Thanx for the replies. The tones I like are Rock, Hard Rock leaning towards Metal. Examples of my fav tones wud be: John Sykes, S. Vai , Gary Moore ( Blues, I know.. 8) " Still Got The Blues Live" rips my face off. Many others. I agree. Having a pedal in front seems strange.Without it, the amp is way too boomy and thumpy, somethings missing. There has always been an inconsistency issue with this amp thru the yrs. I could have my tone one day and not touch a thing and the next day its gone. I wud try tube manipulation, this that and the other, only to be frustrated. I even talked with Mike Bendinelli for 30 mins one day asking him what I can change in circuit. I will try to explain more if and when replies come. Oh, I use Les Pauls and Ibanez w/ EMG's. A Boss EQ and Rocktron Intellifex in loop. ( yes, I'm double eq ing.) The amp has eq , and Simul Class. I slave it to a 2:90 amp. One output (4ohm) from amp goes to a 2/12 cab. 2:90 goes to 4/12 Recto cab ( one side). Thanx for your time. James