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Post by mikefont on Sept 22, 2004 16:02:51 GMT -5
Jerry, I just found this your site today, (from the EddieVanHalen.com site).
I have a 5150, and would like some more info on your mods.
I may wanna go with your Deluxe Mod, but can you tell me exactly what your Tone Shift Mod does?
Also, I read about your Lower Gain mod, and I can see where that helps improve the clean sound and the hiss from the lead channel, but how does it affect the gain on the lead channel. I LOVE the 5150 pre-gain (I usually run mine around 7), but I do HATE that hiss!
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Post by Jerry P on Sept 22, 2004 21:20:27 GMT -5
Jerry, I just found this your site today, (from the EddieVanHalen.com site). I have a 5150, and would like some more info on your mods. I may wanna go with your Deluxe Mod, but can you tell me exactly what your Tone Shift Mod does? Also, I read about your Lower Gain mod, and I can see where that helps improve the clean sound and the hiss from the lead channel, but how does it affect the gain on the lead channel. I LOVE the 5150 pre-gain (I usually run mine around 7), but I do HATE that hiss! Thanks for stopping by! The tone shift mod shifts he frequencies of the EQ and allows you to get a deeper low/mid tone. You can get a deeper scoop if that's your thing. I get a lor of guys looking for the deeper Engl type tones and that mod does it. The lower gain mod takes so little gain away you won't even miss it. If you set it at 7, you might set it at 7.5 or 8 after the mod. It make the tone tighter and gives it more clarity. Sometimes the distortion gets too saturated and muddy at higher levels, this mod helps keep it clear but you can still get saturation if you need it. Jerry |
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Post by mikefont on Sept 23, 2004 6:59:29 GMT -5
Thanks Jerry
I have another question for you. I posted this to you over at the EddieVanHalen.com site, but I wasn't sure how frequently you went there, so I'll post it here too!
I am curious about something. If I got the eternal bias mod from you, would I need a bias probe whenever I replace my power tubes, or can you go by ear?
Say I'm using a matched set from Groove Tubes... I know that Groove Tubes tests and rates their tubes so that they are fairly consistent when you buy new one's, if you stay within the same ratings. Can I get away with an "ear" adjustment, or is it best to get a bias probe or a tech to check the bias? By the way, are the JJ tubes rated in a similar way as the Groove Tubes are?
Also, I see that you have a mod to switch the 5150 from 6L6's to EL34's. In your opinion, how does the 5150 sound with EL34's? Ya know, I'd like to get my 5150 to sound a little closer to good Marshall (similar to Eddie's ever elusive brown sound). The Marshall seem to have that better sounding compression to me. I LOVE my 5150, but I think that it could be even better...especially if I could get rid of that loud hissing!!!!
Or for that matter, have you ever modded a 5150 to use KT88 tubes? If so, how did it turn out?
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Post by Jerry P on Sept 23, 2004 9:50:58 GMT -5
With the external bias pot you would still need a bias probe or some other way of monitoring the bias. The mod I do with the external test points allows you to do this. No matter where you buy tubes you should always check the bias, especially if the bias mod has been done. With a stock 5150 the bias range is cold enough where you won't get in trouble, but when the bias has been modded it's possible to burn up tubes if the bias isn't checked. The other side of checking the bias is that it give you or a tech the chance to see what's going on inside the amp. I can't begin to count how many times I've been checking bias and found a bad screen grid resistor on a 5150. The owners had no idea the amp had a problem and was only running on 3 tubes. If I wasn't in there if would have gone unnoticed. Biasing is the only way to be sure you're getting the best tone out of your tubes and that your amp is working at 100%. I don't care for EL34's in a 5150. They sound too muddy to my ears. The EL34 has an early break up and more crunch. Put that together with the massive gain of a 5150 and it equals mud. I can mod a 5150 to have a more compressed tone. I can mod a 5150 to use EL34's but I would also wanna lower the gain quite a bit to lessen the mud. I don't think KT88's is a good idea in a 5150. I'm not sure the power transformer can handle the added current. If you want JJ tubes check out Doug's Tubes. Doug is a great guy and does a super job of matching and testing tubes. He's got great prices and service too. When it comes to buying tubes there a lot of hype out there. Doug is a straight shooter. Jerry |
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Post by mikefont on Oct 10, 2004 16:07:38 GMT -5
So Jerry, what is the mod to add more compression?
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Post by Jerry P on Oct 12, 2004 0:42:52 GMT -5
So Jerry, what is the mod to add more compression? It's one of the options I have for my 5150 mods. It mainly compresses the highs as you increase the amps volume. It makes the highs smoother so they don't take your head off. It doesn't compress the lows and turn them to mud. Jerry |
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Post by mikefont on Oct 14, 2004 17:08:32 GMT -5
thanks for da info Jerry! Is that a standard mod for you? What's the cost of that mod? thanks again!  |
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Post by Jerry P on Oct 15, 2004 0:27:35 GMT -5
thanks for da info Jerry! Is that a standard mod for you? What's the cost of that mod? thanks again! That's something I just started offering along with my lower gain mod and bias mod. It's $180 for all of them. Jerry |
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