Matchless HC-30 // How I dial in my tone (C-30/DC-30)

[@PaulDavids]

first (also, I'm definitely subbing to this channel)

[@pauldavids2]

Welcome buddy

[@barhunkaleonard1424]

😂

[@Sammy86]

@@pauldavids2 lol quarantine got to you huh?

[@jimmunster57]

inceptioning intensifies

[@jennifer6833]

Paul Davids 2 can you have an more in-depth video of your guitar collection on this channel? I am really interested about your gear. This channel is the best!!! (Already my favorite!!!!)

[@GuitarSongsMasters]

Awesome that you’ll now have this channel for more in depth stuff. Good luck!

[@GScott50]

As a fellow Matchless owner, I share your joy!

[@giulioposenato9332]

The look in your face @14:09 is exactly the face everyone makes when you dial the tone just right. Man I love your rig, simple and effective!

[@wavywav7556]

9:11 bye-bye, pickup switch tip; I’ve lost my share of those switch tips. One aggressive strum during a gig and the thing goes flying across the stage or into the crowd, the exposed switch blade becoming sharp as a ....switchblade. The Telecaster’s only flaw: switch plate needs to be reversed and volume/tone pots switched around.

[@lauratanner8475]

I actually do just that on my teles. check out bill kirchen from commander Cody. that's where I got the idea from. also if bend the end of that pickup selector, not much just put a slight twist on it with a pair of pliers, it will hold that tip better. hope this helps!

[@MatthewScottmusic]

That is sounding tough with a Telecaster! 💪🏻✌🏻

[@pjsalty]

OMG! that simple Klon boost is amazing!

[@NicolasThe777]

Hey Paul thanks for everything. Your videos really inspire me! I spent four hours trying to play the last bluessy licks. You are a master. Cheers from Bolivia.

[@_varden]

That's an impressive amount of camera angles and editing for a second channel. Where's the third channel?

[@exebiche47]

i feel i've got to write this. not because i want to criticise, but because i enjoy your channel, your approach and openness. You've bought your dream amp, and amps like this are a little quirky and require a different approach when setting up and playing. I've had a few Matchless amps including a DC 30 and I currently use an early Sampson era Bad Cat Black cat 30R - a 2x12 combo with the same circuits and components. It's one of my main squeezes. the best way to get acquainted with an amp like this is to just plug in and get used its feel and sound so that you can make the most of it. here though you've already plugged in a bunch of tone shaping pedals. I can understand plugging in a drive pedal in this situation just in case you want just a touch more drive or top end - but one drive unit with two channels of drive, and one with multiple memory and eq/drive configurations ( and and preamp) made to seriously shape your input signal. With this amp pretty much alone you can get from country to nearly metal by using natural and playing dynamics along with pickup selection and you vol and tone pots. Along with chime swirl and unbelievable dynamics, the sound is glorious because it is so revealing and somehow transparent. Take advantage of it, otherwise you may as well have bought a Line 6 Spider. When youre setting up the amp and eq's playing holding on to notes and chords will help you hear what the amp is doing in terms of sustain, harmonics and tone shaping. With the MV defeated (which yours is and you're using an attenuator) The more you crank a volume, the less the tone controls have an effect and the drive characteristics of the channel take over .Especially in an Ef86 channel which is quite a "dark" sounding valve. If you open up the tone selector on channel 2 (which uses capacitors to send treble to ground) you'll allow more top end to through to the power section. Since the power section itself is compressing and driving at the same time you can use the cut control to tame spiky treble. if you're lacking articulation and bite you want to cut the treble less. The inherent "darkness" of channel 2 is whyvox added a Top boost channel in the first place. And some of greatest rock sounds of all time are created by "treble boosters" which cut lows and add bite at the top. one of your drive pedals has a treble booster type tone circuit... The KTR. at zero there is no added treble, and as you go up the range of the pot it adds top and subtracts bottom end. Add a little gain and maybe drive too and your setup will come alive! Finally, since you're driving the power tubes and using an attenuator - and fx in the loop will be subject to this overdrive. If you want studio clean mod and time fxc, use the loop in the UAD. i know this vid is from a while ago, but I may have spotted something that helps you enjoy your amp.

[@HugoBanyCastilloCh]

@paul David’s what settings do tu you have in the OX? This video is awesome 👏

[@eriknorlander5814]

Sounds like heaven

[@Dovvik]

This amp is stemmed from heaven, unbelievable.

[@obidibidou6933]

Good that you're teaching people about TONE !!!

[@kerrymcauliffe9906]

Very much enjoy this style of video. You're probably my favorite guitar channel. I really appreciate your enthusiasm, and kind, humble demeanor. I really like your playing too. Plus, anyone that loves a Matchless knows what I like!! haha keep them coming!!

