The Most Versatile Pedal Ever Made

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Table of Contents: 00:00 Introduction 00:36 Why are EQ's essential? 3:10 Shaping Your Pickup Tone 05:26 Boosting Transparently 06:42 Shaping Your Overdrive Tone 09:27 Cleaning Up Your Overall Signal 11:45 My Recommended EQ Pedals 14:42 Conclusion MY FAVORITE EQ PEDALS Xactone Modded GE-7 - bit.ly/3H9zrSX MXR 6-band EQ - amzn.to/3n2rebb MXR 10-band EQ - amzn.to/3C0OYR2 Source Audio Programmable EQ - amzn.to/3kmKEWn Empress ParaEQ - bit.ly/2YzYvRA

[@KentuckyWindage22]

The sliders on a Boss GE-7 range from 100 to 6.4K hertz. A 31 band EQ generally has 19 bands within the same range of frequencies where the Boss has 7 bands. Some guitar effects company (Vertex Effects, cough, cough) needs to make a guitar specific, 19 band EQ in this range so we can really fine tune with it. Great video!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@KentuckyWindage22 have you seen the XTS version? They consolidate the frequencies to specific guitar bands, and although not every possible EQ range, it really makes it a lot more useable for a small form factor :). We may also have something on the horizon.

[@KentuckyWindage22]

@@VertexEffectsInc well now I'm excited to see what you "have on the horizon".

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@KentuckyWindage22 Thanks so much for the support!

[@marcuslewitzki4610]

I have a bit of a tricky scenario for you. What if I'm not using any distortion pedals but only use the distortion in my amp? I also have a Victory Kraken preamp pedal which is specifically designed to sit in both the fx-loop AND the front input of the amp. This, allows me to get 2 extra gain channels on top of the 1 dirty channel and its clean channel. So 3 dirty channels and 1 clean. The way this works is that the guitar goes into the Kraken preamp's input. This allows me to decide whether I send the signal straight through the Kraken (bypassing it) so the signal is completely unaltered and goes straight to the front of the amp. So the signal goes through the actual preamp of the amp just like any signal would when plugged straight into the front of the amp. The second mode instead sends the signal through the Kraken preamp, giving me 2 extra channels to choose from. Then the signal goes out of the Kraken to the amp's FX-return and through the regular amp's power amp. The signal then goes out of the amp's output where it would normally head for the cab. However, I'm running a wet/dry/wet rig so I want the signal to now go through all my wet pedals and onward to 2 other Amps (the wet stereo part of my rig). So I let the signal go into a Suhr ISO Line Out Box where it is split into 2. One bypasses the Suhr and goes to the dry cab, the other one is brought to line level by the Suhr and goes through my wet pedals (stereo delay+reverb). After this the two L/R signals (stereo) then goes on to the other two amps to give me full stereo wet effects. So, where in this complicated arrangement should I place my eq (a Boss EQ-200)?

[@godfreyozzy7128]

I use a Behringer 7-band EQ at the start of my signal chain and a Donner 10-band EQ at the end. Ultimate tone-shaping for less than $50.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice! Good budget suggestion!

[@paulillingworth90]

Man I wish I felt that that was good enough. An I’m not trying to take a cheap shot on you. I’m more upset with myself. Sadly I’m starting to think I’m a tone snob and I never wanted to be or sound like one. I have a MXR Ten Band and want to get the empress parametric to put at the end of my chain and have the MXR at the beginning. Also thinking about Earth Quaker Devices Tone Job Eq/Boost.

[@godfreyozzy7128]

@@paulillingworth90 Don't get me wrong, if my budget allowed it I'd run a Boss EQ 200 via a MIDI rig. One should do because I'm pretty sure it can run 2 seperate patches simultaneously, but for now my wallet only permits cheap Chinese clones. By the way the Donner 10-band is a clone of the MXR, just at 1/6 the price.

[@thanatos5024]

Why you put another in the end?

[@godfreyozzy7128]

@@thanatos5024 Same reason you have tone control on guitar and EQ on amp. First one shapes guitar tone, second one shapes gain/drive.

[@cafesociety8525]

I think what you said near the beginning really hits the nail on the head. "It might not be the tone you're looking for but it sits right in the mix" that's something guitar players could really do with learning when playing with others in general.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Most certainly! Thanks for watching!

[@sonidojamon]

the BASS version of this pedal is even better for guitar! The bands are different. The lowest band is 50hz instead of 100hz. If you turn that band (nearly) all the way down, it tightens your low end nicely. Gets rid of all the annoying "boomy-ness" on stage, avoids overdrive/distortion "flabby-ness" if you place it before pedals. FOH/studio engineers love it, cause they don't need to hi-pass your guitar to remove all the sub-bass filth. It gives space for bass on stage and balance between musicians. And last: the next bass band control is 120hz, which I think is PERFECT to enhance guitar low-end frequencies! GIVE IT A TRY!! BOSS GEB-7 for the win!!

[@AimingWanderously]

That's a great idea!

