I have a bunch of amps, including a Roland Blues Cube which is a sort of limited modelling amp and an AC15. What I want to do is to copy signature Brian May's tone while learning a couple of Queen songs. I thought the most effective way for minimal outlay might be the software amp route. Is anyone aware of one that does a pretty good approximation? Several years ago I splurged on a couple of packages that were the main software amps at the time, but predictably I did not use them very much (one was Guitar Rig and I think the the other might have been AmpliTube). If there is one of the mainstream ones that are a pretty good approximation I might update the license (providing the jump in versions is not stupidly expensive).
Im not going to go down that route though, as even I with my nerdy obsessions and no kids don't need another platform. The other way is to use my AC30 and a Strat with the Digitech Red Special pedal I suppose, although they are increasingly rare and pricey from what I have seen. I can only play my AC15 at Bedroom levels too as I live in a terraced house.
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This is what I came up with.
https:// soundcloud.com/veganic1/maybe-maybenot/s-SO4GH
(Edited. Remove the space after the //)
The playing is abysmal but I thought the tone had something at the time given my limited ability / equipment / ears. I did have a guitar that did it better.
You did say approximate. I think the secret to the BM tone is to suck out all the tone at the guitar and then try to add it back in at the amp. Stratish guitar, position 4 (middle and neck). Wind at least one tone control right down. Loads of gain with a Vox amp model and a treble boost.
This could be my greatest LOL tally to date but nothing ventured...
https://speakerimpedance.co.uk/?act=two_parallel&page=calculator
Kudos for being vegan too. Always wanted to be, but only way that will happen is if I was with someone who was also vegan and liked to cook which is a no on both counts. Will have to stick to being merely vegetarian.
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Remember, it's easier to criticise than create!
Out of phase Burns Tri sonic PUPS
Treble Booster
More than one AC30
Harmonised parts
Phaser
and his fingers... (wanky hair and bat wing sleeves optional)
In my hands it’s a great sounding drive with more than a hint of BM about it, in the hands of someone who actually knows what they’re doing (e.g. https://youtu.be/ZK2UfDS6nn4) it’s uncannily close to the genuine item!
Hmmm, quite a nice old school tone but to my ears (admittedly not the best), it does not sound THAT close. I think I could get as near using my existing pedals.
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Its a software item that does the same sounds as the helix. It runs on your PC.
i believe you can get a time limited demo of it to try before you buy.
https://speakerimpedance.co.uk/?act=two_parallel&page=calculator
Remember, it's easier to criticise than create!
Apologies. I assumed it would require some Line 6 hardware as an interface. I just looked at the cost and $399 (plus $49 for the vintage bundle) is too much for even someone of my disgraceful spending habits. Looks impressive though.
Yeh, I saw that one but it is an auction so I doubt it will stay at that price (also £9 delivery).
Out of interest did you say Pod 2 because they'd probably be cheaper than a new Pocket Pod, or because it does vintage sounds better?