Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Panos_Stargazer on October 16, 2010, 04:56:28 PM
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Hey guys!!!
I want your opinion on which amp should I choose to play pure 80s heavy metal (Van Halen, Maiden, Motley Crue, W.A.S.P., Dokken, Whitesnake etc)
I am between the Peavey 5150 and 6505...do they have any differences except the name?
I would also want your opinion about the Soldano SLO100 head and the Marshall JCM200 DSL (Dual Super Lead) 100 head
Thank you in advance guys :)
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the SLO will cost you about £4000 new in the UK and the only company importing them disgust me.
I have an Avenger and it rocks!
the 5150/6505 are the same amp. They are also great but I find them a little noisey. The circuit is based on the SLO but they execution is different.
The DSL is Marshall's biggest selling amp (I think?). I think it's a decent amp and more reliable than the TSL.
The SLO is going to be great, but it costs and crazy amount more than the other amps (which are also availble at good prices second hand). It should be easy enough to find a 5150/6505 or DSL to try out for yourself.
EDIT: I just spotted you're in greece. Also, 5150's are fine, if the noise is an issue you can use a noise suppressor with them. A lot of people do that.
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Hey thanx a lot for your reply!!!
SO we just forget the SLO because of its high cost...and we focus on the 5150 and DSL...Yes definetely I'm going to use an attenuator (I have also the knowledge to make one on my own so I'm not gonna spend more money on that...) because I live in a 5 storey building in the historical centre of Athens (the vast area around Acropolis if you know...) and if I open an 100 Watt amp over 5/10 the neighbours will call the police and they'll be right...so I take my measures from now haha!!!
Well...another question...which cabin with 2 or 4 Celestion Vintage 30 12 inch speakers would you suggest? I'm between some Engl, some Randall and some Diezel ones...
Once again thanks a lot man!!!
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If you're running a 5150 at lower volumes you probably won't notice the gain hiss so much.
I've own a 6505 and it was built like a tank! I did the adjustable bias mod to it also. stock the valves were idle at about 14mA with 450+ volts on the plate. It sounded good. I thought It was quite noisey when I took it on its last tour but I never tried a lower gain 12AX7 in V1. It has a lot of gain, so it wouldn't really suffer from doing that.
If you make a good attenuator then that will be cool. But the 6505/5150 is still 120watts! to play it 'quiet' you're still not going to be turning the master vol up that much. Too much attenuation in my experience spoils the tone. I'd rather play with -8dB or something and keep the amp volume down. shame you won't be able to crank it!
I've never owned a DSL and I've only used one once. I have a few friends who have had them. They do a modern marshall tone pretty well and i think they are more flexible than the 800's, 900 SLX and high gain MKIII. better than 900 dual reverb. Worth checking out.
The SLO is probably your dream amp if you need Clean/Crunch/HiGain tones and an FX Loop.
If you can find a Soldano Hot Rod 50/100 Plus... that will give you clean and hi gain with an FX Loop, cheaper than the SLO, but still more expensive than the 5150 or DSL.
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Ill chip in with the TSL.
Mine has been very reliable and with getting rid of the cr@ppy marshall rebadged valves and replacing everything with JJS its an absolute tone monster and is extremely versatile and could easily do what you want
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Ill chip in with the TSL.
Mine has been very reliable and with getting rid of the cr@ppy marshall rebadged valves and replacing everything with JJS its an absolute tone monster and is extremely versatile and could easily do what you want
Cool.
I'd read about them being a bit sketchy. A friend of mine owned one and he was an INCREDIBLE guitarist (god rest his soul). It failed quite a few times. He only used it at home. Ended up trying power conditioners and all sorts of things to stop it from failing.
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the Fender 5150 mkIII would do the tones you're after and they're not crazy expensive either (EUR 1735 from Thomann in Germany)...
http://www.thomann.de/gr/evh_5150.htm
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if you can test stuff out, you could add this to the list too
http://www.thomann.de/gr/jet_city_amplification_100h_plus.htm
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The SLO is probably your dream amp if you need Clean/Crunch/HiGain tones and an FX Loop.
If you can find a Soldano Hot Rod 50/100 Plus... that will give you clean and hi gain with an FX Loop, cheaper than the SLO, but still more expensive than the 5150 or DSL.
I have an HR50, amazing amp, picked it up for about 800 quid. On the 5150 side i would try and get an actual 5150 and not a 6505. they're not made in the U.S. anymore as far as i know
if you can test stuff out, you could add this to the list too
http://www.thomann.de/gr/jet_city_amplification_100h_plus.htm
and i would go for this over a 5150
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if you can test stuff out, you could add this to the list too
http://www.thomann.de/gr/jet_city_amplification_100h_plus.htm
Well...I can't find Jet City Amps here in Greece...
the Fender 5150 mkIII would do the tones you're after and they're not crazy expensive either (EUR 1735 from Thomann in Germany)...
http://www.thomann.de/gr/evh_5150.htm
Well is this amp the same with the old Peavey 5150 or they differ?
THXXX!!!!
PS Do you know any good cabs for the amp?
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if i say trust me on the jet cities would you? lol
they're basically soldano's produced in china. its mike soldano's budget line and by all accounts knock anything in that price bracket out of the water for sound and build quality. i think the only place you can buy online is thomann, and to be fair, and normally i would never say do this, but they may actually be worth buying blind
plenty of clips on rig talk and the soldano forums
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the Fender 5150 MKIII is a different amp to the older 5150/6505 style and different to the 5150 MKII and 6505+.
I can't really comment on the cab's. I've always got on quite well with marshall cabs containing T75's or V30's. Not really into mesa oversize Vintage30 4x12's though. So someone else might have a better suggestion.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN9xduiMmvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlgfGjVCubk
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More a 5150III than a 5150 would fit that bill.
You might also like the Marshall Vintage Modern 100W, great amp for those tones.
A Splawn Quickrod anyways.
If you can afford an SLO100, get that and never look back!
A Cornford Mk50H is also nice for these.
Why not a DSL100, also a great amp. What about the new Marshall AFD100?
