The sliders on a Boss GE-7 range from 100 to 6.4K hertz. A 31 band EQ generally has 19 bands within the same range of frequencies where the Boss has 7 bands. Some guitar effects company (Vertex Effects, cough, cough) needs to make a guitar specific, 19 band EQ in this range so we can really fine tune with it. Great video!!!
@@KentuckyWindage22 have you seen the XTS version? They consolidate the frequencies to specific guitar bands, and although not every possible EQ range, it really makes it a lot more useable for a small form factor :). We may also have something on the horizon.
I have a bit of a tricky scenario for you. What if I'm not using any distortion pedals but only use the distortion in my amp? I also have a Victory Kraken preamp pedal which is specifically designed to sit in both the fx-loop AND the front input of the amp. This, allows me to get 2 extra gain channels on top of the 1 dirty channel and its clean channel. So 3 dirty channels and 1 clean. The way this works is that the guitar goes into the Kraken preamp's input. This allows me to decide whether I send the signal straight through the Kraken (bypassing it) so the signal is completely unaltered and goes straight to the front of the amp. So the signal goes through the actual preamp of the amp just like any signal would when plugged straight into the front of the amp. The second mode instead sends the signal through the Kraken preamp, giving me 2 extra channels to choose from. Then the signal goes out of the Kraken to the amp's FX-return and through the regular amp's power amp. The signal then goes out of the amp's output where it would normally head for the cab. However, I'm running a wet/dry/wet rig so I want the signal to now go through all my wet pedals and onward to 2 other Amps (the wet stereo part of my rig). So I let the signal go into a Suhr ISO Line Out Box where it is split into 2. One bypasses the Suhr and goes to the dry cab, the other one is brought to line level by the Suhr and goes through my wet pedals (stereo delay+reverb). After this the two L/R signals (stereo) then goes on to the other two amps to give me full stereo wet effects. So, where in this complicated arrangement should I place my eq (a Boss EQ-200)?
Also, consider that EQ does not need to be an "always on" pedal. Experimenting with using different EQ within a song or solo can open up some fun possibilties.
Man I wish I felt that that was good enough. An I’m not trying to take a cheap shot on you. I’m more upset with myself. Sadly I’m starting to think I’m a tone snob and I never wanted to be or sound like one. I have a MXR Ten Band and want to get the empress parametric to put at the end of my chain and have the MXR at the beginning. Also thinking about Earth Quaker Devices Tone Job Eq/Boost.
@@paulillingworth90 Don't get me wrong, if my budget allowed it I'd run a Boss EQ 200 via a MIDI rig. One should do because I'm pretty sure it can run 2 seperate patches simultaneously, but for now my wallet only permits cheap Chinese clones. By the way the Donner 10-band is a clone of the MXR, just at 1/6 the price.
I was just telling a fellow musician that he needed two of my favorite pedals. An EQ and a compression. Good to hear you spreading the word. A volume pedal is probably my 3rd. Hey kids, truth be told; shaping your tone and having a dedicated isolated power supply will last you your entire music career. Much more than a metal zone ever will..
the BASS version of this pedal is even better for guitar! The bands are different. The lowest band is 50hz instead of 100hz. If you turn that band (nearly) all the way down, it tightens your low end nicely. Gets rid of all the annoying "boomy-ness" on stage, avoids overdrive/distortion "flabby-ness" if you place it before pedals. FOH/studio engineers love it, cause they don't need to hi-pass your guitar to remove all the sub-bass filth. It gives space for bass on stage and balance between musicians. And last: the next bass band control is 120hz, which I think is PERFECT to enhance guitar low-end frequencies! GIVE IT A TRY!! BOSS GEB-7 for the win!!
Been using a graphic eq (MXR/BOSS) since the early 80s ! Like most guitar gear what was mocked 40 yrs ago is now red hot . P90s was also a big surprise here in the future, NO body liked them back in the day .If they tell ya otherwise their lying .
#3 is the reason I originally bought an EQ pedal. I haven't had the Boss, I was looking into the MXR 10 frequency EQ, but give me too many options and I'll be stuck overthinking and deciding I did like this tone, but now I like that one better.
just got a ge-7 recently. played with it in store & had such a fun time changing tones & boosting frequencies. can’t wait to see what it does on a synth 🤌🏽
VERY good information! My Boss GE-7 EQ pedal is a valuable and very versatile tool on my board. In conjunction with a Boss Blues Driver and a Tube Screamer, the possible pallet of sounds is magical. I've watched Tom B's video too and others including one from Guitar Bonedo that is excellent. Theirs and yours are spot-on. If I had room on my current board which I don't want to be any larger, I could add 3 more GE-7's and make great use of them all. I use my current one flat except for a light boost at 400 and 800htz plus a slight boost at 1.6htz and a light level boost. It works great on pushing my country solos just enough to stand out. Also, it works wonders ahead of my Blues Driver and gives me additional punchy boost with stacked overdrives if I need it mid solo. With 3 more pedals I'd use one as a flat boost, one to achieve a telephone (landline) type effect during certain songs, and the last one as a level cut if I engage other pedals and my sound becomes too loud. Since I'd have these 3 EQ pedals in my effects loop, my lead sound wouldn't be affected like it would be by turning down the volume on my guitar. Thanks for the video!
Have you considered some of the programmable ones Tony? This might solve the three EQ pedal issue for you especially if you use a MIDI switcher than can change the order, also the new Boss EQ pedal allow for a pre/post setting so you can use one EQ before certain pedals and another one after.
@@VertexEffectsInc Yes I have considered those and other approaches. But at this point I've moved away from foot controllers although I like some of what Gig Rig, I think I have the name correct, has to offer. Pricey though, but they look well constructed from good materials. I don't even know if their products are available in the United States. Right now I'm very comfortable, to my own surprise, with pedals alone over controllers. The reason will likely sound silly, but I like knowing exactly what I'm stepping on when I'm engaging an effect because I immediately recognize it by color where with a controller, every switch looks the same and I don't care to memorize whats programmed to each switch or in what order I have them arranged in a preset. Plus, right now I find it much more preferable to just step on the pedals I want for a song which can change over time as opposed to trying to reprogram and re-label presets every time I want to try something new. Also, before I would choose any programmable option, I really would expand my pedalboard footprint and purchase multiple GE-7 pedals. Another great use for the GE-7 would be to place it in the effects loop to fine tune your amp sound for different rooms with varying acoustics. Now for this application, a programmable pedal would be great for saving your settings for various venues.
@@tlb2732 I would check out RJM, they're the gold standard for switcher and made in San Diego, CA. Great service that you can actually get on the phone or email same day. You can even send your programming to them and they'll modify it for you to re-import into your switcher. Plus great buffers, mixers, and stereo options with isolation. I also really like the Muiscom Lab stuff as well. The GE-7 is good, but unmodded doesn't work well in most loops that are line level (+4). Just something to consider if you're using it there.
