Custom 20 Combo Lead Channel?

[strat63]

I bought a Custom 20 combo a while back. In my head it was like a Deluxe Reverb with the added benefit of a loop, boost, and lead channel. Cool stuff. I really like the clean channel with pedals so there is no problem there. Does exactly what I was hoping it would do. My issue is with the lead channel. After months I have been unable to find a sound that I would consider passable. Just tons of buzzy gain no matter the volume. I suppose it could be that it's not voiced to my liking but I was curious about other impressions of the lead channel.

I have no need for the lead channel but it's always nice to add an extra sound. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[WEDGE]

Mine was not buzzy on the lead channel at all. Very usable gain that was chunky and had good sustain. EQ worked well enough to dial in different flavors of tones. Did sound better when the power tubes got cooking.

 

[strat63]

Interesting. Have you messed with the levels on the effects send & receive at all?

 

[WEDGE]

It is long gone but the manual says the loop level controls have a sweet spot at 2 o'clock, try that and see if it thickens up your tone.

 

[strat63]

Thanks. I'll give that a try. The great thing is I really like the clean side of the amp so I'm not unhappy. An extra usable sound sounds like a great thing though.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

I'd try a Scumback M in it. That should warm it up.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

I realize you want to retain the cleans you have. I too have struggled a little with the "buzzy" thing on my Custom 50, but that was mainly when playing it with my brighter guitar (NF3) and with the PRS 2x12 w/ V30s. When I plug that amp into 2 1x12 Avatars w/ Eminence Governor (V30 type) and Eminence Private Jack (greenback type) it sounds GREAT! No buzzy! Since you can't mix/match speakers in a combo, I'd also consider a Scumback J LDC which gives you V30 qualities but tames the upper mids spike considerably.

 

[strat63]

I realize you want to retain the cleans you have. I too have struggled a little with the "buzzy" thing on my Custom 50, but that was mainly when playing it with my brighter guitar (NF3) and with the PRS 2x12 w/ V30s. When I plug that amp into 2 1x12 Avatars w/ Eminence Governor (V30 type) and Eminence Private Jack (greenback type) it sounds GREAT! No buzzy! Since you can't mix/match speakers in a combo, I'd also consider a Scumback J LDC which gives you V30 qualities but tames the upper mids spike considerably.

It never crossed my mind to try it through a different/additional cab. Might do that tonight. In the big picture I'll survive even if I don't get the lead channel to my liking. The clean channel makes up for it.

 

[Herr Squid]

I personally don't think the 1x12 cabinet serves that amp's dirty channel very well. If you have a chance, definitely plug it into a 2x12 or 4x12 cabinet to hear the difference. Volume helps a lot too, if you have a place where you can push it. Get that amp cooking through a good cab and the dirty channel can be glorious.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

Agree with the volume remark. I was actually going to sell my Custom 50 to fund an Archon, until one day when the wife wasn't home and I cranked it up to about half. Boy did it fill out and sound KILLER! Definitely has its own thing, but wow does it sound great. MXR 10 band in the loop really works if you want to revoice it a little.

 

[dmatthews]

I wonder what swapping the power tubes to EL34 would do for you?