Tips'N'Tricks!

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Taking distortions to another levels... Getting warmer, definitive distortion: By Yasser:

All GT-3 users are always in debate about the Distortion sounds. Some say they good, some say they suck! 2, 3, 4,.. cable methods.. Using Line(headphones) to utilize cabinet and mic sim all this are a way to manipulate and not use the tru GT-3 distortion.. Why brings us to a point that it really is bad! :(

However, I do not agree... Distortions are supposed to be harsh and not warm.. May be a little more warm would make things much better, but using the Line(headphones) causes much lowering of volume ( does the words headphones seem familiar? as in, please don't make me deaf :) ) so surely I think this is not the exact intended usage they had in mind to use it all the time with amps, PA, ...etc

So, what can we do about that? I have tried many times to use my default settings (guitar amp combo) while I am using the combo amp (that sounds rational I guess) and the preset patches always use DS (high drive as 40) with JC-120, Clean Twin,.. (at low volume) or Preamp distortion models at high or medium gain at high levels! simply, the first category is too harsh.. the second category are too warm that they suck from noise...

So, I just had an idea in my mind, to use moderate amounts of both DS and preamps of low gain (JC, clean twin) more less with BG-Lead and MS1959s and much less with 5150, metal drive, ...etc. That really sounds much better to my ears, it adds to warmth and character the the DS of the GT-3... An example for that is my Megadeth patch using both DS Metal1 and BGlead volume 30 and Master 70... Give it a try, go on and make  your own stuff if you like the idea!

Finally, do not send me demoralizing e-mails about how much this sucks :) It's a personal opinion... Just e-mail me for questions, ideas, acceptable criticism, ..etc

An MP3s of the different Distortions will be added soon to explain my point.. later dudes :)

General Tips: by Tim Saxon

When using the expression pedal as a wah, use another assign function to  switch the wah off in the lowest (0) position. This works for me and means you can use the wah when you feel like it and not have to change patches or waste the ctl pedal to switch it on or off.

I have found you can get a better sounding wah by selecting the auto wah and then assigning the freq to the exp pedal.  You then have control of the Q (peakyness) of the wah. 

Also, I use the ctl pedal to switch on and off the distortion, this way it acts as a channel switch and there is no delay( as there is when changing patches)

 And, I have a block stuck to the tuner switch so that I can operate the  tuner with my foot without having to assign it to anything. 

For live playing I have found that it is good to be able to fade in rev in softer sections of songs and dry it right up when there is lots of noise,  for this I use the sub expression pedal.  It starts dry and fades in as the pedal is pushed down. When it is pushed all the way down reverb turns off and another effect (i.e. octave down harmony) comes on.  This helps to make my patches more versatile and I can get lots of different sounds without changing patches (which I hate doing). And blue tak is great stuff for sticking power supplies and pedals and things to a board.

More Better Distortions by non GT-3 gear: By Yasser:

Starting with string and ending by your speaker, everything can affect your distortion warmth and quality. Do not blame the GT-3 for bad distortions and you have a bad axe. New installed strings surely add a touch. Strings generally should be changed after 24 hours of play (however, that depends on your body's sweat and such biological things). Some strings have different gauges let's say the GHS Boomers are designed for more heavy power chords sound.. You should pick the right string set for your sound. If you have the cash, getting  new pickups (whether quality passive ones or Active) should make your sound much much better. Do not use very long shields cause that degrades the sound quality or use Active Pickups in that case. Buying an external Distortion pedal can be a good choice as Ibanez Tube Screamer which is not that expensive rather than hard to get.