I use a free VST called Rednef Twin that is easily available. It goes on practically all my guitar tracks when I don't record a real amp. It's a blackface rather than brown but hey, it's free!

https://www.solidrockbluesband.com/how-to-play-surf-guitar-using-free-vst-plugins/

For reverb I typically use another free VST called VeeSpringVerb. It's not like a tank but it's pretty decent.

I still really love Peavey Revalver (now from audiomediaresearch), the most natural sounding sim I've tested. It has very deep tweaking available, all the classic amps cabs mics etc. It's own spring verb is quite nice, and you can load an external IR for even a better drip.

For standalone VST I like GS Type4.
But nothing beats my Surfy-Bear into the sound card.

For all amp sims - to get best results - it's very important to monitor the gain chain. From input level at the sound card, to input level at the software, to input level to pre-amp FX, input to amp, and output volume. The general rule, is to have it at every stage just below clipping (red, digital distortion NO NO) with the strongest strike of the strings for the current playing/recording session. Use your system meters, software meters, a VST meter, but trust your ears even more.

A quality compressor with mild settings at the end of the chain can quite enhance things.

Optimize you operating system for lowest latency, first step is to disable all background running programs and internal processes not relating to your session.

Another thing - "Fender" inspired sims are nice and hit the spot more or less, but other models with different settings may surprise you and get even closer to the real thing (or the sound in your head). Always experiment, with all the parameters available, everything matters.

Last edited: May 27, 2020 13:42:55

What one person likes in an amp sim another hates. Super subjective. Download all the free demos and decide for yourself. I own several of the Fender packs for IK Amplitube and don't like them at all vs. the real thing, but others do. Currently using an Eleven Rack (hardware unit) that has a computer editor. Unless you're running El Capitan on Mac, can also be an interface... Better clean Fender sound there, but with lots of tweaking.

Download, Demo, and then Decide - have fun!

'65 Fender Tremolux, '74 Princeton; 77 Vibrolux Reverb; '81 Princeton Reverb
'65-66 Hilgen Basso Grande
Dr. Z MAZ 18 Jr. + 1x12 Cab
Various Telecasters and noise-making pedals
Farfisa Compact Duo

I have the Fender collection 2 for iPAD and have used it live. Not for a surf or band gig, but as part of a Theatre/ dance show. It worked well (especially where this was a fly in gig), and suited the performance.

I have just bought Brainworx's Bassdude, and have been blown away by it. I have been demoing it the last month with a variety of guitars, and even putting my reverb tank in front of it. It is the closest amp sim I've played through that reacts like a real tube amp. The bassdude is not cheap, but I was able to dial in a great surf tone (among other tones) with it.

Rev

Canadian Surf

http://www.urbansurfkings.com/

A while back I paid $100 for the IK Multimedia Fender collection. I have to say, it sounds really good! You have tons of options, such as choosing different speakers, mic placement, etc...

The Reverb on the Vibro-King Custom is fantastic. While I only record using a real amp, tank, and mic, I do use the plugin in the final mix when needed. Nothing beats the real deal, but I would highly recommend this for a convenient, nice sounding alternative.

MooreLoud.com - A tribute to Dick Dale. New Singles "Finish Line" and "Paradiso" on Bandcamp and website.

nedorama wrote:

What one person likes in an amp sim another hates. Super subjective. Download all the free demos and decide for yourself. I own several of the Fender packs for IK Amplitube and don't like them at all vs. the real thing, but others do. Currently using an Eleven Rack (hardware unit) that has a computer editor. Unless you're running El Capitan on Mac, can also be an interface... Better clean Fender sound there, but with lots of tweaking.

Download, Demo, and then Decide - have fun!

I got an Eleven Rack from back when I was in a NYC apartment and micing a cab was not an option. Now that I am in a house and can do that I haven't been using it. Yesterday I decided to play with it again and ran a reissue Fender reverb tank into it and used the Bassman sim with the 4-10 cabinet. I got it to sound really good after some tweaking. I think the reverb unit adding tubes to the circuit helped.

To anyone who has a reverb tank, try running through that before the sim.

Last edited: Jun 09, 2020 07:10:26

raylinds wrote:

nedorama wrote:

What one person likes in an amp sim another hates. Super subjective. Download all the free demos and decide for yourself. I own several of the Fender packs for IK Amplitube and don't like them at all vs. the real thing, but others do. Currently using an Eleven Rack (hardware unit) that has a computer editor. Unless you're running El Capitan on Mac, can also be an interface... Better clean Fender sound there, but with lots of tweaking.

Download, Demo, and then Decide - have fun!

I got an Eleven Rack from back when I was in a NYC apartment and micing a cab was not an option. Now that I am in a house and can do that I haven't been using it. Yesterday I decided to play with it again and ran a reissue Fender reverb tank into it and used the Bassman sim with the 4-10 cabinet. I got it to sound really good after some tweaking. I think the reverb unit adding tubes to the circuit helped.

To anyone who has a reverb tank, try running through that before the sim.

One of the things I've really liked is the ability to quickly change the order of effects, so that Reverb (or flange/chorus) can be before or after the amp, and it makes a difference in sound. Easy to do on the face of the amp or with the editor software.

Plugged into mine last night for some late night playing - volume is easier to control than my Tremolux...

'65 Fender Tremolux, '74 Princeton; 77 Vibrolux Reverb; '81 Princeton Reverb
'65-66 Hilgen Basso Grande
Dr. Z MAZ 18 Jr. + 1x12 Cab
Various Telecasters and noise-making pedals
Farfisa Compact Duo

Because of this thread, today I played around with the Amplitude Fenders 1 and 2. There was some really good sounds there, but the lag between the time I picked a note and the sound came out really bothered me. I also got the 15 day trial of the UAD '55 Tweed and it sounded incredible, but the lag again killed it for me.
Any advice for dealing with that?

Last edited: Jun 09, 2020 21:25:59

raylinds wrote:

Because of this thread, today I played around with the Amplitude Fenders 1 and 2. There was some really good sounds there, but the lag between the time I picked a note and the sound came out really bothered me. I also got the 15 day trial of the UAD '55 Tweed and it sounded incredible, but the lag again killed it for me.
Any advice for dealing with that?

Latency is certainly a concern with using VST's. Lots of advice out there for remedying it. But, in the end, it usually boils down to having enough and fast enough RAM.

THE KBK ... This is the last known signal. We offer Sanctuary.

www.thekbk.com
http://www.deepeddy.net/artists/thekbk/
www.reverbnation.com/thekbk
www.facebook.com/thekbkal

raylinds wrote:

Any advice for dealing with that?

In addition to the good tips already posted, please check out what I laid out in these threads:
HERE
HERE and
HERE.
Also follow the links I posted. If your PC is not more than 10 years old, these problems are absolutely solvable, but some learning and elbow grease is mandatory.

If you're on Mac, same principles apply, but with different terms and software.

Last edited: Jun 10, 2020 13:27:40