Many many nice amps out there. Do you need proper cleans? Loop?
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Go for the Egnater SL2x modular system and be future proof
Check this out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdc22Y7-d2k
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JCM800 Master Volume 2204 or 2203
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Having heard one in the flesh, a Splawn Quick Rod.
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i think it really depends on your budget. You're looking at an SLO and a 5150- if you can stretch to the SLO, you have a lot more options, and if you can only realistically stretch to the 5150, there are a bunch of other options around that price which'd probably do 80s metal better. There are also things in between the price of the 5150 and SLO which would work well too, if your budget is flexible.
I've only tried the avenger, and it was great, assuming the SLO is, if anything, even better, it's gonna rule for that type of stuff, but as Dmoney says, it's a LOT of money in Europe.
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Krank Nineteen80.
Shipping to Europe as we speak.
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Having heard one in the flesh, a Splawn Quick Rod.
This, or a Bogner Ecstasy.
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splawn, freidman, wizard etc are all perfect for whats being talked about, but i think out of the price range the OP was talking about, especially in the uk.
there's also voodoo mods, but the main thing is, i hear excellent things and shocking things about them.
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there's also voodoo mods, but the main thing is, i hear excellent things and shocking things about them.
I've heard the same.
what is the budget?
Splawn isn't so bad in the UK. Dunno about EU prices.
Wizards are even more expensive than the SLO I think. £4+
Can you get Freidmans in the? How much do they cost?
I mean, if you have SLO kind of money, you could open this list up WIDE!
Custom Audio Electronics is another possibility.
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there's also voodoo mods, but the main thing is, i hear excellent things and shocking things about them.
I've heard the same.
what is the budget?
Splawn isn't so bad in the UK. Dunno about EU prices.
Wizards are even more expensive than the SLO I think. £4+
Can you get Freidmans in the? How much do they cost?
I mean, if you have SLO kind of money, you could open this list up WIDE!
Custom Audio Electronics is another possibility.
I'm over on the soldano forums and one of the guys who works with dave friedman has said they're working out european distribution, but for an idea on prices check out
http://www.tonemerchants.com/products/amplifiers
the naked and the browneye. i'm gassing for either
and yes wizards are silly money
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silly money, and from what i can tell, maybe not actually worth it... although probably still worth a lot.
The Marsha's are interesting.
EDIT: and the Marsha costs a lot less than the Wizard so it seems!
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the marsha is now the browneye because marshall took legal action...
but yes, the marsha is very interesting. the clips are awesome, don't think i have the need for a naked
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The Naked does look cool.
we've kind of taking over this thread though with amp talk.
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agreed, back to the OP. what you looking to spend?
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The Peavey Triple X had an awesome hair metal CRUNCH channel. I think the Peavey 3120 is the successor model of that one.
Otherwise the JCM800 is the archetypical sound machine of that decade. If you can get a used Peavey Windsor, that would work as well for that sound. The best JCM800 option would be the Kerry King model though. It's the guy from Slayer, yes, but if you don't use the "boost" switch you've got a great JCM800, albeit without an effects loop.
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Personally, i think 'modded' jcm800 or superlead when I think of that decade and those bands. Kerry King JCM could be cool if you don't want a clean channel.
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Wow never expected I'd get so many replies!!! :D
Go for the Egnater SL2x modular system and be future proof
Check this out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdc22Y7-d2k
Well I have to admit it kix serious ass!!! Is it an amp or rack gear?
@hunter: yes...the SLO is my dream amp...if I can rely on the Soldano website this very amp is used by Vivian Campbell, Warren DeMartini (of Ratt), Chris DeGarmo (of Queensryche), CC DeVille (of Poison), Adrian Vandenberg (of Whitesnake), Stevie Ray Vaughan (whose bluesy tone along with Rory Gallagher's one I want to approach), George Lynch (of Dokken) and of course ED VAN HALEN...wish I had one too...but I think you all know the financial state here in Greece...it's difficult to find so much money to spend...the same about the Cornford...one of the best European amps....a friend of mine had one but he sold it...dammit...I had the money for it but when I contacted him he had already given it to another player...and I was on holiday so I didn't learn it on time...
JCM800 Master Volume 2204 or 2203
Tell me a bit more about those two models...
A Splawn Quickrod anyways.
Having heard one in the flesh, a Splawn Quick Rod.
Never heard 'bout this brand guys...tell a bit more info please...
Once again thank you all for your useful replies...Now I sure have some things in mind which are going to help me choose my new amp to make company to my ENGL...
PS My budget right now reaches 2000 euros...but I can earn around 1500-1600 more by borrowing from friends, from my grandad etc etc...
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Having heard one in the flesh, a Splawn Quick Rod.
Damn straight! Most impressive that thing.
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Yeah, great 80s rock/metal amp.
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JCM 800 2203/2204 (100watt and 50watt) is a single channel 'high gain' amp. High gain in the early sense of high gain.
the 5150, DSL, SLO, Dual Rec, Splawn Quick Rod, Bogner breed's of High Gain amp all have more gain available and often an added 12AX7. Although not in the splawn case, but it does have an extra gain stage and the expense of another kind of stage. Sovtek Migs have some similarities between Krank amps and Splawns.
Those circuits are born from the trend of modding JCM 800's and such in the 80's. By adding diode clipping or extra gain stages one way or another.
the 800 / SLP is the base point for the amp you want. Not exactly what you're after I think. thats my opinion.
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If you want more info on Splawn then http://www.splawnguitars.com/amps08.htm is a good starting point.
It has info about the amp, the company, and also alot of clips of the various amps so you can get an idea if it's what you're looking for in an amp.
Going by the bands you listed in your 1st post, I'd have no qualms at all in recommending a Quick Rod if your budget can stretch to it.
I was looking for an amp for the same purpose until a few months ago and I found mine in the Quick Rod :D
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if 2000 euros is your budget, then you've no need to borrow money, the quick rod is the amp for you
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Whoaaaaaaa!!!!! Guys you're the best!!!!!! All those boutique amps lie in front of my eyes...
