matchbox

Jim Whitaker · Post by **Jim Whitaker** » 9 Dec 2001 10:08 am

I am a new player with an old msa s10 semi classic. Do I need a matchbox & if so why??
Ny info would be greatly appreciated.

Glenn Austin · Post by **Glenn Austin** » 9 Dec 2001 12:34 pm

The purpose of a matchbox is to provide a better impedance match between your guitar and your pedal. A pick up is a high impedance device, meaning low current output. The matchbox will turn that high impedance signal into a low impedance one, allowing you to drive longer cables, and improve the frequency response. When I say low impedance I mean higher current output.

There isn't a huge difference in sound quality with and without the matchbox. Where you would really notice it is when you're driving a long cable. You can also accomplish the same thing with a guitar pedal. I don't think a 7A is worth the price, unless you get one used

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 9 Dec 2001 1:05 pm

That is a nice explaination of the Matchbox Glenn......well spoken words of infomation my friend.
Ricky

Roger Andrusky · Post by **Roger Andrusky** » 9 Dec 2001 6:32 pm

Help me out here, guys....
Since I have never used a Matchbox, I assume these are "Active" devices, i.e. they a battery or other power source in them? So...

If the Matchbox matches the impedence between the guitar and the pedal and is good for long cables, when would you have a long cable betweent he guitar and the pedal anyway?

The amp input is a voltage driven device that would see the pedal impedence as 500K or less since the coils are across the pedal pot. A little more info would be appreciated.

Thanks ---Roger

Louie Hallford · Post by **Louie Hallford** » 9 Dec 2001 8:28 pm

Ever since I began using Matchbox ,probably 20 years ago, I have never been satisfied without it. I agree the difference in sound is subtle,but once you use it you will notice the difference IMHO.

Do I notice whether another player is using it just by listening to him? No.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 9 Dec 2001 8:45 pm

Jim...do you need a matchbox? The answer is no. Would you benefit from one? The answer is maybe. Some players swear by them, and others (like myself) seem to do just fine without one. If you have a good amp, and aren't running a lot of cable (over 12'), you'll be just fine. The biggest difference you'll notice using one will be more signal (volume) to play with.

My suggestion would be to forget about gadgets (since you're a new player) and concentrate on learning to play. There is no "gadget" that will make you sound like Buddy or Paul...it's mostly skill that does that. Once you have the basics down, and start to develop your own style and sound, then you can start worrying about the fine points...and start trying out the gadgets.

Jim Whitaker · Post by **Jim Whitaker** » 9 Dec 2001 9:33 pm

Thanks for all the input. But one thing Joe a gadget is a gadget but I am talking about tone. I have played long enough to know that if your tone sux you won't work as hard or as long trying to develop that style or individuality. I am trying to find a way to help myself enjoy what I am hearing to make it easier to set there for hours after hours practicing. Would anyone suggest a new pickup over a matchbox??[This message was edited by Jim Whitaker on 09 December 2001 at 09:34 PM.]

Tim Rowley · Post by **Tim Rowley** » 9 Dec 2001 9:41 pm

Hi Jim,

I believe in keeping things simple. The less stuff in the sound chain, the less to go wrong IMHO. I would therefore concur with Donny Hinson's reply for right now. Should future gigs demand a bigger sound, you might see if there's a way to install a Lawrence 710 or 910 or similar pickup on your MSA, that way you won't have to be dependent on toting a matchbox or similar gadget around.

Having said all that, if someone happens to GIVE you a good matchbox it probably won't hurt to hook it up and give it a try!

"Well I'm sittin' here wonderin' if a matchbox hold my clothes..." (Carl Perkins).
All right, I suppose if you don't have too many clothes a matchbox may fill the bill!

Tim R.

Kenny Forbess · Post by **Kenny Forbess** » 9 Dec 2001 9:55 pm

I use a 7A Goodrich Matchbox.
But if you get one of the volume pedals with it built in, you won't need one.

[This message was edited by KENNY FORBESS on 10 December 2001 at 08:20 AM.]

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 10 Dec 2001 4:17 am

The 7A is most beneficial at the shows where you plug your guitar into a stage-amp. You can make finite adjustments in tone and response with it from your guitar without having to get up and down to tweak the amp. I never use it when I have my own gear.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 10 Dec 2001 8:42 am

I use a MatchBox all the time. It really cleans up the sound. If your pot in your volume pedal is rather scratchy, it does a great job in cleaning that up too! Plus, you have an active volume and tone control. You say, but Erv, I have a foot volume pedal why do I need another control? It is very handy in adjusting your "overall" volume without having to go to your amp.
Buy it! You can never have too much equipment! Soooo much equipment, so little time!
Erv

Steven Knapper · Post by **Steven Knapper** » 10 Dec 2001 9:39 am

There is an old saying that if you use a 7A once, you will never want to play again with out one-------I found that to be true and it does keep it simple.

