Michael Pinnella's choice of sounds

[Farren]

I've been a fan of this guy for seven or eight years now... I love his work, his style, and I'm sure he knows damn well what sounds he wants to use and it's totally up to him.

That said, I just listened to Twelfth Gate for the first time, about two times through. I really like some of the tracks, but his choice of sounds is, in my opinion, awful. Mainly his lead sounds (as well as some background sounds on a couple tracks). I suppose they kind of get buried under or softened by the guitar on Symphony X albums, but when they take the spotlight on his solo album, all I want to do is turn down the highs on my stereo's EQ. His leads sound ancient, which isn't necessarily bad, but they're all so painfully trebly, at least to my ears.

Is this a well-known complaint or can I expect to be crucified?

[aibohphobia]

As a huge fan of Symphony X, I have to say I have never been impressed by Pinella's work in the band. I'm constantly impressed by Romeo's guitar work, song-writing, and orchestral programming, and Allen is an amazing singer. Rullo and Lepond are a solid rhythm section for such complex music.

Pinella has good chops. Not as good as Rudess, but he can play fast and he also writes some really cool lines. That being said, Pinella has always disappointed me with his choice of sounds. He is clearly a pianist and not a keyboardist. I don't think he's ever edited a sound, they all sound like presets to me. Also, he never seems to voice sounds any differently from each other. He is a good pianist and does well to add to the songwriting, but he needs to take some time to learn the instruments he plays and use them to the fullest.

[Farren]

I almost think he doesn't edit his sounds either, but that's a little hard to comprehend. Just about any musician at some point starts caring about their equipment and tone... Except maybe Kurt Cobain.

[LithoJazzoSphere]

I tend to agree. I like his playing and part arrangements, but I'm not crazy about his sounds. I think pretty much the same thing about Tony MacAlpine.

[Taurus]

Pinella uses his JP-8000. I got one of these, and when I listen to his leadsounds I can safely say he's not using the board to full potential.

[carpetcrawler]

Pinella uses his JP-8000. I got one of these, and when I listen to his leadsounds I can safely say he's not using the board to full potential.

the same with the korg m-1, this board has much more potential.
i found some presets which pinella used on mine.
otherwise, i find his work very well.

[Kirby]

Pinella uses his JP-8000. I got one of these, and when I listen to his leadsounds I can safely say he's not using the board to full potential.

That may be true, I also use JP. But it's hard to get a real cutting lead with it, which may be needed in metal. I don't want to offend the JP in any way, I love the warm, smooth, soft & silky sounds that come out of it, but the JP may no be the best choice for metal.