My buddy used a 250ML for a long time back in the early 90's juiced with an original ProCo Rat in front of it. Sounded great.
I'm going to try a boost, it sounds to me like what I am missing from the tonal of the Maiden SOS is the raunchy mid range, the kind you get from mid (treble) treble boost. I reckon I could stick an EQ in front and get it. However quick update on the status. I like the tone, it's great. Feels like nothing else I've played before, this is definitely for the light touch players in the house. I got a good usable tone using my setup and basically looked at online pics of other peoples units online to get some ideas.
I noticed a few had this on the EQ as I stated in previous post:
10khz - 2 o clock
5khz - 2 o clock
500hz - 10 o clock
80hz - 1 o clock
Gain - Max
Compressor - On
I can't see if they have the compressor on in photos but I had it on for more dirt.
There is play with these settings though, so it's not a one trick pony as such. Can't use the chorus, not without a mix control which is a dam shame as I like it. But it fundamentally lacks a mix control and fundamentally NEEDS one! You can mess around with it on I guess and could record using it and then blend in a dry signal but you get what I mean, you can't just throw it on and keep it on like I do with my regular setups.
I've never used the GK preamps, but there is a 2x12 GK Cabinet for sale nearby. I've never seen them since the late 80s...strange coincidence. I have to agree with Adam, sometimes my memory of old gear is better than the actual gear. I call it 'the wanting' which is not always as great as 'the having'
case in point; I picked up a Digtech Twin-Tube GFX1 about a year ago. I remembered my unit sounded so great when my MP-2 was sick. Whelp, it's okay...but I had forgotten the limitations of the ol' gear. One effect at a time. That's all you get. Match it with an FX unit, and it'll work as a gain box, but it's no all-in-one unit like I thought. My memory is not so good looking sometimes
I hope you get that thing sorted RG - sounds like SC has some good advice (as usual). You'll get to use that unit yet!
You are forgetting I never had one of these before
so I don't have the romantic view of what it "used to be like". However I get the point you guy's are making
I think the GK is a keeper, it will have it's uses. And it's a unique beast. Just might need to use it with my regular FX units. It's also in great condition for it's age.
BTW GAS attack! Bought a Rockman Distortion Generator as it was going at a low price and I knew by the listing no one else was going to bid so I figured what the hell!
Hey Gerry,
Congrats on the GK preamp. Just plugging in and dialing in a good distortion tone won’t get you that Maiden SIT/SSOASS guitar tone though.
Both Dave’s and Adrian’s tones on these albums are the most lush Maiden guitar tones ever for sure. But especially on SIT they achieved that by layering multiple guitar tracks with lots of chorus and reverb (plus the guitar synths)....but hey, that was the mid 80s trademark.
Adrian stated in an old Guitar Player Mag Interview that they used the GK in combination with TC2290 Chorus/Delay and Lexicon PCM reverb units. I’m pretty sure that the Chorus is coming from the 2290, not the GK built-in.
But you can pretty easily replicate that with your GX700 or Intellipitch.
The gain on tap from the GK also might have ever so slightly been juiced from up front by whatever Pete Cornish built into their racks (a TS or one of the virtual stomps in the GX700 will get you there)
For the rhythm parts add some lush Chorus followed by Delay with somewhere between 7-17ms, at least 40% wet plus some Reverb (Hall or Stadium, Levels to taste).
Run full stereo with the FX, the Poweramp and your cabs and you’ll get pretty close.
FWIW, Maiden England 88 is my top favorite Maiden live tone ever.
Just listen to Adrian’s intro lick in The Evil That Men Do......THAT is juicy
I wish I had known that before. That's night widely public knowledge on the internet, you only here debate about which GK they had. But I shall take your word on that. You're right though I can nail the FX with my other units. Important thing is I got a piece of history and it sounds good. Sounds more amp like for sure. I'm sure if GK stuck at it they'd have produced even more viable SS amps with good usable distortion. Shame they stopped.
I wish I knew which trim pots did what in the GK. I say a nice EQ or OD could provide a nice boost in front of it though. I shall make some clips hopefully.