@@VertexEffectsInc Yes, I learned about the noise that can be produced by the GE-7 at higher boost levels before I ever purchased one. I bought mine locally where they have a 3 day no questions asked return policy. But it turned out that the boost levels I wanted didn't approach the noise threshold. I've tried my share of digital effects and controllers through the years. And of course some of my current pedals are digital. But right now I need simplicity wherever I can find it. Being recently retired I was the one in my trio who was in the best position to do the research and put together the sound system we would be needing. I had a considerable amount of analog gear along with many nice acoustic instruments that were spending more time on the shelf than I liked. Through the selling and trading of most of this gear plus personal investment I acquired a QSC digital mixer along with a compact yet powerful QSC powered speaker system with sub cabs, a new foot controlled wireless lighting system, new QSC power amps for my existing Yamaha monitor wedges I love so much, and a substantial upgrade in equipment such as power conditioners, D.I. solutions, snakes, cables, power distro, stands, etc. That's in addition to a new guitar, amp, and of course my pedalboard since I sold out to go all acoustic in 2008. And since I'm the one who had the time to do all this and learn the ins and outs of digital mixing, I'm the one who gets to operate it because we decided early on to stay as compact as possible and mix from the stage. And that's in addition to singing and being the only guitarist this time around. So I'll have my hands and feet and brain busy enough without adding more to think about. And that's a big reason I like my pedalboard, as I said before, because I can quickly and easily identify my pedals by color. But thanks for all the suggestions, especially the heads-up on RJM. I'll still check them out.
I use one after an overdrive and one in the loop.It took me too long to realise how great they are. This is an excellent video because you clearly outline the options.The shaping available is great. Thank you.
Source Audio EQ2 is amazing. Customizable frequency points up to 20 bands if you're crazy, and Q, HPF/LPF, limiter, and it's essentially two independent pedals in one enclosure. With more presets than you'll ever need, it can replace having multiple EQ pedals with individual settings. And MIDI. Win.
I need to check that pedal out more. I have a Boss EQ-200 which has a good amount of the features the EQ2 has, but i never knew that u could change the frequency bands completely, add a dynamic limiter, and add a noise gate on the EQ2. The Boss EQ-200 doesnt do that. U can alter the frequency bands so they are suited for bass or guitar on the EQ-200, but not as customizable as the EQ2. Thats really awesome! I really like the ability to have 20 bands too. I just might switch out my EQ-200 for the EQ2. Thanks for informing me on some of its features and placed it on my radar
I've had a Boss GE-6 on my pedalboard since 1981. Switched over to a modded GE-7 later....it's quieter, but doesn't sound quite as good as the GE-6. Always keep the same setting as a solo boost in front of a tube amp...an upside down smiley face, boosting mids and slightly cutting the lowest freq. I would give up my King of Tone before the EQ pedal.
I think EQ is not more popular because it's hard to market. You can sell a wah pedal that sounds "just like Hendrix", a chorus that sounds like Nevermind or a phase shifter that's a copy of the one used by the Beatles! But EQ is a chameleon and we don't associate it with the sound of any one guitar player. I've always loved graphic eq pedals for all the funky weird guitar tones you can get with it.
I agree...it's not as popular but a lot of that has to do with its utility and application...if there were more videos like this I think it would give more "cause" to use one, but not even Boss is creating content about this pedal which is problematic.
I just started using a MXR 10 band. It also allows me to split into stereo which is what put me over the edge to buy a pedal with out cool graphic that makes fun noises. But it turns out I need a power supply that has 18v. So now to buy another necessary item that doesn't make cool sounds.....Whats next a compressor?
I'm waiting for the boss ge7 waza with a switch to switch over to the xts midrange mod lol. It has to be coming eventually. They can't do everything else waza and not throw in the greatest EQ ever lmao
I think what you said near the beginning really hits the nail on the head. "It might not be the tone you're looking for but it sits right in the mix" that's something guitar players could really do with learning when playing with others in general.
This had the potential to be a very good vid . Unfortunately for me it wasn’t. The #1 reason is failure to show the EQ settings when demonstrating it’s tonal capacities. If the settings were shown it would have been very useful. ☮️ cheers mate
For anybody thinking about it, just go ahead and buy one. Let's face it, there are more interesting pedals out there, but an EQ really is one of the most versatile things you can own, and the entry price is very reasonable. Personally, I use the MXR 10 band, but you can't go wrong with the Boss he showed here or the others he mentioned. Just make sure you get a decent one. You'll probably never have to buy another.
I have a fantastic amp, the distorted Channel is great but It's very Creamy and sometimes I Just want some more grit. I thought I had to buy another amp for that purpose but instead I tried a ge7 : boosted or cut the right frequences and boom, got what I wanted
I don’t find this pedal noisy at all but that’s probably because I have a good noise gate in my amp. I have been using this pedal in the effects loop of the Hughes and kettner black spirit 200.
You are absolutely the best at explaining and making this pedal board world understandable. You have taught me a lot, and I appreciate how well you can explain, even for those of us who are not experienced.
I don’t know about electric guitar, but it’s absolutely necessary for acoustic guitar. Personally, I don’t feel a need for it with my electric guitars and amps.
I bought into eq pedals years ago. I preach it as well. I am very surprised how much it is ignored. You're really screwing yourself not investing in a eq. I find a 10 band eq very effective. I use a EQ2 BY SOURCE AUDIO
Dave Gilmour? I saw Pink Floyd many moons ago when i was a teenager. His tone was amazing. It was not static just coming from the stage either. They had a quadraphonic set up with speakers behind the crowd too, so every note he played in a solo swirled around the crowd of 80K. I will never forget it. As for EQ, it is still a mystery to me. The only thing I know kind of how to do well is set up high pass filter to tighten up distorted guitar for palm muting with boosted Marshall crunch. I never liked anything I try with the mid range sliders. Now I use a Freyette load box and IRs, my first stop for tone shaping is to move the pretend mic around in front of the pretend speaker's pretend dust cap (good tones, but I miss that controlled feedback and sustain you get with volume and the thump of a 4x12 that hits you in the chest -- I do not think they have found a way to simulate that with modelling -- yet). P.S. Before RUclips, one of the best ways to learn guitar was to go to gigs and get up front to watch the player's fingers (and pester pro players to show me riffs and licks). Even pub and party bands used Marshall stacks turned up very loud in those days and used to get away with it, rather than noise control showing up for a 15 watt combo like I have seen these days. My ears began ringing with tinnitus in the 1980s and never stopped ringing. Now my ears constantly go 'kerrang'.
i got the MXR 10-band EQ a few months ago. it instantly earned its spot on my pedalboard, though ill admit I don't really know what I'm doing with it. just moving sliders until it sounds good. this video gives me a better idea of what I'm working with. thanks Mason!
Great concepts you talk about there but I'm not sure you nailed any of the sounds. Maybe the dumble... But other than that I didn't hear any that were better. Hard to be convinced
Mason! How are you! I bought your boost mk II. Thank you, great job! It’s not easy to find it in Russia. Think about it. Some people use custom audio boost...
What would you recommend the settings to try to get close to the dumble tone with a boss sd1 and that EQ? I noticed it doesn't have a 4K slider and that is one frequency that seems to be important towards getting that tone
Hi, Mason, thanks for the awesome video! Do you know if BOSS adressed the noisiness in the new GE-7s? I can't find the info on this anywhere, but I've heard Bukovac say the new ones aren't noisy anymore as they used to be. Thanks!
They may have gone to a quieter IC chip, but the EQ bands I think are still the same and not as consolidated as the XTS version that more guitar frequency specific.
As from today I’m waiting for the parcel containing my ge-7 ! I missed it ! Eq pedals are over looked. Perfect video while I wait. I’m sure I’ll get to try lots of new ideas 🤌🤌👌👌
You clearly don't like digital EQ much. I've never used a digital EQ. Can you explain either here or in a video at some point what the sonic differences are that make you prefer the analog EQ more? This video was really info packed, but missed out on that one detail you added but didn't explain. Thanks!
@@VertexEffectsInc I meant a side-by-each comparison. It's like the digital/tube amp thing. People have strong feelings about which is better. Winds up most people (including guitarists) couldn't tell the difference a lot (not all) of the time. Would like to see what it is that makes digital EQ inferior to analog in similar fashion, versus just stating it and that's it.
