Has every module already been done?

[Len Rabinowitz]

The only possible thing I could think of would be to have a totally distinct voices on a single module. Like, MHG ch A and EG 5 on ch B. I understand that it's not feasible under the current design. But for me, it's the only modular thing that hasn't been done.

I was just thinking about this.

I should state that I do not own a modular amp, and have never physically seen one. BUT...

Wouldn't it be at least theoretically possible to run one module the effects loop of another, and thus get two modules at once?

I can imagine it would require some jury-rigged cables and some issues about how to power the second module, but isn't it at least theoretically possible? I think I have seen some stuff around here about doing that...

 

[guitarslinger]

Maybe that's the next challenge for Egnater- Stop emulating and come up with an original tone.

Yeah, it's called the IE-4.



I don't think you're giving Egnater enough credit here. They came up with original sounds back in the 90's, and everyone wanted the IE4 modded for more Marshally and fendery tones. Egnater gave them what they wanted with infinite flexibility with the M4.

BTW, I've been asking Jeff to do a JC120 module for the last couple years. I think it's a fantastic idea. I LOVE my JC120H.

 

[jkdsteve]

The only possible thing I could think of would be to have a totally distinct voices on a single module. Like, MHG ch A and EG 5 on ch B. I understand that it's not feasible under the current design. But for me, it's the only modular thing that hasn't been done.

I think I just want another M4 and more money...

 

[jmgman69]

The only possible thing I could think of would be to have a totally distinct voices on a single module. Like, MHG ch A and EG 5 on ch B. I understand that it's not feasible under the current design. But for me, it's the only modular thing that hasn't been done.

I think I just want another M4 and more money...

I'm with Steve

 

[dfrattaroli]

Bottom line is: Everything is derivative. Everything. Marshall is Fender is Mesa is Hiwatt is Bogner is Engl, etc., etc.

The truly talented musician depends on their touch, technique and creativity to get good tone way more than they do on their gear. To amateurs like us, the fact of the matter is, creating music, is actually secondary to the gear. We're possessed by the gear. Gear collectors by default.

We spend so much time, money and effort changing tubes, speakers and the like when I think most of that could be accomplished by just turning the tone controls. I agree that there is certain gear that works better for each player. I just think that once you find it, forget about tweaking it to death. Just play. Create something that will be here when you're gone. Our ears change from day to day. Things sound differently at any given time so why go crazy trying to find the perfect mix of glass, metal and wood when it likely won't sound exactly the same to you in a week? Life's too short for that IMO.

Dave

Good point, Fazzoli...

The entire world had access to Fuzz Faces and Stratocasters in the late 60s. But Hendrix was the ONLY one to use them and make the sounds that he did...

Exactly! You couldn't have made a better example.

 

[Zaphod B]

Also, we did make one "HiWatt" module long ago. Sounded pretty lame by itself, unless you played "Won't Get Fooled Again". Then it sounded perfect....and "No" we won't make a custom one. There was way more to it than just changing a few parts.

The thing about the Orange/Matamps (and I think Hiwatts as well) was that their dirt comes mostly from the power section. I have a Matamp GT100 from that era and the preamp stage has headroom for days. It's a very clean and powerful amp. But when you run the volume knob up to 3:00 and beyond, the power section saturation is pure bliss. 'Course, it is unusable because it's 100 watts of pure bliss. And to top it off, at anything less than that it's very difficult to dial a good tone in. Not an easy amp to work with.

Anyhow, the point of my little dissertation is that you probably couldn't get a valid sound for these amps just from a preamp module as the power section is a big player in their sound. So I rescind my recommendation.

 

[MarcoR]

I believe the references used to describe the modules relate to the use of proven circuit design as Nick said not to mention a no-brainer way to market them.

But I have an issue with saying Egnater is copying others tones.

A short story:
I was a bad student in school; never did my homework or assignments. I was told if I failed the final exam, I would fail for the year. I ended up getting the highest grade in my class on the test.
Some of the student accused me of copying someone else’s work. The teacher stood up for me and said, “Who would he have copied from? He got the highest grade in the class.”

I’ve owned many, many amps in the last 25 years and Egnater gets the highest grade in the class by far.

 

[Len Rabinowitz]

I am a teacher- I love your story! Just goes to show if you try hard you can exceed expectations.

But it doesn't hold to the Eggies.

I should say I love my Tourmaster- I am sitting here playing it flabbergasted at how good it sounds. It's a LOT of amp for the money.

But- the uniqueness and creativity is in the design, not the tones. Channel 2 is clearly imitating a Fender Bassman or something close to it.

