I don't mind the taper, in fact it's one of those pedals that sounds pretty great with all knobs at noon which is nice. I just like a lot of pick information in my sonics, around 2-3k i think. Also this pedal just has a different feel than I am used to. The high end is sorta "stiff" and clanky, but at the same time it's outrageously gainy and loud with hugely fat lower mids. Just a different dynamic response than I get from a good amp in the zone, takes some adjustments to my playing style. But it really does sound good when you get it right. I think it sounds best with pickups like Andy uses - bright low output humbuckers.