Wizard, Friedman, Voodoo Mods, Naked, Browneye...never heard of them...IF anyone knows a bit more about these brands I'd be very grateful if he sent me a personal message...
Now on the subject...
I've made a list in my mind consisting of:
Soldano SLO100 head
Marshall JCM2000 Dual Super Lead 100
Marshall JCM800 2203
Peavey 5150 (a second hand one)
Splawn Quick Rod
Which one of these 5 would you recommend
I want a very good lead channel (or two :D), an FX loop for a wah-wah, a delay and a chorus and I don't really care about the clean one (if I did I would have bought a Fender hahaha) because I usually make my sound cleaner by using the volume knob and the coil split option (my pickups are soon gonna be a VHII on the neck and a Holy Diver or a Cold Sweat on the bridge)...I intend to buy one of these cabins: Blackstar Series One 412 Angled (http://www.thomann.de/gr/blackstar_series_one_412a.htm), ENGL412 XXL-BK (http://www.thomann.de/gr/engl_412_xxlbk.htm), Diezel 412FC Vintage 30 (http://www.thomann.de/gr/diezel_412fc_vintage_30.htm), and Randall RA-412XLT (http://www.thomann.de/gr/randall_ra412xlt.htm)
Once again I thank you very very very very very much with AAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL my heart
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The JCM800 has no loop.
Wizard - Vintage and modern sounding amps based on Marshall's made by the AC/DC guitar tech,
Friedman - Makes the 'Naked' and 'Browneye' (formerly Marsha) Amps. He makes all kind of high spec gear
Voodoo Mods - a company specialising in mods. you cannot 'try before you buy' so its a risk sending an amp to these guys, and shipping to a from Greece to the US to get an amp modded will be expensive.
Naked amp looks like a 2 channel Marshall style thing. Nice though. follow Tekbow's link.
The 'Browneye' in a single channel amp with various switching to increase gain and change voicing. I THINK it includes switchable diode clipping, which is similar to the 'jose' or 'cameron' mod. (if im wrong I hope someone will correct me)
The Splawn fits in here. The quick rod is 2 channel but the gain channel has the 'gears' feature. which is switchable boosts at different points in the preamp. It will probably do everything your after + give you a clean channel.
SLO100 - way too expensive. But if you don't need a clean channel but you want an FX loop, the Hot Rod Avenger might be the right way to go?! basically an Avenger with an FX loop. That would be right up your street. also
Peavey 5150 - Loads of gain, has a loop. Probably going a hiss a lot compared to the Splawn or Soldano. But (and i liked this) if you use the 'Low' input and run the preamp gain kind of high, I think it sounds better and you'll be able to use the volume knob to roll off distortion better. The clean channel in the 5150 isn't that good. and its not that good in a 5150 MKII either. Never played a MKIII
DSL - Probably OK. I've used one once but I think other amps in this list are perhaps better. I don'y have much experience with this amp but it's a popular one.
If you don't care about cleans and you want a really good stripped down, simple amp with plenty of gain on tap and an FX loop. I think forget the SLO and go with an Avenger with FX Loop (hot rod avenger).
If you think you might want flexibility in future, go for the Splawn.
If you want to save some cash i'd go for the 5150 before the DSL.
Forget the JCM 800 2203. No Loop.
EDIT:
The marshall site says the current 'vintage series' JCM 800 2203 DOES have an series fx loop. If thats the case I'd say it would be better than the DSL, but it has less perceived gain. I don't think original JCM800 2203's have FX loops though. so if you get one second hand, best to check it out.
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I would try to pick up a good used DSL 100. Won't break the bank and it has a lovely crunch.
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Whoaaaaaaa!!!!! Guys you're the best!!!!!! All those boutique amps lie in front of my eyes...
Wizard, Friedman, Voodoo Mods, Naked, Browneye...never heard of them...IF anyone knows a bit more about these brands I'd be very grateful if he sent me a personal message...
Now on the subject...
I've made a list in my mind consisting of:
Soldano SLO100 head
Marshall JCM2000 Dual Super Lead 100
Marshall JCM800 2203
Peavey 5150 (a second hand one)
Splawn Quick Rod
Which one of these 5 would you recommend
I want a very good lead channel (or two :D), an FX loop for a wah-wah, a delay and a chorus and I don't really care about the clean one (if I did I would have bought a Fender hahaha) because I usually make my sound cleaner by using the volume knob and the coil split option (my pickups are soon gonna be a VHII on the neck and a Holy Diver or a Cold Sweat on the bridge)...I intend to buy one of these cabins: Blackstar Series One 412 Angled (http://www.thomann.de/gr/blackstar_series_one_412a.htm), ENGL412 XXL-BK (http://www.thomann.de/gr/engl_412_xxlbk.htm), Diezel 412FC Vintage 30 (http://www.thomann.de/gr/diezel_412fc_vintage_30.htm), and Randall RA-412XLT (http://www.thomann.de/gr/randall_ra412xlt.htm)
Once again I thank you very very very very very much with AAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLL my heart
Dmoney did a great job giving all the info on all these, would like to add a few points.
The SLO100 is an incredible amp, but pricey, don't go borrowing money in the current climate, you really don't need to
The 5150 also great, but can be mushy and suffers from unpleasant sounding crossover distortion
the marshalls are marshalls, easy to get etc, but you can get better marshall tone from something that isn't a marshall which leads me onto...
the splawn. this is the amp for you. it's within the budget you've set yourself, is better made than the marshalls or the 5150 and sounds better too (had the chance to try a few out in the states a while back), plus they have disrtibuters in europe which means no import tax given Greece is in the EU. having bought expensive gear (1600 pounds) from the states, VAT and import can quickly push the price of a good deal into a bad deal. and trust me, you won't be "settling" for this amp. i wouldn't even say necessarily the SLO is better than it. and i love soldano. the SLO is voiced differently and i think the splawn fits you're criteria tonewise better.
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If money is no issue you should get in touch with Tonemerchants or Dave Friedman (through Rig-Talk) and get a Marsha.
