What has the biggest impact on tone?

[Anonymous]

No id like to bash your head in with my guitar/ Fuckn IDIOT

 

[Anonymous]

you dont deserve harrison in your avatar IDIOT

 

[bds9487]

you dont deserve harrison in your avatar IDIOT

You remind me of Carl. Are you guys related?

 

[Anonymous]

OK your not an idiot youre just very unknowing. Does that make you feel warmer inside.

 

[Anonymous]

DUde if you dont get that tone is from the fingers then keep on buying amp after amp etc, i make my 50 watt plexi sound like a high gain amp. That is a physical thing on the players part not the amp. Carry on

 

[Meathead]

We all sound much better playing through the boogie than we do through the Line 6 spider or the Behringer v-tone. We don't play any better through it, but what we do play sounds better... much better.

Excellent! I think you just made the case for "tone is in the amp" not "in the fingers".

same technique into 2 different amps...2 different tones.

Oh, I think you're right. I'd be surprised if there was anything technique-wise I could do to eliminate the general shrill I'm getting.

So, here's the thing, my buddies notice the same thing. However, we're all playing basswood guitars with EMGs! Not much room for analysis there! If only guitar center would just let me borrow a few guitars...

OK let this be an example of a players hand tone.
There is a knob on a guitar labeled 'tone' ...turn that down when needed to smooth out shrillness...when you feel more attack is needed turn it up, something I do all the time...ride the volume and the tone.

An example of something the hand can do at any moment to achieve better tone.

So, is it "hand tone" when you change the tone knob on the amp, too? Cause you DID use your hand. Wouldn't your example be "guitar tone"?

Just an example of things a guitarist can do while performing a song that can have a large impact on the 'tone' that we are hearing. Digging in, backing off, riding the volume for dynamics, adjusting cut with the tone knob, picking closer to the bridge/closer to the neck...I mean there's so many things a knowing guitarist can do with their hands that could make me love the tone of even a cheap practice amp. It's knowing what's needed and doing it on the fly. Some guitar players simply just play through the parts, no dynamics, no adjustments, picking is constantly the same, the tone isn't as good to my ears that way. It's not just technique, it's tone. It's the sound that I'm hearing from the speakers. What you do with your hands affects the tone as much as the gear you are using.

I think the meaning 'tone' is not understood the same by all. To me, a fine guitarist and his gear create fine tone.

 

[stabbyJo]

We all sound much better playing through the boogie than we do through the Line 6 spider or the Behringer v-tone. We don't play any better through it, but what we do play sounds better... much better.

Excellent! I think you just made the case for "tone is in the amp" not "in the fingers".

same technique into 2 different amps...2 different tones.

Oh, I think you're right. I'd be surprised if there was anything technique-wise I could do to eliminate the general shrill I'm getting.

So, here's the thing, my buddies notice the same thing. However, we're all playing basswood guitars with EMGs! Not much room for analysis there! If only guitar center would just let me borrow a few guitars...

OK let this be an example of a players hand tone.
There is a knob on a guitar labeled 'tone' ...turn that down when needed to smooth out shrillness...when you feel more attack is needed turn it up, something I do all the time...ride the volume and the tone.

An example of something the hand can do at any moment to achieve better tone.

Well, that's a good point. I leave the tone knob at about 60% actually, anything lower and it sounds muffled or muted. I've been tweaking these knobs for a year to no avail <-- hmmm, something about that just sounds wrong... lol

Anyway, none of the settings have come even close to bringing out a sweet, singing quality. Like in the clip I posted previously for instance. When he gets to about 1:45 , man, the notes just ring with a sweetness and clarity that is incredible.

There are lots of examples of this to be sure, but here's the link I was referring to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RL_pPTNhTpw

 

[bds9487]

We all sound much better playing through the boogie than we do through the Line 6 spider or the Behringer v-tone. We don't play any better through it, but what we do play sounds better... much better.

Excellent! I think you just made the case for "tone is in the amp" not "in the fingers".

same technique into 2 different amps...2 different tones.

Oh, I think you're right. I'd be surprised if there was anything technique-wise I could do to eliminate the general shrill I'm getting.

So, here's the thing, my buddies notice the same thing. However, we're all playing basswood guitars with EMGs! Not much room for analysis there! If only guitar center would just let me borrow a few guitars...

OK let this be an example of a players hand tone.
There is a knob on a guitar labeled 'tone' ...turn that down when needed to smooth out shrillness...when you feel more attack is needed turn it up, something I do all the time...ride the volume and the tone.

An example of something the hand can do at any moment to achieve better tone.

So, is it "hand tone" when you change the tone knob on the amp, too? Cause you DID use your hand. Wouldn't your example be "guitar tone"?