@@KarstenJohansson I've used a variety of digital EQs and analog EQs. The one that sounded best as a solo boost is my old Boss GE-6. But it was also by far the dirtiest and noisiest. The noise I could have done without, but the unintentional distortion in the circuit (probably because of the cheaper components) was a magical thing. Digital EQs are so clean that they just skew the spectrum without altering the feel of the push and squish.
@@andymellor9056 Sure....just a different flavor, that's all. With EQ, the push and squish is not processed within the pedal, it's making the amp do it. Like a clean boost, but with the benefit of shaping which freqs you want accentuated in the boost.
Spot on! I've been a performing musician for over 40 years. Not professionally, but as a lifelong endeavor that has enriched my life immensely. I've used a lot of gear in that time. From experience, I can say that my Boss GE-7s are the most important pedals on my board. If I could have only one pedal, it would be a stock, straight from the factory, GE-7. I've never been into mods. I find that every time you gain something via a mod, you also lose something. I simply test drive before buying and don't purchase any pedal that doesn't do what I want straight out of the box. Calling an EQ pedal the Swiss Army knife of pedals doesn't quite describe it fully. It's uses seem almost limitless. Currently, I use one GE-7 in front of a Blues Driver which feeds my Tube Screamer with another GE-7 after it. The first GE-7 is set with a 3db cut at 200hz, a slight boost at 400hz and 800hz, and a slight cut at 6.4k hz plus a slight overall boost. This setting works very well with my guitar, amp, and touch. It adds a slight boost and mid range punch to clean solos and really makes both overdrive pedals sing. The second GE-7 is set flat with another slight volume boost for songs where I need just a bit more to put a solo through. The GE-7 is also a valuable tool to overcome the inherent reflective properties of the very different rooms any band performs in. It can give you the sonic control most amps can't provide and can make the difference between a good show and a great show.
I suppose the most versatile pedal would be one of those digital ones that do everything including an EQ section. If I could have only one pedal it would be a dirty boost like a klon thing or a mild fuzz like the fulltone 69 fuzzface thing. If I could have two I'd stick a wah in front of that first one! I guess an EQ would be handy if you are in a cover band trying to match many tones without carrying many guitars, or if you are in a touring band with a long catalog of songs to recreate, or goofing in the studio for something different.
I have to EQ for two different environments. One being practice volume and the other stage volume. Volume has a huge impact on how my ears perceive tone.
What I never understood is why MXR has a gain slider on the pedal. I have 2 of the 10 bands, 1 silent modded and the last pedal on my board. It also has 2 outs to 2 amps. Also have some off brand Rocktek 6 band home modded E Q pedal. Couldn't help myself.$16 shipped. I use it for my practice bass amp. But can use it on anything actually. The other MXR 10 band got wet once and sometimes makes noise, other times is completely silent. I've taken it apart and cleaned and wiped down with alcohol. I was gonna send it in to get the mod done but just don't care anymore.
I suppose you could modify a 10-12 band EQ to be whatever you want if you need those exact frequencies. The issue is guitar speakers won't go up that high so anything over 5K or so isn't going to do much.
I like both EQ pedals for the versatility, and a rack-mount 32-band to put in the effects loop so it's the last thing the signal hits before the power amp.
Recently been getting around to using EQs. I always considered it pretty useless as a pedal until I starting bumping into issues with thin tone. Especially with my modeling gear into the PA. I incorporated an EQ,dialed it in, and it has made the biggest difference ever. It's what I've been missing all these years.
I once heard Pete Thorne say something to the effect of that the perfect Les Paul is basically a telecaster on steroids I think using an EQ to shape one does sound like the other helps to_that point.
I admire and respect Pete but I think they are pretty different instruments. The woods, the bolt-on v. set neck, pickups, headstock, etc. The LP pickups and tailpiece underwent a fair amount of change for the first 5-6 years before settling in by 57-58, too. But, ok, an LP is a solid-body with a beefier sound and more sustain. I guess. Is that steroids? Lol I did an album and played almost all the guitar parts with a Heritage H-140 that had the Schaller pickups. Was playing through a Gibson Goldtone GA-15R amp. Just with settings on amp and guitar and touch, I could get a hefty LP sound, or a Strat sound, or even a ringing, chimey Rickenbacker sound. It was quite surprisingly versatile. I used the Ric 12 but that is a different beast. Nothing else sounds like that!
Hello Mason, What´s the deal with the PQ-3/4s, used by some 80s metal guys? It´s impossible to find here in Brazil, is there another way to get that kind of sound, using currently available gear? Thank you!
It’s the empress buffer+ on your approved buffer list ? I got one for cheap a few weeks ago, and love the difference. Would love to hear your opinion on the type of buffer / if it’s good enough to your specs ! Thanks man
Pink Floyd used Klark Teknik EQ rack mount units in the 70's and alembic EQ, if you listen to david gilmours 72 pompeii clean up tone its an alembic bass preamp which is based on a fender dual showman amplifier preamp and eq. The main thing to focus on is the "clean up tone" gilmour is specializing in on 1972 pompeii because its not the strats volume set at 10 max straight direct into a hiwatt amplifier to get his clean tone. There is a big difference between a guitars clean tone compared to a "clean up tone". I'm not sure what guitar EQ pedal comes close to an 70's alembic EQ or Klark Teknik EQ but try to find out
Great video. And you’re using the XTS modded one. Got one leading off my little board. Absolute lifesaver for my HSH “S” style when I want that neck single coil sound…the only thing lacking on that guitar. And one of my favorite guitar sounds. And, of course, for my Strat when I want to fatten it up. Then there are the other points you detail. Love it. Rock on!
You can clean up a lot of the noise in the GE-7 by putting it in the send/return loop of a BOSS NS-2 Noise Suppressor. Same with the noise in the CS-2 Compressor/Sustainor. Place it in the send/return loop of a BOSS NS-2.
An EQ in the FX loop and a mid focused OD up front is the secret of many famous metal guitarists. Boost mids in the front end and take them back out in the loop = chug. It's the bit so many people miss when they try to emulate guys like Dime and Hetfield.
I've been here before and some how forgot to sub - done. this particular episode reminds me to pay more attention to the wide array of EQ's you mentioned that are available in the Helix. I always enjoy the material you cover, thanks.
I wouldn't do a gig without the GE-7. I set mine on top of my amp so I can change the settings quickly. As Mason said: "It's a must for any pedalboard."
I’m using a Boogie Fillmore 25 and a Thinline Tele as my go to in my band. The fillmore tends to have an upper mids focus. I’ve tried a separate cabinet to get more bottom end with not a lot of luck. Long story short, where would YOU put an eq in the chain for a base tone on an amp like that? Great video, as always! Thanks
The best EQ pedal still is the now discontinued ParaEQ by Empress, which was essentially a rack EQ in a pedal. Anoher trick to thin out humbuckers is to slant the pickups so the pickup is closer to the higher strings and away from them on the bass side.
Hey pal, always a great decision to get advice from you, how would you choose to use an eq, to get lets say? repro pafs, to sound more authentic, my les paul neck pickup, lacks clarity and focus, in other words? its almost like a hollow sound, no PING OR BELL LIKE Qualities youd here in a paf neck pickup.....Theres no attack, almost like im hearing the decay of the note but not the initial strike of the note, or better yet its the notes are lacking PLOSIVES as its more of a vocal term, like i used 4 different de/essers and totally took all the bite out of the tone....There warm and nice and i wouldnt say woofy, theyd be perfect if i could add 10 percent of my tele bridge pickup into my les paul neck pickup lol your gonna think im a whackjob for sure, lol but its almost perfect, its just all steroids NO TELE haha, thanks Mason...And off topic, how often does your last name get mis/pronounced? like mine, is pronounced MA-ROB-A-LEE, SPELLED MIRABILE, but no one would ever say it rigt...I know you had the same problem, like MA-RAN-JELL-A, ........DEFINITLY LOL
Thanks for watching! I'd adjust more the upper mids or top end, maybe around 2K and see what happens. You can also try messing with the mids, maybe 500-1.6K or so and see what happens. I'd say people get my last name right maybe 30% of the time.
