Author Topic: VooDoo Amps (Read 3250 times)

Dakine · « **on:** December 13, 2007, 05:06:06 PM »

OK,
this is JUST a question (as only just got Shiva and am VERY happy).

I read Voodoo amps in NY can mod a Shiva to hook up another unused gain stage (standard mod) of the type I believe Jerry Cantrell has had done.

I know a simple 'jump wire' mod.

Basically just being nosey :), any experience with Voodoo amps and their mods?

LazyNinja · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2007, 05:28:31 PM »

I've never dealt with them but I've heard that the guy covers the mods with some immovable black goo to protect his designs. I've seen pics as well and indeed it looked nasty but I don't have a link to the pics sorry.

EDIT: Found one

http://www.timeelect.com/hackmarshall.htm

EDIT2: and another

http://www.frankencat.com/voodoo/

I'd keep your prized Shiva well away from this guy's hands!!!

Woogie · « **Reply #2 on:** December 13, 2007, 05:35:02 PM »

All I know is that Voodoo amps sound awesome. V-Plex is a beast!! Trace seems to know what he's doing so I`m sure they'd do a good job modding your Shiva. Customer support is great too.

Dakine · « **Reply #3 on:** December 13, 2007, 07:21:05 PM »

NO plans for modding it (just yet lol) but was curious.
That goop looks awful! Especially as they get great writeups, eugh!

JamesHealey · « **Reply #4 on:** December 13, 2007, 07:21:30 PM »

i'd avoid getting it modded by voodoo.. bad reputation.

Dakine · « **Reply #5 on:** December 13, 2007, 07:25:56 PM »

hmm, cool.
Well as said just being nosey/wondering. NO intention of modding it really. Getting BB Pre from fat guy in red suit and looking forward to that 'mod' :)

JamesHealey · « **Reply #6 on:** December 13, 2007, 07:28:38 PM »

cool.. ;)

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #7 on:** December 13, 2007, 09:36:02 PM »

I've know Trace by email for 6+ years and he's always very helpful and friendly. He helped me in the early days when I was first starting to work on my amps offering modding advice and answering many of my emails on general amp design.

Although the epoxy looks bad, the guy is entitled to try and protect his designs. He must have worked on hundreds of amps over the years and that's just two disgruntled customers. Bear in mind on the Marshall that the owner obviously wanted it modded - can't blame Trace for that.

All of Trace's work I've seen looked nothing like those pix - I can only assume they were a long time ago.

:twisted:

hunter · « **Reply #8 on:** December 13, 2007, 10:49:57 PM »

RC Booster, no gain stage needed then

Dakine · « **Reply #9 on:** December 14, 2007, 03:46:46 AM »

sheesh, was just being inquisitive LOL :P

NO intention of messing with my brand new Shiva :)

As for Boost, am gonna try the BB pre me thinks ;)

Mr Ed · « **Reply #10 on:** December 14, 2007, 08:38:45 AM »

That's insanity.

Ampman · « **Reply #11 on:** December 14, 2007, 01:14:25 PM »

Trace has called my amptech for advice when he has a problem.I've had a few of Trace's products.Wouldn't buy another one I'm afraid.

Will · « **Reply #12 on:** December 14, 2007, 05:02:54 PM »

hmm, well I don't think I would like to have that done to an amp, surely there is a way to do it in a little box that is out of the way or something, maybe an extra little PCB that can have a load of epoxy over and nobody would care

Woogie · « **Reply #13 on:** December 14, 2007, 05:07:58 PM »

I`m surprised at the negativity towards Trace and Voodoo amps!! He's been helpful to me and answered all my questions politely. I almost purchased a V-Plex off him but it was a combo not the head I was after. I haven't seen any epoxy on his latest work and someone I know has a Plexi built by Trace with no problems.

Dakine · « **Reply #14 on:** December 14, 2007, 07:17:55 PM »

the 'misinformation' net is a funny beast.

Maybe someone has a gripe with voodoo, maybe it was earlier work (pics posted that is).
I would imagine they do some good work from reports I have heard and lets be honest, if making most of their living with mods, they probably don't want everyone to see as much will be through knowledge/experience and not material cost.

As for amp modding, I would hasten a guess that any GOOD (key word there) amp tech./builder/boffin could disect a circuit and assess if anything could be done to 'tweak' it for the owner. Amp builders design for the massess and usually not for individuals (mainstream of course).

Personally I was just being curious to thoughts. I have a local amp designer/mad scientist type who could probably tweak my amp if I wished (just don't wish this with a brand new Bogner right now lol) and indeed I have a feeling Bogner themselves can do this for a price (as have heard there was design options left for this).