[@carminelombardi9575]

You are absolutely the best at explaining and making this pedal board world understandable. You have taught me a lot, and I appreciate how well you can explain, even for those of us who are not experienced.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks so much for watching Carmine!

[@BenjaminNBS]

Just watched a ton of videos on EQ pedals, and this was by far the most clearly explained and useful - great job!

[@Yeetus223]

I was just telling a fellow musician that he needed two of my favorite pedals. An EQ and a compression. Good to hear you spreading the word. A volume pedal is probably my 3rd. Hey kids, truth be told; shaping your tone and having a dedicated isolated power supply will last you your entire music career. Much more than a metal zone ever will..

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Rock on!

[@fuckenps3]

Get out of here with your kekistan nazi flag

[@rhyharmel]

Source Audio EQ2 is amazing. Customizable frequency points up to 20 bands if you're crazy, and Q, HPF/LPF, limiter, and it's essentially two independent pedals in one enclosure. With more presets than you'll ever need, it can replace having multiple EQ pedals with individual settings. And MIDI. Win.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

For sure...great pedal all the way!

[@mozartsp]

The EQ2 is the ultimate equalizer. Incredibly powerful, specially if you have a midi rig.

[@orryfishburne5326]

I need to check that pedal out more. I have a Boss EQ-200 which has a good amount of the features the EQ2 has, but i never knew that u could change the frequency bands completely, add a dynamic limiter, and add a noise gate on the EQ2. The Boss EQ-200 doesnt do that. U can alter the frequency bands so they are suited for bass or guitar on the EQ-200, but not as customizable as the EQ2. Thats really awesome! I really like the ability to have 20 bands too. I just might switch out my EQ-200 for the EQ2. Thanks for informing me on some of its features and placed it on my radar

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@orryfishburne5326 EQ200 is nice too...just much bigger.

[@moorecreativ]

i got the MXR 10-band EQ a few months ago. it instantly earned its spot on my pedalboard, though ill admit I don't really know what I'm doing with it. just moving sliders until it sounds good. this video gives me a better idea of what I'm working with. thanks Mason!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great pedal all the way! Thanks for watching!

[@thisdyingsoul76]

I have a Boss GE7 and it's one of the best EQ's I've owned after I performed a couple of mods to it that I found online. The one that made the biggest impact was swapping out the IC chips. The noise floor of the pedal was reduced noticeably.

[@meschadarc141]

agreed. i got a ge-7 to liven up the dull pick-ups of a guitar i liked, and along the way discovered it does everything from modifying poor tone in drives to just about changing the entire shape of an amplifier tone. and i'm still discovering to this day.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Well said!

[@tlb2732]

Spot on! I've been a performing musician for over 40 years. Not professionally, but as a lifelong endeavor that has enriched my life immensely. I've used a lot of gear in that time. From experience, I can say that my Boss GE-7s are the most important pedals on my board. If I could have only one pedal, it would be a stock, straight from the factory, GE-7. I've never been into mods. I find that every time you gain something via a mod, you also lose something. I simply test drive before buying and don't purchase any pedal that doesn't do what I want straight out of the box. Calling an EQ pedal the Swiss Army knife of pedals doesn't quite describe it fully. It's uses seem almost limitless. Currently, I use one GE-7 in front of a Blues Driver which feeds my Tube Screamer with another GE-7 after it. The first GE-7 is set with a 3db cut at 200hz, a slight boost at 400hz and 800hz, and a slight cut at 6.4k hz plus a slight overall boost. This setting works very well with my guitar, amp, and touch. It adds a slight boost and mid range punch to clean solos and really makes both overdrive pedals sing. The second GE-7 is set flat with another slight volume boost for songs where I need just a bit more to put a solo through. The GE-7 is also a valuable tool to overcome the inherent reflective properties of the very different rooms any band performs in. It can give you the sonic control most amps can't provide and can make the difference between a good show and a great show.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@EllisG123]

As from today I’m waiting for the parcel containing my ge-7 ! I missed it ! Eq pedals are over looked. Perfect video while I wait. I’m sure I’ll get to try lots of new ideas 🤌🤌👌👌

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yea! Enjoy!

[@Sd12sx23]

Also, consider that EQ does not need to be an "always on" pedal. Experimenting with using different EQ within a song or solo can open up some fun possibilties.

[@raullukebenitez7033]

Recently been getting around to using EQs. I always considered it pretty useless as a pedal until I starting bumping into issues with thin tone. Especially with my modeling gear into the PA. I incorporated an EQ,dialed it in, and it has made the biggest difference ever. It's what I've been missing all these years.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Another EQ success story! For those of us that get used to them and how to use them, can never go back!

[@raullukebenitez7033]

@@VertexEffectsInc theres no going back now😆

[@stratjed]

Excellent sermon brother Mason . Been a faithful disciple of the GE7 since it replaced my MXR way back when it came out.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Right on!

[@Ten80pete]

#3 is the reason I originally bought an EQ pedal. I haven't had the Boss, I was looking into the MXR 10 frequency EQ, but give me too many options and I'll be stuck overthinking and deciding I did like this tone, but now I like that one better.