@@VertexEffectsInc TY AND I KNEW IT BC ITS THE SAME TYPE OF LONG 4 SYLLABLE ITALIAN NAME AS MINE...LOL...AND RIGHT NOW I HAVE A 5 BAND GRAPHIC EQ, AND THATS WHAT I DID A LITTLE WHILE AGO, AND IT WORKED OUT, GONNA UPGRADE THIS WEEK, AND TRY TO RUN BOTH OF THEM FRONT AND BACK, SEE WHAT I ACCOMPLISH....TY FOR ANSWERING, ABOUT TO START RECORDING MY EP, SO IM GONNA GO ON A VERTEX VIDEO MARATHON, THE NEXT FEW DAYS, NEVER GOT ANYTHING BUT GOOD ADVICE.....TY AGAIN, SORRY FOR THE CAPS, BUTTON GETS STUCK SOMETIMES...
Great great tool . I used a lot when it can out , then I got the mesa boogie that had eq. Stopped. , then changed Amp s but didn’t think of ge7 . Till bukovac vid. I and I had it modded by analog man
EQ in the loop is the only way to go. I would normally write a book of a comment to explain why but it's late and your just going to have to trust me. It's much more effective for accomplishing all the things mentioned because its after the preamp. And an eq is a shitty boost no matter what if its before the preamp but works excellently as a clean boost in the loop. This video in my opinion is all the ways to make an eq sound lackluster while forcing it to do things that it's the least capable of doing. But what do I know I'm just a tired guy on the internet. Bit I do build guitars and pedals and have been for years. In fact i just finished a Chasm Reverb the I built with some great mods I came up with. Anyways. EQ in the loop is the only place you'll ever get something out of it that rivals other pedals. All the things mentioned in this video can be done so so so much better with other pedals.
If you have an amp with a loop and want to adjust the amp EQ, then yes. If you want to EQ your distortion pedals, then it's less valuable to use the loop. The best application for the EQ in the loop, to me, is when you want to exaggerate a channel beyond what it can do with the controls on its own. Or if you have a shared EQ on a channel switching amp or not EQ on a volume boost channel on a channel switching amp.
Table of Contents:
00:00 Introduction
00:36 Why are EQ's essential?
3:10 Shaping Your Pickup Tone
05:26 Boosting Transparently
06:42 Shaping Your Overdrive Tone
09:27 Cleaning Up Your Overall Signal
11:45 My Recommended EQ Pedals
14:42 Conclusion
MY FAVORITE EQ PEDALS
Xactone Modded GE-7 - bit.ly/3H9zrSX
MXR 6-band EQ - amzn.to/3n2rebb
MXR 10-band EQ - amzn.to/3C0OYR2
Source Audio Programmable EQ - amzn.to/3kmKEWn
Empress ParaEQ - bit.ly/2YzYvRA
The sliders on a Boss GE-7 range from 100 to 6.4K hertz. A 31 band EQ generally has 19 bands within the same range of frequencies where the Boss has 7 bands. Some guitar effects company (Vertex Effects, cough, cough) needs to make a guitar specific, 19 band EQ in this range so we can really fine tune with it.
Great video!!!
@@KentuckyWindage22 have you seen the XTS version? They consolidate the frequencies to specific guitar bands, and although not every possible EQ range, it really makes it a lot more useable for a small form factor :). We may also have something on the horizon.
@@VertexEffectsInc well now I'm excited to see what you "have on the horizon".
@@KentuckyWindage22 Thanks so much for the support!
I have a bit of a tricky scenario for you. What if I'm not using any distortion pedals but only use the distortion in my amp? I also have a Victory Kraken preamp pedal which is specifically designed to sit in both the fx-loop AND the front input of the amp. This, allows me to get 2 extra gain channels on top of the 1 dirty channel and its clean channel. So 3 dirty channels and 1 clean.
The way this works is that the guitar goes into the Kraken preamp's input. This allows me to decide whether I send the signal straight through the Kraken (bypassing it) so the signal is completely unaltered and goes straight to the front of the amp. So the signal goes through the actual preamp of the amp just like any signal would when plugged straight into the front of the amp.
The second mode instead sends the signal through the Kraken preamp, giving me 2 extra channels to choose from. Then the signal goes out of the Kraken to the amp's FX-return and through the regular amp's power amp. The signal then goes out of the amp's output where it would normally head for the cab. However, I'm running a wet/dry/wet rig so I want the signal to now go through all my wet pedals and onward to 2 other Amps (the wet stereo part of my rig). So I let the signal go into a Suhr ISO Line Out Box where it is split into 2. One bypasses the Suhr and goes to the dry cab, the other one is brought to line level by the Suhr and goes through my wet pedals (stereo delay+reverb). After this the two L/R signals (stereo) then goes on to the other two amps to give me full stereo wet effects.
So, where in this complicated arrangement should I place my eq (a Boss EQ-200)?
Also, consider that EQ does not need to be an "always on" pedal. Experimenting with using different EQ within a song or solo can open up some fun possibilties.
I use a Behringer 7-band EQ at the start of my signal chain and a Donner 10-band EQ at the end. Ultimate tone-shaping for less than $50.
Nice! Good budget suggestion!
Man I wish I felt that that was good enough. An I’m not trying to take a cheap shot on you. I’m more upset with myself. Sadly I’m starting to think I’m a tone snob and I never wanted to be or sound like one. I have a MXR Ten Band and want to get the empress parametric to put at the end of my chain and have the MXR at the beginning. Also thinking about Earth Quaker Devices Tone Job Eq/Boost.
@@paulillingworth90
Don't get me wrong, if my budget allowed it I'd run a Boss EQ 200 via a MIDI rig. One should do because I'm pretty sure it can run 2 seperate patches simultaneously, but for now my wallet only permits cheap Chinese clones. By the way the Donner 10-band is a clone of the MXR, just at 1/6 the price.
Why you put another in the end?
@@thanatos5024
Same reason you have tone control on guitar and EQ on amp. First one shapes guitar tone, second one shapes gain/drive.
I was just telling a fellow musician that he needed two of my favorite pedals. An EQ and a compression. Good to hear you spreading the word. A volume pedal is probably my 3rd.
Hey kids, truth be told; shaping your tone and having a dedicated isolated power supply will last you your entire music career. Much more than a metal zone ever will..
Rock on!
Get out of here with your kekistan nazi flag
the BASS version of this pedal is even better for guitar! The bands are different. The lowest band is 50hz instead of 100hz. If you turn that band (nearly) all the way down, it tightens your low end nicely. Gets rid of all the annoying "boomy-ness" on stage, avoids overdrive/distortion "flabby-ness" if you place it before pedals. FOH/studio engineers love it, cause they don't need to hi-pass your guitar to remove all the sub-bass filth. It gives space for bass on stage and balance between musicians. And last: the next bass band control is 120hz, which I think is PERFECT to enhance guitar low-end frequencies! GIVE IT A TRY!! BOSS GEB-7 for the win!!
That's a great idea!
Been using a graphic eq (MXR/BOSS) since the early 80s ! Like most guitar gear what was mocked 40 yrs ago is now red hot . P90s was also a big surprise here in the future, NO body liked them back in the day .If they tell ya otherwise their lying .
