Diezel VH4 question about practice.

[Sigma.Xiria]

So, I love the VH4 so much. It is my amp for the sound I hear in my head. No other amp fits this, none at all. The only thing is that I noticed that my overall techniques is not up to par with what I am happy with hearing. I hear a lot of unwanted string noise I believe? Maybe something else...

Anyway, what are some of your practice habits when it comes down to what you hear coming out of your VH4? The amp truely speaks from your finger tips and mine are being assholes haha. It is definitely not to horrible sounding at all, in fact, I am the only person who notices, but it is something that I want to fix up as best I can!

Some sweet practice suggestions would be killer. I shall slay the beast... or the beast will slay me? I don't know... which ever one is better/ suppossed to happen.

 

[Sigma.Xiria]

TO ADD: It may be (as in it is) something that comes with time and getting used to her, but maybe volume comes into play? I am not allowed to practice with her loud at all... bitchy room mate.. neighbors don't care though, but I am moving out to the middle of nowhere soon and can play LOUD! So would volume make things worse or better? Would volume make these "mistakes" more audible or hide them up?

 

[RG955TT]

Really high gain levels will make any touch of the string, even your picking hand rubbing a string very noticable. Perhaps try dropping the gain levels a little and see if you hear a difference. With lots of gain you get a huge amount of sensitivity. I notice this as well, for me it comes from my picking hand resting/rubbing the strings unintentionally or resting the meaty part of your hand below your pinky (the part you use for palm mutes) on the unplayed strings.

 

[Sigma.Xiria]

Really high gain levels will make any touch of the string, even your picking hand rubbing a string very noticable. Perhaps try dropping the gain levels a little and see if you hear a difference. With lots of gain you get a huge amount of sensitivity. I notice this as well, for me it comes from my picking hand resting/rubbing the strings unintentionally or resting the meaty part of your hand below your pinky (the part you use for palm mutes) on the unplayed strings.

I just recently started understanding the gain saying, "Sometimes less is more..." and yeah I understand that. I do definitely notice a difference for sure.

I bet that could definitely be part of my problem. I notice that when I lift my pick hand off the stings it sounds almost like it is pulling the strings with it haha.

 

[Ventura]

Always practice with zilch gain/distortion, then when you hammer it out, your definition and articulation will be that much better. Also make sure your alternate picking is up to scratch, perfect 50/50 attack. And play lighter with the fingers, no need for strangling the axe, which is hard NOT too do when you're pounding, but it makes all the diff.

Peace,
V.

 

[shadow070]

the Diezels have a responce thats unmatched. I went from Engl to Diezel and really had to get used to playing..........tighter. When playing low volume, youlle always have something extra you hear(wite noise or something), its a tube amp so ecept it
Now a days i use lower gain settings than before, better tone and better feel.

 

[mbman]

Always practice with zilch gain/distortion, then when you hammer it. out, your definition and articulation will be that much better. Also make sure your alternate picking is up to scratch, perfect 50/50 attack. And play lighter with the fingers, no need for strangling the axe, which is hard NOT too do when you're pounding, but it makes all the diff.

Peace,
V.

I agree with this statement to a degree. Practicing with a distorted sound often reveals a need to work on muting. Many people say that distortion covers up mistakes. To me, a bad note is a bad note and no amount of gain is gonna make it a right note. Sloppy playing with high gain sounds well, sloppy.

Also, I think practicing with lots of gain and a decent amount of volume forces you to learn how to control your sound/noise.

Just my .02

Martin

 

[Ventura]

Always practice with zilch gain/distortion, then when you hammer it. out, your definition and articulation will be that much better. Also make sure your alternate picking is up to scratch, perfect 50/50 attack. And play lighter with the fingers, no need for strangling the axe, which is hard NOT too do when you're pounding, but it makes all the diff.

Peace,
V.

I agree with this statement to a degree. Practicing with a distorted sound often reveals a need to work on muting. Many people say that distortion covers up mistakes. To me, a bad note is a bad note and no amount of gain is gonna make it a right note. Sloppy playing with high gain sounds well, sloppy.

Also, I think practicing with lots of gain and a decent amount of volume forces you to learn how to control your sound/noise.

Just my .02

Martin

Very valid point. Like learning to drive a racecar, you have to know how to handle the speed and power, not just doing laps and parking in an empty lot

V.

 

[spirit7]

I have an ENGL Powerball as well as my VH4 and Herb. I use the ENGL in the practice studio, and the V and Herbert live and for recorded work. Whenever I play the ENGL I wonder why I'm suddenly a better player Diezels are very unforgiving, but in the best possible way. I wonder if the Hagen will be saggier and more forgiving?

I always practice lead stuff by improvising to a backing track, particularly non-metal or prog ones (to keep me out of my comfort zone). I think developing good ear and an ability to improvise is very important.

In terms of rhythm, I'm constantly writing irritatingly complex stuff, so get more than enough practice as it is!

C

 

[JohnRageOn]

Which cab do you use with your VH4? Is it a 4x12?
Sometimes a 2x12 or even 2 x 1x12 will be better for lower volumes.

 

[shadow070]

Which cab do you use with your VH4? Is it a 4x12?
Sometimes a 2x12 or even 2 x 1x12 will be better for lower volumes.

for small rooms i use a 1X12: the sound is just perfect!

 

[Sigma.Xiria]

Which cab do you use with your VH4? Is it a 4x12?
Sometimes a 2x12 or even 2 x 1x12 will be better for lower volumes.

Yeah a 4x12 haha! In the next month though, I will be moving out of my apartment and into a house in the middle of nowhere. I can then practice at band volumes haha! I think that may help a lot.

I will look into getting a nice 2x12 for sure!

 

[steve_k]

I practice with my Marshall's so I can keep the Diezel fresh for gigging

Steve

 

[Peter Diezel]

Since Loomis has endorsements with other
companies, it had to be removed.