[@StratsRUs]

I use one after an overdrive and one in the loop.It took me too long to realise how great they are. This is an excellent video because you clearly outline the options.The shaping available is great. Thank you.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great to hear!

[@Patrick-857]

An EQ in the FX loop and a mid focused OD up front is the secret of many famous metal guitarists. Boost mids in the front end and take them back out in the loop = chug. It's the bit so many people miss when they try to emulate guys like Dime and Hetfield.

[@amberwoodstudio]

The boss eq is simple, versatile, inexpensive and theirs lots of used ones available. Thank great vid

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Very true!

[@IamMusicNerd]

The Boss EQ200 is insane. I love that it has two paths, so you can have one before and one after the amp if you want, or use it in a stereo setup with a separate EQ setting for left and right channel. It also has memory settings, so you can save different settings for different guitars or songs at the press of a button. The 10 bands let you really fine tune it, and the level is like a boost. The most important pedal on my board.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, it's great, but digital...this EQ is fully analog.

[@steveisolis]

I have two XTS GE-7, one for my electric rig and one for my acoustic rig. They are awesome!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Rock on!

[@plankspanker4964]

I've got one on my board and its a total must. It pushes a clean amp into breakup, and then it acts as a boost when my overdrive pedal is on. Awesome bit of kit for gigging. Great video!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@7thfretacademy]

Thank you Mason!! That was so informative, considering how I've never considered EQ pedals before. Totally getting one. ❤️

[@VertexEffectsInc]

👍👍👍

[@dogslobbergardens-hv2wf]

I like both EQ pedals for the versatility, and a rack-mount 32-band to put in the effects loop so it's the last thing the signal hits before the power amp.

[@robertryder4857]

Just picked up a Boss GE-131….31 band eq for my effects loop. Gets delivered next week!

[@taz3672]

I run my amps clean and get all my preamp sounds from my pedal board. On my board I use and 7 band EQ to shape my drive tones. In the effects loop of my amps I use a 15 band EQ to shape the clean channel of the amps. Since I play old school metal, this comes in handy for boosting or cutting certain frequencies from 25 to 16k. You only need to slightly boost or cut a db or 2 to hear the difference.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Sounds like a good approach!

[@reverendg5937]

Always a Source of Information & Explained Understanding. Thank You Mr Rig Doctor Sir. Rock On!!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks Rev!

[@thesquillyexperience9442]

just got a ge-7 recently. played with it in store & had such a fun time changing tones & boosting frequencies. can’t wait to see what it does on a synth 🤌🏽

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@kennyjohnson336]

Great video. I use an EarthQuaker Devices Tone Job for EQ. Its great for tweaking pickup

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great tip!

[@steelman774]

I’ve been using my DOD BiFet as a slight boost in level and treble to push my SoulFood into more of a lead channel form. That being said, I usually keep the neck pickup on my Les Paul low to about 3 so soft playing rings almost clean and then beating it more breaks up nicely before switching pickups to the bridge witch is on 11 for a full fun run. After watching one of these EQ vids showing EQ as a boost, I bought two cheap EQs on PrimeDay sales (for my two rigs) and use them as “un-boost” pedals by dropping the two lowest bands and the level about in half on them and then I don’t have to figure the sweet spot on my speed knobs, I run them to 11 and tap the pedal to clean up a little. It’s beautiful!😎

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@78tag]

I've been here before and some how forgot to sub - done. this particular episode reminds me to pay more attention to the wide array of EQ's you mentioned that are available in the Helix. I always enjoy the material you cover, thanks.

[@aquilarossa5191]

Dave Gilmour? I saw Pink Floyd many moons ago when i was a teenager. His tone was amazing. It was not static just coming from the stage either. They had a quadraphonic set up with speakers behind the crowd too, so every note he played in a solo swirled around the crowd of 80K. I will never forget it. As for EQ, it is still a mystery to me. The only thing I know kind of how to do well is set up high pass filter to tighten up distorted guitar for palm muting with boosted Marshall crunch. I never liked anything I try with the mid range sliders. Now I use a Freyette load box and IRs, my first stop for tone shaping is to move the pretend mic around in front of the pretend speaker's pretend dust cap (good tones, but I miss that controlled feedback and sustain you get with volume and the thump of a 4x12 that hits you in the chest -- I do not think they have found a way to simulate that with modelling -- yet). P.S. Before KZbin, one of the best ways to learn guitar was to go to gigs and get up front to watch the player's fingers (and pester pro players to show me riffs and licks). Even pub and party bands used Marshall stacks turned up very loud in those days and used to get away with it, rather than noise control showing up for a 15 watt combo like I have seen these days. My ears began ringing with tinnitus in the 1980s and never stopped ringing. Now my ears constantly go 'kerrang'.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for sharing!

[@babayagaslobbedaknobba]

I've had eq pedals turn amps I hated into amps I loved. Great tool if you take the time to learn how to use it correctly.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Totally agree!

