Lead Drive control on Mark IIb weak

[dirk_benedict]

Hi all-
IS it normal for the Lead Drive control to have a very weak effect under 5-6 when the Vol 1 gain isnt near max? IF I have the Vol 1 on say 5-6, the Lead Drive at less than 6 results in an anemic sound...Do I need a new preamp tube perhaps?

 

[Rick Mark2A]

The lead drive control will definitely be affected by how high or low you set the volume 1 control. Generally speaking, with your volume one set to 4 or 5 I think you would have to get your lead drive up over 6 before it really starts to break up nicely. It also depends on what tubes you are using and also what your tone controls are set at. Unless you are trying for a death metal sound, there should be enough gain available on the lead drive for a nice sound, even with volume 1 at a low setting.