LOUD CLEAN, QUIET DIRTY
I’m using a Fender Supersonic 22-watt amp with a Telecaster and three to five pedals. I bought this amp to utilise the extra ‘gain’ channel as an alternative to using OD pedals. For volume boosts I use either an Xotic EP Booster or an overdrive pedal, adjusted accordingly. When using the clean channel there are no issues getting a significant volume boost and I can set the level to suit. However, while using the gain channel, the jump in volume isn’t as obvious, and at present I am compensating by manually adjusting the volume control on the guitar (which I keep at about 6/10) and a few times have had to resort to turning up the volume on the amp mid solo.
I could lean down and adjust the boost pedal volume up and down all night, but it ruins the enjoyment of being in control… Is there something I’ve missed, or is it part and parcel of my current setup? My pedal order is basic: tuner, boost, chorus, tremolo and 12-string effect, delay. John Bennett, via email
This is a common issue. The clean channel has plenty of headroom to be able to take the boost pedal’s increased signal, ergo, a large part of it makes it through to the power stage and you get that nice big jump in volume that you want. However, the overdrive channel is already overdriving – meaning there’s little headroom left for extra signal – so when you step on the EP Booster you’re just pushing the preamp into even more gain and compression. The more gain you have in the OD channel, the less volume lift you’ll get from a pedal in the front end. Two things to try…
The first is to put the EP Booster in the amp’s effects loop instead of into the front end with your other pedals. You’re moving the EP Booster’s position in the signal chain from before the preamp, to after it. The means it will simply amplify what’s coming out of the preamp before it hits the power stage. You will notice a significant difference in results.
If that’s too much hassle with extra cables and so on, consider adding an EQ pedal for use with the OD channel. For solo tones, try cutting the bass frequencies slightly and boosting mids/ highs at 1.6 and 3.2k (if you’re using the Boss GE-7, for example). Used in conjunction with a level boost from the GE-7, this will give you a more cutting tone, even when used into the front end. It’ll work in the effects loop too. Have fun!