I'm definitely not an electronics expert, so bear with me on this possibly silly question:
On my Session 400 I prefer using the 2nd, lower-gain input - I get a noticeably sweeter sound out if than the 1st input. But obviously, 2nd isn't as loud, and I mostly play unmic'd bar gigs where I need a lot of volume.
Is there a way to use some kind of boost or buffer pedal and still go through that 2nd input to get more volume, but keep the same tonal sweetness? Or if you do that, are you still just adding gain levels in a roundabout way and winding up the same as the 1st input?
It makes sense, but every different gain stage will affect timbre.
I like using the Mahoney Buzz Boost, which is in a duo-pack with my Buzz Tone, descendant of the Boss Tone.
The boost seems to be around a 6dB boost, AND has both a bass and a treble knob, giving me a small amount of active EQ at the guitar.
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects
Lane that was a great demo. The effect sound good and not at all what I thought is was for. I really liked the way it thickens the tone. Thanks for posting.
If you examine the circuit the only difference between inputs #1 and #2 is added resistance at the input on the latter side, which also affects the amp's input impedance and thus the pickup loading, which can tend to darken the tone a bit. Using a gain boost device through the #2 input to get the same volume as the #1 input is just adding extra noise and toys, i.e. turning it up to turn it back down. If you wish to load the pickup differently the impedance shift can also be accomplished with a SGBB, Izzy, Matchbox, etc. buffering device between guitar and VP.
Dave Grafe wrote: 20 Nov 2025 8:42 am
If you examine the circuit the only difference between inputs #1 and #2 is added resistance at the input on the latter side, which also affects the amp's input impedance and thus the pickup loading, which can tend to darken the tone a bit. Using a gain boost device through the #2 input to get the same volume as the #1 input is just adding extra noise and toys, i.e. turning it up to turn it back down. If you wish to load the pickup differently the impedance shift can also be accomplished with a SGBB, Izzy, Matchbox, etc. buffering device between guitar and VP.
The Sarno Freeloader is also a great device for impedance shifting.
Lee, from South Texas - Down On The Rio Grande
There are only two options as I see it.
Either I'm right, or there is a sinister conspiracy to conceal the fact that I'm right.
