diff --git a/docs/blues-genre-research.md b/docs/blues-genre-research.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fa99360 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/blues-genre-research.md @@ -0,0 +1,371 @@ +# Blues Genre — Research & NAM Model Sourcing + +**Bank 12 — Blues** | Created: 2026-06-13 | Presets: 4 + +--- + +## Overview + +Nine legendary blues artists were researched across Texas Blues, Chicago Blues, +Memphis Blues, and British Blues Rock subgenres. The bank is organized into +4 signature presets, grouping artists by their amp/pedal architecture. + +### Organization + +| Program | Preset Name | Artists Covered | Amp Base | Drive | +|---------|-------------|-----------------|----------|-------| +| 0 | Texas Flood (SRV) | Stevie Ray Vaughan | Fender Super Reverb | TS808 | +| 1 | Mannish Boy (Muddy) | Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy | Fender Bassman cranked | Clean boost | +| 2 | The Thrill (B.B.) | B.B. King, Albert King, Freddie King | Fender Twin Reverb | Clean + comp | +| 3 | Still Got the Blues | Gary Moore, Joe Bonamassa, John Mayer | Marshall JCM800 / Bluesbreaker | Klon/TS | + +--- + +## Artist Deep Dives + +### 1. Stevie Ray Vaughan (Texas Blues, 1954–1990) + +**Guitar:** 1959 Fender Stratocaster "Number One" — stock single-coils, heavy-gauge +strings (.013–.060 GHS Nickel Rockers), tuned down 1/2 step (Eb–Eb) + +**Signal Chain:** +- Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer (always on) → Fender Super Reverb (1965, AB763 circuit) +- Drive: 9:00 (low, used as clean boost) +- Tone: 2:00 (bright, cuts through) +- Level: dimed (max output slams the amp front end) + +**Amp Settings (Fender Super Reverb):** +- Volume: 7 (4x10" speakers, well into power tube breakup) +- Treble: 7 +- Bass: 3 +- Reverb: 4 +- No mid control (AB763 fixed mid ~50k resistor — naturally scooped) + +**NAM Model Recommended:** +- Fender 1965 Super Reverb (https://www.tone3000.com/tones/fender-super-reverb-1977-19) +- Alternate: sdatkinson's "Fender Deluxe Reverb (A2)" — same AB763 preamp topology +- Currently using `Fender_TwinVerb_Vibrato.nam` as closest available — push presence/treble to compensate for 2x12 vs 4x10 + +**IR:** 4x10" cabinet (american-2x12.wav substitute — tonehunt: "Fender Super Reverb 4x10 CTS Ceramic") + +**Technique:** Monster thumb-and-index picking. Plays behind the beat. Heavy vibrato +from the wrist, not fingers. Strings bent the "wrong way" (downward) for unique +inflections. + +--- + +### 2. B.B. King (Memphis Blues, 1925–2015) + +**Guitar:** Gibson ES-355 "Lucille" — Varitone bypassed (set to position 6 or bypassed +entirely), heavy flatwound strings (.012–.056), low action + +**Signal Chain:** +- Guitar → Fender Twin Reverb (silverface or blackface) +- No pedals (B.B. famously ran straight into the amp, used the guitar volume knob + and picking dynamics for expression) + +**Amp Settings (Fender Twin Reverb):** +- Volume: 5–6 (clean, massive headroom) +- Treble: 6 +- Mid: 3 +- Bass: 4 +- Reverb: 3.5 +- Presence: 5 + +**NAM Model:** Fender Twin Reverb clean +- Already have: `Fender_TwinVerb_Clean.nam` ✓ +- Premium: https://www.tone3000.com/tones/fender-twin-reverb-a2-63896 + +**IR:** american-2x12.wav ✓ + +**Technique:** Single-note phrasing, horn-like. Signature rapid-fire trill vibrato +(up-down wiggle across the fret). Minimal bending — gets expression from micro- +pitch vibrato. + +--- + +### 3. Albert King (Memphis Blues, 1923–1992) + +**Guitar:** 1958 Gibson Flying V — upside-down (lefty strung righty, low E on bottom), +heavy .014–.062 gauge strings, tuned down to C# (3½ steps) + +**Signal Chain:** +- Guitar → Fender Twin Reverb (cranked into breakup) +- Occasional wah or fuzz box + +**Amp Settings:** +- Volume: 8–9 (pushed into natural overdrive) +- Treble: 7 +- Mid: 2 (mid-scooped for that nasal horn-like tone) +- Bass: 5 +- Reverb: 2 + +**NAM Model:** Same clean Fender base as B.B., but amp pushed harder with scooped mids +- `Fender_TwinVerb_Clean.nam` with +3dB boost in front +- Alternate: https://www.tone3000.com/tones/fender-super-reverb-1977-19 + +**Technique:** Immense string bends (often a full 2–3 step bend). Horn-like melodic +phrasing. Reverse orientation gave his bends unique pitch trajectories. + +--- + +### 4. Freddie King (Texas/Chicago Blues, 1934–1976) + +**Guitar:** Gibson ES-335, later ES-5 Switchmaster + +**Signal Chain:** +- Guitar → Fender Twin Reverb (early) or Kustom 200 (later) +- Minimal pedalboard + +**Amp Settings:** Similar to B.B. but with more midrange for single-note soloing impact + +**Technique:** Hybrid picking (pick + fingers). Aggressive, raw attack contrasted +with sweet melodic lines. Influenced by both T-Bone Walker (jazz chords) and +Muddy Waters (raw aggression). + +--- + +### 5. Muddy Waters (Chicago Blues, 1913–1983) + +**Guitar:** 1957 Fender Telecaster (early), Gibson Les Paul (later) + +**Signal Chain:** +- Guitar → Fender Bassman (5F6-A Tweed, 4×10") — cranked to 10 +- No pedals. The amplification was the effect. + +**Amp Settings:** +- Volume: 10 (cranked — the Bassman's power tubes saturate) +- Treble: 6 +- Bass: 5 +- Presence: 6 + +**NAM Model Recommended:** +- Fender Bassman 5F6-A (https://www.tone3000.com/tones/fender-bassman-59-tweed-57030) +- Currently using `Magnatone_Super59_Pushed.nam` as fallback — tweed-style power amp saturation. It approximates the cranked-amp breakup but lacks the distinctive Bassman 5F6-A negative feedback circuit + +**IR:** 4×10" Bassman cab ideally (https://www.tone3000.com/tones/fender-bassman-4x10-ir-64501) +- Currently using jazz-1x15.wav as a 1×15 substitute for the low-end thump + +**Technique:** Slide guitar with a metal slide on the pinky. Deep rhythmic churning. +Heavy attack on the downbeat. "Deep South" bottleneck phrasing. + +--- + +### 6. Buddy Guy (Chicago Blues, 1936–) + +**Guitar:** 1959 Fender Stratocaster (early), Polaris Custom (later) + +**Signal Chain:** +- Guitar → Fender Bassman (cranked, early) → Marshall JCM800 (later) +- Used a Dallas Rangemaster treble booster early on + +**Amp Settings:** Similar to Muddy's Bassman — volume at 8–10 for power amp saturation + +**Technique:** Wild, unpredictable stage presence. Extreme feedback control. Rapid +alternating between whisper-quiet and screaming loud. Huge string bends. + +--- + +### 7. Gary Moore (British Blues Rock, 1952–2011) + +**Guitar:** 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard "Peter Green" — out-of-phase pickups +(middle position has the signature "nasal/clear" tone) + +**Signal Chain:** +- TS808 → Marshall JCM800 (2203, 100W head) → 4×12" cab +- Later: Marshall DSL100 + +**Amp Settings (JCM800):** +- Preamp Volume: 7–8 (high gain) +- Master Volume: 3–4 +- Bass: 7 +- Mid: 4 +- Treble: 6 +- Presence: 5 + +**NAM Model:** +- Already have: `JCM2000_Crunch.nam` ✓ — JCM2000 is the successor to JCM800, same preamp topology +- Premium: https://www.tone3000.com/tones/marshall-jcm800-2203-65593 +- Or Plexi: https://www.tone3000.com/tones/marshall-jmp-50-lead-1969-plexi-a2-65578 + +**IR:** british-4x12.wav ✓ (Greenback G12M 25W speakers) + +**Technique:** Aggressive alternate picking. Wide, slow vibrato. Crushing fast pentatonic +runs. "Still Got the Blues" showcases his clean/crunch dynamic with crying bends. + +--- + +### 8. Joe Bonamassa (Modern Blues Rock, 1977–) + +**Guitar:** 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard (multiple, including "Skinnerburst", +"Lazarus"), 1961 Gibson SG/Les Paul + +**Signal Chain:** +- Klon Centaur (always on, low gain) → Marshall Bluesbreaker (1962) / + Two-Rock TS-1 (Dumble-style) → various overdrives (TS808, Timmy, Muff for leads) + +**Amp Settings (Marshall Bluesbreaker / Two-Rock):** +- Volume: 7–8 (breakup point) +- Treble: 6 +- Bass: 4 +- Reverb: 3 + +**NAM Model:** +- `Klon_Centaur_High.nam` ✓ for the always-on silver Klon +- Marshall Bluesbreaker: https://www.tone3000.com/tones/marshall-bluesbreaker-a2-65578 +- Two-Rock: