Author Topic: Modern Tones from an Old JCM800? (Read 16471 times)

Bainzy · « **Reply #15 on:** February 27, 2006, 01:38:06 PM »

You could add an extra tube gain stage inside the amp - insert one half of the triode into the signal path so it's switchable in and out, and then parallel that half of the triode with the other so you've got 2 gain stages. That'd give you way more gain than you'd need. Parallel gain stages is how Mesa's get that high gain sound.

maliciousteve · « **Reply #16 on:** February 27, 2006, 03:35:10 PM »

Quote from: Bainzy

You could add an extra tube gain stage inside the amp - insert one half of the triode into the signal path so it's switchable in and out, and then parallel that half of the triode with the other so you've got 2 gain stages. That'd give you way more gain than you'd need. Parallel gain stages is how Mesa's get that high gain sound.

I think Dino (Ex-fear Factory) done the same thing to his JCM800 (or 900) heads before he used Line 6. He got a great tone from doing that

indysmith · « **Reply #17 on:** February 27, 2006, 07:22:23 PM »

Quote from: maliciousteve

Quote from: Bainzy
You could add an extra tube gain stage inside the amp - insert one half of the triode into the signal path so it's switchable in and out, and then parallel that half of the triode with the other so you've got 2 gain stages. That'd give you way more gain than you'd need. Parallel gain stages is how Mesa's get that high gain sound.

I think Dino (Ex-fear Factory) done the same thing to his JCM800 (or 900) heads before he used Line 6. He got a great tone from doing that

I'm sure it'd work well, but i dont want to/know how to butcher the amp!

I think the thing to do is to try a beastly overdrive and an e.q. i might ask around - see if my friends have any of this gear that they could lend me. buncha metallers they are - i'm bound to find someone!

_tom_ · « **Reply #18 on:** February 27, 2006, 08:36:16 PM »

Get a V-Amp 2 and run that into the FX return/poweramp in like me :P I've been getting some seriously phat tones tonight from that.

sambo · « **Reply #19 on:** February 27, 2006, 08:39:46 PM »

just get a zoom ps-04 (like ME)... thats gonna be my advice to everyone with anyone question about tone from now on... even though it probably wont help them at all as its a pretty worthless piece of kit...

HJM · « **Reply #20 on:** February 27, 2006, 08:40:46 PM »

A boost from an OD pedal 6550 valves and a closed back extension cab will be as close as you can get.

The 6550s really help the bass out a lot.

Other than that use the VTwin direct into the power stage of the JCM, you then loose the problem of the two preamps interacting with each other!

indysmith · « **Reply #21 on:** February 27, 2006, 10:06:40 PM »

Quote from: HJM

Other than that use the VTwin direct into the power stage of the JCM, you then loose the problem of the two preamps interacting with each other!

uhhh how?? lol - theres no effects loops or anything

Tin(it)us · « **Reply #22 on:** February 27, 2006, 10:29:45 PM »

The speakers also do alot for tone shaping. As well as the suggestion to get a closed cab for more bass response you might want to try different speakers too. For example I recently read that Zakk Wylde was much more pleased with his sound after his blown-up Celestions in a 4x12 cab were changed to the only thing the shop he went to had in stock, which were IIRC 200W 12" PA speakers. Maybe other type Celestions or another brand higher W and efficiency speakers will be better suited to your taste, and when you use a 2x12 closed back ext cab for them you won't have to butcher the amp.

HJM · « **Reply #23 on:** February 28, 2006, 08:06:45 AM »

Quote from: indysmith

Quote from: HJM
Other than that use the VTwin direct into the power stage of the JCM, you then loose the problem of the two preamps interacting with each other!

uhhh how?? lol - theres no effects loops or anything

Just fit one - a simple non buffered one is easy, although you loose a little tone, if you're using a different preamp like the VTwin it will work fine.

HJM · « **Reply #24 on:** February 28, 2006, 08:08:18 AM »

Quote from: Tin(it)us

The speakers also do alot for tone shaping. As well as the suggestion to get a closed cab for more bass response you might want to try different speakers too. For example I recently read that Zakk Wylde was much more pleased with his sound after his blown-up Celestions in a 4x12 cab were changed to the only thing the shop he went to had in stock, which were IIRC 200W 12" PA speakers. Maybe other type Celestions or another brand higher W and efficiency speakers will be better suited to your taste, and when you use a 2x12 closed back ext cab for them you won't have to butcher the amp.

Good idea....how about Vintage 30s - they've got a nice modern edge to the midrange.

indysmith · « **Reply #25 on:** February 28, 2006, 05:06:34 PM »

Yeah i'd definately considered V-30's. might not be a bad idea :lol:
Just fit one HJM!?! its not that easy... :? i wouldnt know where to start, haha. Keep in mind i'm a 16 year old kid that knows nothing about electronics... anyone know of anyone that could put one in for me, for a reasonable price? - could i get a bypassable one?

tewboss · « **Reply #26 on:** February 28, 2006, 06:15:59 PM »

Don't get an effects loop done cheaply because there are loads of old JCM800's out there that have been bar-stewardised in the 80's.

willo · « **Reply #27 on:** February 28, 2006, 07:10:51 PM »

Any idea how they got the sounds on the Velvet Revolver album? They sound relatively modern, yet I'm pretty sure Slash is still using his JCM800's & Jubilees. Could be Kushner, could just be the production, but I really dig some of the tones on that album.

_tom_ · « **Reply #28 on:** February 28, 2006, 07:31:58 PM »

Yeah I like alot of the tones on Contraband (although their live tone is better ;) ). Dave uses a Bogner head of some kind I think, which would explain the modern-ness.

indysmith · « **Reply #29 on:** February 28, 2006, 10:23:20 PM »

What about just putting a Keeley-modded MT-2twilightzone pedal in front of the low-gain input? that'd give it a mighty kick up the arse surely? I realise it probably won't nail the sound i'm looking for, but surely it couldnt sound too bad just for those times wen i want a laugh Scaring the neighbours...?