"Feel" of the modules / modular

[marvcus]

Some guy over at another forum started a thread about wanting to trade for one of two other amplifiers (101b and OD50) to replace his Mod 50. He felt he couldn't get the right tone, but mostly that his modules (the SL) didn't feel like it should to him.

Now, I think the Egnater crew has done an outstanding job of putting their spin on classic amps like the Plexi, Twin, Vox, etc., but I couldn't tell you what the feel of a real Plexi is like or an old Vox, etc. vs. the modules themselves.

Does this guy have a valid argument or do you think it's just a GAS response? Sounds to me like he might be better suited for a BMAN/SL2x combination.

FWIW, I have always felt that the Eggie stuff is very dynamic. I LOVE my rig.

Here's the thread: http://www.hugeracksinc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=64015&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

 

[muudrock]

I find that guys experience interesting. Sounds like he's not 100% sure how to dial in his Mod 50.
You can vary the feel of any of the modules by varying the eq switches, the amount of gain and tweaking the module masters in conjuction with the overall master. I have no problem going from tight and bright to mellow and chewy just by adjusting a few knobs. I guess I don't understand what he is looking for--maybe he doesn't either

The SL module is not the "typical" overly bright Plexi sound, but that's why I like it. It has some girth and body and isn't to shrill. You don't have to be at ear-bleeding volume for it to sound good.

 

[Jeff Hilligan]

To me the power section you use is what causes the "feel" issue. 4 tubes feels different than 2 tubes. Same thing with the different type of tube. Most guys who make these kind of statements are not comparing apples to apples. Why does this amp with 6550's and 100 watts feel different than a 50 watter with 34's.

 

[aeroic]

To me the power section you use is what causes the "feel" issue. 4 tubes feels different than 2 tubes. Same thing with the different type of tube. Most guys who make these kind of statements are not comparing apples to apples. Why does this amp with 6550's and 100 watts feel different than a 50 watter with 34's.

I couldnt' agree more with you Jeff. That's why I personally love the Modular series...and the Mod50 cause you can easily get different feels. You want a "low wattage" feel...throw 6V6s or yellow jackets w/ EL84s in. You want a "big head" feel...throw 6550s or KT88s in. You want a warm crunchy marshallesque vibe...get EL34s...you want a bigger bolder Fender or Mesa tone...get 6L6s.

The tones really do come from the preamp..and the feel from the power amp.

 

[RockStarNick]

A pro/con of the mod50 is that while it does have a VERY smooth taper on the master volume knob that works great for low volume playing, you DO have to crank it "more" to get the tubes cooking.

It's just the taper of the pot. A lot of other companies use pots that JUMP to loud right away, to make the amp SEEM louder...

Mod 50 sounds and feels every bit as good as those other amps once you get the power section cooking.

 

[jmgman69]

I think those other people need to put the crack p-ipe down Mod 50 rulez!!!

 

[Buckeyedog]

I think those other people need to put the crack p-ipe down Mod 50 rulez!!!

I didn't even read it.........and agree with Jason!!

 

[aeroic]

A pro/con of the mod50 is that while it does have a VERY smooth taper on the master volume knob that works great for low volume playing, you DO have to crank it "more" to get the tubes cooking.

It's just the taper of the pot. A lot of other companies use pots that JUMP to loud right away, to make the amp SEEM louder...

Mod 50 sounds and feels every bit as good as those other amps once you get the power section cooking.

Agreed. The low power mode helps for this too...to get great tone at lower volume. On my personal Mod50...I use the lower power mode...and a THD Hot plate...so I can get the tubes cooking...all at pretty low volumes. I usually do -8dB cut...or -12dB...w/ the master volume on the amp around 1-2 o clock...and it's not that loud...to kill my ears..

Eric

 

[Len Rabinowitz]

I don't know the Mod 50- But the power grid on the Tourmaster is one of the best features. Set that thing down to ten watts and crank it up on the distortion channels. IT SOUNDS HUMONGULOUS!

 

[Valtiel]

To me the power section you use is what causes the "feel" issue. 4 tubes feels different than 2 tubes. Same thing with the different type of tube. Most guys who make these kind of statements are not comparing apples to apples. Why does this amp with 6550's and 100 watts feel different than a 50 watter with 34's.

I couldnt' agree more with you Jeff. That's why I personally love the Modular series...and the Mod50 cause you can easily get different feels. You want a "low wattage" feel...throw 6V6s or yellow jackets w/ EL84s in. You want a "big head" feel...throw 6550s or KT88s in. You want a warm crunchy marshallesque vibe...get EL34s...you want a bigger bolder Fender or Mesa tone...get 6L6s.

The tones really do come from the preamp..and the feel from the power amp.

