Harmonics?

[jclaudio]

I'm new to the forum and I've been reading the previous post to help me get up to speed with my problem.
My gear:
cab - 1 new vintage 30 and a black shadow. I have the other on order(16ohms)
triaxis - 5 new mesa preamp tubes. Ordering a tube set from Doug's tubes
50/50 power amp - the (discountined one) tubes are mesa stock.
Alesis - for the effects
Guitar - Ibanez 1570L with Dimarzio (D-activators) both bridge and neck position.
So.. with that said why is it that I don't feel I'm getting the sound I think I should get. I can't even get good harmonics. You would think the D-activators would bring that out..but they don't. Is it a gain issue?
What do you guys suggest?

 

[Inheritance]

Maybe it's a problem with the guitar settings or the pickups, you're talking about artificial & natural harmonics of the guitar??

 

[jclaudio]

Sorry about that...the artifical harmonics. I had my pick-ups installed by a tech to vote me out just in case I messed things up. I guess it's a matter of drive or wanting more. The D-activators are suppose to be the equal to a active pickup. Check out the guy on youtube (british guy) type in D activators..outdoor setting. That dude has some decent drive and the art harmonics come easy.

 

[ak47]

Ok... I know it may be stating the obvious... BUT... have you changed your strings lately?

 

[jclaudio]

I just had a setup done with all the trimming intonation etc. New preamp tubes, one vintage speaker with the other on the way. I don't know man.

 

[6L6C]

Which Alesis do you have?? If you a have a Quadraverb or a Quadraverb GT I can pretty much say with certainty that is the problem. These two devices were always tone robbers. The Midi Verb 4 was not as bad and neither was the Quadraverb 2 but even these two units come up a bit short also. And yes I have owned them all (really great in PA’s.)

Keep in mind you have things in flux you just ordered another V30, I know some guys like to mix speakers I personally don’t (within the same cabinet) depending where I’m standing I get a slightly different perspective and it drives me a little crazy. This might not be your thing either and you just discovered it. Also are those speakers wired in same phase? Also make sure they are wired in the correct phase when you get the other V30.
You also mentioned you are getting new power tubes from Doug this is going to have a big impact also.

My advice for what it’s worth one thing at a time get the tubes get the speaker.
Start with the speaker first leave the tubes I the box for now. Get that cabinet running with the 2 V30’s play with Guitar>preamp>poweramp only (do not leave any effects wired in) this will give you an idea of the impact the new V30 is having on the system.
Next add the new power tubes to hear its impact on the system then add the Quadraverb and so on.

The only point doing things one at a time is you find the strengths and weaknesses while building your system. It’s a good practice for a verity of reasons.

 

[6L6C]

Don’t forget good cables!! This will also kill a tone no matter how good the gear.