[@johnsavchak8202]

Errydamnday!

[@michaeltate5469]

You can clean up a lot of the noise in the GE-7 by putting it in the send/return loop of a BOSS NS-2 Noise Suppressor. Same with the noise in the CS-2 Compressor/Sustainor. Place it in the send/return loop of a BOSS NS-2.

[@bobprince1539]

Great video. And you’re using the XTS modded one. Got one leading off my little board. Absolute lifesaver for my HSH “S” style when I want that neck single coil sound…the only thing lacking on that guitar. And one of my favorite guitar sounds. And, of course, for my Strat when I want to fatten it up. Then there are the other points you detail. Love it. Rock on!

[@acatwiththreenames3658]

I've had an old analog EQ on my board for years. I use it as a solo boost pedal downstream of the overdrive.

[@satevo462]

I have the exact same Tube Screamer. Sometime the red light works, most the time it doesn't. But he pedal works so oh well.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@DenseSilkyVenom]

GE-7 was one of my favorite pedals for all the reasons stated in this video! 🤘🏻

[@VertexEffectsInc]

👍👍👍

[@HowardFrischer]

Now I need a pedal switcher. Awesome video as always.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks as always Howard!

[@gtaglia779]

I have one and it's amazing! It beefs up my sound substantially.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

They're magic in that regard, worth their weight in gold!

[@orryfishburne5326]

Couldnt agree with u more that the graphic eq is the most versatile pedal out there. I have a Boss Eq-200 on my board and that thing is absolutely amazing!! I love being able to save presets (gotta keep on slot just a clean boost option 😁) and the routing capabilities are phenomenal. U can have 2 channels with A&B linked, or dual eq's in parallel or series. Even though its a digital eq, i think its one of the most powerful eq pedals out there to date. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great eq pedal.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yea! Thanks for watching!

[@charlesmaschi3238]

I wouldn't do a gig without the GE-7. I set mine on top of my amp so I can change the settings quickly. As Mason said: "It's a must for any pedalboard."

[@dustysoul1986]

Where does it sit in your effects chain?

[@charlesmaschi3238]

@@dustysoul1986 Hey. I place mine first, in front of a Boss DD-7. Keep playin' pal!

[@ScottMcdonaldMusic]

I thought of Tom’s rig rundown when I saw the title of this video. That’s the reason I’m trying to fit one on my board. Great video and very helpful.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Perfect! Thanks for watching!

[@FortressofShred]

Along with my distortion pedal, my Boss GE-7 was my most important pedal in my chain.

[@paulogp4629]

Agreed: the most versatile pedal ever made. Amazing. It transforms all you have in your pedalboard.

[@pastorofmuppets1968]

I have used this pedal to boost my mids for solos for over 30 years.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Good call!

[@sergiopaulo4660]

I’ve also used them in the effects loop to attenuate/boost into the power amp section.

[@alanst.4417]

I've seen a couple of videos on this and this one is probably the most professionally made and really comprehensive. Thanks for showing the most invaluable ways of using an eq pedal! Until now, I've been mostly using it to shape the sound of the guitar or amp further. But I'll definitely try the other applications, too! Wonder why some guitarists just overlook these, considering how strong, easy and relatively old this tone shaping method is...

[@keithlabonte2547]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqrWqYmbgM2hh6c

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching Alan!

[@alanst.4417]

@@VertexEffectsInc thanks for sharing your knowledge 👍

[@alanst.4417]

@@keithlabonte2547 yeah I remember seeing that one before. Thanks for reminding. Also a cool video, but from a different angle...

[@tlb2732]

VERY good information! My Boss GE-7 EQ pedal is a valuable and very versatile tool on my board. In conjunction with a Boss Blues Driver and a Tube Screamer, the possible pallet of sounds is magical. I've watched Tom B's video too and others including one from Guitar Bonedo that is excellent. Theirs and yours are spot-on. If I had room on my current board which I don't want to be any larger, I could add 3 more GE-7's and make great use of them all. I use my current one flat except for a light boost at 400 and 800htz plus a slight boost at 1.6htz and a light level boost. It works great on pushing my country solos just enough to stand out. Also, it works wonders ahead of my Blues Driver and gives me additional punchy boost with stacked overdrives if I need it mid solo. With 3 more pedals I'd use one as a flat boost, one to achieve a telephone (landline) type effect during certain songs, and the last one as a level cut if I engage other pedals and my sound becomes too loud. Since I'd have these 3 EQ pedals in my effects loop, my lead sound wouldn't be affected like it would be by turning down the volume on my guitar. Thanks for the video!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Have you considered some of the programmable ones Tony? This might solve the three EQ pedal issue for you especially if you use a MIDI switcher than can change the order, also the new Boss EQ pedal allow for a pre/post setting so you can use one EQ before certain pedals and another one after.