I suggest the 100W version with the simple clean, the loop and the extra gain/master. Fat, Saturation and 45 switches are cheap options, so I'd get those, too.
However that sums up to 3,500US$
Add shipping and VAT will get you to around 3,250€ at the current $
Wait right now is I think 3 months.
It's a lot of money but still less than a new SLO100 in Europe, and it would give you a killer amp that holds its value, probably will be collectable in the future.
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The 5150 also great, but can be mushy and suffers from unpleasant sounding crossover distortion
I think the issue is the super cold bias you can get in these. I believe that is what leads to the cross-over distortion.
Peavey probably bias so cold so they can just sell replacement valves to fit in easily. Or make user maintenance a bit easier in an attempt to eliminate bias checks.
An adjustable bias mod is VERY easy, and the parts cost would be under 2euro easily (1 resistor and 1 trim pot needed).
once you have it fitted, you can get the valves biased to where you like and take it out of that cross over distortion zone which is supposed to be part of the EVH tone... so they say. but they say a lot.
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agreed, soldano's are also known for being slightly cold biased.
depends on whether the OP is happy to do the mod himself or has someone local that can do it professionally
sending it off to the states and uk etc is going to start costing money.
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the mod is really easy. if he can build attenuators then he might have the skills.
my Avenger was running at 26mA idle with EL34's. 70% mark would be about 35mA in my amp i think.
Soldano's are cool which is ok. 5150's are freezing depending on the 6L6's you have in.
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Are you going to be using it live or just at home/studio?
A 100w head is impractical for home and difficult to get the best out of .
Also what about the Randall MTS modular amps/ preamps
Modules like the George Lynch Mr Scary are superb and there is a guy in Czech republic doing awesome mods to the modules.(http://www.salvationmods.com/ (http://www.salvationmods.com/))
I also find using the rack mounted preamp that I can use different sizes of power amps - a small 10w one for playing at home and a big 50 or 100w one for playing out (if that were to ever happen)
Here is a link to the Randall MTS forum http://mtsforum.grailtone.com/index.php (http://mtsforum.grailtone.com/index.php)
There are a few converts on here already for the modular system and I an certainly convinced
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If money is no issue you should get in touch with Tonemerchants or Dave Friedman (through Rig-Talk) and get a Marsha.
I suggest the 100W version with the simple clean, the loop and the extra gain/master. Fat, Saturation and 45 switches are cheap options, so I'd get those, too.
However that sums up to 3,500US$
Add shipping and VAT will get you to around 3,250€ at the current $
Wait right now is I think 3 months.
It's a lot of money but still less than a new SLO100 in Europe, and it would give you a killer amp that holds its value, probably will be collectable in the future.
Well as I told you on my personal message I will contact with Dave tomorrow...only one more question...the Marsha is now called "Browneye"?
depends on whether the OP is happy to do the mod himself or has someone local that can do it professionally
the mod is really easy. if he can build attenuators then he might have the skills.
Well guys yes I have the skill to build an attenuator myself with a little help from a friend of mine who is an electrician...so I won't have problems with volume and angry neighbours :lol:
Are you going to be using it live or just at home/studio?
A 100w head is impractical for home and difficult to get the best out of .
Also what about the Randall MTS modular amps/ preamps
Modules like the George Lynch Mr Scary are superb and there is a guy in Czech republic doing awesome mods to the modules.(http://www.salvationmods.com/ (http://www.salvationmods.com/))
I also find using the rack mounted preamp that I can use different sizes of power amps - a small 10w one for playing at home and a big 50 or 100w one for playing out (if that were to ever happen)
Here is a link to the Randall MTS forum http://mtsforum.grailtone.com/index.php (http://mtsforum.grailtone.com/index.php)
There are a few converts on here already for the modular system and I an certainly convinced
Well first about the Czech guy...it's gonna cost way more than what I'm going to spend isn't it...and about the rack system...I have never used pre- and power-amps before...I'm a bit old school :D but I will definitely contact with this guy and listen to some samples!!!
ONCE AGAIN I THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR VALUABLE INFORMATION
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Tekbow tells us the Marsha is now the Browneye.
I meant if you have an understanding of electronics and high voltages, you might be able to bias mod the 5150 yourself to decrease cross-over distortion.
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Tekbow tells us the Marsha is now the Browneye.
I meant if you have an understanding of electronics and high voltages, you might be able to bias mod the 5150 yourself to decrease cross-over distortion.
Oh yes I noticed that...thx
No my knowledge about electronics is not so high at practical level (I'm still I high school student...) but with a little help from my friends :D :D :D (and especially that electrician friend of mine) I think I'm gonna make it....but I don't know exactly what mods should I do because I don't understand these things in English very much...
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for interest
http://www.rig-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=80183&start=0
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Damn you, Tekbow! I'd be so tempted to get my 5150-II modded, but I'm not confident enough to do this myself (pedals, pickups, house mains/lighting, okay, but not then amp...).
Anyone local to the south east region: Oxford/Sutton who would tighten up my 5150-II? :)
Roo
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:lol:
Don't worry, im in the club, i'm an engineer by degree, and i understand a little of what they're doing in theory, but i would never attempt it myself. just like i know how a cars engine works in principle doesn't mean i can fix it when it breaks down :lol:
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Damn you, Tekbow! I'd be so tempted to get my 5150-II modded, but I'm not confident enough to do this myself (pedals, pickups, house mains/lighting, okay, but not then amp...).
Anyone local to the south east region: Oxford/Sutton who would tighten up my 5150-II? :)
Roo
I'll do it.... 'insert evil cackle'
EDIT: I just read that rig-talk thread. pretty easy mods if your a dab hand with a soldering iron. the hardest on is the bias mod he's done. I bias modded my own 6505 and I actually took the whole main PCB out and inserted the parts through the board. worked fine. The other stuff is real simple.
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Damn you, Tekbow! I'd be so tempted to get my 5150-II modded, but I'm not confident enough to do this myself (pedals, pickups, house mains/lighting, okay, but not then amp...).
