR OWN SOUND. (exciting yes)

Jonny.

 

[Junior]

You're right. I just don't want to end up with a crunchy sound. Both on clean and distortion channels. But then again, it's all in your fingers and pickup swtiching combinations

 

[Colin]

Junior ,I've just realized that I have your entire wishlist listed in your signature. Everything except the Marshall. Good choice of gear to strive for, especially the Steve Morse guitar.

Colin

 

[Junior]

Boss ME-5, TU-2, DS-1
Ernie Ball 6166
Dunlop Crybaby 535Q
Rocktron Banshee Talkbox
EBMM Steve Morse

Even the talkbox and the Bosses?

I know... that's why I'm striving for it

Actually, I'd like an LP, too, but I consider the EBMMSM to be one heck of a good guitar, and I think that I could get it sound just like an LP. And a Strat. And A Jackson. And everything else ....I'll probably buy a Epiphone LP muuuuuuuuuuuuch much later