Les Paul and Marshall
Joined: Oct 2009
United States
Monday, May 3, 2010 - 08:09
Les Paul and Marshall
I have an epiphone les paul gold top 59 reissue and a marshall avt 275. I need some advice on some settings to use for my style. I play with my fingers and use a very light touch. Obviously going for that Dereky sound. Would buy a pedal but would rather just use amp.
Replies for this Forum Topic
Not to be totally redundant but here is another interesting interview that touches on your question.
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The past belongs to the future...but only the present can preserve it.
The past belongs to the future...but only the present can preserve it.
vjc122 --
You no doubt have read the year old thread (started by BB) on this site about Derek's PRS Amp, but if not here is the link just in case-- Derek's Sound with the ABB. Also, as mentioned in the aforementioned thread there are some YouTube videos out there where Derek discusses his sound. Sorry in advance if this is redundant information for you.
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The past belongs to the future...but only the present can preserve it.
The past belongs to the future...but only the present can preserve it.
Thanks for all the input and I completely understand I'll never be Derek. He is my number one influence so that's where I try to draw my creative juices from. I like his sound but I would much rather understand his approach. I have been trying to listen to some of my favorite players influences to get to some of the more raw material. For this post, I just wanted some simple settings or tips for my guitar so I can get a better feel what I like. I play too much every day which is always a good thing. I play with my fingers but it is alot different than the conventional style of playing. Some people tell me it's not correct, but it works for me. I am still looking for the right settings on my guitar though to best compliment my light touch of playing.
All great musicians have their own sound, which culminates from all of their influences. They learn things from different cultures and styles of music, and from the other musicians they play with, and then then incorporate that back into their "sound". Derek is one of those people who has their own identifiable sound, just like B B King or Ry Cooder do. People often copy their gear to attempt imitation, without realizing that the tone is all in the player.
I would say while it's awesome to go for the Derek tone, don't just try and copy him, because there is only one Derek in the world. Keep in mind that there is also only one vjc in the world, and that you have something to say. Use Derek as an influence, but don't just try to be Derek and copy his tone. Instead try and take in all the music you love, and become as good as Derek with your own style.
Stevie Ray's guitar tech said that he sounded better on a $100 guitar!
I bet! I remember hearing an interview one time when he was asked about that issue. He said something about hearing Little Milton or someone like that play on a different guitar and amp than usual, and bam, sounded exactly the same.
Derek sounds like Derek through any guitar or amp.
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Bobby Tis
The Derek Trucks Band
Bobby Tis
The Derek Trucks Band
Also, Check out Derek's right hand thumb for that whiplash sound!
Thanks Brother Bill. If I only had a few grand for an SG and an old school Fender super reverb. Maybe Derek will toss those into the crowd someday haha.
I haven't owned either piece of gear but have owned many Les Pauls/SGs and Marshalls. Derek pretty much lives on the neck pickup of his SG so start there, although LP style guitars can be a little muddy in the neck pup and you might need to move to the middle position and dial out some treble pickup with guitar tone and volume controls. If you have a master volume on your amp..I would adjust the volume/gain controls and the MV until you get some feedback/sustain...then I would put all the tone controls on zero and then increase the treble, middle and bass controls to taste. If you are playing with your fingers that will also take a little treble/top end off your tone. A touch of reverb and you'll be good to go...that should at least get you into that tonal territory. Experiment with different settings to find your own voice!
Peace, BB
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"Practice Wisdom, Listen, Ask Questions, Work Hard, Lift Up Those Around You, and Never, Ever, Underestimate the Power of Kindness!" Brother Bill
"Practice Wisdom, Listen, Ask Questions, Work Hard, Lift Up Those Around You, and Never, Ever, Underestimate the Power of Kindness!" Brother Bill