Yeah, depending on your other equipment (guitar, etc.) the "dark" switch might be in order.
So I recently had it taken in to an experienced tech as there were some pops and static noises. I also asked if there were some ways to make it not quite so loud as I primarily use it in my house so needs to be at basement level volume. He suggested trying it without two of the power tubes plugged in if I’m not using it for gigs.
While playing around with it and didn’t really notice much of a difference. I thought I would take a shot at using the Bright switch again.
Whoa! The switch suddenly sounded much better than I remembered it. I adjusted the settings a bit and landed on something like in the photo below. Sometimes I’ll put the bass higher if it seems to warrant it. And that would, of course, also depend on what guitar is being used.
But the general vibe was much more of an authentic twang to the tone which I love. I have a few guitars and switched around and the one that really seemed to nail Jerry (even more than my Tiger inspired guitar on this setting) was my vintage Epiphone Wilshire which has two P-90’s. One very interesting thing about this guitar is that the neck pickup is much lower than usual, almost towards the middle so in a way it’s not surprising it can therefore get good Jerry tones. The P-90’s are powerful and I had it on the middle position with volume on the neck around 8.5 and volume on the bridge around 5 and both tone knobs around 7.
My gut says that the powerful, strong and articulate vintage P-90’s combined with the Bright switch makes this specific combo really sing.
In addition to the guitar having that nice bright twang to it, the amp also actually had some gain come through with this setting. Not much, but juuuust enough to give it a touch of excitement. If you picked super hard it was more noticeable.
I’m sure I’m losing something with the bright switch on as Brad mentioned in the previous page, but regardless of that, this seems to work for the time being while at home.
Anyway, just wanted to share in case it can help anyone out. Always worth messing around and trying new things!
PS - this Epiphone Wilshire is a new acquisition and really versatile. Does GD stuff well, but also has a great vintage vibe for other fun tones. The old Epiphones made in the Gibson factory are killer.
