Seeking Amp advise for SoundGarden Tribute Band

[skoora]

Here is an edit from a recent show. The show that sent the dude in the white t shirt packing.. LOL.

Interesting that the video doesn’t really show the other guitar player, even though he’s using a Marshall. I think seeing a bald guy wearing a large white T-shirt and having no stage energy leads me to believe it wasn’t just his tone they wanted to change.

 

[romanianreaper]

Interesting that the video doesn’t really show the other guitar player, even though he’s using a Marshall. I think seeing a bald guy wearing a large white T-shirt and having no stage energy leads me to believe it wasn’t just his tone they wanted to change.

Dude you said exactly what I was going to say. His energy didn't seem to match everyone else. I'm bald, but I'd even wear a wig and a beard if my singer sang like that. Kim wears black and a big part of Soundgarden is that darker look, darker tone, etc. A nice low end in the amp and tight. Shoot for the Badmotorfinger tone and everything else will fall in place.

 

[tjnx]

I understand the stage energy thing but honestly my first impression was that the bass was up too high and the other guys marshall was harsh in the intro. They sound a little out of tune but not too bad for being live.

Idk what the real reason is, looks like he's using a Boss head, but just distorted guitar played well loud is what I think you should focus on vs obsessing over a new amp (unless you want to get one and need a convenient excuse )

 

[tjnx]

I think this is a pretty good reference, I agree with the suggestions of a good fuzz just don't get one that is too dark if they are going to run the bass that high.

Compare levels in this to their video

 

[Greazygeo]

Here is an edit from a recent show. The show that sent the dude in the white t shirt packing.. LOL.

Really? Must have been other issues than tone.

 

[heath]

After seeing the video I think it is a mixture of stage presence (in his case, the lack of) and a cheap boss katana amp (I think) that is getting lost in the mix. The rest of these guys are obviously taking the whole show serious, while the one guy just seems to be there filling a space. A decently loud, dark sounding, mid-gain tube amp, the right guitar, and a handful of effects are going to win the day. Decent stage presence is going to be icing on the cake though. Your marshall amps may clash too much with the other guitar players amp, but that Bogner XTC 50 you already have may be just the thing. Complementary tones to the other guitar player, whether it is from an amp you own or a new one you buy, is going to help.

 

[311boogieman]

I came in only to say 2 things (didn't watch any videos yet) but @heath and @LanBaul beat me to it. I like the Recto 50/Rectoverb head idea because you can get that Recto tone and also have a much better clean tone and loop. I have a Dual as well but the Rectoverb excels in some of the areas the Dual doesn't. Someone mentioned the pushed on clean channel option - which is not full on Recto but very workable.

2. I am assuming you guys will be doing some rehearsals? It would be pretty rad to show up with a handful of amps and pedals and the right cab and just say, "guys I can get Thayil's tone with any one of these - which one do you want me to demo for you first", and let them decide

 

[Jdub]

Really? Must have been other issues than tone.

It was. They said the guy had too much real life in the way, was ill prepared at rehearsals, was missing many of the important Thayill parts, tons of mistakes, had such bad noise issues on stage the soundman had to mute him.. Some of what you is probably the other guitar player only. I was told it was train wreck. Apparently he a good enough player, but the combination of unreliable, ill-preparedness and shit tone was it.. The drummer who is the boss man so to speak said tone is VERY important to him. Playing the parts right is expected to be a given.. So yeah it was a bunch of things. We Just met up face to face. Hitting it off great . so far so good. Workshop with other guitar player Wednesday. Formal audition in about a week or so. Thanks for piping in George.

 

[Jdub]

I understand the stage energy thing but honestly my first impression was that the bass was up too high and the other guys marshall was harsh in the intro. They sound a little out of tune but not too bad for being live.

Idk what the real reason is, looks like he's using a Boss head, but just distorted guitar played well loud is what I think you should focus on vs obsessing over a new amp (unless you want to get one and need a convenient excuse )

They mentioned the stage energy lacking too. And yes. Knowing now what they play through I have zero concerns about tone. It was hard to judge from the video but I spoke with them. Any of my amps will sound much much much better than either of their. So unfortunately I have no excuse to buy another amp.

 

[Jdub]

Thanks everyone for the input. Just sat down and talked turkey with the guys and as many of you stated, it was more than just his tone that was the issue.. Stage, presence, ill prepared, numerous mistakes, on and on. Irony it is the drummer who keeps stressing we need better tone.. Knowing now what their benchmark for tone is I have ZERO concerns in that regard. Any of amps will sound better than either of their guitar player. Probably going to blend the XTC 50, with a 2204. That will be WAY better tone than they have now.. That is a relief.. So far all is a go we all totally got along. Next is guitar workshop trouble parts, gear etc. with the other guiro player Wednesday, Then official audition in about a week. Rusty Cage, Holy Water, Slaves and Bulldozers for starters. All new to me other Stan hearing on the radio. . Starting from scratch. I hope to make the grade! Wish me luck fellas!! Thanks again!!

 

[TheGreatGreen]

The Recto is known for being very loose in the preamp and having no negative feedback in the poweramp.

You could probably get VERY close to a Recto with your 50w Ecstasy on the high gain channels which don’t have all that much filtering, and maxing out the Presence, setting the poweramp switch to Loose, and then being very conservative with the mid and treble knobs, maybe even adding an EQ in the loop to control the highs. My XTC can get surprisingly close to my Recto that way.