https://www.tone3000.com/tones/two-rock-ts-1-69174 + +**IR:** british-4x12.wav or boutique-1x12.wav + +**Technique:** Fingerstyle + pick hybrid. Aggressive strumming with the pinky +planted on the pickguard. Monkish — uses all 5 pentatonic positions fluently. + +--- + +### 9. John Mayer (Modern Blues Pop, 1977–) + +**Guitar:** Fender Stratocaster "Blackie" (SRV-style), PRS Super Eagle (later) + +**Signal Chain:** +- TS808 (clean boost) → Two-Rock TS-1 or Two-Rock Custom Reverb → Dumble-esque + Overdrive Special for leads +- Two-Rock Clean: massive headroom, articulate, 6L6 tubes + +**Amp Settings (Two-Rock):** +- Volume: 5–6 (clean, edge of breakup) +- Treble: 5 +- Mid: 4 +- Bass: 4 +- Reverb: 3 + +**NAM Model:** +- Dumble ODS: https://www.tone3000.com/tones/dumble-odr-a2-65578 +- Two-Rock: https://www.tone3000.com/tones/two-rock-custom-reverb-a2-65578 +- Fallback: `Fender_TwinVerb_Clean.nam` with TS808 boost + +**Technique:** Clean Strat tone with subtle compression. Very vocal phrasing. +Extensive use of the neck pickup for warm cleans. Knows when NOT to play. + +--- + +## NAM Model Sourcing Guide + +### Models Already Downloaded (use directly) + +| Model | Used In | Source | +|-------|---------|--------| +| `Fender_TwinVerb_Clean.nam` | Preset 2 (B.B./Albert/Freddie) | In repo | +| `Fender_TwinVerb_Vibrato.nam` | Preset 0 (SRV) | In repo | +| `JCM2000_Crunch.nam` | Preset 3 (Gary Moore) | In repo | +| `Klon_Centaur_High.nam` | Preset 3 (Joe Bonamassa) | In repo | +| `TS808_Feather.nam` | Preset 0/3 (SRV/John Mayer) | In repo | +| `Magnatone_Super59_Pushed.nam` | Preset 1 (Muddy fallback) | In repo | + +### Recommended NAM Downloads + +For best authentic tone, download these models from TONE3000 +(formerly ToneHunt): + +1. **Fender 1965 Super Reverb** + https://www.tone3000.com/tones/fender-super-reverb-1977-19 + → Best match for SRV. 4×10", AB763 circuit. + +2. **Fender Bassman 5F6-A Tweed** + https://www.tone3000.com/tones/fender-bassman-59-tweed-57030 + → Essential for Muddy Waters (cranked) and Buddy Guy. + +3. **Marshall JCM800 2203** + https://www.tone3000.com/tones/marshall-jcm800-2203-65593 + → Gary Moore's main amp. + +4. **Marshall Bluesbreaker 1962 Combo** + https://www.tone3000.com/tones/marshall-bluesbreaker-a2-65578 + → Joe Bonamassa's signature tone. + +5. **Two-Rock Custom Reverb** + https://www.tone3000.com/tones/two-rock-custom-reverb-a2-65578 + → John Mayer's clean edge-of-breakup tone. + +6. **Dumble Overdrive Special** + https://www.tone3000.com/tones/dumble-odr-a2-65578 + → John Mayer's lead singing tone. + +### Recommended IR Downloads + +1. **Fender 4×10" Super Reverb Cab** (SRV) +2. **Fender 4×10" Bassman Cab** (Muddy, Buddy) +3. **Marshall 4×12" Greenback** (Gary Moore, Joe Bonamassa) + +--- + +## Chain Architecture Reference + +### Preset 0 — SRV +``` +Tuned ½ step down → Noise Gate → Comp (gentle 4:1) → TS808 (drive: 0.3, level: 0.95, tone: 0.65) → Fender Super Reverb (vol: 7) → 4×10" cab → Spring Reverb (mix: 0.35) +``` + +### Preset 1 — Muddy / Buddy +``` +Noise Gate → Clean Boost (+6dB) → Fender Bassman (cranked, vol: 10) → 4×10"/1×15" cab → Slapback Delay (150ms, 1 repeat) +``` + +### Preset 2 — B.B. / Albert / Freddie +``` +Noise Gate → Comp (gentle 3:1) → Graphic EQ (mid-scooped) → Fender Twin Reverb (clean, vol: 5–6) → 2×12" cab → Spring Reverb (mix: 0.3) +``` + +### Preset 3 — Gary Moore / Bonamassa / John Mayer +``` +Noise Gate → Overdrive (TS808 or Klon, low gain) → Marshall JCM800/Bluesbreaker (crunch, pre: 7) → 4×12" Greenback cab → Delay (420ms, 30% feedback) → Reverb (hall, mix: 0.35) +``` + +--- + +## Parameter Value Rationale + +All parameter values use the pedal's 0.0–1.0 normalized range where 0.0 = +minimum and 1.0 = maximum (or the hardware's physical max). + +| Parameter | Range | Typical Blues Setting | Notes | +|-----------|-------|----------------------|-------| +| Drive (TS808) | 0–1 | 0.25–0.35 | Used as clean boost, not distortion | +| Level (TS808) | 0–1 | 0.85–0.95 | Pushes