I’m about to start experimenting with an EQ pedal. I have an MXR 10-Band EQ on the way, and I’m trying to figure out where I want to put it in the signal chain. There are a couple of schools of thought about placement: pre- and post-distortion.
Pre-distortion EQ alters the harmonic content of the distorted tone, while post-distortion EQ shapes the overall tone. As of this moment, I think that I’m going to go with this chain:
wah > compressor > overdrive/distortion > preamp > (effects loop send) > EQ > modulation > delay > reverb > (effects loop return) > power amp
Anyone else use EQ pedals? How do you run them?
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I like to boost my crunchy set amp into lead with an eq. Have everything at zero and just raise the 200 and 400 hertz sliders for fatness and the 1,6k to cut. That way I can shape my lead tone exactly how I want it and have all the distortion coming from my amp.
The eq is a Boss GE-7, pretty happy with it
cheers
ben
oh, and I have it in front of the amp (don’t have an fx loop anyway)
Where is your amp’s tone stack in the chain? Is it before or after the preamp tubes? Keep in mind your guitar and amp have EQ built in! I don’t have an EQ anymore, but when I did I used it as a mid boost before the drives for when I needed to cut through. I didn’t find much use for an “always on” EQ.
That’s a good question about the tone stack placement – I’m not sure, but I’m pretty sure that the tone controls are all wrapped up in the preamp tubes. There are so many tone shaping options on the amp, and I don’t think that it’s as simple as before or after preamp tubes.
Anyway, I haven’t decided how to use the EQ. First of all, I’m very happy with the tone that I get from the guitar going straight into the amp. The pure tone really is kinda magical, and most effects just get in the way. I’m either going to use the EQ to shape my chunky rhythm tones or as a mid boost for leads. Basically, I want my rig to be as flexible as possible. Adding an EQ will allow me to add another color to my tonal palette.
I love my amp, and I don’t want to mess with it’s tone too much – I just want to see what I can do with an external EQ. I may play with it for a few months and decide that it’s not for me or I may decide that it’s the holy grail of tone and kick myself for not buying one 10 years ago.