Old Electric Blues Sound

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WisconsinBluesman
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Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2014 9:35 pm

Old Electric Blues Sound

Post by WisconsinBluesman »

The old electric bluesmen - Hooker, Taylor, Hopkins, etc. My question is: how do they get that primitive sound? I mean it sounds like they are using maybe a hollowbody electric thru an old cheap amp with holes punched in the speaker cones. I would love to duplicate that sound. Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks.
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Blindboy
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Re: Old Electric Blues Sound

Post by Blindboy »

What equipment do you have? I can nail that sound with my '52 Gibson ES-125, or my Epiphone Casino, through one of several old and new tube amps.
"Throw yo' big leg over me Mama, I might not feel this good again!"
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12bar
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Re: Old Electric Blues Sound

Post by 12bar »

:welcome:
Also consider, that the recording technology wasn't at the level we have today and has changed the sound a lot...
WisconsinBluesman
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Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2014 9:35 pm

Re: Old Electric Blues Sound

Post by WisconsinBluesman »

I have a Casino, a Lucille, a Country Gentleman, an LP, Tele and Strat, and a 66 Rick 365. My amps are a Bugera V5 and a VoxAC4C1.How do you suggest I get the sound with this gear? Or do I need another kind of amp? Thanks.
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Blindboy
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Re: Old Electric Blues Sound

Post by Blindboy »

I am not familiar with either one of your amps, but you might try this. Take your Casino on the neck pickup with all knobs turned to max, and, possibley, your Bugera, and set it for a clean sound at living room volume, then turn it up to gigging volume. Then play with fingers or fingerpicks. A lot of sound comes more from the player than the gear.
"Throw yo' big leg over me Mama, I might not feel this good again!"
WisconsinBluesman
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Jul 15, 2014 9:35 pm

Re: Old Electric Blues Sound

Post by WisconsinBluesman »

Blindboy - Thanks. Your suggestions on the setup of the Casino makes sense. I am surprised you say to set the amp up for a clean sound - I would have thought the gain knob should be set high for an overdriven sound. I will play with it. The Bugera is a better choice - the Vox with it's 'Top Boost' is just too bright even with the treble turned down. BTW, I am getting a VHT Special 6 Combo - that supposedly has a darker sound. Your suggestion about using fingers makes sense too. Thanks again.
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