Joerg Hennig · Post by **Joerg Hennig** » 10 Dec 2001 11:00 am

Where you would really notice it is when you´re driving a long cable.

But why in the world should a steel player want to use a long cable? We can´t leap across the stage like some guitar players do, and in most of the stage setups I´ve seen, the amp is placed pretty close behind the steel.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 10 Dec 2001 2:27 pm

I used to use a Matchbox, until I got Lawrence 710 pickups. I find I get better sound without a Matchbox with these pickups. I have an older MatchBro which has, basically a MatchBox in the bypass position, and a lot of times I will disconnect cables and bypass the MatchBox because of the better sound.

Sage · Post by **Sage** » 10 Dec 2001 6:17 pm

Jim- did you mention what kind of amp you are using? If your amp isn't right, the matchbox won't make much difference.

------------------
T. Sage Harmos
www.harmosmusic.com

Jim Whitaker · Post by **Jim Whitaker** » 10 Dec 2001 8:15 pm

here is a couple more ditbits I am using a older peavy ltd with a new jbl 15 (sounds great with my guitar) & I think I have a single coil p/u It is shaped like a H.

Sam White R.I.P. · Post by **Sam White R.I.P.** » 12 Dec 2001 9:03 pm

I use the goodrich 7-A match box and it gives me great sustain and it makes it sound louder and better. Im also using a Pro Fex II. When i take it off my sound is not as good.Also Tommy (cass) Cassela of Gardner Mass. puts a extra pot in the volume pedal and gives you plenty of punch.A freind of mine had Tommy do his goodrich pedal and there is a small targo switch you can use it or not use it.
Sam White[This message was edited by Samuel E. White on 12 December 2001 at 09:06 PM.]

Joseph V. Sapp · Post by **Joseph V. Sapp** » 13 Dec 2001 11:16 am

OK,,,lets put another log on the fire !!!! I dont use a "Matchbox" but many years ago, I came across a divice called
Lil Izzy, by C.W. Baker Electronics. it plugs straight into your steel, (no Cables) run by a 9 volt battery. dont know whats in this thing because the electronics are sealed in some sort of non removable, hard, non transparent stuff. From the day I got it, back in the mid 80's I havent played without it. I've used it on Marlens, Emmons,Sho-Bud's, and now on my Derby.
it drasticly helps with cleaning the tone and gives super sustain regardless of the pickup. I'm not much one on "add ons" but this is one that really impressed me with the difference in tone quality.
Just an added thought.....God Bless

Derby SD-10 4X5
Profex ll
Nashville 400
Fender twin
Boss DR-5
Lil Izzy

Sam White R.I.P. · Post by **Sam White R.I.P.** » 13 Dec 2001 7:16 pm

Joe you are so right about the LiL Lizzy a freind of mine for that matter he is my instructor Tony Palmer and he has one and we just can't seem to get it away from him. He loves that LiL Lizzy and gaurds it with his life.Why don't they make them as there are a lot of us guys who want one.
Sam White

Joseph V. Sapp · Post by **Joseph V. Sapp** » 14 Dec 2001 11:49 am

Sam:
your right,,,,I wouldn't part with mine for anything. I dont know what ever happened to the company,,,but thank goodness I got mine. As far a proping an amp up,,,,,I think a good amp stand would have been a lil cheaper. !!!!!! but if it works,,,,,do it !!!!! but maby Jimmie had a secret way to hook up "Lil Izzy" still using it as a amp prop,,,just to throw ya off track....Now Steel players wouldn't do that sort of thing would they ??????
God Bless:

Joe

Tony Palmer · Post by **Tony Palmer** » 14 Dec 2001 12:23 pm

Sam, stay away from my L'il Izzy! You can't have it!

Sam White R.I.P. · Post by **Sam White R.I.P.** » 14 Dec 2001 6:44 pm

OK everyone you see how Tony Palmer is he won't share his LiL Izzy with his Student. Now what do you think of that? It has to be a great little unit that no one wants to part with it.I wish I could find one some where anyone know where I can get one.Maybe Bobbe Seymour or Jerry Fessenden may have some to sell. What about it guys.
Sam White