Boosting for solo

rgrice

I don't think they make the FX 10 anymore, @Jim Kaznosky

Jim Kaznosky

No, they don't. It's been modified quite a bit and there are newer versions out there. However, you can find the older versions on ebay, like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/221906495198?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82

I tried it out last night on a gig and it worked well. To me, I felt more "present" than with an LR Baggs. These were intended to be acoustic preamps when they were first built. Worth seeking out, as they generally aren't that expensive. If you don't like it, it won't take long to flip it.

rgrice

Used the Boss last night just through my Fishman, no Baggs. Plenty of tone in amp. Set the Boss at flat and boosted just a bit. Very clean and natural. I kept forgetting to hit boost button so my bass player did it about 10 times for me!
Trying it again at an outdoor gig tomorrow. Will likely buy it--perks of having a music store owner in band! Try before you buy!

Bones

Hey RGR was that the GE-7? What pickup?

thanks

rgrice

Yep, @Bones. Definity K&K, Dupont MD30, Fishman Loudbox Pro. Flat except for a touch lower and mid so high strings aren't thin sounding.
Outdoor sound at gig today was done by really professional outfit and GE-7 performed very well!
I'm sold.

Bones

Ok cool, thanks!

Buco

Ok, I like new gadgets and I'm tempted to get one of those but, and excuse my question, is this really necessary? Even in my rock days I never switched sound between rhythm and solo although I switched between clean and dirty but for arranging purposes.
In our acoustic settings isn't it enough to get the band to leave some headroom for the soloist?

Scoredog

I agree with this, but depending on which pickup the tone can also change and certain pickups will work better than others. Some people believe the Definity pickup Robbie is using should have a DI box in front of it to an amp, other pickups not so, so that has to go into the equation. The boost is an option, if your band is in a loud environment they may not play as they rehearsed so having a boost is a nice option to have, you control the situation and do not have to rely on your bandmates to alter what they are doing. In a quiet concert situation hopefully it is not needed. I have a Definity with a DI boost and it is a nice tonal option to have as opposed to a magnetic pickup at loud volumes. I like both but one is a bit more acoustic sounding. One of the nice things about the magnetic pickup is it often sounds more full bodied, though less natural but that's a different topic.

Jazzaferri

A good DI that you know is better than a crap pre in someone's pa board. Having the boost for a solo is worthwhile in noisy bars, should be unneccesary in a quiet listening audience environment.

BluesBop Harry

@Buco
Yeah, if you're playing acoustically you should be ok if your band knows how to turn down and you have good projection.
The problem arises when everyone goes amplified... You really need that extra punch for the solos and the ability to go half volume with the flip of a switch... Very difficult to do that live with all the variable factors of good/bad engineers, monitors, etc...