How to get more clarity/sizzle on G# and B string

[Thomas Alexander]

Are there are EQ/gear tricks I can use to get more clarity/sizzle on the lower strings, partcularly the G# and B, without compromising the tone of the higher strings?

It seems like I can set my amp so that either the B - F# strings sound sweet (but the lower strings sound dull) or get clarity/sizzle in the E - B strings but then the E - F# strings sound shrill.

For reference I am using a GFI Ultra D10 with Steeltronics CE10 pickups (this was a huge step forward from the GFI-III pickups that came with the guitar), into a Goodrich 120, into a Milkman The Amp 100, into a TT12 speaker. I use George-L cables and don't have more than 6 feet of instrument cable in the whole system.

Unfortunately I'm not in a position to solve this problem by getting a bolt-on push-pull, as convenient as that would be.

[Jack Hanson]

Unfortunately I'm not in a position to solve this problem by getting a bolt-on push-pull, as convenient as that would be.

Perhaps a cut-tail might do the trick. (Worked for me.)

[Rick Contino]

Could try experimenting with your picking technique/intensity.

[Steve Hitsman]

Black Box

[Bob Carlucci]

New strings.....

[Ian Rae]

In the light of the last few replies, I shall now ask - What does it sound like unplugged?
Sound is in the hands (and in the strings) and if the guitar doesn't sound even acoustically, deal with those first before you worry about black boxes and EQ
This sounds a bit stern when I read it back but it's well meant

[Dave Grafe]

No. 1: Pick it like you mean it. Practice with the amp turned off and listen to the instrument.
No. 2: Review the countless forum threads on tone control settings and see what has already been said on the matter. Take this knowledge to your practice room and performances.

My only "trick" is to first get happy with the highs and mids and then bring the bass control up to add body without overpowering the attack highs of the lower strings. On some amps the mids - not the treble - controls the higher harmonics of the lower strings, but in all cases too much bass will erase them.

Your gear is fine, don't go changing. Brad Sarno's Steel Guitar Black Box allows impedance matching that can tame the high strings to allow more treble eq to be applied to benefit the lower strings, but it would be a last resort IMHO.