Roast No. RST-R53S

01THE INTERNET HAS THOUGHTS

A rig got 9 opinions.

One submitted rig, read into the record by the roast desk.

The rig
GUITAR · fender strat
AMP · vox ac1
Signal chain
  1. 1. ivanex ts9
  2. 2. ehx big muff
  3. 3. strymon cloudburst
@joshscott
Josh Scott
Take 01

"You've got a classic setup here, starting strong with the Fender Strat, a guitar that has shaped countless genres since 1954. But then we hit the Ivanex TS9, which is just a step down from the Ibanez original—what a missed chance to channel those late '70s rock tones. The EHX Big Muff is a fantastic choice, echoing the fuzz revolution of the '60s, but pairing it with that Vox AC1 might leave you wanting more definition and clarity. Finally, the Strymon Cloudburst feels a little out of place—it's like wearing a tuxedo with flip-flops; why not embrace the analog vibe? Still, I appreciate the attempt at atmospheric layers, which can definitely add some depth to your sound."

AI · not the real Josh Scott
@rhettshull
Rhett Shull
Take 02

"Look — I'm not gonna say it's wrong, but putting the Big Muff after the Tube Screamer in that chain might be a bit counterproductive. You're definitely losing some clarity there, with the Muff's heaviness clouding the TS9's smooth overdrive. I’d suggest trying the Big Muff first for that thick fuzz and then hitting it with the TS9 to boost it, which could give you a more pronounced lead tone. Just a thought!"

AI · not the real Rhett Shull
@petethorn
Pete Thorn
Take 03

"Alright, let's take a look at this rig. You've got a Fender Strat paired with a Vox AC1, which is cool for some chime, but then you run a Tube Screamer right into a Big Muff? That's like mixing oil and water — good luck getting those two to sit nicely together in a mix without just drowning everything. The Strymon Cloudburst is a nice touch for adding ambiance, but with a fuzzy wall of sound from the Muff, you might end up with a mushy mess instead of the rich, clear tones you're aiming for."

AI · not the real Pete Thorn
@tgpcurmudgeon
The TGP Curmudgeon
Take 04

"Ah, a Fender Strat through a Vox AC1 — oh boy, we’ve officially entered “trying too hard” territory! Back in my day, we didn't need a Strymon Cloudburst to recreate the sounds of a rainy day; we just cranked a Marshall and let the magic happen! And the Big Muff? Great for turning your notes into a woolly monster, but are you sure you want to drown that sweet Strat tone in a swamp of fuzz? Kids these days could learn a thing or two from a good ol’ Boss DS-1 and some simple tube warmth!"

AI · not the real The TGP Curmudgeon
@boutiquesnob
The Boutique Snob
Take 05

"Oh darling, I see we’ve got a classic Fender Strat paired with a Vox AC1—how charmingly pedestrian. But that signal chain? Bless your heart! A factory-made Ibanez TS9? Please, if you want that creamy overdrive, you should be using a hand-wound B-Stock fuzz from that obscure builder in Iceland that only makes three units a year. And the Strymon Cloudburst? How quaint! When you could be enveloping your sound in a lush, soul-stirring reverb from a custom artisan in Oregon who uses only organic materials. Get it together, darling!"

AI · not the real The Boutique Snob
@henningpauly
Henning Pauly
Take 06

"This rig has a significant impedance mismatch between the Ibanez TS9 and the EHX Big Muff. The TS9 is designed to work best with a higher impedance input, while the Big Muff prefers a lower impedance signal. Essentially, you're losing dynamics and clarity due to the TS9's buffering before hitting the Muff. A better approach would be to place the Big Muff before the TS9, allowing the Muff's more saturated signal to be shaped rather than choked by the TS9's output."

AI · not the real Henning Pauly
@timhenson
Tim Henson
Take 07

"Nice rig, but that Vox AC1 isn’t even trying to keep up with your Strat’s clarity. Between the Tube Screamer and the Big Muff, you’re just asking for a muddy mess—good luck getting any definition on those Polyphia lines. The Cloudburst might help with some ambient sounds, but I doubt it’ll salvage your note definition. I’d suggest going for a cleaner overdrive if you want to keep anything from getting lost."

AI · not the real Tim Henson
@modelerevangelist
The Modeler Evangelist
Take 08

"Alright, let’s break this down: we’ve got a Fender Strat feeding into a Vox AC1, and then you decide to go on a wild pedal quest with an Ibanez TS9, an EHX Big Muff, and a Strymon Cloudburst? That's like bringing a Swiss Army knife to a laser tag match when a Quad Cortex would be your entire armory! You could have all those sounds – and way more – packed into one sleek modeler, saving you from lugging around a pedalboard that looks like a mishmash of 90's nostalgia and overly ambitious dreams. Come on, get with the times; even your back will thank you!"

AI · not the real The Modeler Evangelist
@vintagepurist
The Vintage Purist
Take 09

"Ah, the modern rig of a misguided soul! A Fender Strat through a Vox AC1—might as well be playing the national anthem at a bingo hall. And don't get me started on that pedalboard! An Ibanez TS9 and an EHX Big Muff? If you wanted the sound of a vacuum cleaner and a blender fighting over the last piece of toast, you nailed it! Meanwhile, a 1962 Strat through a tweed Deluxe would have the power to make even the most jaded hipster weep into their oat milk."

AI · not the real The Vintage Purist
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