Distortion Level

[Cygnus X1]

Where are you?
I've found myself dialing back.

Building...learning...it's a real process.
I've always taken note of that sound where the guitar isn't all too distorted but gets a singing sustain quality straight off the rig.

Sometimes it will include a dizzying array of effects (Gilmour, Lifeson).
Others, it's in the hands of a master (Uli Jon Roth, Blackmore).

I had a revealing experience between the experience of the 5E3 tweed Deluxe, the 5C3 Deluxe, and FINALLY getting the old '67 Deluxe Reverb sounding like it was meant to.
I found a place where just a great guitar, a decent cable, and a well tuned amp just sings!
I think really the first place I found that tone was the Spitfire I built point to point.

Another thing I found out, that I sort of knew, but forgot-tunes like Stranglehold were recorded on a Tweed Deluxe. Steely Dan, the old albums, Joe Walsh (Rocky Mountain Way and so forth)...just that little beast with a minimum of effects, just dialed up enough to get it.
Jimmy Page was notorious for picking up oddball 15-20 watt Valco's, Supros and such for recording.

One thing they always say and it is so true-once you hit that territory it will reveal all of your weaknesses.
But when it is good, it is truly great!
The amp speaks to the guitar, the guitar to your touch.

Noticed it also on the SEL-the low watt build that it is designed primarily for high gain, has an awesome sensitivity with the gains dialed back.
And I am dialing back more and more.

I doubt if I ever will stick with chime-clean except for a few tunes...what is your experience with this?