Taylor T5 ABY setup

[oleijon]

Hi guys.
I am experimenting a bit regarding my T5 setup and are currently awaiting my latest order to arrive and therefore have a bit of time for daydreaming. I have the following gear: T5 Standard, Boss ME 80 and Fishman Loudbox mini. The ME 80 is mainly used for positions 3-5 and the magnetic pickups to get the electric sound, but I am experimenting with modulating the acoustic pickups as well.

I was thinking of using an A/B/Y switch to send my guitar signals to the two different inputs of the Loudbox, almot-but-not-quite using a dual amp setup (but with just one amp), the instrument input for the acoustic work and the microphone input for the Boss ME80. What are your thoughts on this? Has anyone tried this with a Loudbox or similar amp?

[ericjungemann]

I've done something similar except substitute an iPad for the Boss.

Worked great.  Obviously the Loudbox is a full range amplifier vs. an electric amp.

So, the electric stuff is being done purely with modeling.  So, all the usual T5 sound caveats apply.  It was fine for me.

Eric

[oleijon]

I've done something similar except substitute an iPad for the Boss.

Worked great.  Obviously the Loudbox is a full range amplifier vs. an electric amp.

So, the electric stuff is being done purely with modeling.  So, all the usual T5 sound caveats apply.  It was fine for me.

Eric

Thanks!

Not really sure I understand the "all the usual T5 sound caveats apply" really means though...

Oskar

[Captain Jim]

I guess I am not understanding the advantage of running both inputs to the same amp.  I use an A/B/Y pedal occasionally with my T5, but the advantage of that is to get the sound difference between and acoustic and electric amp.  It would seem to make more sense to me to run that ME-80 after the splitter to get the blend of the acoustic and electric sound.

That said, I don't really use pedals for effects, so maybe I am just not understanding what you are after.

Jim

[oleijon]

I guess I am not understanding the advantage of running both inputs to the same amp.  I use an A/B/Y pedal occasionally with my T5, but the advantage of that is to get the sound difference between and acoustic and electric amp.  It would seem to make more sense to me to run that ME-80 after the splitter to get the blend of the acoustic and electric sound.

That said, I don't really use pedals for effects, so maybe I am just not understanding what you are after.

Jim

Thanks for your input.

The idea is that I want to use the ME 80 modulation effects on both the acoustic and the electric signals. And the reason for splitting it int the first place is that that I can shape the acoustic sound one way on the amp in the instrument channel, and the electric signal differently on the microphone channel.

But that is still just a theory, it might be better to just run it one way, thus my question.

Oskar

[Edward]

I'm going to guess that all the "mic" inputs of these units (I used to own an UltraSound with said mic input) are EQd for a mic ...as in vocal accompaniment.  Running a guit signal into it likely will not get you what you want.  If I were to hazard to guess, I'd say it would be bright and fizzy on the top and potentially boomy for the bottom as a "mic" input is designed for capturing the crispness and full range of a voice, and not the "voicing" of an electric guitar.  But heck, give it a try and tell us what ya think.

Better yet: go with a real electric guitar amp, preferably a low-watt tube amp.  Along with the Boss, a real guit amp will deliver the tonal goods that I think you're looking for in your T5.  The A/B/Y (or really all you need is a good A/B box) is simply trying to achieve  the best acoustic tone through the acoustic amp, and the best electric tone through the other.  That really is where I'd go, personally. 

Edward

[ericjungemann]

Oskar,

The usual caveats on the T5 is that it has its own sound.  It can sound similar to a strat/tele or Les Paul but isn't really a substitute.  It will sound similar to a full body acoustic as well but really it has its own 'acoustic' sound. 

For me, running the electric side through a processor allows a full range of electric effects that essentially, on the output side, mimic electric amps through models (in my case an iPad with Garageband, in Oskar's case a dedicated guitar effects processor. . . and on the other channel with the 'acoustic' sounds that the Mini is famous for.  The sounds from each channel as as distinct as a mike and guitar through the same amp.  Splitting to two amps obviously adds separation and additional tonal options but not as easy to move around and set up.

I had a great deal of fun with it all and (but) it helped me decide that I was really an acoustic guy at heart so I traded it for a Taylor GS acoustic.  However, nothing in that decision takes away from how awesome the T5 is.  Wonderfully built, huge flexibility (particularly in a band), and a fantastic neck.  So much innovation.

If that makes sense.

Eric

[oleijon]

Thanks for your input!

I just want to say that I really love my T5. I´ve never been that into the Les Pauls, but I have owned a few Stratocasters (and a Rickenbacker) and are currently still hanging on to my Telecaster, but to be honest, It is the T5 that I really love. I am not a tonal purist at all, I just want it to sound good, and be able to squeeze out acoustic, clean (but modulated) electric, and overdriven electric sounds from my rig, but still keeping it small and easy to move. The Fishman is supposed to bring out the acoustic part of the T5 and that´s where I want to "invest". The other option would be a Zoom A3 and a monitor type of amp.

/Oskar

[barefooter]

I enjoy reading threads about the T5 because I have one.  I know, like it has been stated so many times before in many threads that it is not a Les Paul or a Strat, but I feel that is the beauty of the guitar.  You can obtain such a wide array of sounds from it.  I know many guitarist that will only have a Strat, or a Les Paul, or some other guitar who indicate "this" is the only guitar a guitarist needs.  For each of them, this means they are favoring the tones produced by that guitar.  I love each of those guitars and what they bring to the table, but at the same time, I love my T5 and the possibilities it gives.  For the record, I had a Gibson SG that I gave to my son or else I'd still have it (loved playing rock on it).  I am waiting to get a Strat now because I've never owned one and I enjoy what they do.  I have many friends with one or the other of these two guitars and they are great guitars.

With all the above being said, I've used an ABY box with my T5.  I've only ran it through an electric modeling amp and a PA.  Sometimes I have used the one amplification source alone and at other times I have used both together while playing the T5.  It basically depended upon what songs were being played at the time.  My setup is simple and has worked well in the past.  The style music I play when using this setup is gospel.

 

[dcopper]

Running an A/B setup in the same amp will work fine. It is nice to mix the clean acoustic tones with the electric tones.The easier setup would be to run two amps but this is a good second choice. I have done it many times with one amp and it is a cool effect - like having two guitars. Experiment with distortion and clean acoustic tones. It is a matter of balance and what sounds good to your ear. I don't use any distortion or overdrive but mix a clean electric tone with a good acoustic tone. It is a sweet mix on a T5.
have fun,
davidc