Heavy distortion

[Joel]

I am wondering how the Godsmack or Metallica type of sound is achieved (heavy, bassy distortion). Is this affected more by the guitar, amplification equipment, or sound processing?

Can an inexpensive guitar sound much better by pairing it with a cleaner and/or more powerful amp? Which parts of the system most affect the way the entire setup sounds?

[mylene]

First off, research into what gear Metallica/Godsmack uses. Everything, including how it is set up (if possible). Then copy their setup to get the sounds they make.

If you can't then . . .

You want a guitar capable of delivering high end, I mean don't get a '69 Telecaster thinline and expect it to do that (although it can, that's not what teles are designed for). In my case I luv G&L's since they can deliver, even their tele types.

Get a high quality guitar for what you need.


Getting a powerful solid state amp with lots of efx and over drive/distortion will do it.

You can do the same with a tube amp, although it might take more experimenting with setup for that.

[smfulla]

metallica, specifically jaymz, uses a mesaboogie triple rectifier, through a 4x12 cabinet. Their tone goes something like this, bass on full, treble on full, mids off. That's basically what it is. And the gain is on full to 3/4.

[ESP_Viper]

Most metal bands today use a mid scooped sound (bass max, highs max, mids 0, gain 7 to 10 range). The mesa/boogie triple rectifier seems to be the popular choice. I personally think it's not a very tone rich amp, and over priced. Tube amps are the way to go to get that metallica or godsmack sound. 120 watts or higher is the professional standard. To get the same volumes w/ a solid state you'd need 300 watts or greater. You also need a 4x12 cabinet (not one of these mini things like Marshall valvestate cabinets).

It also makes a difference what your guitar is like. You need high output, humbucking pickups in your guitar (EMGs are the popular for metal). So an inexpensive setup may get you a similar sound, but you are going to have to spend thousands of dollars to truly recreate their sound!

[smfulla]

Just adding to ESP_Viper's last post, Metallica uses EMG 81's. They're active humbucking pickups. Aparantly not too good for clean, but they shred for distortion

[ESP_Viper]

I don't think you've ever played EMG pickups.... They are great for clean tones. I actually like actives' clean tone. Metallica Does use EMG 81s BUT, kirk uses two EMG 81s, James uses an EMG 81 at the bridge and an EMG 60 at the neck.

[smfulla]

Nah I haven't played EMG pickups, that's why I said apparantly. All I knwo about them I've read from the harmony central site. And yeh jaymz does use a 60 at the neck. I don't know if he's ever used it, or what the difference between the 60 and the 81 is. Is the 60 a specific neck pickup?

[ESP_Viper]

It was designed for the neck yes.

[fizz]

DiMarzios are kickass also!
check out the Ediie Van Halens.
forget 81's.
if you think about the clean tones - and going back to HARMONY CENTRAL HERE...
DiMarzios are better....
i love EMGs tho.
mm....slayer