They're essential! Thanks for watching!
I have the exact same Tube Screamer. Sometime the red light works, most the time it doesn't. But he pedal works so oh well.
Thanks for watching!
#3 is the reason I originally bought an EQ pedal. I haven't had the Boss, I was looking into the MXR 10 frequency EQ, but give me too many options and I'll be stuck overthinking and deciding I did like this tone, but now I like that one better.
People run from this pedal because it solves problems and forces people to focus on playing.
*and hearing
More so of the Parametric EQ pedals ;)
The boss eq is simple, versatile, inexpensive and theirs lots of used ones available. Thank great vid
Very true!
just got a ge-7 recently. played with it in store & had such a fun time changing tones & boosting frequencies. can’t wait to see what it does on a synth 🤌🏽
Hope you enjoy it!
Now I need a pedal switcher. Awesome video as always.
Thanks as always Howard!
Thank you Mason!!
That was so informative, considering how I've never considered EQ pedals before. Totally getting one. ❤️
👍👍👍
VERY good information! My Boss GE-7 EQ pedal is a valuable and very versatile tool on my board. In conjunction with a Boss Blues Driver and a Tube Screamer, the possible pallet of sounds is magical.
I've watched Tom B's video too and others including one from Guitar Bonedo that is excellent. Theirs and yours are spot-on.
If I had room on my current board which I don't want to be any larger, I could add 3 more GE-7's and make great use of them all. I use my current one flat except for a light boost at 400 and 800htz plus a slight boost at 1.6htz and a light level boost. It works great on pushing my country solos just enough to stand out. Also, it works wonders ahead of my Blues Driver and gives me additional punchy boost with stacked overdrives if I need it mid solo.
With 3 more pedals I'd use one as a flat boost, one to achieve a telephone (landline) type effect during certain songs, and the last one as a level cut if I engage other pedals and my sound becomes too loud. Since I'd have these 3 EQ pedals in my effects loop, my lead sound wouldn't be affected like it would be by turning down the volume on my guitar.
Thanks for the video!
Have you considered some of the programmable ones Tony? This might solve the three EQ pedal issue for you especially if you use a MIDI switcher than can change the order, also the new Boss EQ pedal allow for a pre/post setting so you can use one EQ before certain pedals and another one after.
@@VertexEffectsInc Yes I have considered those and other approaches. But at this point I've moved away from foot controllers although I like some of what Gig Rig, I think I have the name correct, has to offer. Pricey though, but they look well constructed from good materials. I don't even know if their products are available in the United States.
Right now I'm very comfortable, to my own surprise, with pedals alone over controllers. The reason will likely sound silly, but I like knowing exactly what I'm stepping on when I'm engaging an effect because I immediately recognize it by color where with a controller, every switch looks the same and I don't care to memorize whats programmed to each switch or in what order I have them arranged in a preset. Plus, right now I find it much more preferable to just step on the pedals I want for a song which can change over time as opposed to trying to reprogram and re-label presets every time I want to try something new.
Also, before I would choose any programmable option, I really would expand my pedalboard footprint and purchase multiple GE-7 pedals.
Another great use for the GE-7 would be to place it in the effects loop to fine tune your amp sound for different rooms with varying acoustics. Now for this application, a programmable pedal would be great for saving your settings for various venues.
@@tlb2732 I would check out RJM, they're the gold standard for switcher and made in San Diego, CA. Great service that you can actually get on the phone or email same day. You can even send your programming to them and they'll modify it for you to re-import into your switcher. Plus great buffers, mixers, and stereo options with isolation. I also really like the Muiscom Lab stuff as well. The GE-7 is good, but unmodded doesn't work well in most loops that are line level (+4). Just something to consider if you're using it there.
@@VertexEffectsInc Yes, I learned about the noise that can be produced by the GE-7 at higher boost levels before I ever purchased one. I bought mine locally where they have a 3 day no questions asked return policy. But it turned out that the boost levels I wanted didn't approach the noise threshold.
I've tried my share of digital effects and controllers through the years. And of course some of my current pedals are digital. But right now I need simplicity wherever I can find it.
Being recently retired I was the one in my trio who was in the best position to do the research and put together the sound system we would be needing. I had a considerable amount of analog gear along with many nice acoustic instruments that were spending more time on the shelf than I liked. Through the selling and trading of most of this gear plus personal investment I acquired a QSC digital mixer along with a compact yet powerful QSC powered speaker system with sub cabs, a new foot controlled wireless lighting system, new QSC power amps for my existing Yamaha monitor wedges I love so much, and a substantial upgrade in equipment such as power conditioners, D.I. solutions, snakes, cables, power distro, stands, etc. That's in addition to a new guitar, amp, and of course my pedalboard since I sold out to go all acoustic in 2008. And since I'm the one who had the time to do all this and learn the ins and outs of digital mixing, I'm the one who gets to operate it because we decided early on to stay as compact as possible and mix from the stage. And that's in addition to singing and being the only guitarist this time around. So I'll have my hands and feet and brain busy enough without adding more to think about. And that's a big reason I like my pedalboard, as I said before, because I can quickly and easily identify my pedals by color.
But thanks for all the suggestions, especially the heads-up on RJM. I'll still check them out.
@@tlb2732 pretty sure RJM only sells direct. Musicom Lab is sold through Guitar Sanctuary in Dallas, TX - also very good products.
I use one after an overdrive and one in the loop.It took me too long to realise how great they are.
This is an excellent video because you clearly outline the options.The shaping available is great.
Thank you.
Great to hear!
2:23 “I like to use it to add midrange to a scooped distortion. Additionally, you can also use it to add midrange to a scooped distortion.”
Kill the 1.6khz freq. Instant Randy Rhodes.
You're welcome.
Agreed: the most versatile pedal ever made. Amazing. It transforms all you have in your pedalboard.
Wow, one Eq for each drive pedal for Gilmour, that's rich
I use an eq in the loop to de-woof darker low low mid focused distorted tones.
If your eq can take the level of your loop, many can’t
Yep my Analogman GE7 sits right next to my Vertex boost .
Nice!!! Good pick!
Very good short, sweet and to the point
Thanks for watching! Hope we earned your subscription!
Source Audio EQ2 is amazing. Customizable frequency points up to 20 bands if you're crazy, and Q, HPF/LPF, limiter, and it's essentially two independent pedals in one enclosure. With more presets than you'll ever need, it can replace having multiple EQ pedals with individual settings. And MIDI. Win.
For sure...great pedal all the way!
The EQ2 is the ultimate equalizer. Incredibly powerful, specially if you have a midi rig.
I need to check that pedal out more. I have a Boss EQ-200 which has a good amount of the features the EQ2 has, but i never knew that u could change the frequency bands completely, add a dynamic limiter, and add a noise gate on the EQ2. The Boss EQ-200 doesnt do that. U can alter the frequency bands so they are suited for bass or guitar on the EQ-200, but not as customizable as the EQ2. Thats really awesome! I really like the ability to have 20 bands too. I just might switch out my EQ-200 for the EQ2. Thanks for informing me on some of its features and placed it on my radar
@@orryfishburne5326 EQ200 is nice too...just much bigger.
I've had a Boss GE-6 on my pedalboard since 1981. Switched over to a modded GE-7 later....it's quieter, but doesn't sound quite as good as the GE-6. Always keep the same setting as a solo boost in front of a tube amp...an upside down smiley face, boosting mids and slightly cutting the lowest freq. I would give up my King of Tone before the EQ pedal.
EQ for life!