 

[Greazygeo]

It was. They said the guy had too much real life in the way, was ill prepared at rehearsals, was missing many of the important Thayill parts, tons of mistakes, had such bad noise issues on stage the soundman had to mute him.. Some of what you is probably the other guitar player only. I was told it was train wreck. Apparently he a good enough player, but the combination of unreliable, ill-preparedness and shit tone was it.. The drummer who is the boss man so to speak said tone is VERY important to him. Playing the parts right is expected to be a given.. So yeah it was a bunch of things. We Just met up face to face. Hitting it off great . so far so good. Workshop with other guitar player Wednesday. Formal audition in about a week or so. Thanks for piping in George.

Good luck with the audition! Getting along with everyone is pretty important for me. I was playing with some guys a few years ago that decided they wanted to switch gears and do a grunge tribute band. The singer 100% could nail Cornell stuff, we did some Soundgarden etc. It wasn’t for me, so I left. Then the bass player started another band and asked me to play amd with a singer I worked with before. We all get along great and fortunately are all good players too.

Stage presence with Grunge? Is that a thing? Seems a flannel shirt and some work boots to stare at is enough.

Seriously though, you should be able to get those tones with about anything really. Just dial up more low and low mid and get the fx right when needed. Get the parts down and go have some fun!

 

[SoooRad]

Its hard for me to believe they would give him a hard time when the singer sounds that meh. Drummer was great.

 

[Snave]

Thanks everyone for the input. Just sat down and talked turkey with the guys and as many of you stated, it was more than just his tone that was the issue.. Stage, presence, ill prepared, numerous mistakes, on and on. Irony it is the drummer who keeps stressing we need better tone.. Knowing now what their benchmark for tone is I have ZERO concerns in that regard. Any of amps will sound better than either of their guitar player. Probably going to blend the XTC 50, with a 2204. That will be WAY better tone than they have now.. That is a relief.. So far all is a go we all totally got along. Next is guitar workshop trouble parts, gear etc. with the other guiro player Wednesday, Then official audition in about a week. Rusty Cage, Holy Water, Slaves and Bulldozers for starters. All new to me other Stan hearing on the radio. . Starting from scratch. I hope to make the grade! Wish me luck fellas!! Thanks again!!

Good luck! A Peavey VTM pedal into your Bogner or Marshall may help nail those early tones. The Bogner alone should have the later tones covered.

 

[skoora]

Good luck. It can be quite something trying to get around the style of a sloppy, self taught player. Especially when they come up with what Soundgarden did. You’re almost tuning much more into their vibe and feel than anything overtly technical. This could be a fun challenge.

 

[Jdub]

Good luck. It can be quite something trying to get around the style of a sloppy, self taught player. Especially when they come up with what Soundgarden did. You’re almost tuning much more into their vibe and feel than anything overtly technical. This could be a fun challenge.

Thanks!! Very true. It is easier to learn more melodic stuff for me... even it is much more technical. It will be fun since it is new. I almost just declined because I was not really feeling the music much, but is growing on me. Nothing I ever listened to on purpose but it is fun and the rehearsal space is right around the corner from my existing band so it super convenient.

 

[Jdub]

Good luck! A Peavey VTM pedal into your Bogner or Marshall may help nail those early tones. The Bogner alone should have the later tones covered.

Thanks.

 

[Jdub]

Its hard for me to believe they would give him a hard time when the singer sounds that meh. Drummer was great.

Meh.. Well not everyone can be as rad as you.. one year post throat cancer, chemo and radiation.. and already back on stage. I'd say he is doing great.

 

[Racerxrated]

As already stated, Peavey VTM for early stuff, Mesa Dual Trem or plain Recto for the more popular albums.
Cool gig! Good luck!!

 

[Jdub]

Good luck with the audition! Getting along with everyone is pretty important for me. I was playing with some guys a few years ago that decided they wanted to switch gears and do a grunge tribute band. The singer 100% could nail Cornell stuff, we did some Soundgarden etc. It wasn’t for me, so I left. Then the bass player started another band and asked me to play amd with a singer I worked with before. We all get along great and fortunately are all good players too.

Stage presence with Grunge? Is that a thing? Seems a flannel shirt and some work boots to stare at is enough.

Seriously though, you should be able to get those tones with about anything really. Just dial up more low and low mid and get the fx right when needed. Get the parts down and go have some fun!

Thanks.. So far we all get along great. That is great start and vital to any longevity. I have another couple projects with a good friend in which we are struggling to find the right people but we call heh shot sand play exactly what we want with no regard for anything but playing what we want to play so that is great. Both bands rehearse in houses about one block from each other. Literally. All neighbors. Bizarre that happened because the SoundGarden band/singer is based out of Seattle but happen to rehearse here in at the drummers house in Seaside where I live. 4 hours away from Seattle. Twilight Zone coincidence.. turns out we have a bunch of mutual friends. really small world sometimes..

Re Stage presence.. at least don't be a deer in the headlights.. I think that all the meant.
Tone is now zero concern. My worst amps are better than anything they have. Maybe they can use something of mine for the other guitar player if I get the gig. LOL. Thanks again! Cheers!