[@tlb2732]

@@VertexEffectsInc Yes I have considered those and other approaches. But at this point I've moved away from foot controllers although I like some of what Gig Rig, I think I have the name correct, has to offer. Pricey though, but they look well constructed from good materials. I don't even know if their products are available in the United States. Right now I'm very comfortable, to my own surprise, with pedals alone over controllers. The reason will likely sound silly, but I like knowing exactly what I'm stepping on when I'm engaging an effect because I immediately recognize it by color where with a controller, every switch looks the same and I don't care to memorize whats programmed to each switch or in what order I have them arranged in a preset. Plus, right now I find it much more preferable to just step on the pedals I want for a song which can change over time as opposed to trying to reprogram and re-label presets every time I want to try something new. Also, before I would choose any programmable option, I really would expand my pedalboard footprint and purchase multiple GE-7 pedals. Another great use for the GE-7 would be to place it in the effects loop to fine tune your amp sound for different rooms with varying acoustics. Now for this application, a programmable pedal would be great for saving your settings for various venues.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@tlb2732 I would check out RJM, they're the gold standard for switcher and made in San Diego, CA. Great service that you can actually get on the phone or email same day. You can even send your programming to them and they'll modify it for you to re-import into your switcher. Plus great buffers, mixers, and stereo options with isolation. I also really like the Muiscom Lab stuff as well. The GE-7 is good, but unmodded doesn't work well in most loops that are line level (+4). Just something to consider if you're using it there.

[@tlb2732]

@@VertexEffectsInc Yes, I learned about the noise that can be produced by the GE-7 at higher boost levels before I ever purchased one. I bought mine locally where they have a 3 day no questions asked return policy. But it turned out that the boost levels I wanted didn't approach the noise threshold. I've tried my share of digital effects and controllers through the years. And of course some of my current pedals are digital. But right now I need simplicity wherever I can find it. Being recently retired I was the one in my trio who was in the best position to do the research and put together the sound system we would be needing. I had a considerable amount of analog gear along with many nice acoustic instruments that were spending more time on the shelf than I liked. Through the selling and trading of most of this gear plus personal investment I acquired a QSC digital mixer along with a compact yet powerful QSC powered speaker system with sub cabs, a new foot controlled wireless lighting system, new QSC power amps for my existing Yamaha monitor wedges I love so much, and a substantial upgrade in equipment such as power conditioners, D.I. solutions, snakes, cables, power distro, stands, etc. That's in addition to a new guitar, amp, and of course my pedalboard since I sold out to go all acoustic in 2008. And since I'm the one who had the time to do all this and learn the ins and outs of digital mixing, I'm the one who gets to operate it because we decided early on to stay as compact as possible and mix from the stage. And that's in addition to singing and being the only guitarist this time around. So I'll have my hands and feet and brain busy enough without adding more to think about. And that's a big reason I like my pedalboard, as I said before, because I can quickly and easily identify my pedals by color. But thanks for all the suggestions, especially the heads-up on RJM. I'll still check them out.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@tlb2732 pretty sure RJM only sells direct. Musicom Lab is sold through Guitar Sanctuary in Dallas, TX - also very good products.

[@AndrewAHayes]

I use my EQ pedal to dial in the tone of my guitars, sometimes it might just be a flat setting to boost the signal, sometimes |I might just drop or boost some frequencies, once I find what I am happy with I make a note of the settings and then use a virtual pedal on my multi FX unit and save the settings in the name of the guitar.

[@ericstockman1627]

Which multi FX unit do you use?

[@richardbarksdale3810]

Thanks Mason 😊 I was really impressed by your experience and knowledge of the eq . So great full. 👍

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@NUNUA]

i would defentily recommend J.Rockett ROCKAWAY Archer as a graphic EQ. 18 volts headroom plus Klon drive circuit

[@VertexEffectsInc]

For an OD, sure, as just an EQ...too much color.

[@NUNUA]

@@VertexEffectsInc when the Rockaway EQ is flat, Gain is off and Volume at unity gain, the pedal is totally transperant. Verified.

[@rjdblues80]

Tom Bukavac! One of the baddest dudes on the planet!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yessir!

[@goodandbadtimes]

David Gilmour. A bona fide master and commander of his truly sublime tones. Bravo!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes indeed!

[@ЮрийШиян-ч8э]

Mason! How are you! I bought your boost mk II. Thank you, great job! It’s not easy to find it in Russia. Think about it. Some people use custom audio boost...

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I'm so glad you dig it! I'm so glad you could find it in Russia! Thank you for watching!

[@stratjed]

Been using a graphic eq (MXR/BOSS) since the early 80s ! Like most guitar gear what was mocked 40 yrs ago is now red hot . P90s was also a big surprise here in the future, NO body liked them back in the day .If they tell ya otherwise their lying .

[@VertexEffectsInc]

They're essential! Thanks for watching!