Anyone local to the south east region: Oxford/Sutton who would tighten up my 5150-II? :)
Roo
I'll do it.... 'insert evil cackle'
EDIT: I just read that rig-talk thread. pretty easy mods if your a dab hand with a soldering iron. the hardest on is the bias mod he's done. I bias modded my own 6505 and I actually took the whole main PCB out and inserted the parts through the board. worked fine. The other stuff is real simple.
Is that Sutton as in Surrey or another Sutton closer to Oxford?
If it's the former then we are pretty close - Im only in Croydon and Dmoney isn't far away either in SE London
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I'm actuallin in west London now. by White City.
I tend to move almost every year. I hate it. my simple rural mind can't handle city living.
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JCM 800 2203/2204 (100watt and 50watt) is a single channel 'high gain' amp. High gain in the early sense of high gain.
the 5150, DSL, SLO, Dual Rec, Splawn Quick Rod, Bogner breed's of High Gain amp all have more gain available and often an added 12AX7. Although not in the splawn case, but it does have an extra gain stage and the expense of another kind of stage. Sovtek Migs have some similarities between Krank amps and Splawns.
Those circuits are born from the trend of modding JCM 800's and such in the 80's. By adding diode clipping or extra gain stages one way or another.
the 800 / SLP is the base point for the amp you want. Not exactly what you're after I think. thats my opinion.
i'm not sure i fully agree, but i know what you mean.
using a booster like an OD-1, or higher output pickups like Dirty Fingers or Rebel Yells gets me that particular kind of 80s tone into a basically unmodded 2204. which is what they did back then too don't forget.
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Damn you, Tekbow! I'd be so tempted to get my 5150-II modded, but I'm not confident enough to do this myself (pedals, pickups, house mains/lighting, okay, but not then amp...).
Anyone local to the south east region: Oxford/Sutton who would tighten up my 5150-II? :)
Roo
I'll do it.... 'insert evil cackle'
EDIT: I just read that rig-talk thread. pretty easy mods if your a dab hand with a soldering iron. the hardest on is the bias mod he's done. I bias modded my own 6505 and I actually took the whole main PCB out and inserted the parts through the board. worked fine. The other stuff is real simple.
Is that Sutton as in Surrey or another Sutton closer to Oxford?
If it's the former then we are pretty close - Im only in Croydon and Dmoney isn't far away either in SE London
I work in Sutton/Surrey and live in Oxford. White City actually would work pretty well for me, though...
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Damn you, Tekbow! I'd be so tempted to get my 5150-II modded, but I'm not confident enough to do this myself (pedals, pickups, house mains/lighting, okay, but not then amp...).
Anyone local to the south east region: Oxford/Sutton who would tighten up my 5150-II? :)
Roo
I'll do it.... 'insert evil cackle'
EDIT: I just read that rig-talk thread. pretty easy mods if your a dab hand with a soldering iron. the hardest on is the bias mod he's done. I bias modded my own 6505 and I actually took the whole main PCB out and inserted the parts through the board. worked fine. The other stuff is real simple.
Is that Sutton as in Surrey or another Sutton closer to Oxford?
If it's the former then we are pretty close - Im only in Croydon and Dmoney isn't far away either in SE London
I work in Sutton/Surrey and live in Oxford. White City actually would work pretty well for me, though...
Pop in for a cuppa if time allows sometime Roo if Croydon isnt too much of a drag to get to
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oddly enough, i just remembered I have to go to Purley today. "Croydon bruv? thats surrey! country-fied bruv!"
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I've sent PMs to each of you! :)
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I played a Jet City 100w head today, £599 out the door - sure I could get one cheaper if I pushed. Was f*ucking great as it happens, I want one. Basically a Chinese-made SLO100.
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I've gotta say, it sounds good here!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlgfGjVCubk
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Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!!! What's up guys?
Well I have finally settled to the Quick Rod after listening to some sound samples of it...astonishing....I also contacted Scott Splawn one of the 4 guys who make the amps...he was very helpful, he told me that all the custom options I wanted were for free (which means that the price remained at 1900 dollars plus shipping costs for Greece...) and when I asked him about my cabin he didn't try to persuade me buy one of his...instead he told me that I would be OK with the one I own right now....
Without wanting to advertise the brand I have to say that this guy as well as our Tim from BKP are the most helpful company owners I have ever seen...God bless their hearts...
However, ther's one big big big problem...I was forced by an emergency issue to spend around 50% of my money...dammit...now I have ot wait till I earn them again...
Anyway thank you for your help guys!!! As soon as I get the amp I'll tell you first impressions and maybe I'll upload a clip!!! :D :D
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I've got the JCA2112 20 watt combo. Awesome amps, it's hard to beat them at their price range.
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Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!!! What's up guys?
Well I have finally settled to the Quick Rod after listening to some sound samples of it...astonishing....I also contacted Scott Splawn one of the 4 guys who make the amps...he was very helpful, he told me that all the custom options I wanted were for free (which means that the price remained at 1900 dollars plus shipping costs for Greece...) and when I asked him about my cabin he didn't try to persuade me buy one of his...instead he told me that I would be OK with the one I own right now....
Without wanting to advertise the brand I have to say that this guy as well as our Tim from BKP are the most helpful company owners I have ever seen...God bless their hearts...
However, ther's one big big big problem...I was forced by an emergency issue to spend around 50% of my money...dammit...now I have ot wait till I earn them again...
Anyway thank you for your help guys!!! As soon as I get the amp I'll tell you first impressions and maybe I'll upload a clip!!! :D :D
Congrats man, great buy, I'm suprised you didn't buy from inside the eu tho and saved yourself the import charges
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Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!!! What's up guys?
Well I have finally settled to the Quick Rod after listening to some sound samples of it...astonishing....I also contacted Scott Splawn one of the 4 guys who make the amps...he was very helpful, he told me that all the custom options I wanted were for free (which means that the price remained at 1900 dollars plus shipping costs for Greece...) and when I asked him about my cabin he didn't try to persuade me buy one of his...instead he told me that I would be OK with the one I own right now....