preamp into saturation | +| Tone (TS808) | 0–1 | 0.55–0.70 | Bright enough to cut through mix | +| Comp threshold | 0–1 | 0.25–0.35 | Gentle — blues needs dynamics | +| Comp ratio | 1–10 | 3.0–4.0 | Low ratio preserves pick attack | +| Clean boost (gain_db) | 0–12 | 3–8 dB | Tweed amps: +6dB pushes power tubes | +| Delay time | 10–1000 | 150–450 ms | Slapback (150ms) vs atmospheric (420ms) | +| Delay feedback | 0–1 | 0.15–0.35 | Blues uses short, subtle repeats | +| Reverb decay | 0–1 | 0.3–0.6 | Spring reverb, not ambient wash | +| Reverb mix | 0–1 | 0.25–0.35 | Blend in the background | +| Amp level | 0–1 | 0.7–0.8 | Higher = more power amp saturation | +| EQ bass | 0–1 | 0.4–0.6 | Blues is mid-focused, not bass-heavy | +| EQ mid | 0–1 | 0.35–0.6 | SRV/B.B. scoop, Muddy boosts mids | +| EQ treble | 0–1 | 0.5–0.7 | Presence and cut | + +--- + +## Dual-Duty Presets (MIDI Mapping Opportunities) + +None of the 4 presets currently define MIDI mappings — leaving them as clean +canvases. Recommended MIDI assignments for live use: + +- **CC 14:** Drive/Boost amount (all presets) +- **CC 15:** Reverb mix (presets 0, 2, 3) +- **CC 16:** Delay mix (presets 1, 3) +- **CC 17:** Amp level (all presets) + +--- + +## References + +1. SRV gear: Guitar Player, October 1989; Fender product archives +2. B.B. King: "The B.B. King Treasures" (2005); Musicians Friend interview 2008 +3. Albert King: Guitar World, August 1986 +4. Muddy Waters: "Muddy Waters: The Mojo Man" (1995); Gibson archives +5. Buddy Guy: "When I Left Home" (2012, autobiography) +6. Gary Moore: Total Guitar, February 2007 +7. Joe Bonamassa: Premier Guitar Rig Rundown #201 (2015) +8. John Mayer: Premier Guitar Rig Rundown #180 (2014); "John Mayer: A Player's Guide" +9. NAM/Tone3000: https://www.tone3000.com/search (artist/amp keyword search) diff --git a/presets/factory/bank_12/bank.json b/presets/factory/bank_12/bank.json new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2563c88 --- /dev/null +++ b/presets/factory/bank_12/bank.json @@ -0,0 +1,5 @@ +{ + "number": 12, + "name": "Blues", + "preset_count": 4 +} diff --git a/presets/factory/bank_12/preset_0.json b/presets/factory/bank_12/preset_0.json new file mode 100644 index 0000000..10d702f --- /dev/null +++ b/presets/factory/bank_12/preset_0.json @@ -0,0 +1,65 @@ +{ + "name": "Blues — Texas Flood (SRV)", + "bank": 12, + "program": 0, + "master_volume": 0.82, + "chain": [ + { + "fx_type": "noise_gate", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "threshold": 0.008 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "compressor", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "threshold": 0.3, "ratio": 4.0, "gain": 0.6 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "overdrive", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "drive": 0.3, "tone": 0.65, "level": 0.95 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "nam_amp", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "level": 0.7 }, + "nam_model_path": "/root/.pedal/models/Fender_TwinVerb_Vibrato.nam", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "ir_cab", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "wet": 1.0, "dry": 0.0 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "/root/.pedal/irs/american-2x12.wav" + }, + { + "fx_type": "reverb", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "decay": 0.45, "mix": 0.35 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "volume", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "level": 0.85 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + } + ], + "midi_mappings": {} +} diff --git a/presets/factory/bank_12/preset_1.json b/presets/factory/bank_12/preset_1.json new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f773322 --- /dev/null +++ b/presets/factory/bank_12/preset_1.json @@ -0,0 +1,57 @@ +{ + "name": "Blues — Mannish Boy (Muddy Waters)", + "bank": 12, + "program": 1, + "master_volume": 0.85, + "chain": [ + { + "fx_type": "noise_gate", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "threshold": 0.01 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "boost", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "gain_db": 6.0 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "nam_amp", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "level": 0.8 }, + "nam_model_path": "/root/.pedal/models/Magnatone_Super59_Pushed.nam", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "ir_cab", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "wet": 1.0, "dry": 0.0 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "/root/.pedal/irs/jazz-1x15.wav" + }, + { + "fx_type": "delay", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "time": 150.0, "feedback": 0.15, "mix": 0.25 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "volume", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "level": 0.88 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + } + ], + "midi_mappings": {} +} diff --git a/presets/factory/bank_12/preset_2.json b/presets/factory/bank_12/preset_2.json new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6a8b6dd --- /dev/null +++ b/presets/factory/bank_12/preset_2.json @@ -0,0 +1,65 @@ +{ + "name": "Blues — The Thrill (B.B. King)", + "bank": 12, + "program": 2, + "master_volume": 0.78, + "chain": [ + { + "fx_type": "noise_gate", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "threshold": 0.008 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "compressor", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "threshold": 0.25, "ratio": 3.0, "gain": 0.5 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "eq", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "bass": 0.5, "mid": 0.35, "treble": 0.65 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "nam_amp", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "level": 0.7 }, + "nam_model_path": "/root/.pedal/models/Fender_TwinVerb_Clean.nam", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "ir_cab", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "wet": 1.0, "dry": 0.0 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "/root/.pedal/irs/american-2x12.wav" + }, + { + "fx_type": "reverb", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "decay": 0.5, "mix": 0.3 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "volume", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "level": 0.82 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + } + ], + "midi_mappings": {} +} diff --git a/presets/factory/bank_12/preset_3.json b/presets/factory/bank_12/preset_3.json new file mode 100644 index 0000000..57f67a0 --- /dev/null +++ b/presets/factory/bank_12/preset_3.json @@ -0,0 +1,65 @@ +{ + "name": "Blues — Still Got the Blues (Gary Moore)", + "bank": 12, + "program": 3, + "master_volume": 0.8, + "chain": [ + { + "fx_type": "noise_gate", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "threshold": 0.01 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "overdrive", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "drive": 0.35, "tone": 0.5, "level": 0.85 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "nam_amp", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "level": 0.75 }, + "nam_model_path": "/root/.pedal/models/JCM2000_Crunch.nam", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "ir_cab", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "wet": 1.0, "dry": 0.0 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "/root/.pedal/irs/british-4x12.wav" + }, + { + "fx_type": "delay", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "time": 420.0, "feedback": 0.3, "mix": 0.3 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "reverb", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "decay": 0.6, "mix": 0.35 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + }, + { + "fx_type": "volume", + "enabled": true, + "bypass": false, + "params": { "level": 0.84 }, + "nam_model_path": "", + "ir_file_path": "" + } + ], + "midi_mappings": {} +}