software

I'm very satisfied with the Marshallesque tones from my YCV50 but wanted to get some different tones out of it. The Digitech Distortion Factory did it for me. It's a single pedal that has models of what they call quot;the most popular distortion stompboxes of all timequot; packed into one pedal. I'm running it through the clean channel.

It has models of the Ibanez TS-9, DOD Overdrive/Preamp 250, Boss DS-1, Pro Co Rat, Boss MT-2 Metal Zone, Digitech Metal Master, and EH Big Muff.

I pretty much like all the models, especially the DOD and the Pro Co Rat. The Big Muff gives a great fuzz tone for something like 'Paranoid' and I even get into the MT-2 for some great metal tones.

To my ears, my Traynor gets a great VH tone but I kind of like the DOD for that tone even better - it seems the notes are more clear with the same amount of distortion. Even the Metal Master setting gives a sort of Schenker wah-type sound.

What's cool is that the tone controls on the unit conform to the original so with the Big Muff the gain acts as the sustain knob for long singing sustain but has additional tone knobs for more control.

These added tones make me want to play more and that's really what counts. For $99 bucks I think it is a phenomenol deal.

You can get a lot of versatility out of a tube amp with an EH Holy Grail or Alesis Nanoverb reverb, and a good, high quality overdrive/distortion unit.

In effects loops, I rely on my little Nanoverb to be an extra master volume. It controls the output to the power section, so you can trim off some volume, while adding a natural sounding subtle reverb. A good OD unit will allow you to squeeze more gain out of the amp at useable volumes. The better the pedal, the better the tone.

Joe, I gotta say. I've been looking for a good reverb unit for a while, and that Nanoverb is it I think. Does it run off a 9v? if so, I'm picking one up. Thanks for the advice.

Digitech seem to be producing some good stuff these days.