Without wanting to advertise the brand I have to say that this guy as well as our Tim from BKP are the most helpful company owners I have ever seen...God bless their hearts...
However, ther's one big big big problem...I was forced by an emergency issue to spend around 50% of my money...dammit...now I have ot wait till I earn them again...
Anyway thank you for your help guys!!! As soon as I get the amp I'll tell you first impressions and maybe I'll upload a clip!!! :D :D
Very good, I'm sure you'll love the QR! Make sure you calculate VAT when the amp arrives, you will have to pay about 20-25% of the total incl. shipping on top to customs.
By the way, Tim and Scott have - besides amazing customer service - one more thing in common: They are both killer players, too!
Always nice to buy gear from someone who play the shite out of it himself.
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Congrats. :D
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Congrats man, great buy, I'm suprised you didn't buy from inside the eu tho and saved yourself the import charges
Yeah, this would make more sense to me too.
I'm not sure where in mainland Europe is a Splawn dealer, but I know Sounds Great Music in Cheshire, UK is so may be worth getting in touch with them to see if they'd ship you 1 out. It could save you a fair old bit of money!
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do you avoid import charges if you buy in the EU?
or is that cost just passed from the store to the customer?
I remember when sounds great music tried to £$%^ me over and the guy there got all annoyed because he imported a spare transformer for a soldano avenger and he claimed it was really hard for him to do cos of all the import duty ect, that I was never going to pay for because it was a spare part. like he was doing me a big favour... only that was quite true.
At the SAME time as that whole issue, I almost got a splawn from Scott direct (because id been put off soldano & sounds great) but I'd never heard one in person before. I explained my situation with sounds great to Scott and he was willing to help me out in a big way even though he didn't have to at all. Scott is a great dude. Sounds Great are scumbags. And yes, I'll never let it go.
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You avoid VAT within the EU as it's already been paid at it's point of entry. so you can buy from any country in the EU without customs and excise hitting it up for VAT.
If you buy from the states, you're paying their sales tax from wherever you bought it from (say you order from a store there) as it's figured into their price, then paying VAT on top of that when it comes to the uk.
I bought an axis a few years ago and didn't realise this at the time and was waiting for a big hit that never came.
then when i got the PRS from the states i paid nearly 300 quid in handling charges and VAT etc
If a company is a distributer for a product you would think that the cost of VAT would be figured into their price. so the sounds great price on splawns etc should have VAT and import costs figured into them already. so the 1900 quid sounds great charge for a quickrod should stay 1900 quid, obviously with p and p added on top
And yes sounds great are scumbags. I've sent them god knows how many emails asking for prices on SLO's and they just don't seem interested in replying. i would imagine if you said you had unlimited funds and wanted to buy one then and there they'd be all over you. just glad i have my Hot Rod 50 without having to deal with them.
to be perfectly honest, i would rather import an SLO from the states and pay more than have to deal with sounds great.
there's the occasional bitching session from the british members of the soldano forum. I wish to God mike soldano would change his distributer here. Thomann do soldano, but it's a case of WYSIWYG with them. can't really order any custom options i believe.
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last SLO price I got from them for a stock SLO was £3999
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I've sent them god knows how many emails asking for prices on SLO's and they just don't seem interested in replying.
Have you actually PHONED them? Some people/businesses aren't great with email ;)
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yup called them 3 or 4 times. never got an answer...
£3999? wow, guess i shoulda taken the plunge a few years ago. shame they never picked up their phones or replied to emails..
I'm no letting it go either :lol:
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I HATE having to phone places up to get a price for something.
If it means talking to that Gary guy I'd probably just get irate.
I have friends in germany and belgium and visting the mainland on and off, i'd rather buy from holland and just wait til I can pick an amp then buy from sounds great and get treated like a total mug.
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I like Sounds Great - They have always been dead on with me. Just a bit steep in prices. There's not many shops with their level of high end gear so I hope they stick around for a long time to come.
Shame you guys haven't had the same experiences
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I've only dealt with Sounds Great 3 times myself, 2 in person (when I tried the Splawn and then when I picked it up) and then again through Ebay when I bought a Voodoo Lab switcher from them.
Even before I went in person to try the amp I never had any problem getting an email reply from them or getting them to answer the phone etc.
I remember some time ago someone posted up some bad dealings with Sounds Great (my cr@p memory lately won't let me remember who it was :lol:) which may explain alot of the bad opinions etc, but they've been fine with the few times I've dealt with them.
As regards importing Splawns: I contaced Splawn several times as regards importing 1 directly from them and I worked out that even my discount from them didn't make it worth while after I added on atleast $300 for shipping and insurance, plus whatever import charges/tax/fees would be on top of that.
That's the main reason I suggested speaking to Sounds Great as having 1 from them would atleast forego the heavy import tax/fees you'd pay for 1 from the States.
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I HATE having to phone places up to get a price for something.
If it means talking to that Gary guy I'd probably just get irate.
I have friends in germany and belgium and visting the mainland on and off, i'd rather buy from holland and just wait til I can pick an amp then buy from sounds great and get treated like a total mug.
This
Just have the prices on the website, the whole POA thing to me is very "if you have to ask you probably can't afford it"
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This
Just have the prices on the website, the whole POA thing to me is very "if you have to ask you probably can't afford it"
+1
I don't see the point in a shop having a website if they aren't going to put the prices of their items on it! :shock:
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Sometimes, if you're selling something at a price less than RRP, you cannot advertise the fact. Hence the no prices on websites or magazine adverts.
Like Matt, I've never had a problem with Sounds Great. I've phoned a few times, called in a LOT and spent a fair amount of cash in there.
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At the risk of taking this topic even further off piste, I'm having second thoughts about my 5150-II. It sounds brutal, gives a great recorded tone, but the clean channel is far from ideal, and in a gig situation, it can be noisy (even with a 2-channel ISP decimator proRackG working overtime on it), with unwanted feedback. What other options are out there for the high gain (bass/mid focussed) and brutally loud stuff, preferably also with a usable clean channel and effects loop (just in case I need to keep the Decimator!)?
