Effects Loop in an Express?

[mumford]

Has anyone here added an effects loop to an express? It seems like the other half of that 12ax7 should be useful for something, but I don't have the know-how to dive in.

[BBQLS1]

I Think:

It could be added much like any other FX loop like on a Marshall. There's probably info on this on the Metro Amps forum and maybe 18watt.com.

The downside is that it will probably kill some of the nuances of a Trainwreck when used.

[Allynmey]

It does seem to be unfortunately, that any changes with respect to loops, Master Volume, or other changes does seriously effect the TW tone. I'm not saying you can't make a 'wreck with those things and not have it sound great, It just loses "that" TW sound. I think with all the BS that has passed around the internet from some people giving misinformation in the earlier days of the "TW Tone Quest". Most people don't know what a wreck sounds like. Glen's clips help alot but, it's different than being in a room cranked with one. Not to mention every wreck sounds a little different

There is a chime when played clean and a singing quality that happens when it is cranked. It's hard to describe it unless you hear it.

Maybe we need to organize a "wreck off" to get some real ones in a room together!

[mumford]

Hmmm. I really like my express, but I am a delay addict, and going from clean to dirty in the front end makes echo levels change a lot.

[leaveitalone84]

Hmmm. I really like my express, but I am a delay addict, and going from clean to dirty in the front end makes echo levels change a lot.

Check out the Mad Prof. Deep Blue Delay. I've heard some good things about people using them with Expresses. They are voiced for distortion and are very quiet. I will probably be picking one up myself in a few months.

[Lonely Raven]

Maybe we need to organize a "wreck off" to get some real ones in a room together!

That would be fun, simply to build awareness of what that tone *is*.

I'd love put to my TW clone up next to a *real* KF TW just to see what I have to strive for.

Glen's clips are great, and they make me feel like I'm getting there on my TW, but I really want to hear and feel a real TW.

[novosibir]

I'd recommend, to use any power killer like a THD HotPlate or similar with a line out, don't set the device to any attenuating, 1:1 through! From the line out to your effects device - and from there to any other amp into the Effects return or into the Clean input.

But keep in mind: Playing an Wreck with effects is bordering to blasphemy


=> http://www.trainwreck.com/

Larry

[mumford]

That's an interesting idea, I use a hotplate with my express all the time. hmm...