Bill Dutcher – Modern Acoustic Guitarist

Applying effects to your sound can add a whole new dimension.  I like using big reverb sounds but sometimes the guitar can get lost in the mix.  If you have ever run across a parameter in your reverb unit called pre-delay you should try this.

Try using setting in the 50ms to 80ms range.  Pre-delay determines the amount of time it takes for the reveb effect to kick in.  It makes it sound as if the guitar is more in front of you or ‘in your face’ while this huge reverb sound is way off in the distance.  Without it the guitar can sound a little muddy, but if that’s what your going for do it!  Some rack mount units have lo-cut and hi-cut filters.  When using big room reverb sounds trying using the lo-cut filter.  It limits how much of the low-end signal is processed by the effect and can reduce rumble and low-end feedback.  When using the hi-cut it can take off the harshness to the signal and give more clarity to the upper register notes as you play.  Start twisting knobs and see what you come up with!