[@KorieG]

Hey, Paul, For what it's worth, the video was NOT "Boring AF!" I actually enjoyed it! Thanks for the upload brother, and KEEP jamming! Later...

[@kesis2203]

Thank you Paul for this video! These settings really opened up my Helix too. 2nd channel of the Matchstick has become one of my favourites!

[@squidsleap]

I like this format on the 2nd channel! Always a good day when you post a new video. Awesome sounding amp, can’t wait for a revisit when you get the proper cables for FX loops.

[@SteveFergilicious]

Love the extra stuff in the second channel. Definitely keep it going 😃

[@andyw5150]

Love this second channel! Well done.

[@rabbidstech7677]

I'm so glad I found this channel!

[@leiferickson3183]

Paul, Play with that EQ on the top boost channel! Try sweeping the knobs through their entire range - they are not like other EQ's. When cranked up a bit I would try cutting the bass a bit - there is a lot of change in the bottom 1/3 of the range - you can cut a LOT. Then adjust the treble to suit. Try playing the treble control against the cut control. Cheers!

[@leiferickson3183]

...And try a treble booster in front of it - Glorious!

[@pauldavids2]

Definitely tried that! Noon is still my favorite though ;)

[@leiferickson3183]

@@pauldavids2 Right on! Soooo much awesome.

[@sthengr]

Great amp, the Matchless, I don't own one yet. Just bought a Friedman Mini Dirty Shirley, really like it. Always on the lookout for my next amp. Really enjoy all your videos, you're a master at gear and playing, cheers!

[@TheGh0st]

the tele + this amp is unbelievable.

[@treehouse722]

Good luck with the new channel, Paul. Seems like an excellent idea for the nerds and tragics. So yes, I'll be back.

[@kissaguitar]

Love you man. You are talented and entertaining. Thanks again

[@carlhurleyjrmusic]

That was just fun! 🎸

[@novacode9954]

I think I learned more from this second channel! Just hanging out no pressure I need more episodes like this!

[@markporter758]

Love the casual way your pick up selector knob falls off at 9:10(ish).

[@BramMouse]

I really like these kind of video's. Just straight forward gear talk! Would love if you would make some more video's like this!

[@davidkeane2399]

Cool idea Paul 2. It's nice to get into a bit more geeky stuff.

[@landoctor94]

This is so cool Paul! Love the second channel.

[@LEHster]

i think its worth mentioning that the normal channel is an ef86 preamp, which has TONS of CLEAN gain. the tone knob doesnt actually add bass, its actually a hipass filter that mitigates the amount of weight/gain thats inherent to the ef86. i have a dc30 clone. its one of the best amps ive ever played and ive tried hundreds/thousands working at a music store for 7+ years

[@BradleyOBrienn]

This second channel made me happy

[@lorenzoamore3642]

sounds beautiful !

[@Kai11xirving]

Im addicted to your Videos. Thanks 🙂

[@Thr3-Words]

What a gorgeous guitar 😍

[@danxthexman82]

I subscribed. I like the thought of you doing more in depth videos on gear and tones. Your a great guitar player/ musician/teacher and would love to do some one on one lessons one day to pick your brain. There are some very good tones coming outta the Machless! I'm sold! I gotta have one now!

[@ManeshwarSingh]

08:00 matchless ef86 sound 11:46 adjusted sound

[@leiferickson3183]

With that giant room I would try adding another speaker and a 50 foot cable - stick the cab at the other end of the room not pointing toward you. This might give you a nice natural reverb. I'm pretty excited by all of this. As Sune would say "EXPERIMENT TIME!"

[@neve4020]

That amp looks so damn good! And btw...there is no comparisson between that amp and the kemper. Different devices for different applications! In the end i know the amp will hold its value Cheers

[@Hiwattaholic]

Would be great if you could footswitch that step tone control. Good mod to consider if it’s possible. That way when switching pickups you could footswitch to the position that suited the bridge or neck pickup. Great video demo of this amp.

[@eulo765]

HI Paul, sorry for my maccheroni English...I write from Italy and I am also a happy owner of a Matchless dc30 '96. It's a fantastic amp, that sounds good in any position and in any setting.Since your videos are very detailed compared to others when it comes to the DC30. I wonted to bring you a challenge: what do you thing about a making an explanatory video also about using the sand and return of this amp, since this part was built in a very unique way? Let us know, we Matchless obsessors will be grateful to you for life. Hallo from Italy, Eugenio

[@gavinashun]

Just discovered channel 2 ... like the informal hangout vibe!

