How To Record With Combo Amps--To Get The Tone You Want--With This Little Twist

I was reading a Guitar Player interview from last year with blues guru John Mayall and his sideman Rocky Athas. They were talking about Mayall's new album which I won't mention here. But what intrigued me in the interview was when Rocky was asked what kind of amps he used on his new album.

I don't have a picture of the amp Rocky used,due to technology kickin' me in the ass at the moment. 

Before we talk about Rocky's amps he used for recording the last Mayall album, for those who don't know Rocky's been a great Texas Blues/Axeman for many years and has always ran his own show. The one thing I found great about Rocky you don't find in many players these days is, he has his own signature tone. If you're a real player or fan of blues you'll hear it in his own material, and Mayall's.

Okay, for players who like to experiment you'll love Rocky's take on how to use a combo amp. He said that he used a Gibson (Lab Series L-5 Combo Amp). Now that's not earth-shattering  but read this. He used the L-5, strictly the head and didn't use the attached 2x12 enclosure in the L-5 combo amp.What Rocky did was channel the signal into a 69' Marshall Cab that had  4x12 25 Watt Celestion Vintage Speakers.

I personally didn't think you could hook a combo amp to a different cabinet. Literally take the signal from the combo head and into another cab, by-passing the L-5 Cabinet. Genius! At least in my books. Rocky also stated, and I'm assuming I'm correct. I've been known to be wrong a lot.I'm  Laughing at myself now.

As well, Rocky said the L-5 was a lousy amp on the road. That should tell you something right there.The amp might be great, but the cabinet might not be able to handle "The heat". Maybe that's why Rocky created that little innovation with the L-5 by hooking it up to a different cabinet.

Other Notes and Gear Info:

 Rocky used 2 Celestion Vintage 30's in the L-5.

 Used a Reverb from a Fender Twin. I'm assuming he used reverb from an amp instead of an effects pedal.

Used an Overdrive Pedal. The OD was used first in the chain before the Twin Reverb.

Players, think about your combo amps and how you could use them differently. Or your amps and cabs that are separate from each other, but could be used differently for a better tone live or in the studio. Think about different types of speakers that would be better in your combo amps possibly.

I'd like to see Rocky's Effects and everything he uses. I'm thinking he doesn't use a lot of effects. I could be wrong once again though.

Go back to your combo and try out these innovations in your tone.

 Mark Grove