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Hey guys, tell me something: What's the difference between having my EQ before my amp or using the one built into the head? I assume that the built in EQ affects the tone after it goes thru the preamp and before it hits the power stage, while an outboard EQ would obviously alter the tone before it gets anywhere near the amplifier... which do you think is more effective?

The closer it is to your powerstage, the more effect it'll have- some amps have pre-gain EQ*, some post-gain, so it's never a hard-and-fast rule.
Just stick with whatever works best to your ears!


According to Mesa-Boogie, "Pre-Gain EQ (American Style), Post-Gain EQ (British Style)".. so I guess Marshalls and the like are post-gain EQ amps.

There's no hard and fast rule. I happen to use an EQ pedal before my OD because that's just the shaping I prefer.

Here's some great reading material on the subject:

Amptone EQ concepts

Edit: Er, well said, Doog. I took a little too long to submit, it appears.