Just an example of things a guitarist can do while performing a song that can have a large impact on the 'tone' that we are hearing. Digging in, backing off, riding the volume for dynamics, adjusting cut with the tone knob, picking closer to the bridge/closer to the neck...I mean there's so many things a knowing guitarist can do with their hands that could make me love the tone of even a cheap practice amp. It's knowing what's needed and doing it on the fly. Some guitar players simply just play through the parts, no dynamics, no adjustments, picking is constantly the same, the tone isn't as good to my ears that way. It's not just technique, it's tone. It's the sound that I'm hearing from the speakers. What you do with your hands affects the tone as much as the gear you are using.

I think the meaning 'tone' is not understood the same by all. To me, a fine guitarist and his gear create fine tone.

I know what you're saying. I would describe your example above as a combination of tone & technique, not just tone. Different strokes...

 

[Anonymous]

They will never believe it.

 

[Meathead]

We all sound much better playing through the boogie than we do through the Line 6 spider or the Behringer v-tone. We don't play any better through it, but what we do play sounds better... much better.

Excellent! I think you just made the case for "tone is in the amp" not "in the fingers".

same technique into 2 different amps...2 different tones.

Oh, I think you're right. I'd be surprised if there was anything technique-wise I could do to eliminate the general shrill I'm getting.

So, here's the thing, my buddies notice the same thing. However, we're all playing basswood guitars with EMGs! Not much room for analysis there! If only guitar center would just let me borrow a few guitars...

OK let this be an example of a players hand tone.
There is a knob on a guitar labeled 'tone' ...turn that down when needed to smooth out shrillness...when you feel more attack is needed turn it up, something I do all the time...ride the volume and the tone.

An example of something the hand can do at any moment to achieve better tone.

So, is it "hand tone" when you change the tone knob on the amp, too? Cause you DID use your hand. Wouldn't your example be "guitar tone"?

Just an example of things a guitarist can do while performing a song that can have a large impact on the 'tone' that we are hearing. Digging in, backing off, riding the volume for dynamics, adjusting cut with the tone knob, picking closer to the bridge/closer to the neck...I mean there's so many things a knowing guitarist can do with their hands that could make me love the tone of even a cheap practice amp. It's knowing what's needed and doing it on the fly. Some guitar players simply just play through the parts, no dynamics, no adjustments, picking is constantly the same, the tone isn't as good to my ears that way. It's not just technique, it's tone. It's the sound that I'm hearing from the speakers. What you do with your hands affects the tone as much as the gear you are using.

I think the meaning 'tone' is not understood the same by all. To me, a fine guitarist and his gear create fine tone.

I know what you're saying. I would describe your example above as a combination of tone & technique, not just tone. Different strokes...

I've seen these discussions a lot in the past and this is the first time I've put my thoughts to text on it. From running a recording studio in the past, I know the difficulty and the ease that I had at getting good tone to tape with various players.
No debate here...my mind won't be changed and I don't think I'll change anyone else's mind..

 

[Gainfreak]

One guy says amp first then hands second is most important? Fuckn unbelievable. Tell that to someone if they play a cello/violin/ piano/ god fuckn forbid an acoustic guitar or a banjo that the tone of that instrument is not manipulated by the players fingers. Dont get me started about playn thru a non master volume amp.

I hate to break this to you all knowing Shawn but my Father plays Violin. He was also accepted to The Juliard school of music....just throwing that in there so that you know that he isn't a slouch......Funny thing though...My Father sounds way different on his cheap school violin vs his Old German made violin.... We've both listen to them side by side nad the tone is night and day different. I guess his fingers change when he plays the cheap Violin vs the good one LMMFAO. I guess all the virtuoso's seeking out a stradivarius violin are morons being that by your definition they should be able to get the same tone out of any piece of musical gear.
For arguments sake... do you have any recording of you playing? I only ask because you come to this forum touting your bulshit and yet no ones ever fucking heard you play LMAO. You speak as if everyone should bow down to you and yet id really love to hear the musical genius that is Shawn

Just so that I can put my money where my mouth is ,go ahead and tell me that these two tones are the same....If you think ,or should anyone else think so ,they/you should reallly go and get your hearing checked. Same player two different tones... now go ahead tell me that tone is all in your fingers

 

[VH4_BigRig]

I know this thread could go on forever, but just to argue the amp point a bit further, look at this example:

"Man, this sounds really muddy. I could use less bass and more mids. Oh wait, I'll just use some sweet bends and vibrato and it will magically sound less muddy."

Nope.

Let's play a game. Rate the following 4 options (from greatest to poorest) in order who'd you consider to likely have the best tone:

A) Great player, great guitar, shitty amp.
B) Shitty player, great guitar, shitty amp.
C) Great player, shitty guitar, great amp.
D) Shitty player, shitty guitar, great amp.

Go!

 

[Zachman]

One guy says amp first then hands second is most important? Fuckn unbelievable. Tell that to someone if they play a cello/violin/ piano/ god fuckn forbid an acoustic guitar or a banjo that the tone of that instrument is not manipulated by the players fingers. Dont get me started about playn thru a non master volume amp.