@@VertexEffectsInc Well...yeah, I guess I AM pretty old! lol
If more tone chasing guitarists knew how to use EQ, there'd be a lot fewer guitars, pedals and amps sold.
Possible
i would defentily recommend J.Rockett ROCKAWAY Archer as a graphic EQ. 18 volts headroom plus Klon drive circuit
For an OD, sure, as just an EQ...too much color.
@@VertexEffectsInc when the Rockaway EQ is flat, Gain is off and Volume at unity gain, the pedal is totally transperant. Verified.
I think EQ is not more popular because it's hard to market. You can sell a wah pedal that sounds "just like Hendrix", a chorus that sounds like Nevermind or a phase shifter that's a copy of the one used by the Beatles! But EQ is a chameleon and we don't associate it with the sound of any one guitar player. I've always loved graphic eq pedals for all the funky weird guitar tones you can get with it.
Very True.
I agree...it's not as popular but a lot of that has to do with its utility and application...if there were more videos like this I think it would give more "cause" to use one, but not even Boss is creating content about this pedal which is problematic.
@@VertexEffectsInc problematic if your a pedal maker. Not problematic if you're a guitar player with a signature sound.
I just started using a MXR 10 band. It also allows me to split into stereo which is what put me over the edge to buy a pedal with out cool graphic that makes fun noises. But it turns out I need a power supply that has 18v. So now to buy another necessary item that doesn't make cool sounds.....Whats next a compressor?
The MXR 10 band EQ comes with the 18v Power supply included…excellent quality components and great tones!!!
You can get a step up 9-18VDC adapter from Xotic an use most 9VDC outputs to step it up.
A compressor pedal doesn't make cool sounds .It makes you sound cool. A always on absolute necessity for me.
I'm waiting for the boss ge7 waza with a switch to switch over to the xts midrange mod lol. It has to be coming eventually. They can't do everything else waza and not throw in the greatest EQ ever lmao
Man still love that Dynamic Distortion . Need to put it back on my board
Love this. Beautiful strat choice. Rory used a treble boost and even influenced Brian May. What's going on?
Thanks for watching!
I think what you said near the beginning really hits the nail on the head. "It might not be the tone you're looking for but it sits right in the mix" that's something guitar players could really do with learning when playing with others in general.
Most certainly! Thanks for watching!
EQ+Tube scream = BB Preamp 😏
This had the potential to be a very good vid . Unfortunately for me it wasn’t. The #1 reason is failure to show the EQ settings when demonstrating it’s tonal capacities. If the settings were shown it would have been very useful. ☮️ cheers mate
As NoelG said on another “pedal” channel-
What are the settings?😂
nacho libre is so talented
Put one at the front of your rig set up and the another on the end
You could, or use it in the loop :)
For anybody thinking about it, just go ahead and buy one. Let's face it, there are more interesting pedals out there, but an EQ really is one of the most versatile things you can own, and the entry price is very reasonable. Personally, I use the MXR 10 band, but you can't go wrong with the Boss he showed here or the others he mentioned. Just make sure you get a decent one. You'll probably never have to buy another.
800K? Is this heard by BATS? LOL!
Glad I'm ot the only one who picked up that. :D
I have a fantastic amp, the distorted Channel is great but It's very Creamy and sometimes I Just want some more grit. I thought I had to buy another amp for that purpose but instead I tried a ge7 : boosted or cut the right frequences and boom, got what I wanted
You may consider the EQ-200 if you don't want to wait.
Pedal boards are a dangerous place for an eq pedal - all those fragiie sliders at boot level! I speak from experience…
Seems to be a more fringe issue - I’ve seen a slider break in a few rare occasions over a decade and a half repairing pedals and building rigs.
LOL, I literally bought a bass EQ pedal off Amazon like an hour ago. My p90 needs some oomph in some parts of the set
Nice! Hope it works out!
I don’t find this pedal noisy at all but that’s probably because I have a good noise gate in my amp. I have been using this pedal in the effects loop of the Hughes and kettner black spirit 200.
You are absolutely the best at explaining and making this pedal board world understandable. You have taught me a lot, and I appreciate how well you can explain, even for those of us who are not experienced.
Thanks so much for watching Carmine!
Pardon me if I goof and call you Jason. I’m getting old and senile…. Good vid Mason!
I don’t know about electric guitar, but it’s absolutely necessary for acoustic guitar. Personally, I don’t feel a need for it with my electric guitars and amps.
I suppose it just depends on the application.
Wtf are you smoking, its quite the opposite
I've had eq pedals turn amps I hated into amps I loved. Great tool if you take the time to learn how to use it correctly.
Totally agree!
Errydamnday!
I bought into eq pedals years ago. I preach it as well. I am very surprised how much it is ignored. You're really screwing yourself not investing in a eq. I find a 10 band eq very effective. I use a EQ2 BY SOURCE AUDIO
I had the EQ2 on my dream list. i just think it's too much of a hassle with the one knob. Just ordered an EQ-200
The GE 7 is even more amazing sounding if you get it modded with better op amps. But it has to be plugged in because it demolishes batteries.
Dave Gilmour? I saw Pink Floyd many moons ago when i was a teenager. His tone was amazing. It was not static just coming from the stage either. They had a quadraphonic set up with speakers behind the crowd too, so every note he played in a solo swirled around the crowd of 80K. I will never forget it.
As for EQ, it is still a mystery to me. The only thing I know kind of how to do well is set up high pass filter to tighten up distorted guitar for palm muting with boosted Marshall crunch. I never liked anything I try with the mid range sliders. Now I use a Freyette load box and IRs, my first stop for tone shaping is to move the pretend mic around in front of the pretend speaker's pretend dust cap (good tones, but I miss that controlled feedback and sustain you get with volume and the thump of a 4x12 that hits you in the chest -- I do not think they have found a way to simulate that with modelling -- yet).
P.S. Before RUclips, one of the best ways to learn guitar was to go to gigs and get up front to watch the player's fingers (and pester pro players to show me riffs and licks). Even pub and party bands used Marshall stacks turned up very loud in those days and used to get away with it, rather than noise control showing up for a 15 watt combo like I have seen these days. My ears began ringing with tinnitus in the 1980s and never stopped ringing. Now my ears constantly go 'kerrang'.
Thanks for sharing!
Great Job Man Thankyou ❤
I used to run 10+ pedals, now, JHS Double Barrel > Revv G3 > new MXR 10 band > Julia V2… buy an EQ pedals. Now!
i got the MXR 10-band EQ a few months ago. it instantly earned its spot on my pedalboard, though ill admit I don't really know what I'm doing with it. just moving sliders until it sounds good. this video gives me a better idea of what I'm working with. thanks Mason!
Great pedal all the way! Thanks for watching!
The big secret to Tom Sholtz' tone was an EQ pedal with the sliders in opposing positions.
Yes indeed, as with many players :)
Dump the 400/500hz by 8-10db and bump the 800/1000hz by 10-15db before distortion for that vowel-like growl.
I really need to sell my MXR EQ and get one with a level slider. I feel like I'm missing out.
They're great!
Great video. I use an EarthQuaker Devices Tone Job for EQ. Its great for tweaking pickup
Great tip!
Cool video, very in depth
Glad you liked it!
Great concepts you talk about there but I'm not sure you nailed any of the sounds. Maybe the dumble... But other than that I didn't hear any that were better. Hard to be convinced
Ge-7 been on my board for years and will never get off
A good EQ is worth it's weight in gold!
Mason! How are you! I bought your boost mk II. Thank you, great job! It’s not easy to find it in Russia. Think about it.
Some people use custom audio boost...
I'm so glad you dig it! I'm so glad you could find it in Russia! Thank you for watching!