[@waynegram8907]

Pink Floyd used Klark Teknik EQ rack mount units in the 70's and alembic EQ, if you listen to david gilmours 72 pompeii clean up tone its an alembic bass preamp which is based on a fender dual showman amplifier preamp and eq. The main thing to focus on is the "clean up tone" gilmour is specializing in on 1972 pompeii because its not the strats volume set at 10 max straight direct into a hiwatt amplifier to get his clean tone. There is a big difference between a guitars clean tone compared to a "clean up tone". I'm not sure what guitar EQ pedal comes close to an 70's alembic EQ or Klark Teknik EQ but try to find out

[@jonathanbyrdmusic]

You, Josh Scott, Brian Wampler- y'all are all great guitar players too. Thanks for all the info!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I’ll put my money on them as guitar players 🎸🎸🎸

[@FreddysFrets]

I've had a Boss GE-6 on my pedalboard since 1981. Switched over to a modded GE-7 later....it's quieter, but doesn't sound quite as good as the GE-6. Always keep the same setting as a solo boost in front of a tube amp...an upside down smiley face, boosting mids and slightly cutting the lowest freq. I would give up my King of Tone before the EQ pedal.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

EQ for life!

[@FreddysFrets]

@@VertexEffectsInc Well...yeah, I guess I AM pretty old! lol

[@RobMods]

One of my favourite ways to use an EQ pedal is stacking it directly in front of a transparent overdrive or fairly neutral distortion. If you set it flat at first and set the gain so it is just crunchy, then crank one of the EQ bands. 800 will give a really chewy rhythm sound, 400 gives that cocked wah sort of tone. Boosting the bass and scooping the mids with only mild distortion gives a really nice bass guitar overdrive. I like this combo so much, I even modded an EQ pedal with a simple hard clipper on its output. Very versatile, especially in the studio...

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I suppose it depends on the inherent EQ of the overdrive...there aren't so many that don't have some coloration inherently, especially with your specific amp and tube pairings.

[@GerryBlue]

Wow, one Eq for each drive pedal for Gilmour, that's rich

[@azmike3572]

Tip: If the pedal's ON all the time and you only change the settings between (not during) songs, it might be more practical to mount it, for example, to the side of your mic stand, instead of having to get down on one knee to change the settings each time.

[@LewWelchThePoet]

Another excellent and easy to understand video on a subject that others turn into a bewildering mess. Thank you.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@I-t-s-Me]

I have to EQ for two different environments. One being practice volume and the other stage volume. Volume has a huge impact on how my ears perceive tone.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice...that's actually an application that more people should consider, thanks for sharing this!

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

The best EQ pedal still is the now discontinued ParaEQ by Empress, which was essentially a rack EQ in a pedal. Anoher trick to thin out humbuckers is to slant the pickups so the pickup is closer to the higher strings and away from them on the bass side.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Such a bummer!

[@eze8024]

Ge7 is probably my favorite, easily one of my favorite, pedals. Gain up on a Marshall and a Ge7 to boost the front end, and shape the sound, sounds so good

[@triple_r_va]

Already thought about buying this bad boy, since I want a Lo-fi feel to my guitar playing. It's going to be one of the few that'll make it on my first pedal board! Great review!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Rock on!

[@dkerwood1]

For a long time I ran an eq with just a few midrange frequencies boosted, highs and lows cut, and level cut. I'd use it at the beginning of the set as a lo-fi, am radio, cocked wah type effect which I clicked off as soon as the band came in.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice! Thanks for watching!

[@search895]

I was commenting this with friends yesterday. I got that pedal and I never tried all its possibilities.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yea!

[@vekii677]

Hi, Mason, thanks for the awesome video! Do you know if BOSS adressed the noisiness in the new GE-7s? I can't find the info on this anywhere, but I've heard Bukovac say the new ones aren't noisy anymore as they used to be. Thanks!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

They may have gone to a quieter IC chip, but the EQ bands I think are still the same and not as consolidated as the XTS version that more guitar frequency specific.

[@Les537]

I suppose the most versatile pedal would be one of those digital ones that do everything including an EQ section. If I could have only one pedal it would be a dirty boost like a klon thing or a mild fuzz like the fulltone 69 fuzzface thing. If I could have two I'd stick a wah in front of that first one! I guess an EQ would be handy if you are in a cover band trying to match many tones without carrying many guitars, or if you are in a touring band with a long catalog of songs to recreate, or goofing in the studio for something different.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, pedals like the EQ2 or Boss EQ200 are very versatile if you're OK with them being digital.

[@daysthrumycam]

I've found it to induce extra noise into the chain. I'd say its probably the wiring in my house but Boss EQ-20 works just fine and does so much more (of course at more than twice the price).

[@luthiervandros]

People run from this pedal because it solves problems and forces people to focus on playing.

[@juancarlossuarez7486]

*and hearing

[@VertexEffectsInc]

More so of the Parametric EQ pedals ;)

[@sambeer9265]

Don't hear much about people using eq as a signal cut for master volume or single channel amps for a kind of clean channel. That's how I use it. Sovtek mig 100 is a beast but sometimes even in rock n roll and puck stuff ya need to clean it up and an eq is perfect for that as well. Great video btw!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

That would make it more like a fix VP in that sense...using it to attenuate volume on a NMV amp.