[@ryanshook8284]

6:15: "I'm using the ox to tame the madness so I can still talk". ...I'm like, you mean "So I can still hear" AHAH

[@badalicemusic]

Killer tones and loving the on the fly vibe too Paul! Also, that rug...🤔...it really ties the room together😎🙌

[@sammyrothrock6981]

I would like to hear a Zendrive style drive through it ??

[@clarencewilliams5997]

Amazing how it sounds, buddy.. good job..

[@12166971]

Great video. The Tele really works well with HC 30 in my experience. Wait for video, SG with HC 30. Thanks

[@michaelstorrs6097]

This is great. I've been making transition from acoustic to electric and I'm completely ignorant when it comes to foot pedals and amps and how to get that perfect sound, and how to even set up a basic rig for that matter. So this is much needed and I love the fact that you're trying to figure it out as well. This could be the tone channel where you can teach us how to achieve that perfect sound. Thanks awesome brother

[@luciopadillarojas3319]

Excellent video paul

[@AntonioGarcia-zr9uc]

Would love to hear you do an AB test of the ceriatone DZ30 and your amp...

[@ChrisCanMakeStuff]

Poor Hook sitting the background having to look on.

[@trevorarthurson6815]

I knew you had to be attenuating it, mine is super loud with the volume at 12 o’clock. I go to the 3rd tone position on the EF86 channel with the treble cut at about 2 o’clock with my Strat.

[@kissaguitar]

Now...because of you, i just had to purchase the ORIGIN EFFECTS CALI76 COMPACT DELUXE. Looking forward to find the right setup for my personal use :)

[@aji_vrz]

10:51 Loved it

[@TheToneLounge]

I recently acquired a Bad Cat Hot Cat 30r, and to my ear it sounds similar to your amp. I’d love to try a Matchless DC-30 and compare both amps.

[@emmalukeeric]

Paul, What Cabinets (settings) are you using in the Ox?

[@Allen_lena]

Hey, nice, I'm in the first 75 subs (this will be a bit more impressive in some time, when even the second channel gets to a few million subs).

[@DaveRynk]

I have a Matchless Spitfire. Love it! Question: what’s the difference between input plug 1 and input plug 2? I noticed that I like input plug 2 more.

[@TRose-hc9pv]

PD2? I love it!

[@stephendixon8575]

Forgot to mention - you should talk to Dan at TPS about your Matchless, seen as you've met and he has the exact same one. Am sure he'd happily share some good tips on how it works best for him

[@pauldavids2]

I did talk to him, thanks!

[@mshp2993]

Awesome videos, Paul! Thank you for sharing your passion. Maybe a little off topic haha but, as far of recording guitar in a studio, what do you think is the best way to go? Old school (I mean good amp and a good mic) or via amp modeling (kemper or even line 6 helix plugin?

[@niki4812]

did a part of the pick up switch just fall off at 9:10? or am i hallucinating ^^

[@BHPOfficial]

Telecaster problems for sure, I’ve probably bought like 10 of those little black knobs.

[@pierrem6864]

Hello Paul, And thanks so much for your videos, that I love. I also have a HC-30 and found out that the FX loops are unbuffered. Do you notice a tone difference when using one of the FX loop as opposed as going "all in front", and if yes what have you come up with as a solution ? How do you hook up both Ch.1 and Ch.2 FX loops to a single FX unit ? Keep on the awesome content and videos editing mate :)

[@mikael.cherin]

I would love to know what kind of mic or blend of mics the ox IR has going!! Sounds awesome!

[@isaia1100]

Great sound!! What do you think about the matchless clubmann? Is a good amp as the matchless HC-30? I am thinking to buy a matchless amp and maybe the machless Clubmann.Or The Matchless HC- 30. I am not sure between both amps.

[@jonathanveriez3766]

Hey Paul! I love your videos and I'm really happy you have a second more detail gearnerd channel now 😅 Maybe a challenge for an upcoming video? Say you only had a rather limiting hx stomp to do a gig. Could you do it and how would you set it up? :)

[@davidandrews966]

Do you remember what cabinet and mics were used in the Ox? Thanks.

[@LordRiffenstein]

Excellent video! BIG C30 fan here and you make it sound really good. Do yourself a favor and buy a nice NOS EF86 for it, even a good NOS SED will make all the difference compared to a current production EF86. And if you plan to gig with this amp (whenever that´s gonna happen again) you want a spare EF86 because they are not as rugged as other preamp tubes.

[@robertprice5039]

Great sounding amp, but knowing what I can get from my 65 Amps London on the EF86 Channel, I am not having a major case of G.A.S., but if I ever found a killer deal on one, I would buy it in a second.