Does Vertex do a GE-7 mod? I recall seeing something about John Scofield using a vertex modded one.
We did a one off for him, and it was just to make it True Bypass as I recall and changing the OPA's to quiet it down.
It really should be the second pedal you own besides a tuner, then your off to the races.
Bam!
What would you recommend the settings to try to get close to the dumble tone with a boss sd1 and that EQ? I noticed it doesn't have a 4K slider and that is one frequency that seems to be important towards getting that tone
Depends on your amp...I'd say between 600 and 1200K is.
Not many want a simple solution that removes their mental roadblock to practice.
Hi, Mason, thanks for the awesome video! Do you know if BOSS adressed the noisiness in the new GE-7s? I can't find the info on this anywhere, but I've heard Bukovac say the new ones aren't noisy anymore as they used to be. Thanks!
They may have gone to a quieter IC chip, but the EQ bands I think are still the same and not as consolidated as the XTS version that more guitar frequency specific.
As from today I’m waiting for the parcel containing my ge-7 ! I missed it !
Eq pedals are over looked. Perfect video while I wait. I’m sure I’ll get to try lots of new ideas 🤌🤌👌👌
Heck yea! Enjoy!
Tom Bukavac! One of the baddest dudes on the planet!!
Yessir!
How can one tell vintage Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer pedal from the 'brand new ones', which ANALOGMAN cannot/won't mod?
I suppose the serial number would be a start?
You clearly don't like digital EQ much. I've never used a digital EQ. Can you explain either here or in a video at some point what the sonic differences are that make you prefer the analog EQ more? This video was really info packed, but missed out on that one detail you added but didn't explain. Thanks!
I mention some digital EQ's in here. They can be nice, depends on what you need in terms of presets.
@@VertexEffectsInc I meant a side-by-each comparison. It's like the digital/tube amp thing. People have strong feelings about which is better. Winds up most people (including guitarists) couldn't tell the difference a lot (not all) of the time. Would like to see what it is that makes digital EQ inferior to analog in similar fashion, versus just stating it and that's it.
@@KarstenJohansson I've used a variety of digital EQs and analog EQs. The one that sounded best as a solo boost is my old Boss GE-6. But it was also by far the dirtiest and noisiest. The noise I could have done without, but the unintentional distortion in the circuit (probably because of the cheaper components) was a magical thing. Digital EQs are so clean that they just skew the spectrum without altering the feel of the push and squish.
@@FreddysFrets great point but aren't compressors and overdrive pedals there to get the push and squish?
@@andymellor9056 Sure....just a different flavor, that's all. With EQ, the push and squish is not processed within the pedal, it's making the amp do it. Like a clean boost, but with the benefit of shaping which freqs you want accentuated in the boost.
Background intro music got me having flashbacks being on Hold when calling summit racing
Lmao summit. How many carbs you got?
@@thatampguy too many
Spot on!
I've been a performing musician for over 40 years. Not professionally, but as a lifelong endeavor that has enriched my life immensely. I've used a lot of gear in that time. From experience, I can say that my Boss GE-7s are the most important pedals on my board. If I could have only one pedal, it would be a stock, straight from the factory, GE-7. I've never been into mods. I find that every time you gain something via a mod, you also lose something. I simply test drive before buying and don't purchase any pedal that doesn't do what I want straight out of the box.
Calling an EQ pedal the Swiss Army knife of pedals doesn't quite describe it fully. It's uses seem almost limitless.
Currently, I use one GE-7 in front of a Blues Driver which feeds my Tube Screamer with another GE-7 after it.
The first GE-7 is set with a 3db cut at 200hz, a slight boost at 400hz and 800hz, and a slight cut at 6.4k hz plus a slight overall boost.
This setting works very well with my guitar, amp, and touch. It adds a slight boost and mid range punch to clean solos and really makes both overdrive pedals sing.
The second GE-7 is set flat with another slight volume boost for songs where I need just a bit more to put a solo through.
The GE-7 is also a valuable tool to overcome the inherent reflective properties of the very different rooms any band performs in. It can give you the sonic control most amps can't provide and can make the difference between a good show and a great show.
Thanks for watching!
You look like Jack Blacks kid brother. Awesome
I was going for Rosie O'Donnell's though.
@@VertexEffectsInc😂
Always a Source of Information & Explained Understanding. Thank You Mr Rig Doctor Sir. Rock On!!!!
Thanks Rev!
I have used this pedal to boost my mids for solos for over 30 years.
Good call!
I suppose the most versatile pedal would be one of those digital ones that do everything including an EQ section.
If I could have only one pedal it would be a dirty boost like a klon thing or a mild fuzz like the fulltone 69 fuzzface thing. If I could have two I'd stick a wah in front of that first one!
I guess an EQ would be handy if you are in a cover band trying to match many tones without carrying many guitars, or if you are in a touring band with a long catalog of songs to recreate, or goofing in the studio for something different.
Yes, pedals like the EQ2 or Boss EQ200 are very versatile if you're OK with them being digital.
I have to EQ for two different environments. One being practice volume and the other stage volume. Volume has a huge impact on how my ears perceive tone.
Nice...that's actually an application that more people should consider, thanks for sharing this!
What I never understood is why MXR has a gain slider on the pedal. I have 2 of the 10 bands, 1 silent modded and the last pedal on my board. It also has 2 outs to 2 amps. Also have some off brand Rocktek 6 band home modded E Q pedal. Couldn't help myself.$16 shipped. I use it for my practice bass amp. But can use it on anything actually. The other MXR 10 band got wet once and sometimes makes noise, other times is completely silent. I've taken it apart and cleaned and wiped down with alcohol. I was gonna send it in to get the mod done but just don't care anymore.
Bummer!
Let’s make an EQ for guitar with 9 bands between 75-5000hz. 20hz-16000hz is for stereo system.
I suppose you could modify a 10-12 band EQ to be whatever you want if you need those exact frequencies. The issue is guitar speakers won't go up that high so anything over 5K or so isn't going to do much.
I like both EQ pedals for the versatility, and a rack-mount 32-band to put in the effects loop so it's the last thing the signal hits before the power amp.
Just picked up a Boss GE-131….31 band eq for my effects loop. Gets delivered next week!
Hey Mason could I use an eq pedal with the volume set low but have my amp cranked to really push the amp without all the volume?
It'll have the effect of a fixed volume pedal basically.
@@VertexEffectsInc thanks 🙏
Recently been getting around to using EQs. I always considered it pretty useless as a pedal until I starting bumping into issues with thin tone. Especially with my modeling gear into the PA. I incorporated an EQ,dialed it in, and it has made the biggest difference ever. It's what I've been missing all these years.
Another EQ success story! For those of us that get used to them and how to use them, can never go back!
@@VertexEffectsInc theres no going back now😆
I once heard Pete Thorne say something to the effect of that the perfect Les Paul is basically a telecaster on steroids I think using an EQ to shape one does sound like the other helps to_that point.
I watched some video they said you can simulate different pickups with the eq pedal. I'm gonna try it.
I admire and respect Pete but I think they are pretty different instruments. The woods, the bolt-on v. set neck, pickups, headstock, etc. The LP pickups and tailpiece underwent a fair amount of change for the first 5-6 years before settling in by 57-58, too. But, ok, an LP is a solid-body with a beefier sound and more sustain. I guess. Is that steroids? Lol
I did an album and played almost all the guitar parts with a Heritage H-140 that had the Schaller pickups. Was playing through a Gibson Goldtone GA-15R amp. Just with settings on amp and guitar and touch, I could get a hefty LP sound, or a Strat sound, or even a ringing, chimey Rickenbacker sound. It was quite surprisingly versatile. I used the Ric 12 but that is a different beast. Nothing else sounds like that!