I hate to break this to you all knowing Shawn but my Father plays Violin. He was also accepted to The Juliard school of music....just throwing that in there so that you know that he isn't a slouch......Funny thing though...My Father sounds way different on his cheap school violin vs his Old German made violin.... We've both listen to them side by side nad the tone is night and day different. I guess his fingers change when he plays the cheap Violin vs the good one LMMFAO. I guess all the virtuoso's seeking out a stradivarius violin are morons being that by your definition they should be able to get the same tone out of any piece of musical gear.
For arguments sake... do you have any recording of you playing? I only ask because you come to this forum touting your bulshit and yet no ones ever fucking heard you play LMAO. You speak as if everyone should bow down to you and yet id really love to hear the musical genius that is Shawn

Just so that I can put my money where my mouth is ,go ahead and tell me that these two tones are the same....If you think ,or should anyone else think so ,they/you should reallly go and get your hearing checked. Same player two different tones... now go ahead tell me that tone is all in your fingers

And.... There it is--

 

[Meathead]

One guy says amp first then hands second is most important? Fuckn unbelievable. Tell that to someone if they play a cello/violin/ piano/ god fuckn forbid an acoustic guitar or a banjo that the tone of that instrument is not manipulated by the players fingers. Dont get me started about playn thru a non master volume amp.

I hate to break this to you all knowing Shawn but my Father plays Violin. He was also accepted to The Juliard school of music....just throwing that in there so that you know that he isn't a slouch......Funny thing though...My Father sounds way different on his cheap school violin vs his Old German made violin.... We've both listen to them side by side nad the tone is night and day different. I guess his fingers change when he plays the cheap Violin vs the good one LMMFAO. I guess all the virtuoso's seeking out a stradivarius violin are morons being that by your definition they should be able to get the same tone out of any piece of musical gear.
For arguments sake... do you have any recording of you playing? I only ask because you come to this forum touting your bulshit and yet no ones ever fucking heard you play LMAO. You speak as if everyone should bow down to you and yet id really love to hear the musical genius that is Shawn

Just so that I can put my money where my mouth is ,go ahead and tell me that these two tones are the same....If you think ,or should anyone else think so ,they/you should reallly go and get your hearing checked. Same player two different tones... now go ahead tell me that tone is all in your fingers

And.... There it is--

Wait for it.....could it be?
















































Nope, my mind didn't change.

 

[Gainfreak]

One guy says amp first then hands second is most important? Fuckn unbelievable. Tell that to someone if they play a cello/violin/ piano/ god fuckn forbid an acoustic guitar or a banjo that the tone of that instrument is not manipulated by the players fingers. Dont get me started about playn thru a non master volume amp.

I hate to break this to you all knowing Shawn but my Father plays Violin. He was also accepted to The Juliard school of music....just throwing that in there so that you know that he isn't a slouch......Funny thing though...My Father sounds way different on his cheap school violin vs his Old German made violin.... We've both listen to them side by side nad the tone is night and day different. I guess his fingers change when he plays the cheap Violin vs the good one LMMFAO. I guess all the virtuoso's seeking out a stradivarius violin are morons being that by your definition they should be able to get the same tone out of any piece of musical gear.
For arguments sake... do you have any recording of you playing? I only ask because you come to this forum touting your bulshit and yet no ones ever fucking heard you play LMAO. You speak as if everyone should bow down to you and yet id really love to hear the musical genius that is Shawn

Just so that I can put my money where my mouth is ,go ahead and tell me that these two tones are the same....If you think ,or should anyone else think so ,they/you should reallly go and get your hearing checked. Same player two different tones... now go ahead tell me that tone is all in your fingers

And.... There it is--

Wait for it.....could it be?
















































Nope, my mind didn't change.

Yeah, you can look me in the face and tell me that those two tones are the same?










and BTW, I didn't expect you to change your mind

 

[Greazygeo]

Wait for it.....could it be?

Nope, my mind didn't change.

Mine either.....some get it and some don't. At least it keeps people buying gear.

Now this thread can sink into oblivion....

 

[cloudnine]

Why are people here talking tonal "nuance" when they're playing through a gained-out overdriven wall of sound

 

[Gainfreak]

Why are people here talking tonal "nuance" when they're playing through a gained-out overdriven wall of sound

Because by most peoples definition, Tones in the fingers, so why should it matter. Ive given two examples of two drastically different tones done by the same player. If people can't hear the difference regarless of the "gained-out overdriven wall of sound " then I don't know what to tell them. I also have the pleasure of hearing my father play two violins that sound radically different. There's more to the argument then one thing IMHO.
I also have hear Rocksah over at the metro sight get MANY different tones from a plexi so...... Like I said theres more to it.

 

[glpg80]

Now this thread can sink into oblivion....

 

[muudrock]

This....

Sweet, you have one too?? Mine's got a Jose mod

Yep! Although I had to wait a long time to get it. I just got it back from Cameron. It's got the CCV mod.