Let’s talk about toan…

[owlexifry]

If I were to "upgrade" I have no idea where I would go. I like a good clean tone, but I also want mids, so grown-up Fenders are off the list. I like a Marshall clean, but sometimes its a little too dirty. Maybe a Hot Rod Deville (the Deluxe is more common, so why not the alternative?). Marshall Origin 50? Who knows? I don't need an amp, so it seems pointless anyway...

I only have 2 guitars and 2 different amps. I need to dive more into different amps and guitar pickups! Ive been so heel bent on pedals maybe ive been overlooking my equipment.

if you’re getting restless about your tone but don’t want or need to buy another amp…. perhaps you could try different speakers/cabinets?
(already sounds like an orange cabinet might be in your future )
a blend of different speakers in a 2x12 can give you quite a range.
eg. some speakers will sound quite mid-scooped, and some can be the opposite and have a mid-forward/enhancing character. it's worth trying out.

IMO . . . .

Many folks overlook the simple facts that the guitar's pickups and amp used are the "cake" of tone. EVERYTHING else is just frosting. If the cake sux, no amount of frosting is going to make it better. If the cake is great, it's harder to spoil it.

yes, but speakers also play a massive part in a rig.
it’s literally where the acoustic sound of the tone comes from. it doesn't matter how good your pickups or amp sounds, if the speakers are terrible, everything will be diminished by that.

as far as making a single change to a component of your rig, changing the speaker will make the biggest difference.

eg. a cheap oem peavey speaker vs a celestion greenback / creamback / V30, in a combo - you’ll get a massive change in tone/EQ response.

and my favourite: plugging into a well-equipped 4x12 can turn a relatively dull and lifeless 5W tweed combo into a fire breathing monster (especially when you goose it with a spicy drive)

 

[fig]

Tone control(s) on most every device in the chain....guitar, pedals, amp. Lot's of opportunities to shape/destroy it.

 

[steviejr92]

if you’re getting restless about your tone but don’t want or need to buy another amp…. perhaps you could try different speakers/cabinets?
(already sounds like an orange cabinet might be in your future )
a blend of different speakers in a 2x12 can give you quite a range.
eg. some speakers will sound quite mid-scooped, and some can be the opposite and have a mid-forward/enhancing character. it's worth trying out.


yes, but speakers also play a massive part in a rig.
it’s literally where the acoustic sound of the tone comes from. it doesn't matter how good your pickups or amp sounds, if the speakers are terrible, everything will be diminished by that.

as far as making a single change to a component of your rig, changing the speaker will make the biggest difference.

eg. a cheap oem peavey speaker vs a celestion greenback / creamback / V30, in a combo - you’ll get a massive change in tone/EQ response.

and my favourite: plugging into a well-equipped 4x12 can turn a relatively dull and lifeless 5W tweed combo into a fire breathing monster (especially when you goose it with a spicy drive)

Very interesting I never thought about the cabs or speakers in them definitely overlooked in my opinion

 

[Mentaltossflycoon]

I bought a barefaced super twin earlier this year. Definitely nudged me into the "cab is most important" camp.

 

[steviejr92]

I bought a barefaced super twin earlier this year. Definitely nudged me into the "cab is most important" camp.

Would love to hear it!

 

[Mentaltossflycoon]

Seriously, you need to stand in a room with it to truly appreciate it. It fills every part of the space you're in. There's no escaping me now bwahahaha!.

Also, my home recording capabilities will do it zero justice.

 

[steviejr92]

Seriously, you need to stand in a room with it to truly appreciate it. It fills every part of the space your in. There's no escaping me now bwahahaha!.

Evil maniacal laughter can only mean one thing…..its amazing

 

[Cybercow]

yes, but speakers also play a massive part in a rig.
it’s literally where the acoustic sound of the tone comes from. it doesn't matter how good your pickups or amp sounds, if the speakers are terrible, everything will be diminished by that.

as far as making a single change to a component of your rig, changing the speaker will make the biggest difference.

eg. a cheap oem peavey speaker vs a celestion greenback / creamback / V30, in a combo - you’ll get a massive change in tone/EQ response.

Indeed speakers are given in that equation. However, not everyone uses an amp with speakers. Some go direct to a PA or recording console where the speaker selection is beyond the control of the musician. That's why the generic term "amp" was used.