[@sammyrothrock6981]

Love amp

[@acasadiluca]

A second channel...? Ok... Subscribed!

[@Lobberzillo]

So, I sell a Fender Custom Deluxe Reverb '68 and a Vox AC15C1 for this one?

[@CarloMartinYrure]

2nd channel is so good man.👍👍

[@stephendixon8575]

Really interesting to see the detail while you play around with your new amp - I didn't realise that the HC-30's Tone knob was stepped like that. I can see how some of these ideas were carried over (from Mark Sampson's designs perhaps) into the BadCat amps. I have a BadCat Cub (Mark III) 30R which has a similar stepped tone knob, but you can also disable it and separately dial in your tone using the Bass and Treble controls instead; so the tone knob is there for kind of tone 'presets' if you like. Like your idea for doing different length. / style videos on your second channel BTW. Will be interested to see more

[@JR-to8sn]

I have a BC Cub III 15R as well and I think Bad Cat kept some Matchless goodies but made them better. Love my Bad Cat Cub! BTW, the BC Cub sounds the same as this HC 30 IMO

[@ritualee10]

Brother Paul, it looks like you're sitting in a wonderful studio. Can we send you a microphone and maybe lose the direct recording devices?

[@epichaug7891]

I should probably read all the 130 comments but I could just chime in to mention and you might already know, the effects I o is already preamped above what your pedal will take. The Y cable you want will also need to anntinuate. Gives me the idea for a pedal to use more than one effect...

[@amalgamaudioLV]

Paul, i truly admire your work - i think it is among the best guitar content on youtube, but i have to wonder - if the HC30 is your favorite amp, how come you don't use the settings that truly are magic on the TB style amps: try to find a sweet spot with both the bass and treble on 0-3 or 4 from 10. With the controls on noon, you get a very scooped sound, which is also a great tone, but just a small part from the plethora of great tones of these units.

[@AnAntidisestablishmentarianist]

How do you hear the tone of your amp when the speakers are pointed at your shins?

[@jonbenge2418]

Great video. With the amp compressing already I always find using a compressor like the Cali gets to be too much and I loose the touch dynamics.

[@luthierwnc]

Thanks Paul, Have you ever used the loop on either channel for your time/ambient effects? Thanks, sh

[@henrymetz4920]

only 360p? love it anyways

[@pauldavids2]

yeah, it's processing.

[@henrymetz4920]

Thanks

[@charlesabbott9605]

Mr. Davd I know in the video description it says Matchless (C-30/DC30) however when I searched for the amp on some reseller sites I noticed the Matchless C30 didn't have the same front knobs or inputs. What is your specific model number of your head? I'm wondering if they make a single channel and the two channel (like yours). Thanks again and I was subscriber 331 on this channel.

[@LordRiffenstein]

This is an older version with separate inputs for both channels, newer models have only 1 set of lo/hi inputs and are channel switching. This older version needs an A/B box to use both sides. The upside to this older version is using both channels for an even bigger tone. Also, there´s a version with reverb so that would add another control.

[@maximumguitarage]

HC-30

[@eriknorlander5814]

Try it with a treble booster! I use a JHS Banana Boost with my driven AC30. Amazing sound.

[@stokesdylanw]

More please

[@nitinchainani2739]

What, you have maken your second channel make sure that i have subscribed

[@young3879]

Sounds good. Could you play using Les Paul? I want hear the les paul sound!

[@bobmartin2447]

More please!

[@kenclive7106]

That tone knob on the last setting sounds like an Orange, dirty but articulate :)

[@martinkarlsson1195]

What mic are you using and at what distance? that amp sounds great!

[@catandtheostrich]

Have you ever found the ef86 small signal pentode to be "microphonic?"

[@franksanta3119]

Hi Paul! One question please, the HC30 has two separate passive loops, no buffers, what do you think? Have you tried any effect with good results?. Thank you so much man

[@P5ych0metrix]

What year is that HC-30? It sounds great!!

[@jddress5054]

Not boring AF, because my geek level is pretty high, not as high as a European but still high. Thanks!

[@edwinwelv.d5838]

Klink de amp niet te schel ? Bv ter vergelijking met een two rock amp die ik al heb

[@cristianrojas2404]

good ending of the video jajaja nice job thanks!

[@michaelstorrs6097]

Damn it! Now I have to explain to my wife why I have to buy another amp. Guess I'm sleeping on the couch tonight.

[@aaronalex9173]

Can u make a video abt fender mustang amp... Tones and stuff abt it

[@theguitaramptech]

Hi Paul, I am going to build a Vox/DC30 style amp. Do you think a normal Bass and Treble control would be better on Channel 2 (EF86 channel) or do you prefer the rotary Tone presets?