On-Board Crunch Channel Versus Stompbox ???

[blackscot]

I'm thinking about trying out a new amp, but need to figure what I'll be using it for. I used to play a lot of max overdrive stuff, but for awhile have been doing mostly clean to moderate gain. My current amp (a Mesa DC-2) has two crunch channels, but has pretty much stayed set on on the clean channel for nearly the past year.

As a definite non-engineer, I'd like to know: are there any basic differences between a stompbox and what goes on with a amp crunch channel? What is being done to the guitar's original signal in one case versus the other? Is a crunch channel anything more electronically than just a built-in stompbox?

I'm looking to get something a little more portable. Although my playing seems to be settling more into the cleaner side, I know I'll still want some kind of option for doing crunch, at least every once in awhile.

Should I look at another multi-channel amp -- at relatively high dollar -- or be favoring something simpler that I can just add stomps to as-needed? Any advantages, one-way-or-the-other?

As always, thanks for any advice.

 

[Robbied_216]

I won't try and get into the "in depth technical" advantages in one or the other, but want to just throw out there the "practicality" differences. I have been in both schools, using amp channel switching and stomp boxes. I have to say that I now use all stomp boxes....

a) I think you can get amazing sounds from the right stomp boxes that would suit for most overdrive applications. Just note, so many people look for one overdrive which would suit their sound....I, and know of many guitarists with amazing tone, cascade multiple different overdrives with the gain lower then you'd think, to achieve amazingly rich overdrives....

b) Do you use a different amp at any time? The advantage in using stomp boxes is you can use a mates amp or even different amps when you want, and still be able to bring your tones (within reason) with you....I love going to a rehearsal when there is an amp already there and not having to lug my amp down.

c) Do you play any larger events? I used to use a Mesa Dual Rectifier and used the channel switching, but the problem with that is that I was relying on having my amp available to get my sounds. This sux if you are touring and being provided with backline, or if you are sharing gear with another band for like a support act and it isn't your option on the gear.

Just some simple thoughts.....that may or may not apply to your situation....

 

[BrightestNight]

There are significant differences in the way they make the distortion, especially when comparing a tube amp to a pedal. (most pedals don't have tubes, but transistors like a solid state amp) When you crank the gain on a tube amp, you are getting both the preamp tubes and power tubes to distort, as opposed to the pedals/solid state amps where the "preamp" input is distorted by giving it more signal than it can handle. (Note that thier are many exceptions such as tube/ss hybrids and such, as well as pedals with tubes)

 

[blackscot]

Thanks for the replies -- they help.

I've done some looking around the web, and am thinking of taking an in-store look at the Fender Blues Junior. It's a small and basic -- but good quality -- tube amp. Depending on what it is capable of overdrive-wise, I could then add a pedal(s) if/when needed.

Shall report back with any developments.