Not to sure how to get the sound you want were here to help !

Amp Settings Guide - how to get the right sound from all those dials!

Here is a quick run through of the different amp knobs and switches:

Input
This is the socket in which you plug your ¼ guitar cable into.

Clean Volume
This will increase the volume of the clean channel (i.e. a pure amplification of the sound from your chosen axe with no distortion or effects). On most amplifiers once the clean volume is turned closer and closer full it may become slightly overdriven.

Gain
This will increase the amount of drive/distortion applied to your guitar's sound. Set it low (2 or 3) and it will sounded distorted with big chords or aggressive playing.  Set higher (5 or more) and single notes with distort and sustain longer.

Drive Volume
This will increase the volume of the drive channel.

Switch for clean or drive
This switch selects either the clean or drive channels (you can't use both at once). Often a footswitch socket is located on the back or the front of the amp so a foot pedal can be used to switch channels while you play.

Bass
This is a frequency booster (an equaliser) for the bass content of the amps sound. Turn it up to maximum and your sound will be boomy and thick, while at zero your sound will be thin and cutting.

Middle
This will affect the middle frequencies of the amp's sound. Reduced to zero your guitar will sound hollow - great for clean rhythm guitars or the ‘scooped' distorted tone favoured by late-80's metal bands. Setting it from 6 upwards with help solos and lead cut through a band's sound.


 

Treble
This will affect the high frequencies of the amp's sound. Set it low and your guitar could sound like an old jazz guitar, especially if you use the guitar's neck pickup. Set the treble at around 5 and your guitar will sound bright and cutting.

Reverb
This will add ambience to your sound, as if it were in a hall or stadium. The dial won't alter the type of reverb but only the amount applied (or the volume of the effect). Unless you are playing very ambient music or slow single notes, we wouldn't recommend turning it above 6 as it will swamp the guitar's sound.

 

Now, here are some popular amp settings:

Clean Pop Guitar w/ bridge pickup selected

·         Clean Volume: 5

·         Bass: 5

·         Middle: 4

·         Treble: 5

·         Reverb: 3

 

Jazzy Guitar w/ neck pickup selected

·         Clean Volume: 6

·         Bass: 5

·         Middle: 5

·         Treble: 2

·         Reverb: 4

 

Blues Guitar w/ neck pickup selected

·         Drive: 4

·         Drive Volume: 5

·         Bass: 5

·         Middle: 5

·         Treble: 5

·         Reverb: 3

 

Classic rock guitar w/ bridge pickup selected

·         Drive: 6

·         Drive Volume: 6

·         Bass: 5

·         Middle: 6

·         Treble: 5

·         Reverb: 4

 

Heavy metal rhythm guitar w/ bridge pickup selected

·         Drive: 9

·         Drive Volume: 7

·         Bass: 8

·         Middle: 0

·         Treble: 8

 

Heavy metal lead guitar w/ bridge pickup selected

·         Drive: 10

·         Drive Volume: 10

·         Bass: 5

·         Middle: 6

·         Treble: 7

·         Reverb: 3

 

We hope this quick guide will help you get the guitar sound you want and if you need any amp advice don't hesitate to come in store or call us on 0845 200 5464.

 

Cheers TMK Team