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Author Topic: Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod  (Read 12806 times)

Ratrod

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« on: August 26, 2005, 12:38:23 PM »
I have this MT-2 lying around. I'm using it now because the adapter for my Tube Factor is still missing. The MT-2 sounds harsh and thin, nothing like the big tube distortion I'm used to. So, I'm thinking about having the mod done.

Has anyone got one? What's your opinion?

I've checked the HC reviews. Very mixed opinions. There was this guy called SRZ who had a Warpigged Strat that wasn't too happy about it.

HJM, I would appreiciate your opinion.
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willo

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2005, 02:22:35 PM »
Hey Ratrod, i don't know about the Keeley mod (sorry to divert this so quickly!) but i do know that Analogman does a mod too - information here:

http://www.analogman.com/boss.htm

(you might need to scroll down a bit). Anyway, they have comparison's there of the stock and the modded pedals. I think he does international orders, but you may want to check if you are interested in it. Also, check both the keeley.co.uk and the .com addresses, i seem to remember they have different sound clips. Hope some of that helps!
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Ratrod

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« Reply #2 on: August 26, 2005, 04:12:03 PM »
Thanks Willo.

The analog man demo sounds pretty similar to Keeley's ultra setting. There is a difference that's probably due to the amp that was used. The Analog Man clip had a good Tube Screamer vibe to it, wich I liked very much.

Does anyone know the difference between the Analog Man mod and the Keeley mod?

It seems that Analog Man replaces some of the circuitry by Tube Screamer circuitry while Keeley just replaces some of the capacitors and ads a three way switch for different characteristics.

I'm an absolute dummy when it comes to circuitry, so please reply in English. :oops:
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willo

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« Reply #3 on: August 26, 2005, 04:13:07 PM »
I think we need HJM in here...

(but you might want to try emailing Analog Mike; apparently he's a very nice man).
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HJM

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« Reply #4 on: August 26, 2005, 05:13:42 PM »
It's a fun pedal....I've got one here somewhere....not my first choice

It's not natural or subtle, but is a lot more usable than the original. It has teh same signature sound, the peircing mid is still there. Not as harsh, but still pretty cutting.  

I find that it's still not a very transparent pedal, and it still doesn't respond too well to playing dynamics.


There's the downside, on a plus, if you can get it to work with your setup it sounds huge, that is if you like the Metalzone type of sound - ie that  sharp midrange peak.  It is much improved on stock, less noisy, better tone control and more range. But it'

Hope that helps!s not a Tube Factor (which I once owned and kind of regret getting rid of!)
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Ratrod

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« Reply #5 on: August 26, 2005, 05:34:15 PM »
Thanks HJM.

I know the Metal Zone is a bit of a sledgehammer but it's cool for what it is. I have managed to get a reasonable sound out of it. It sounds a lot like the metal guitar stuff from the Total Guitar tracks. :lol:

The main problem I have with it is that it sounds harsh and thin. I'm not expecting miracles from the mod but I hope most of the harsh and thin stuff goes away. I'm also hoping the mod will make it sound a bit bigger 'cause it won't really hold up in a band situation.

From what I've read on both Analog Mike's site and the Keeley site is that the mods are pretty much the same. They both use this Silver Mica thing. Keeley also ads this 3way switch that might be usefull.
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HJM

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« Reply #6 on: August 26, 2005, 06:55:47 PM »
It has more beef and body to the tone so the answer is yes - remember that I've not plyed a stock metalzone for about 10 years!
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TwilightOdyssey

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« Reply #7 on: August 26, 2005, 07:11:08 PM »
Quote from: HJM
remember that I've not plyed a stock metalzone for about 10 years!

Gettin' old, huh?!  ;)

HJM

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« Reply #8 on: August 26, 2005, 07:33:45 PM »
Still 28.....few months yet!

Doesn't veryone buy a Metalzone once when they're 18???
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Shag101

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« Reply #9 on: August 26, 2005, 07:36:31 PM »
I sent my mrx+ to http://www.indyguitarist.com/index.htm
and loved what they did.  it sounds so much better.  cleaner more focused distortion.   They have some mods for the MT2 that sound good from the site.  The owner Brian is good with emails and seems very willing to help.
Not sure if this is a good place to go for UK guys...

Plus it gets the bright blue led...lol
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HJM

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« Reply #10 on: August 27, 2005, 09:40:11 AM »
What is it with blue LEDs.....my studio gear is full of them ,pedals are full of them, even the car stereo is covered in blue LEDs....????


Makes everything look like a VW dash..... :!:  :evil:
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Ratrod

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« Reply #11 on: August 27, 2005, 09:44:40 AM »
Quote from: HJM
Still 28.....few months yet!

Doesn't veryone buy a Metalzone once when they're 18???


+1 Exactly :lol:

I tried selling it but there are about 600 of them available on every internet market place or auction. I would have to give it away. Might as well keep it, mod it and see if it'll bring a smile on my face instead of the 'close but no cigar' face.

Nice clips from indyguitarist. It seems all mods are pretty similar though. Amp and setting make most of the difference I think.
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willo

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« Reply #12 on: August 27, 2005, 10:08:40 AM »
Quote from: HJM
What is it with blue LEDs.....my studio gear is full of them ,pedals are full of them, even the car stereo is covered in blue LEDs....????


Makes everything look like a VW dash..... :!:  :evil:


In a few years time, you can imagine that people will be like 'Whoa! A red LED, how cool is that?!?' :lol:
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HJM

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« Reply #13 on: August 27, 2005, 10:14:05 AM »
Tell me about it.... :P
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Shag101

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Keeley MT-2 Twilight Zone Mod
« Reply #14 on: August 29, 2005, 02:40:31 PM »
Well, i like the blue LED because it matches my yellow pedal perfect.  I also find the blue led to be the brightest of any of my pedals.  it illuminate the whole floor for the low light situations.....plus blue is my favorite color aside from black...lol...
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