Heck yea!
I’ve also used them in the effects loop to attenuate/boost into the power amp section.
Hello Mason,
What´s the deal with the PQ-3/4s, used by some 80s metal guys? It´s impossible to find here in Brazil, is there another way to get that kind of sound, using currently available gear? Thank you!
I think it was an EQ with a preamp right? The ParaEQ from Empress would be good for the EQ part, not sure what the preamp did in those Furman units.
Master Effects EQFH is based on the PQ3.
Thanks Mason 😊 I was really impressed by your experience and knowledge of the eq . So great full. 👍
Glad it was helpful!
It’s the empress buffer+ on your approved buffer list ? I got one for cheap a few weeks ago, and love the difference. Would love to hear your opinion on the type of buffer / if it’s good enough to your specs ! Thanks man
It's not bad, but a little higher output impedance than recommended.
@@VertexEffectsInc should I turn the impedance? I believe is had a side pot you can turn with a screwdriver to adjust that. Also thank you 🙏🏻
@@jessieplaysmusic8530 If there is an impedance correction it would be for the input impedance, not the output impedance.
@@VertexEffectsInc perfect, thank you so much. I really appreciate your willingness to give out information.
Pink Floyd used Klark Teknik EQ rack mount units in the 70's and alembic EQ, if you listen to david gilmours 72 pompeii clean up tone its an alembic bass preamp which is based on a fender dual showman amplifier preamp and eq. The main thing to focus on is the "clean up tone" gilmour is specializing in on 1972 pompeii because its not the strats volume set at 10 max straight direct into a hiwatt amplifier to get his clean tone. There is a big difference between a guitars clean tone compared to a "clean up tone". I'm not sure what guitar EQ pedal comes close to an 70's alembic EQ or Klark Teknik EQ but try to find out
Great video. And you’re using the XTS modded one. Got one leading off my little board. Absolute lifesaver for my HSH “S” style when I want that neck single coil sound…the only thing lacking on that guitar. And one of my favorite guitar sounds. And, of course, for my Strat when I want to fatten it up. Then there are the other points you detail. Love it. Rock on!
You can clean up a lot of the noise in the GE-7 by putting it in the send/return loop of a BOSS NS-2 Noise Suppressor. Same with the noise in the CS-2 Compressor/Sustainor. Place it in the send/return loop of a BOSS NS-2.
An EQ in the FX loop and a mid focused OD up front is the secret of many famous metal guitarists. Boost mids in the front end and take them back out in the loop = chug. It's the bit so many people miss when they try to emulate guys like Dime and Hetfield.
I've been here before and some how forgot to sub - done. this particular episode reminds me to pay more attention to the wide array of EQ's you mentioned that are available in the Helix. I always enjoy the material you cover, thanks.
I wouldn't do a gig without the GE-7. I set mine on top of my amp so I can change the settings quickly. As Mason said: "It's a must for any pedalboard."
Where does it sit in your effects chain?
@@dustysoul1986 Hey. I place mine first, in front of a Boss DD-7. Keep playin' pal!
Hey bro is that a Rory Gallagher Strat your using! - Great vid its a game changer that pedal use it with my strat every gig
Yes it is!
I’m using a Boogie Fillmore 25 and a Thinline Tele as my go to in my band. The fillmore tends to have an upper mids focus. I’ve tried a separate cabinet to get more bottom end with not a lot of luck. Long story short, where would YOU put an eq in the chain for a base tone on an amp like that? Great video, as always! Thanks
The best EQ pedal still is the now discontinued ParaEQ by Empress, which was essentially a rack EQ in a pedal. Anoher trick to thin out humbuckers is to slant the pickups so the pickup is closer to the higher strings and away from them on the bass side.
Such a bummer!
Hey pal, always a great decision to get advice from you, how would you choose to use an eq, to get lets say? repro pafs, to sound more authentic, my les paul neck pickup, lacks clarity and focus, in other words? its almost like a hollow sound, no PING OR BELL LIKE Qualities youd here in a paf neck pickup.....Theres no attack, almost like im hearing the decay of the note but not the initial strike of the note, or better yet its the notes are lacking PLOSIVES as its more of a vocal term, like i used 4 different de/essers and totally took all the bite out of the tone....There warm and nice and i wouldnt say woofy, theyd be perfect if i could add 10 percent of my tele bridge pickup into my les paul neck pickup lol your gonna think im a whackjob for sure, lol but its almost perfect, its just all steroids NO TELE haha, thanks Mason...And off topic, how often does your last name get mis/pronounced? like mine, is pronounced MA-ROB-A-LEE, SPELLED MIRABILE, but no one would ever say it rigt...I know you had the same problem, like MA-RAN-JELL-A, ........DEFINITLY LOL
Thanks for watching! I'd adjust more the upper mids or top end, maybe around 2K and see what happens. You can also try messing with the mids, maybe 500-1.6K or so and see what happens. I'd say people get my last name right maybe 30% of the time.
@@VertexEffectsInc TY AND I KNEW IT BC ITS THE SAME TYPE OF LONG 4 SYLLABLE ITALIAN NAME AS MINE...LOL...AND RIGHT NOW I HAVE A 5 BAND GRAPHIC EQ, AND THATS WHAT I DID A LITTLE WHILE AGO, AND IT WORKED OUT, GONNA UPGRADE THIS WEEK, AND TRY TO RUN BOTH OF THEM FRONT AND BACK, SEE WHAT I ACCOMPLISH....TY FOR ANSWERING, ABOUT TO START RECORDING MY EP, SO IM GONNA GO ON A VERTEX VIDEO MARATHON, THE NEXT FEW DAYS, NEVER GOT ANYTHING BUT GOOD ADVICE.....TY AGAIN, SORRY FOR THE CAPS, BUTTON GETS STUCK SOMETIMES...
I had the same issue with my les Paul and had treble bleeds installed on my volume pots and that did the trick for me.
Great great tool . I used a lot when it can out , then I got the mesa boogie that had eq. Stopped. , then changed Amp s but didn’t think of ge7 . Till bukovac vid. I and I had it modded by analog man
Heck yea!
i like the Parametric EQ by Electro Harmonix. i run that into the effects loop to dial in a better tone.
❤️❤️❤️
Excellent sermon brother Mason . Been a faithful disciple of the GE7 since it replaced my MXR way back when it came out.
Right on!
Isn't anyone gonna mention that EVH used a 10 band Boss EQ on his pedal board?
It's a good one!
I wish boss still made the 10 band seven doesn't seem like quite enough.
EQ in the loop is the only way to go. I would normally write a book of a comment to explain why but it's late and your just going to have to trust me. It's much more effective for accomplishing all the things mentioned because its after the preamp. And an eq is a shitty boost no matter what if its before the preamp but works excellently as a clean boost in the loop. This video in my opinion is all the ways to make an eq sound lackluster while forcing it to do things that it's the least capable of doing. But what do I know I'm just a tired guy on the internet. Bit I do build guitars and pedals and have been for years. In fact i just finished a Chasm Reverb the I built with some great mods I came up with. Anyways. EQ in the loop is the only place you'll ever get something out of it that rivals other pedals. All the things mentioned in this video can be done so so so much better with other pedals.
If you have an amp with a loop and want to adjust the amp EQ, then yes. If you want to EQ your distortion pedals, then it's less valuable to use the loop. The best application for the EQ in the loop, to me, is when you want to exaggerate a channel beyond what it can do with the controls on its own. Or if you have a shared EQ on a channel switching amp or not EQ on a volume boost channel on a channel switching amp.