New gigging gear
8 February 2009How seriously cool is this…
Mid-January, I managed to catch a Laney VC30 112 valve amp just before they near-doubled in price, from around £250 to £400. I was later told by the guy that sold it to me online that mine was the last of the stock at that price. I had a bit of trouble paying, as I wasn’t going to bother with the amp till my next pay packet. But in light of the price hike I thought I better.
Earlier in the month I decided to get a load of Boss pedals, thanks to eBay. I’ve got the TU-2 tuner, the DS-1 distortion, the OD-3 overdrive and the MT-2 metal. I also got the pedal board that goes with them, the BCB-60. It’s a £100 peice of wood. But it saves me hassle. Last year I aquired a PW-10 wah-wah from a mate at music college too, so I’ve got a good line of effects to get going. However, they are all essentially overdrive/distortion pedals…
I’m still new to the gear, and I’m still using my PRS SE. The VC30 is a subtle amp. It doesn’t make vulgar and nasty noises like the Spider. I’m still tweaking the stomps, deciding if I should use the loop or just plug it straight in etc.
Actually using the gear is amazing. I’ve had the amp on two, nearly three. The metal zone pedal gives so much boost to the dynamics with a rediculously stupid level of control. I like the DS-1 but I wish it would boost more. The OD-3 is pure bliss. The only issue I have is how noisy these things are. If you whacked a few of the pedals on, especially with the PW-10 behind them, the hum is silly. My only complaint though.
The pedals allow more for musical expression, rather than just instantly pleasing. I’m sure it will take me a while to get right and I still need to save up for a delay. I’m also considering a looper, but I’m not too keen. Just because I’m the only guitarist in the band and I want a bit of rhythm and lead. We’ll see…
Next in line is a Korg Electribe and this sexy Fender Tele 72 Deluxe. I’d probably get it in sunburst. Why go humbucker? No idea. It’s all I know. I’d be scared to change my instrument so dramatically.
Still, look how sexy this stuff is…