[@sambeer9265]

@@VertexEffectsInc well my sovtek has a master volume, but only one channel, same as a JCM 800 and such, so the eq is a great option for me to clean up the sound a bit. Never thought of it as an attenuator, but yea I suppose that's what's happening

[@johntoland3520]

@@sambeer9265 how?

[@sambeer9265]

@@johntoland3520 I had the mxr 10band eq and you could cut the vol and gain down however many dBs and it would effectively clean up the sound a bit. Worked perfectly for quieter/cleaner parts in songs. I'm in a punk band btw so maybe that's not a great option for all styles. I have a boss eq now and the gain doesn't cut as much but it's essentially the same deal and saves space on my board

[@mhoff7722]

Good video. I've been using my GE7 in the loop of my amps for a clean-lead-volume boost for years. Does the trick well. 🤘🤘🤘

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Depends on the loop, but yes! Good option in some amps depending on the level.

[@jsk8et]

I once heard Pete Thorne say something to the effect of that the perfect Les Paul is basically a telecaster on steroids I think using an EQ to shape one does sound like the other helps to_that point.

[@search895]

I watched some video they said you can simulate different pickups with the eq pedal. I'm gonna try it.

[@harveycan5820]

I admire and respect Pete but I think they are pretty different instruments. The woods, the bolt-on v. set neck, pickups, headstock, etc. The LP pickups and tailpiece underwent a fair amount of change for the first 5-6 years before settling in by 57-58, too. But, ok, an LP is a solid-body with a beefier sound and more sustain. I guess. Is that steroids? Lol I did an album and played almost all the guitar parts with a Heritage H-140 that had the Schaller pickups. Was playing through a Gibson Goldtone GA-15R amp. Just with settings on amp and guitar and touch, I could get a hefty LP sound, or a Strat sound, or even a ringing, chimey Rickenbacker sound. It was quite surprisingly versatile. I used the Ric 12 but that is a different beast. Nothing else sounds like that!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yea!

[@ericleary5075]

I’m using a Boogie Fillmore 25 and a Thinline Tele as my go to in my band. The fillmore tends to have an upper mids focus. I’ve tried a separate cabinet to get more bottom end with not a lot of luck. Long story short, where would YOU put an eq in the chain for a base tone on an amp like that? Great video, as always! Thanks

[@Gibson1976uk]

I have always had an EQ pedal in my rig! used the Boss GE-7 for years! I know use the Empress Paraeq deluxe which had never left my board :)

[@Polentaccio]

I could be wrong but I feel Randy Rhoads used his EQ BEFORE that beast of a distortion + to first shape what he wanted from the amp before pushing it with more gain. That's what has worked best for me on my board with a NMV. Anyway, EQ's are fantastic. Wish boss would reissue that GE-10

[@VertexEffectsInc]

He was impacting more of how the guitar was hitting the pedal and less on how it was hitting the amp. It's almost like a boost pedal at that point with some EQ.

[@Polentaccio]

@@VertexEffectsInc Good point! so simple yet nobody has really been able to cop it. Altecs are a huge part of the sound as well but his live tones are cutting and thick. I get close but never there!

[@PackinForSuperbowl]

Another thing I don't see enough is for a lead boost, you can just set a GE-7 (or any passive volume) to where it's attenuating when it's on (usually works best in the loop if getting distortion from amp) for your rhythm volume, then actually turn the pedal off to get to a lead volume.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Stock, many loops will clip this pedal - doesn't handle line level that well in some instances and since there is no standard on effects loops this could be problematic.

[@PackinForSuperbowl]

@@VertexEffectsInc Mine isn't stock. This isn't something I do often anymore (I'm perfectly happy with my Kemper these days) but I've used my GE-7 (Kinnatone modded) and a passive attenuator in the loop of my 6505+ and it worked like a charm. It's best not to have a HUGE volume difference but enough. It's likely more of a tool for heavy music

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@PackinForSuperbowl It'll just be super amp dependent. The EVH/6505 is a passive loop as I recall.

[@PackinForSuperbowl]

@@VertexEffectsInc of course. Everything in this project we do is gear dependent. Is your expectation that I put that same disclaimer on every comment? I don't understand the pushback.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@PackinForSuperbowl didn't mean it as push back - just a statement of what is so. The ultimate test is trying it. I know some pedals, even the standards in a loop putting out +4 with no volume attenuation option can often overload the Boss buffer preamps (JFET) even with the pedals off and get clipping. I'm sure the mod helps here with the headroom. I'll have to try one with my Peavey 5150 and the XTS to see how it does comparatively. Thanks for the share here.

[@friedrudibega6384]

Essential absolutely. Especially if your using back line.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching! Hope we earned your subscription!

[@ImYourOverlord]

Such a valuable and versatile pedal! I recently added one to my arsenal, and it's currently over at Alchemy Audio for some sweet mod goodness, along with my Dyna Comp :)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great to hear!

