Variac

[LLL]

In honor of Mr. Ed -

For those curious about using a variac with their tube amp (Marshall):

I modded my amp (JTM45RI modded to somewhat plexi specs) back in 2013 to run a variac at about 100v (90v was too mushy for 50 watter) by changing the bias resistor.

I biased the amp after I had dropped the voltage, so the 6CA7s were idling around 40mAs.

It definitely does something to the tone... slightly squishier with a slight change in the "crunch".


Here's a quick n dirty clip I did back then with 1 SM57 on speaker, Flanger added in DAW (no EQ or other polish).

Guitars are me, backing track is Al & Mike:

 

[tone4days]

That sounds so cool !
is it massively loud in the room?
what cab/speaker(s)?

 

[greekdude]

LLL hats off man, EVH = official Saint in the Church or rock'n'roll.

 

[ErikH]

That sounds cool! Could use a little more mids but the vibe is totally there.