Whether to use EQ on your amp or pedal depends on your individual preferences and the specific sound you are trying to achieve. There are pros and cons to both approaches, so it’s important to experiment to see what works best for you.
EQ on amp:
- Pros:
- You can use the amp’s EQ to shape the overall tone of your sound.
- You can use the amp’s EQ to compensate for any deficiencies in your guitar or pickups.
- You can use the amp’s EQ to create a more consistent sound across different guitars and pickups.
- Cons:
- The amp’s EQ may not be as versatile as a dedicated EQ pedal.
- The amp’s EQ may not be as transparent as a dedicated EQ pedal.
- You may not be able to use the amp’s EQ to dial in a specific sound that you have in mind.
EQ on pedal:
- Pros:
- You can use a dedicated EQ pedal to get more control over the tone of your sound.
- You can use a dedicated EQ pedal to create a more transparent sound.
- You can use a dedicated EQ pedal to dial in a specific sound that you have in mind.
- Cons:
- You may need to purchase a dedicated EQ pedal.
- You may need to learn how to use a dedicated EQ pedal effectively.
- The dedicated EQ pedal may add some noise to your signal.
Which one should you choose?
If you are new to using EQ, it is generally recommended to start with using EQ on your amp. This will give you a good foundation in how EQ works and how to use it to shape your sound. Once you have a better understanding of EQ, you can start to experiment with using EQ on a dedicated pedal.
Ultimately, the best way to decide whether to use EQ on your amp or pedal is to experiment and see what sounds best to you.
Here are some specific examples of when you might want to use EQ on your amp or pedal:
- If you are using a single-coil guitar, you might want to use EQ on your amp to reduce the high end. This will help to prevent the high end from becoming too harsh.
- If you are using a humbucker guitar, you might want to use EQ on your amp to boost the mids. This will help to give your sound more punch.
- If you are using a lot of pedals, you might want to use EQ on a dedicated pedal to clean up your sound. This will help to reduce any noise that is being introduced by your pedals.
Ultimately, the best way to decide where to place your EQ is to experiment and see what works best for you.
Here are some additional tips:
- If you are using EQ on your amp, try to use a gentle touch. You don’t want to make too many drastic changes, as this can make your sound sound unnatural.
- If you are using EQ on a dedicated pedal, you can be more aggressive with your EQing. You can use EQ to create a more specific sound that you have in mind.
- It is important to consider the type of amp and pedals that you are using. Some amps and pedals have built-in EQ, so you may not need to use EQ outside of the amp or pedal.
Experiment with different EQ settings and placement until you find what sounds best to you.