[@PuRe_AdDicT]

Great videos! Subbed :) I had a stock GE-7 in my amp effects loop for the longest time as a lead boost, a little noisy, but it never failed to lift me up for solos. I only replaced it when Source Audio released the EQ2, and at the same time I changed my setup to include a switcher (ES5). These 2 devices are made for each other. I use the first EQ2 loop for basic tone shaping and the second loop of the EQ2 (it has 2 mono loops or 1 stereo) in my fuzz pedal loop (after fuzz). I can get boost>fuzz or drive(parallel)fuzz settings without bending down to change my single fuzz pedal, its like a midi-recallable fuzz pedal :) Boss really missed a trick not making a Waza version of the GE-7.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for the sub!

[@datooch]

I love the content man. Do you have any best practice tips you can share for safely removing zip ties without harming the cables/wires underneath them?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching! The snips we recommend have a rounded side opposite of cutting side to protect the cables. Generally I recommend coming into the zip tie perpendicular to the cabling, and pushing the wire snip through the zip tie and visually ensuring that it's only grabbing the zip tie and not any cable before you cut through.

[@LoudGuitarSounds]

I used to run 10+ pedals, now, JHS Double Barrel > Revv G3 > new MXR 10 band > Julia V2… buy an EQ pedals. Now!

[@waynegosson1793]

I use a 2 slot rack eq 31 dual 31 band. 1 channel is in front. 2 channel is in effects loop at the end

[@brianwarner308]

you remind me of that one actor from The Kids in the Hall....the one that loves The Doors in that skit...

[@dallastoto3189]

This had the potential to be a very good vid . Unfortunately for me it wasn’t. The #1 reason is failure to show the EQ settings when demonstrating it’s tonal capacities. If the settings were shown it would have been very useful. ☮️ cheers mate

[@PJBGuitars]

As NoelG said on another “pedal” channel- What are the settings?😂

[@JKM395]

For anybody thinking about it, just go ahead and buy one. Let's face it, there are more interesting pedals out there, but an EQ really is one of the most versatile things you can own, and the entry price is very reasonable. Personally, I use the MXR 10 band, but you can't go wrong with the Boss he showed here or the others he mentioned. Just make sure you get a decent one. You'll probably never have to buy another.

[@Doubrelle]

Hey bro is that a Rory Gallagher Strat your using! - Great vid its a game changer that pedal use it with my strat every gig

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes it is!

[@thomasrobinson182]

I have that exact pedal. Next to compression, the most useful.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Heck yea!

[@jessieplaysmusic8530]

It’s the empress buffer+ on your approved buffer list ? I got one for cheap a few weeks ago, and love the difference. Would love to hear your opinion on the type of buffer / if it’s good enough to your specs ! Thanks man

[@VertexEffectsInc]

It's not bad, but a little higher output impedance than recommended.

[@jessieplaysmusic8530]

@@VertexEffectsInc should I turn the impedance? I believe is had a side pot you can turn with a screwdriver to adjust that. Also thank you 🙏🏻

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@jessieplaysmusic8530 If there is an impedance correction it would be for the input impedance, not the output impedance.

[@jessieplaysmusic8530]

@@VertexEffectsInc perfect, thank you so much. I really appreciate your willingness to give out information.

[@Tone2town]

The Doctor dropping some old skool knowledge . 😎

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@madhatter7862]

Been watching you for a bit, building a bass rig; Funny you mention Tommy Bokovac, he grew up next to my mother and father in law from Willowick Ohio.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice! Tom is great!!!

[@peatmarshnotfound]

Love this. Beautiful strat choice. Rory used a treble boost and even influenced Brian May. What's going on?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@Nate-hq8no]

I see there are black label Ge-7’s sold separately online, are they significantly different than newer ge-7’s? Thanks for your video, love your media and products!

[@fuzzchan]

People say the tone of the various models are slightly different. Some say newest ones have more noise. I have a 1988 Made in Japan GE7 and it's great.

[@kevinfepstein]

Man still love that Dynamic Distortion . Need to put it back on my board

[@Guitarman007]

I use two 10 band analog eq that cover diff freqs, thus essentially 20 bands and is very close to parametric. This is how you get ok to good tone to the next level of phenomenal, especially within diff acoustic environments. Even better when these can be controlled via midi.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Parametric also allows you to adjust the Q which the traditional sliders don't - also they can impact each other so the sliders can interact in a way that doesn't allow you to as surgically adjust everything.

[@Guitarman007]

@@VertexEffectsInc that's right. You can't adjust Q individually. Howver, because the bands are so close, being 20 band, when you push two or more that are next to each other up or down together you effectively widen the Q. Additionally, if you push two next to each other in opposite directions you effectively narrow the Q. It is still not as fine as parametric, but the difference is negligeable.

[@rikkousa]

After reading this I am kinda bummed I sold my Wampler parametric Eq;) I did pick up a 20 band EQ by mxr

[@tobins6800]

I use an eq in the loop to de-woof darker low low mid focused distorted tones.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

If your eq can take the level of your loop, many can’t

[@eyetalic]

The GE 7 is even more amazing sounding if you get it modded with better op amps. But it has to be plugged in because it demolishes batteries.