Jim Heap distortion unit

Eddie Thomas · Post by **Eddie Thomas** » 6 Oct 2024 4:13 am

Hello all, I had the opportunity to see Jim Heap with the Bellamy Brothers, last Thursday. Not only was he an excellent player, he got a great sound. And he got some really good distortion sounds that were really good and tastefully executed.Does anyone know, what type of distortion unit he uses? I'd sure like to know, it was awesome. Thanks!

Mike Auman · Post by **Mike Auman** » 6 Oct 2024 5:11 am

On his website Jim Steelin1 Heep, he says he uses an Empress Multidrive (the most likely culprit) and a TC Electronics Plethora X5 (a multi-effects box that can do distortion.) https://www.steelin1.com/gear.html

Eddie Thomas · Post by **Eddie Thomas** » 6 Oct 2024 9:59 am

Thank you so much Mike!

Jim Heep · Post by **Jim Heep** » 8 Oct 2024 12:22 pm

Hey guys, thank you very much for the compliment and thanks for coming to the show. The tone you heard was the Empress Multi drive stomp box. You can have fuzz, overdrive, and/or distortion effects. And you can set it up for all three at the same time! I’ve used Empress for about 15 years. Absolutely love their stuff and I’m not getting paid to say that either. They are worth checking out.

Eddie Thomas · Post by **Eddie Thomas** » 8 Oct 2024 8:40 pm

Thank you Jim, it means alot for you to respond. That is one killer distortion unit and thank you for the info. Let me say again, it was a great show, but you guys "brought it" to Perry, GA. Wow! I don't think polished is enough to describe your sound and execution. Please convey this to the band. I'll be following you all alot more. Again thanks!