How do you figure out amp mods?

[mwalluk]

Re: How do you figure out amp mods?

Well, actually, after thinking for a bit, why wouldn't people just buy an EQ pedal instead? I'm probably missing something there, but I've also heard that you can get some more gain out of an amp with the EQ (and gain seems to be a common reason for modding). It seems logical to just buy an MXR EQ for around $80-$120 and make adjustments to the tone with that than pay alot more to get it modified.

You may find that gain is what you actually need LESS of. A lot of tones use less gain than you think. Try dialing back and missing with the eq some.

Or try a speaker swap.

[Jakek5150]

Re: How do you figure out amp mods?

Or try a speaker swap.

This. Once I get the money, I'm hoping to swap out at least 2 of the V30s in my cab for Greenbacks.

[AL30]

Re: How do you figure out amp mods?

Start here:

http://www.aikenamps.com/CommonCathode.htm

[Edgecrusher]

Re: How do you figure out amp mods?

Well, actually, after thinking for a bit, why wouldn't people just buy an EQ pedal instead? I'm probably missing something there, but I've also heard that you can get some more gain out of an amp with the EQ (and gain seems to be a common reason for modding). It seems logical to just buy an MXR EQ for around $80-$120 and make adjustments to the tone with that than pay alot more to get it modified.

Changing the EQ with a pedal infront of the amp is different than changing the tone stack of the amp. A EQ pedal in front of an amp can be a cool way to target specific frequencies to be boosted.

Glassman hit it right when he said that you need to identify what exact change you want. Seems more like you want to tinker. If thats what your after pick up one of the cheaper kit amps around and have fun building and tinkering to your hearts content.

Too many times I see people get amp mods they dont even really want cause they think the amp tech will sprinkle some magic fairy dust on it and make it magical.

[devastone]

Re: How do you figure out amp mods?

Blackstars are not amps to learn modding on, they aren't really good for modding at all. Multiple channels, lot of surface mount parts, not an all tube signal path, they basically are made to be what they are.

[Bludave]

Re: How do you figure out amp mods?

I would usually start with a pedal.... then go from there. Amp mods are for professionals. I am not a pro and I have intentions of becoming one. If I can't fix it with a pedal then the amp isn't right for me.

[Gearjoneser]

Re: How do you figure out amp mods?

Just never allow yourself to get to this point.

[devastone]

Re: How do you figure out amp mods?

Hmm, wonder if that guy has written a book?

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: How do you figure out amp mods?

I'd say open it up and look around for internal pots that you can tweak with a small plastic-tipped screwdriver. Sometimes these are attached to EQ circuits to tailor the frequencies the front knobs affect, other times they're attached to gain circuits that the front knob affects.

And once in a while you find one that's attached to something that could cause your amp to fry if you turn it too far.

But WTH, it's only money.