Marshall Super Lead w/ attenuator and/or master volume mod- good idea or bad idea?

[ErikH]

Re: Marshall Super Lead w/ attenuator and/or master volume mod- good idea or bad idea

Doing this is like using a top fuel dragster as a grocery getter. Doesn't make sense.

If you need close to or bedroom levels, get a small amp or get a modeler. Use something that it is meant to be used for.

 

[GilmourD]

Re: Marshall Super Lead w/ attenuator and/or master volume mod- good idea or bad idea

Doing this is like using a top fuel dragster as a grocery getter. Doesn't make sense.

If you need close to or bedroom levels, get a small amp or get a modeler. Use something that it is meant to be used for.

I've got a Bugera 1960 Infinium, which is basically a post-'73 JMP 1959 modified like Randy Rhoads had his modified. I run it through a Jet City Jettenuator. It's not only for volume reasons. I do it live, too, depending on how much dirt I want from the amp. This circuit starts to get those classic sounds once the power tubes start to compress a bit.

That said... If you're going to spend the money to get a Super Lead, why not just get something with a lower wattage, like a Friedman Pink Taco.

Or get yourself something from Ceriatone. I'm looking to do the build-it-yourself kit of a Marshall 1987 (JMP50) because I like building stuff, but GuitarAmpUSA.com sells them pre-built for not a whole lot of money.

You could get yourself a Son of Yeti: http://guitarampsusa.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=107&search=yeti

Or a full-size Yeti in either 50 watts: http://guitarampsusa.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=114&search=yeti

Or 100 watts: http://guitarampsusa.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=113&search=yeti

Or if you REALLY want a non-master-volume 1959 Super Lead: http://guitarampsusa.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_65&product_id=112

Just to note about the prices there, they start with the lowest option, which doesn't include tubes or a head cabinet.

Also, I have nothing to do with GuitarAmpsUSA.com. They get recommended a lot over at TheGearPage.net and they have to be good because TGP likes to rip apart anybody that even sneezes the wrong way which doesn't give them haunting mids and crystal lettuce.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Marshall Super Lead w/ attenuator and/or master volume mod- good idea or bad idea

That said... If you're going to spend the money to get a Super Lead, why not just get something with a lower wattage, like a Friedman Pink Taco.

Would be better off looking for or building a single EL34-based amp than a 2-EL84 amp. EL84s sound significantly different.

 

[GilmourD]

Re: Marshall Super Lead w/ attenuator and/or master volume mod- good idea or bad idea

Would be better off looking for or building a single EL34-based amp than a 2-EL84 amp. EL84s sound significantly different.

That's why I also suggested the Ceriatone Son of Yeti. 6V6s sound surprisingly EL34-like when driven in the right circuit. Kinda weird but cool.

I've often thought about how to convert a 1959 to 6V6s. I think the main difference would have to be the bias since most 1959 circuit amps run the B+ in the range of a Fender Deluxe Reverb. I'm sure there'd be some other tweaks, but it could be an interesting experiment. Run it with a 50W OT since it would probably max out at 45W with a quad of 6V6GTs.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Marshall Super Lead w/ attenuator and/or master volume mod- good idea or bad idea

Take a look at Kracke amps.

Bill

 

[marshallpete]

Re: Marshall Super Lead w/ attenuator and/or master volume mod- good idea or bad idea

After 44 years of living with the loudest nastiest point to point wired Super lead ever made I have the scars and wounds to be considered an expert on the taming of these amps. I have tried everything soaks, breaks, attenuators there is no doubt in my mind the best answer for your situation is ............ The fulltone OCD pedal. You might not think it and I'm not sure how it does it but you can set your amp up on 4 or 6 volume. twist down the volume knob on the OCD and my girlfriend can sleep in the next bedroom and not hear a thing while I enjoy the beautiful Marshall tone we all know and love. It really works and the tone is superb try it you will thank me. The next best thing and it's a long way from being as good as the OCD is a THD it's not terrible but nowhere near as quiet and soulful

 

[jeremy]

Re: Marshall Super Lead w/ attenuator and/or master volume mod- good idea or bad idea

so you are running your marshall at 6 but turning the volume down on the ocd plugged into the front end to a whisper?

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Marshall Super Lead w/ attenuator and/or master volume mod- good idea or bad idea

I have several Superleads, and the only person that has been able to add an MV without killing the Marshall sound is Dave Friedman. I love having the MV (even though Dave hates them), but I plan to leave the stock amps I have stock and will at some point add Friedman's attenuator.

 

[GilmourD]

Re: Marshall Super Lead w/ attenuator and/or master volume mod- good idea or bad idea

I have several Superleads, and the only person that has been able to add an MV without killing the Marshall sound is Dave Friedman. I love having the MV (even though Dave hates them), but I plan to leave the stock amps I have stock and will at some point add Friedman's attenuator.

There's a guy over at The Gear Page by the name of Michael R/T that does some magical stuff with master volumes.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Marshall Super Lead w/ attenuator and/or master volume mod- good idea or bad idea

No one killed my amp gas faster than Friedman. I wont let anyone put their hands inside but Dave. I don't even bother to point out anything to him anymore. Dave just knows what old Marshalls are supposed to sound like.

I have my last Superlead and an old JTM that Dave has left to do, and then that is really it. I say that of course and then there will be something, but I don't see it being another Marshall (just jinked myself)