Go to their website and look at the module descriptions. They are clearly saying "This sounds like a Fender, this sounds like a Marshall, etc..."

I am not exactly against it, but I am cautioning a bit about where this kind of thing can lead. It's a good question: Is there an Egnater sound? I don't know that there is.

 

[MarcoR]

I am not exactly against it, but I am cautioning a bit about where this kind of thing can lead. It's a good question: Is there an Egnater sound? I don't know that there is.

As others have said, the IE4 , TOL and the EG3/4 are the Egnater sounds. Those were born from modding Marshalls and other amps to get a new sound.

 

[Len Rabinowitz]

Fair enough. I have never actually worked with the modular stuff, so I freely admit to being unfamiliar with them. An excuse to go out and get one!

 

[Jeff Hilligan]

Maybe that's the next challenge for Egnater- Stop emulating and come up with an original tone.

Yeah, it's called the IE-4.



I don't think you're giving Egnater enough credit here. They came up with original sounds back in the 90's, and everyone wanted the IE4 modded for more Marshally and fendery tones. Egnater gave them what they wanted with infinite flexibility with the M4.

BTW, I've been asking Jeff to do a JC120 module for the last couple years. I think it's a fantastic idea. I LOVE my JC120H.

Run you JC120 in mono and without the chorus and tell me if you like it. Cause that's how we would have to make it. I'll let you in on a secret it will sound like poo.

 

[Len Rabinowitz]

That never ocurred to me but it is correct- The heart of the JC 120 is the stereo and the chorus. I wonder if there is almost a "dual module" approach that could do it?

 

[Anonymous]

Oh and no module thread would be complete without...

 

[Valtiel]

I am a teacher- I love your story! Just goes to show if you try hard you can exceed expectations.

But it doesn't hold to the Eggies.

I should say I love my Tourmaster- I am sitting here playing it flabbergasted at how good it sounds. It's a LOT of amp for the money.

But- the uniqueness and creativity is in the design, not the tones. Channel 2 is clearly imitating a Fender Bassman or something close to it.

Go to their website and look at the module descriptions. They are clearly saying "This sounds like a Fender, this sounds like a Marshall, etc..."

I am not exactly against it, but I am cautioning a bit about where this kind of thing can lead. It's a good question: Is there an Egnater sound? I don't know that there is.

I think the problem is, there are only so many designs that sound good to the human ear. This is sort of the point that Nick was making earlier. The reasons those designs are successful is simply because they sound right. I'm sure plenty of people have tried the same thing, and all probably came to similar realizations, you can't fight against what works. In terms of tube amplifiers, I dont think there is much else to do. Its all pretty much been done.

 

[Len Rabinowitz]

This is essentially what Bruce said in my "How does environment affect sound" thread. In the end, it is our ears and us that changes, not the sound.

I guess I am just saying that I see some things in the music industry that bother me, or at least strike me as a little weird:

-An explosion of tribute bands, to the point where you have to look like the guys
-Building new guitars to look old (Have you noticed the the Fender Roadworn series all have essentially the same relicing marks on them?)
-Amp modelers that claim to be exact models of old amps
-Custom shop/artist models that are just endless minor tweaks on one or two old designs

Music always had an aspect of looking back- Learning from and honoring your heroes. Still, a Clapton or Page broke new ground because they did what that stuff wasn't supposed to do. Les Paul wanted the Les Paul to sound clean, not distorted. It does- Compare his 50's stuff to earlier electric things like Charlie Christian. Christian's sound has some hair on it. Les Paul's sound shimmers. Clapton and Paige took those Marshalls and Fenders and madethem do what they weren't designed to do, and created a new sound with it, although some of the old blues guys come close.

 

[Baco]

Oh and no module thread would be complete without...

I like mine

 

[Mailman1971]

I have the tones needed

+1000
I am down to 3 modules. All are custom made.
There isnt a tone I cant get. Went from owning every Egnater module and Randall module made and narrowed it down to 3.

1) Custom VHT module
2) Custom modded Plexi
3) Modded Ultra XL

FINALLY the chase is over!
Love my rig!!!

 

[Glimpse]

EG 1/2
Mesa Quad/Mark 2c+/3/4
JIC (Jeff In Chains, the Jerry Cantrell-inspired Bogner XTC/Fish vibe)
Bogner Ubershall
Matchless

I would be SET!

 

[EWSEthan]

Only one I really want thats not available is the Mark high gain module.

 

[aeroic]

Only one I really want thats not available is the Mark high gain module.

Me too. That's really all I want. I have the single channel "JiC" type module and I'm cool w/ that by itself. I think I'm gonna pick up a RM22 sometime and get a Twin module for it, for a small 2-module rig.

Eric