Asking for advice re playing through a direct box

[David Simenson]

I'm playing keyboards and lap steel in a country band. I got a GeorgeBoard--with tone TO DIE FOR. I have a keyboard, a keyboard rack mount rig, a keyboard combo amp, my GeorgeBoard on its legs, and at times a Melobar Rattler on my lap.

Here's my question. I'm trying to get really good tone, but avoid bringing my 2x12 guitar amp to a gig, in addition to all the other gear. I play my steel guitar through a Lexicon dbx 266XL Compressor/Gate. Could I play the guitar through my keyboard amp? Would I need a direct box? I'd like one less amp to carry, but I don't want to sacrifice much in the way of tone. I've had really good tonal results playing electric guitar and bass through direct boxes into the house PA system. Thanks for your advice.

[Johan Jansen]

Mostly keyboard-speakercabinets have tweeters, that doesn't work for steel. If you like going trough a PA direct, try to get a pre-amp with a good speakersimulator, like a Boss or Roland GP100. When you get that strip the factory-presets. They are all tweeked for rockguitar etc. Get yourself and that pre-amp a day off, and you will find some very good sounds.

Johan