Quest for the perfect tone.

jazzjew7890 · #1 11-20-2011, 08:23 AM

Its been awhile since I've posted, sorry.

College auditions are quickly approaching and I will beat myself up for the rest of my life if these auditions are not perfect.

The last thing left on my check list is tone...
I've currently been using an Orange Crush 30 watt the clean tone is decent but it still lacks an impressionable tone. (if that makes sense) So I'm looking toward making an investment into a new amp. Money is tight so Rivera Amps are completely out of the question and these Polytone/Henriksen amps are pricey as well. Now for the questions:
1. Can anyone tell me anything about an Ibanez Wholetone 80w?
2. Where can I buy a NEW Polytone/Henriksen for the best price? *I've looked at used models but ebay is sketchy.*

marcwhy · #2 11-20-2011, 09:17 AM

Hi,
Reading your whole post, I would say this: you're focusing on the wrong thing.

I'm guessing you're between 17-19 years old, and you're just starting college, so you don't "need" pro gear, you need something that works.

Also, if you need your audition to be "perfect," your amp is not going to do that -- your practicing will help, though. [Is it standard at your school to have guitarists bring an amp to an audition? That sounds odd ...]

This being said, there have been some good reviews of the Ibanez around here.

"Break a string" on your audition; where are you applying?

Marc

jzucker · #3 11-20-2011, 09:29 AM

perfect tone is as much in your hands as it is the equipment. You could use metheny's rig but wouldn't get this tone unless you can play on that level.

cjm · #4 11-20-2011, 10:29 AM

For the sake of discussion, let's say that "perfect tone," is not only achievable, but also something that would make a big difference in getting into this program.

If so, the first thing you would want to do is find a different college to attend, because this one has a music department staffed with fools.

But, as others already posted, it's unlikely they are expecting that from you.

jorgemg1984 · #5 11-20-2011, 10:54 AM

If you really need a better amp for a one-time occasion ask someone to lend you an amp. Buying an amp in a rush decision is the worst thing you can do...

As people stated above I don't see the need of an amp for a college audition. They will have amps there for sure and I am positive they will provide a decent sounding one. And the juri will focus on your playing not the sound of the amp I hope...

kenbennett · #6 11-20-2011, 11:01 AM

Ah, The Quest... The real goal of any quest, self-knowledge, is always different from the stated goal of the quest, which is sometimes not even achieved. Even when the stated goal is achieved, it always turns out to be insignificant compared to the self-knowledge.

cosmic gumbo · #7 11-20-2011, 12:38 PM

I don't think you'd be allowed to use your own amp at an audition.

seanlowe · #8 11-20-2011, 12:51 PM

Had to bring my own amp for mine. Couldnt hurt getting a decent one either, you'll be using one when ur on the course and a crush wont be loud enough for a lot of practises (9+ pieces.)

Wouldn't class it as a 100% necessity though, if your clean tone is ok with the orange then try it with new strings in a moderately big room, might sound great with a little tweak or two.

If you do get a new one, get a small one like an AAD or small polytone, dont get a big, 1500w one cos its :awesome: you'll be lugging it round all day, and a big amp gets very, very old very, very fast.

yo its kyleT · #9 11-20-2011, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmic gumbo

I don't think you'd be allowed to use your own amp at an audition.

I haven't come across a college audition that lets you bring an amp. Most are a "guitar and cable" kind of deal. They usually try and push everyone through as fast as they can and have no interest in sitting while people set up their rigs.

hot ford coupe · #10 11-20-2011, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yo its kyleT

I haven't come across a college audition that lets you bring an amp. Most are a "guitar and cable" kind of deal. They usually try and push everyone through as fast as they can and have no interest in sitting while people set up their rigs.

Do they even give you time to tune your guitar or do they short you on that too?

chancho · #11 11-21-2011, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzucker

perfect tone is as much in your hands as it is the equipment. You could use metheny's rig but wouldn't get this tone unless you can play on that level.

So true............i learned That lesson the EXPENSIVE way....

fep · #12 11-21-2011, 11:25 PM

When I did a college audition it was:

A chair and a twin reverb set up facing a table with 6 professors behind it.

You couldn't set up your own amp.

tonedeaf · #13 11-21-2011, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzjew7890

Its been awhile since I've posted, sorry.

College auditions are quickly approaching and I will beat myself up for the rest of my life if these auditions are not perfect.

This attitude really ups the chances of failure; the tension from the fear that you might fail because something wasn't perfect will show up in your playing. A musical instrument cannot be played well when you (or anyone else) is tense.

Forget being perfect and put the time into gaining:
1) A razor sharp focus -- just you and the instrument, make everything else go away.
2) Relaxation -- let everything that is in you get out, don't bottle yourself up with fear and tension.

Good luck, I wish I could be in your position.