One of the other bands we played with last night had a pair of the Bogner-designed Line6 Spider amps (the new ones with the blue lights on), and I have to say, they sounded absolutely awesome, and no-one was battling with noise or feedback even at proper volumes...
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Sometimes, if you're selling something at a price less than RRP, you cannot advertise the fact. Hence the no prices on websites or magazine adverts.
Like Matt, I've never had a problem with Sounds Great. I've phoned a few times, called in a LOT and spent a fair amount of cash in there.
well if your not going to put it up, you best be on the ball with telling people what the price is when they enquire.
Thoman sell the SLO cheaper than sounds great (£3100 ish inc VAT and Shipping i think?). I don't think their prices are lower than RRP, but then I don't know... but since they are the only UK distributor than finding the UK RRP elsewhere is going to be hard.
I bought 1 thing, worth a lot of money, and got treated like a worthless idoit. I imagine most of the staff are fine, I only dealt with 1 guy and he was completely out of order with me.
Roo...
I think getting rid of that unwanted feedback takes a couple of things. With my Avenger, It would squeal with bad pups.
A solid guitar with solid pickups is a start. My amp, although I use a lot of gain, I don't use ALL the gain. It also has DC heaters on the first 2 preamp valves which helps a lot with noise. After I got the nailbombs in my LPC, I stopped using any kind of noise suppressor. I don't really use many pedals though, and when I do I never use them mains powered as I don't have a clean 9V supply.
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Roo...
I think getting rid of that unwanted feedback takes a couple of things. With my Avenger, It would squeal with bad pups.
A solid guitar with solid pickups is a start. My amp, although I use a lot of gain, I don't use ALL the gain. It also has DC heaters on the first 2 preamp valves which helps a lot with noise. After I got the nailbombs in my LPC, I stopped using any kind of noise suppressor. I don't really use many pedals though, and when I do I never use them mains powered as I don't have a clean 9V supply.
I've always struggled with the feedback, with my ibanez RG470F with stock ibanez pickups or a miracle man bridge, and latterly with the WezV baritone either with black dogs or the miracle man. Both guitars sound awesome through other amps, so I'm fairly sure that's not the issue. I definitely don't use all the gain, either! On the dirty channel I'm using a preamp gain of about 3.5/10 to 4/10 and about the same for the post gain for decent stage volumes. I might have to check out using a lower gain preamp valve in position 1, I suppose - there's PLENTY more gain on tap. I am boosting the input signal with a bodenhamer bloody murder (TS clone) with 9/10 level, 0 drive and 5-8/10 'tone'. That's battery powered. In fact the only thing not battery powered (apart from the amp!) is the ISP decimator! I use a power conditioner, too. No other pedals. It's either a case of sticking with this amp and playing around with valves and/or modding it, or I'll have to look around at other amps. Just got thinking about it given this thread, so was wondering about the more hardcore end of high gain amps :)
Roo
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Roo...
I think getting rid of that unwanted feedback takes a couple of things. With my Avenger, It would squeal with bad pups.
A solid guitar with solid pickups is a start. My amp, although I use a lot of gain, I don't use ALL the gain. It also has DC heaters on the first 2 preamp valves which helps a lot with noise. After I got the nailbombs in my LPC, I stopped using any kind of noise suppressor. I don't really use many pedals though, and when I do I never use them mains powered as I don't have a clean 9V supply.
I've always struggled with the feedback, with my ibanez RG470F with stock ibanez pickups or a miracle man bridge, and latterly with the WezV baritone either with black dogs or the miracle man. Both guitars sound awesome through other amps, so I'm fairly sure that's not the issue. I definitely don't use all the gain, either! On the dirty channel I'm using a preamp gain of about 3.5/10 to 4/10 and about the same for the post gain for decent stage volumes. I might have to check out using a lower gain preamp valve in position 1, I suppose - there's PLENTY more gain on tap. I am boosting the input signal with a bodenhamer bloody murder (TS clone) with 9/10 level, 0 drive and 5-8/10 'tone'. That's battery powered. In fact the only thing not battery powered (apart from the amp!) is the ISP decimator! I use a power conditioner, too. No other pedals. It's either a case of sticking with this amp and playing around with valves and/or modding it, or I'll have to look around at other amps. Just got thinking about it given this thread, so was wondering about the more hardcore end of high gain amps :)
Roo
When was the last time you changed out valves?
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Roo...
I think getting rid of that unwanted feedback takes a couple of things. With my Avenger, It would squeal with bad pups.
A solid guitar with solid pickups is a start. My amp, although I use a lot of gain, I don't use ALL the gain. It also has DC heaters on the first 2 preamp valves which helps a lot with noise. After I got the nailbombs in my LPC, I stopped using any kind of noise suppressor. I don't really use many pedals though, and when I do I never use them mains powered as I don't have a clean 9V supply.
I've always struggled with the feedback, with my ibanez RG470F with stock ibanez pickups or a miracle man bridge, and latterly with the WezV baritone either with black dogs or the miracle man. Both guitars sound awesome through other amps, so I'm fairly sure that's not the issue. I definitely don't use all the gain, either! On the dirty channel I'm using a preamp gain of about 3.5/10 to 4/10 and about the same for the post gain for decent stage volumes. I might have to check out using a lower gain preamp valve in position 1, I suppose - there's PLENTY more gain on tap. I am boosting the input signal with a bodenhamer bloody murder (TS clone) with 9/10 level, 0 drive and 5-8/10 'tone'. That's battery powered. In fact the only thing not battery powered (apart from the amp!) is the ISP decimator! I use a power conditioner, too. No other pedals. It's either a case of sticking with this amp and playing around with valves and/or modding it, or I'll have to look around at other amps. Just got thinking about it given this thread, so was wondering about the more hardcore end of high gain amps :)
Roo
When was the last time you changed out valves?
