@Newysurfer: I would LOVE to test them out myself! However, I can't conveniently. On top of everything with the band I am trying to finish up my research in physical chemistry and write a thesis on it so I can graduate this semester and this wouldn't even be a problem if the only place that sells all these things I'm looking at weren't a 90 minute drive from where I live. So I come to you guys to gain as much knowledge as possible so that on the occasion that I do get to test them, I will be informed enough to make the most of my visit. I'm simply applying the same analytical methodology that I use for everything I research: gather all information possible, sort/study it, get rid of the bad, make a plan from the good, and execute in the lab (or music store). So please don't hate on me or my band (you might not be but that's the vibe I'm getting); ever since switching to mesa I've experienced nothing but good and I don't really want that perspective to change. And with respect to the comment on going backstage to adjust between songs, our primary goal on stage is to worship Jesus Christ with our music and create an atmosphere that invites everyone else to do the same... tone and musicianship is secondary and at the point where they become a distraction (i.e. going backstage mid set) we simplify so that we don't take away from the main thing and I'm 100% ok with that, thats why I play in that band. However, the reason I come to you guys is because if I can get the different tonalities I want by simply pressing some buttons with my feet then I'm going to do what it takes to get that! So are we cool now bud? I'm sorry if all my questions rubbed you the wrong way but I'm just a naturally inquisitive guy. Plus, we surfers have to stick together!
Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah!
OK guys, this is where I'm at with my current pedals (that's a joke, I will have no pedals when my Emma is sold and my TC returned):
Amp is being played into a mic in a storage closet or something
Chanel 1: crunch setting w/ gain at 12 and master at 1:30
Chanel 2: burn with gain all the way up and master about 9:00-10:00
What I can do right now:
for cleans I turn down the volume pot on my guitar, play through channel 1, and increase volume for added crunchiness as needed. for dirty rhythm I play through channel 2 with the guitar's volume and tone at half mast and increase the two as needed for increased presence and fullness. and of corse I crank everything and hit up the bridge humbucker through channel 2 for solos; unless it's a smooth solo, then I'll split my singles through channel 1.
What I want to add:
I want to be able to play channel 1 in the clean mode so I can be extra tender when everyone drops out but me and the acoustic, but I have to be able to get a crunchy sound from channel 1 as well. That's why I need a clean boost or an overdrive. I already love the distortion channel two gives me, but since we're moving to a five piece set I need my leads to stick out that much more so that the sound the same as they did without a rhythm electric in the mix and I feel like a boost would do that for me as well.
Since I think I'm going to go with an Eventide delay, my budget now only allows for 1 until someone buys my old marshall or peavey. I have narrowed it down to the BB Preamp, EP booster, and Keeley Katana; and as much as I love the smooth drive of the BB, I think I'm leaning away from it since the logical first piece seems to be a boost. Does anyone know anything about how well these can bush the 5:50's clean into a naturally overdriven crunch?
