Steve Morse rig building

[b.daniguitar]

Hi everyone! I would like to build a rig similar to Steve Morse's, only with one amp(I’ve got an ENGL Artist Edition).Has anyone done something like this before? I’m curious how can I expand my fx loop and blend in delay in fx loop.Any ideas on what I would need and how to wire it together?I’m planning to buy a Steve Morse y2d,and I guess I will need some EB volume pedals too…

 

[beej]

Being able to blend in delay like Steve does is definitely a fun thing to do.

If you have a delay pedal with an expression pedal (or MIDI) input, you can often set the expression pedal to control the delay level. If not, you can go the mixer route that Steve does.

Split your signal (from the FX send), send one feed to a parallel mixer, send the other to a delay pedal connected in series to a 25k volume pedal. Set the delay for 100% wet (or "kill dry") so it doesn't pass any unaffected signal, then feed that output to another input on the mixer. Output of the mixer goes back to the FX return on the amp.

Steve has two different delays, but you could do both a long and short at the same time with a pedal that does dual delays.

I've done it both ways. Given that most delays allow for control via an expression pedal, I'd go that route as it's easier.

 

[b.daniguitar]

Being able to blend in delay like Steve does is definitely a fun thing to do.

If you have a delay pedal with an expression pedal (or MIDI) input, you can often set the expression pedal to control the delay level. If not, you can go the mixer route that Steve does.

Split your signal (from the FX send), send one feed to a parallel mixer, send the other to a delay pedal connected in series to a 25k volume pedal. Set the delay for 100% wet (or "kill dry") so it doesn't pass any unaffected signal, then feed that output to another input on the mixer. Output of the mixer goes back to the FX return on the amp.

Steve has two different delays, but you could do both a long and short at the same time with a pedal that does dual delays.

I've done it both ways. Given that most delays allow for control via an expression pedal, I'd go that route as it's easier.

Thanks for your answer!I would prefer using my Tc electronic Flshback II delay,so the splitter/mixer solution sounds like the best way.I found a passive mixer called Art SplitMix 4.Do you think this thing can solve the problem?With this thing I could put 2 delays and a reverb into the fx loop.

| ART Pro Audio

 

[beej]

If it's just for home (and doesn't need to be on your pedalboard), then you have tons of options. Passive mixers can work fine. If you have signal issues, you can always look for a small powered one. There are also a variety of splitter/mixer pedals these days to make things easier.

 

[fbecir]

Hello

You can do the trick with the good old BOSS LS-2 (Boss LS-2).
Another way is to use a signal splitter, for instance I made this kit : The Splitter kit, 12,00

If you know how to solder (even if you are a beginner) you can do it.

 

[beej]

+1 on the LS-2.

I built something similar at one point- a splitter + mixer in a little box. AMZ FX has a ton of great schematics, PCBs, etc. I used one of their buffers + a mixer circuit.

That said, with a good FX loop, you can usually get away with a passive splitter.

 

[banjoplayer]

I use a very easy setup, which gives me the option to fade the delay in and out similiar like Steve Morse does.

My Amps are either a Laney LC50 / LH50 (same amps: one is a Combo, other one is a head) or a Laney Lionheart L20H. The first two are able to sound a bit like Steve Morse. Important for this is a Celestion Vintage 30 - as I find.

Setup is: FX Send >> TC Flashback >> EB VP-JR Volume pedal >> FX Return
I can fade in the delay with the VP-JR. If the VP-JR is completely closed, I play the amp without FX-Loop. IMPORTANT: this works only with a parallel FX-loop. A serial FX loop with a closed Volumepedal kills the signal.

Side effect: If I open up the volume pedal the amp volume is raised slightly because the FX loop comes into the signal. I see it as an advantage because the delay is mostly used for solos. If I turn the Flashback off I can blend in the empty FX loop as a volume boost (I have an boost pedal in the loop too, to boost more if needed. In fact I can fade this one in too. But I can´t fade in/out delay and boost separately).

You don´t have the separation you would have with independent speakers but on the other hand you don´t have to carry two amps and cabs.
And it may be a mess if you want to use the FX loop for other things too, but for me it works great.