Ask Eddie is back with another fan question that probed the mind of Eddie Van Halen himself.
In this edition, Darin Busby from Tomball, Texas, weighs in wondering whether he should use a processor with his new EVH 5150III 50-Watt Head.
Read the exchange below.
Busby: Like you, I have been a tone junkie for many years. I recently purchased the EVH 5150III 50w and 4×12 cab. I am using a GSP1101 w/4cable method to maintain the great tone of the amp. My question is, is it best to crank the amp and dial up the output I want from my GSP1101 or to keep the amp lower and add more output via the processor? It does sound great in either setting, but being the only guitarist in my band I want the best sound possible. Thanks so much!!
Van Halen: Hi Darin,
Thank you for your question; I will do my best to answer it.
For one, thank you for purchasing a 5150III 50-watt head and a 4×12 cabinet. That’s a pretty screamin’ setup, if I do say so myself.
As far as your question about whether to crank the amp or keep the amp lower and raise the output via your GSP1101 processor for the best-possible sound … I’m really sorry, Darin, that I am not familiar with a GSP1101 processor. From my experience though, the more you favor the output of a processor as opposed to the amp, the more “processed” your sound will be.
I’ve always been one to plug straight into the amp and crank it, as opposed to using anything in front of the amp to raise the output. That way, you are using your guitar and the amp to obtain your sound. At the same time, there is no right or wrong way to do it. It all boils down to what you like best, Darin.
I hope that answers your question.
All the best,
Eddie VH
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