After experimenting with different set-ups over many many years, I think I have tried most things from Pedals, to different amp combinations to a full rack set-up. I would say it has been an organic process and none of these systems, so far, has ever provided me with what I was looking for 100%. Other considerations I have had are due to regular gigging, and the fact that I am now getting fed up of carrying large amps and tons of gear up and downstairs at all hours of the day and night.Recently, I went for the all in one Line 6 Flextone III XL 2 x 12 and FBV Shortboard foot-controller (I have to say the amp was HEAVY!), and whilst it provided me with the all in one solution I was looking for, I could just not get the tone I was looking for out of it. I know there is the endless debate about tubes etc, but yes to me there is something about cranking up a tube amp and the responsiveness it provides. I find the amp-modellers too sterile. So it was back to the drawing board. I love my Marshall JMP-1 and Marshall EL34 50-50 to bits, but as I mentioned, taking a 4 unit rack (with TC-Electronics G-major and Behringer FCB-1010 foot-controller) and Marshall 1936 2 x 12 cab, floor switch and pedals was just getting a bit much, I knew there had to be an easier, lighter, and smaller solution. Enter the Tech 21 - Trademark 60!
I have been using the Trademark 10 and Sansamp GT2 for many many years, and think they are great in the studio (and the Trademark 10 can hold it’s own at most rehearsals!), but obvsiously it is a bit small for a gig. So last year I picked up the Trademark 60 after getting rid of the Line 6, and I haven’t looked back. I have written a full review on the Trademark 60, click here for details. It is an amazing amplifier, and does have 90% of the sounds I am looking for (doesn’t do metal metal to well….but then again I am playing less of that these days!), so I am very content! Needless to say this has meant I have gone back to using floor pedals with it (not that many mind!), having sold my Line 6 DL-4 Delay and DM-4 Distortion pedals this year, because once again they just didn’t do it for me, I have found I have returned to my old Boss pedals and I am really enjoying the experience! I think I have been too caught up in the programmable world, and really now enjoy having no presets….just turning the controls to suit what I want.Currently my set-up goes as follows….Ibanez/Strat –> Pedal Board consisting of……-> Jim Dunlop Crybaby Wah -> Boss BD-2 Blues Driver -> Boss SD-2 Super Overdrive -> Boss MT-2 Metal Zone -> Boss GE-7 Graphic Equaliser -> Boss CH-2 Super Chorus -> MXR Phase 90 -> Boss DD-7 Delay (Plus Tap Tempo) -> Boss LS-2 Line Selector ->Band Rig
A - Trademark 60 Amp
B - Boss TU-12H TunerLooping RigA - Behringer Reverb Pedal ->Roger Linn Aderalinn III -> Boss RC-50 Looper -> Trademark 60 Amp
B - Boss TU-12H TunerPictures coming soon!