Amptweaker TIGHT METAL

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amptweaker

TIGHT METAL

Congratulations on the purchase of your TIGHT METAL

On behalf of the amptweaker team I would like to thank you

for your support of our company, products, and vision.

At amptweaker, we are only as good as our interaction with

you, the customer. Our product development is based on your

calls, emails, and comments on social media as we continue to

provide and create products players want and need.

The TIGHT METAL currently in your possession is capable of an

amazing range of tones and it is our sincere hope you take some

time to dig in and see what works best for you.

This manual will provide a starting point for your sonic journey

but do not hesitate to experiment. Remember, as our

founder,legendary amp guru James Brown, has always said…..

”Good tone comes from tweaking……”

Sincerely,

Jack Thompson

President - amptweaker

amptweaker, LLC warrants this product against defects due to faulty

materials or workmanship for five years from the date of original retail

purchase. This warranty is non-transferable, so please keep your receipt

for proof of purchase.

If the product becomes defective within the warranty period,

amptweaker, LLC will repair or replace at its discretion. Please

contact amptweaker, LLC to attain an authorization number (RMA#)

and instructions to return it freight prepaid by the purchaser.

This Warranty is void if the product has been repaired or altered by

anyone other than the manufacturer, or if damage to the product

resulted from accident or misuse. There are no warranties which extend

beyond the terms described herein.

Five Year Limited Warranty

www.amptweaker.com

amptweaker

Tips & Tricks

The TIGHT METAL works best in front of a clean channel or as a

preamp.

Another option – Try connecting the output of the TIGHT ROCK into

the effect return of the amp, bypassing the preamp for the most

headroom.

The Thrash EQ setting cuts mids and extends the highs. For more bass,

try turning the Tone down and Volume up.

When using extremely high settings on the Tight control, it may be

necessary to increase your amp’s bass control.

Remember-There is no right or wrong. If it sounds good, it is good!

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Amptweaker TIGHT METAL and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Tight Metal Controls

Volume

Master volume control for the pedal's output.

Tone

Adjusts highs and lows to balance the sound; 12 o'clock is neutral.

Gain

Controls distortion level for vintage or modern tones.

EQ Switch

Selects tone stack; 'Smooth' warms the high end.

Noise Gate

Reduces unwanted hum and/or noise when increased.

Tight Switch

Provides an aggressive, chunky attack or a thicker distortion.

DC Jack

Input for 9-18VDC power supply with center negative pin.

Specifications

Input Impedance

Input impedance of the effect when engaged.

Output Impedance

Output impedance of the effect when engaged.

Current Draw

Power consumption at different voltage levels.

Adapter

Recommended DC adapter specifications for operation.

Overview

The Amptweaker Tight Metal is a versatile guitar effects pedal designed to deliver a wide range of high-gain tones, from vintage rock to modern metal. It functions as either a standalone pedal in front of a clean amplifier channel or as a preamp by connecting its output to the effect return of an amp, bypassing the amp's own preamp for maximum headroom. This flexibility allows players to integrate the pedal into various setups, tailoring their sound to specific needs.

At its core, the Tight Metal offers comprehensive control over your tone through a series of intuitive knobs and switches. The "Volume" knob serves as the master volume, allowing you to adjust the overall output level of the pedal. The "Tone" knob is crucial for shaping the frequency balance, enabling you to adjust highs up and down to achieve a balanced sound with the lows. A 12 o'clock setting on the Tone knob is considered neutral, providing a good starting point for further adjustments.

The "Gain" knob is central to the pedal's distortion capabilities. By setting it lower, you can achieve vintage rock tones, while higher settings will push the pedal into modern, heavier distortion territories. This wide gain range makes the Tight Metal suitable for various genres and playing styles.

Beyond the standard volume, tone, and gain controls, the Tight Metal incorporates several unique features that enhance its versatility. The "EQ Switch" allows you to select different tone stacks. The "Smooth" setting, for instance, warms up the high end, which can be particularly useful for taming harsh frequencies or achieving a fatter lead tone. This switch provides quick and effective tonal shifts, adapting the pedal's character to different guitars and amplifiers.

Another key feature is the "Noise Gate," which helps to reduce unwanted hum and noise, especially at higher gain settings. Turning up this control can clean up your sound, making it tighter and more professional, which is essential for high-gain applications where noise can often be an issue.

The "Tight Switch" offers two distinct distortion characteristics: "Tight" and "Fat." The "Tight" setting is designed for an aggressive, chunky attack, ideal for rhythm guitar work and percussive riffs. In contrast, the "Fat" setting provides a thicker, harmonically rich distortion tone, which can add body and sustain to solos or heavy power chords. This switch allows players to instantly alter the feel and texture of their distortion, providing significant sonic variety.

For those looking to further sculpt their sound, the manual offers several tips. For example, the "Thrash EQ" setting, which involves cutting mids and extending highs, is suggested for a specific aggressive tone. If more bass is desired, turning the Tone down and Volume up can help achieve this. Additionally, when using extremely high settings on the "Tight" control, it might be necessary to increase the bass control on your amplifier to maintain a balanced low end. The manual emphasizes experimentation, stating, "Remember-There is no right or wrong. If it sounds good, it is good!" and quoting founder James Brown, "Good tone comes from tweaking......"

Maintenance features for the Amptweaker Tight Metal are primarily covered by its Five Year Limited Warranty. Amptweaker, LLC warrants the product against defects due to faulty materials or workmanship for five years from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty is non-transferable, so keeping the receipt for proof of purchase is crucial. If the product becomes defective within the warranty period, Amptweaker, LLC will repair or replace it at their discretion. To initiate a warranty claim, users must contact Amptweaker, LLC to obtain an authorization number (RMA#) and instructions for returning the product, with freight prepaid by the purchaser.

It's important to note the conditions under which the warranty is void. The warranty does not cover products that have been repaired or altered by anyone other than the manufacturer. Furthermore, damage resulting from accident or misuse will also void the warranty. This highlights the importance of proper handling and usage of the pedal to ensure its longevity and maintain warranty coverage. The company's philosophy, as expressed by President Jack Thompson, emphasizes customer interaction and feedback in product development, ensuring that their products meet the needs and desires of players. This commitment to customer satisfaction extends to their warranty and support services, aiming to provide a reliable and enjoyable experience for users of the Tight Metal pedal.