+100

 

[Hectic Watermelon]

You know, there are people who just crave every last possible nuance of the original amp to the point where they have to buy several of the same Marshall, Vox, Fender, whatever to find that one with "the magic" that makes them complete. However, I am finally content because I have have found a whole menagerie of amps in a single modular platform that totally inspire me. Over the years I have owned and sold many, many amps, and still may go out tomorrow and indulge in a $2,000 to $4,000+ indulgence, but but I can never imagine parting with Bruce's modular amps.

Sound the Egnater fanboy anthem...

 

[Wagster]

I'm the guy who traded my CAA OD50SE+ for the MOD50. I love the SE+ but I'm a country picker who also does some rock gigs. I need a less aggressive amp that can be versatile with great tone. I sure hope we both made out on the deal. The OD50 sounds amazing and I'm a little worried for doing this trade. Hopefully the MOD50 will be what I'm looking for and the CAA OD50 is what he's looking for.

 

[muudrock]

I'm the guy who traded my CAA OD50SE+ for the MOD50. I love the SE+ but I'm a country picker who also does some rock gigs. I need a less aggressive amp that can be versatile with great tone. I sure hope we both made out on the deal. The OD50 sounds amazing and I'm a little worried for doing this trade. Hopefully the MOD50 will be what I'm looking for and the CAA OD50 is what he's looking for.

When you get it, warm it up, turn everything on the modules to 12:00 and start playing. I'll bet ya within a few minutes, you'll be smiling. Of course, I'm only speaking from personal experience

I hope it works out for you.

 

[jmgman69]

I'm the guy who traded my CAA OD50SE+ for the MOD50. I love the SE+ but I'm a country picker who also does some rock gigs. I need a less aggressive amp that can be versatile with great tone. I sure hope we both made out on the deal. The OD50 sounds amazing and I'm a little worried for doing this trade. Hopefully the MOD50 will be what I'm looking for and the CAA OD50 is what he's looking for.

When you get it, warm it up, turn everything on the modules to 12:00 and start playing. I'll bet ya within a few minutes, you'll be smiling. Of course, I'm only speaking from personal experience

I hope it works out for you.

 

[marvcus]

I'm the guy who traded my CAA OD50SE+ for the MOD50. I love the SE+ but I'm a country picker who also does some rock gigs. I need a less aggressive amp that can be versatile with great tone. I sure hope we both made out on the deal. The OD50 sounds amazing and I'm a little worried for doing this trade. Hopefully the MOD50 will be what I'm looking for and the CAA OD50 is what he's looking for.

Cool! Give us the report once you have given it a go. If you are looking for a particular sound out of a module, there is lots of wisdom on this board.

 

[Buckeyedog]

I'd check the bias first just to make sure. And don't be afraid to swap around tubes and stuff. That's the fun of this amp! Let us know when you get it.

 

[3 Mile Stone]

You know, there are people who just crave every last possible nuance of the original amp to the point where they have to buy several of the same Marshall, Vox, Fender, whatever to find that one with "the magic" that makes them complete. However, I am finally content because I have have found a whole menagerie of amps in a single modular platform that totally inspire me. Over the years I have owned and sold many, many amps, and still may go out tomorrow and indulge in a $2,000 to $4,000+ indulgence, but but I can never imagine parting with Bruce's modular amps.

Sound the Egnater fanboy anthem...

Welcome back John, you been a busy boy I take it? Hadn't heard from you in a while.

 

[Wagster]

Thanks guys. The first thing I'm going to do is check the bias. I'm getting the amp on Friday and heading out of town for 3 days of gigging. What speakers and cabs do you recommend for the T/D and SL modules? I'm doing a modern country gig so I need great clean/semi cruch tones.

It's going to be a long 3 days waiting for the MOD 50 to arrive.

 

[Wagster]

I need power tube, speakers and cab recommendations. I'm playing in a modern country band and the MOD 50 has the T/D and SL modules. I'm getting it tomorrow and heading out of town for a gig. I was thinking about picking up a Egnater 2x12 cab locally at GC with the Lead 80's. Also is the general consensus to bias 5881's to around 34mA? This is what's in the amp I'm getting.

Thanks,
Billy

 

[RockStarNick]

The guy in the HRI thread said himself that he doesn't like/have the time to change tubes, tweak, etc, etc.

From that statement alone, sounds like the Mod50 isn't for him. The Mod series was basically INVENTED to satisfy tweakers. The ease of tube swapping, biasing, modding, changing modules...

Did it take me a little longer to dial in my Mod50 than some other amps? Yes.

Did I have to swap some preamp and power tubes, and perhaps have a mod done here or there? Yes.

Was the end result worth it? 1,000,000%

Patience is a virtue.