Both the pre and post section valves got changed about 18 months ago. Took it to a tech to look over after I bought it 2nd hand. I've always struggled with the feedback issues, there's no difference now to when I first put in the new valves. It gets played once a week for practice and has had about 10 gigs in that time (but to be fair, it's run harder at practice than it is at gigs, and for longer, too). It's biased stock, ie very cold, so there's probably still plenty of life left in the 6L6s.
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lower gain valve in V1 might be cool. Even if it's just a gold pin JJ 12AX7.
I didn't boost my 6505 but I did use more gain in the preamp, probably about 6/10. I also played around with using the low input.
I always had a lot of hiss problems and in the end that's what led me to look for something else.
Do you have the same issue using more amp gain with no boost?
That mod with the 10pf cap might help (I can't say for sure).
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lower gain valve in V1 might be cool. Even if it's just a gold pin JJ 12AX7.
I didn't boost my 6505 but I did use more gain in the preamp, probably about 6/10. I also played around with using the low input.
I always had a lot of hiss problems and in the end that's what led me to look for something else.
Do you have the same issue using more amp gain with no boost?
That mod with the 10pf cap might help (I can't say for sure).
I'll definitely give a lower gain V1 a go as that's relatively cheap. I used to run at about 6-7/10 before I got the bloody murder, still had the same issues.
So far I'm thinking up possible alternatives, but the list is short! An AxeFX may be the way to go, but I'd still need to get a (hifi type?) amplifier for the signal from that. Alternatively it's a traditional high gain head, but my knowledge of the market is poor...
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I think there is quite a lot, although obviously sounds will vary, and price will vary a lot too.
I could name a bunch of random amps.
have you see the Egnater Armageddon? Built in ISP Decimater. Looks like it would be a pretty heavy amp! although i can't find much info on them online. you can find videos.
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Hey!!! Good evening from Greece
Well I decided to buy straight from Scott instead from a European dealer because I want some custom options and I wanted to be clear with them because the dealer may make a mistake in the order...and we sure don't want that to happen!!! and maybe I'll send the money to my uncle who lives in USA permanently and he'll buy the amp for me and send it to Greece...
So far I'm thinking up possible alternatives, but the list is short! An AxeFX may be the way to go, but I'd still need to get a (hifi type?) amplifier for the signal from that. Alternatively it's a traditional high gain head, but my knowledge of the market is poor...
Well about the power-amp I would suggest this ENGL (http://www.thomann.de/gr/engl_e_84050_power_amp.htm) which I have played with and it is very very good...also, as well as the Axe FX which is great you can check out some other very good pre-amps: Line6 Pod X3 Pro (http://www.thomann.de/gr/line6_pod_x3_pro.htm), ENGL E570 (http://www.thomann.de/gr/engl_e570.htm). ENGL E580 (http://www.thomann.de/gr/engl_e580.htm), Randall RM4 Chassis (http://www.thomann.de/gr/randall_rm4_chassis.htm) and finally MESA Boogie Triaxis (http://www.thomann.de/gr/mesa_boogie_triaxis.htm)...all these of course are just a few of the choices you have and of course you are the one who'll make the final decision and maybe none of these stuff I've posted has the sound you want...good luck with your shopping!!! :)
Thank you once again all of you guys for your advice and help, I promise samples....:)
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yo.
the SLO is currently £2999 "a the current exchange rate"
I was wrong about the £3999, my last email about it was 14 Jan 2010 and it was £2999 then also.
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thats more like it :lol:
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for those wanting an SLO100, I would strongly recommend you try out a Jet City 100w head - the controls and layout are exactly the same, and the amp responded (and sounded) exactly like an SLO100 to my ears. for £599 out the door, you really can't grumble.
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for those wanting an SLO100, I would strongly recommend you try out a Jet City 100w head - the controls and layout are exactly the same, and the amp responded (and sounded) exactly like an SLO100 to my ears. for £599 out the door, you really can't grumble.
Well I have heard that it is made in China and personally I don't really trust chinese products...anyway right now I don't look for an amp anymore as you can see from my last 2-3 posts...but anyway thank you for your time
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JCA is a project mike soldano has personally supervised along with his partner who is in china overseeing production. they are very very good amps, and for the money, nothing touches them.
whether they're up there with an SLO i'm not sure, have yet to try one in the flesh so to speak. i'll maybe nip down to guitar guitar tomorrow and see if they have any in. From what i've been told, they coma as close as a 600 quid amp can come, but they're missing some of the harmonic richness and nuances that sets the SLO apart from everything else
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JCA is a project mike soldano has personally supervised along with his partner who is in china overseeing production. they are very very good amps, and for the money, nothing touches them.
whether they're up there with an SLO i'm not sure, have yet to try one in the flesh so to speak. i'll maybe nip down to guitar guitar tomorrow and see if they have any in. From what i've been told, they coma as close as a 600 quid amp can come, but they're missing some of the harmonic richness and nuances that sets the SLO apart from everything else
Well I didn't know the fact that they are Soldano's project and are supervised by his company...I thought they were just another amp range from one of the Chinese manufacturers...anyway right now I can't give 'em a try 'cause I ain't gonna buy any of their range anyway...I think I have found the amp for me...and its name is Quick Rod!!!
Thx for the information and as soon as I collect 600euros I'll make sure I'll buy one!!!
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you won't need to man, you'll have a hard time finding anything to come close to the splawn. its in a league of its own just like the friedmans and soldanos. :D
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Well yeah I know that... :D :D :D :D :D :D I have heard so many good words about the Splawn and the only thing now is to get my hands on it, plug it on my cab, get my guitar and start shredding!!!
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JCA is a project mike soldano has personally supervised along with his partner who is in china overseeing production. they are very very good amps, and for the money, nothing touches them.
whether they're up there with an SLO i'm not sure, have yet to try one in the flesh so to speak. i'll maybe nip down to guitar guitar tomorrow and see if they have any in. From what i've been told, they coma as close as a 600 quid amp can come, but they're missing some of the harmonic richness and nuances that sets the SLO apart from everything else
and they sound like this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDYkMEqd8jk