Case in point: The Blues Breaker -2
Simplicity - Three dials and two switches.
Blues/Boost - switch
Tone - Treble bleed
Drive - Self explanatory
Volume - Your new master volume control - use it to match undriven levels with driven ones.
The second iteration - it added the 'boost' versus 'blues' switch - two levels of drive. (Very similar in approach taken by the Satchurator) Naturally the cork sniffers will pooh pooh this.
I've seen the original going for $100 and the new model at $70.
When Musician's Friend had it for $39.95, I pounced.
Good grief but this thing is perfect matched with my SG. When played through a Pro Junior I had a very wide palette from which to choose. The 'Blues' setting is very reminiscent of early John Mayall, hence the moniker.
It is also somewhat misleading in that it is a higher level of drive than the 'Boost' setting.
The 'Tone' knob was easy to set and then ignore. As stated, it is just a treble bleed. I left it at '12. o'clock.'
'Drive' has the ability at low setting to give that little punch to the bottom of any chord. When dialed up it makes the amp sound like it really is on breakup...all the while the Pro Junior was humming on '4'.
'Volume' knobs on most ODs are easy to match to non OD levels.
Major Faux Pas. The 'Blues' 'Boost' switch is a rotary knob to match the three others. Meaning you must use your hand to switch modes.This REALLY should be a second foot switch, ala the Satchurator.
The manual is the standard fare from Marshall - every manual opens with Jim explaining his personal music philosophy...a regular British documentary. And utterly useless.
Suggested settings belong in fan magazines.
"You mean if I put the drive on '6' I will sound exactly like Clapton on 'Badge'?"
Yeah, except is was Harrison that did the killer work on that song.
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