Picking out modules for my M4.........

[Bucksears]

Thinking about mods for my incoming M4, narrowed it down to a few and would like some input.

1) T/D - want BF Fender clean, period. Might have it modded to a D/D later, but this is will be there for now.
2) SL or VX - do I need BOTH the SL AND the SL2X? Can the A side of the SL2X cop some SL sounds? I'm currently using a Carl Martin AC-Tone clone with pretty good results for Vox-ish sounds, but wonder if the VX would be more versatile than the SL.
3) SL2X - want VH/brown sound
4) EG5 or MHG - This will be my high-gain mod for now. I understand that the MHG is darker, but can the EG5 do some metal with the mids rolled back? The tightness of the EG5 intrigues me, but if the 2 and 3 mods have midrange going on, not sure if I want a 3rd one; would like a little less midrange for playing closer to metal if I want. I've heard the MHG can do the scooped thing (but I don't want the full-blown 'Recto' mod)

Definitely not interested in the BMAN, COD or ERECT (unless you can boost the mids on it). Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[muudrock]

Thinking about mods for my incoming M4, narrowed it down to a few and would like some input.

1) T/D - want BF Fender clean, period. Might have it modded to a D/D later, but this is will be there for now. D/D is where it's at. I never liked the T/D--too much of a compromise.
2) SL or VX - do I need BOTH the SL AND the SL2X? Can the A side of the SL2X cop some SL sounds? I'm currently using a Carl Martin AC-Tone clone with pretty good results for Vox-ish sounds, but wonder if the VX would be more versatile than the SL. VX is probably my favorite overall module. It can do so many things. Ch A is chimey and bouncy like a Vox. Ch B on mine does a wonderful warm, cranked plexi sound. Great module! SL is totally differnt feel and vibe, less like a plexi more like a JMP or JCM800. With a good boost in front it is versatile. SL2(x) are higher gain, but can go a reasonable cop of a plexi vibe on ch A with gain rolled back.
3) SL2X - want VH/brown sound Not gonna do it with this. Closest I've gotten is a Randall Plexi or a Friedman modded module--BE/HBE, or Pete modded Brown
4) EG5 or MHG - This will be my high-gain mod for now. I understand that the MHG is darker, but can the EG5 do some metal with the mids rolled back? The tightness of the EG5 intrigues me, but if the 2 and 3 mods have midrange going on, not sure if I want a 3rd one; would like a little less midrange for playing closer to metal if I want. I've heard the MHG can do the scooped thing (but I don't want the full-blown 'Recto' mod)I prefer the MHG to the EG5, but I tend to like warmer sounds--my favorite gain module is the EG3/4. But, the EG5 is good at heavier tones as well.

Definitely not interested in the BMAN, COD or ERECT (unless you can boost the mids on it). Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Bucksears]

So which Egnater mod will get closest to pre-5150 VH tones? Not really into the single-channel Randall stuff.

 

[muudrock]

So which Egnater mod will get closest to pre-5150 VH tones? Not really into the single-channel Randall stuff.

Nothing stock. SL or SL2 modified, maybe. Of course so much depends on your rig. Also, EVH's sound from that era was a cranked modified plexi. It's hard to cop that feel and sound with preamp gain. I've owned Egnater modular amps since the beginning and I have yet to find a module stock that can really come that close to this sound. The best I've hear was a Pete modded Randall Brown module. To be honest with you, the single channel modules sometimes sound best for certain applications, particularly some of the modded ones. There is a compromise with the dual channel modules in that the 2 channels don't necessarily sound that different except for gain level and there isn't dual out there that IMO can cop the VH sound stock. Maybe someone else will chime in with a suggestion.

 

[broknstuff]

Definitely go for the VX, it's my favorite module as well. It's really versatile and responds really well to different pickups/switching/push-pull etc. Good all around rock sound too on channel B.

I have a D/D, so I can't compare it to the T/D, but it kicks all kinds of ass. I love it too.

 

[mboogman]

I really like the SL and the SL2x alot. They're definitely different beasts. If you're going for all marshall, all the time, I'd say you could easily find room for both of them.

Not sure what you mean by not wanting the COD unless you can boost the mids. The COD is all about mids. One of my favorite modules I've owned, especially for mid-gain rock/blues stuff, which is why I have another one on it's way to me.

I must be the oddball of the bunch, because everyone says the two channel modules are a compromise, but I use both channels of all my modules regularly, with great results.

And finally, Yes. You NEED the VX. Easilly the most versatile module of them all, aside from the Bman. Both can go from clean to scream pretty well, especially when you can add a boost/OD in front for added gain.

$.02

 

[mboogman]

Definitely not interested in the BMAN, COD or ERECT (unless you can boost the mids on it). Any suggestions?

Thanks

Sorry, I misread your post. You were making the Mids comment about the Erect.

Ignore comments about the COD.

 

[guitarslinger]

CH B of the SL will do early VH much better than the SL2X IMO.

 

[rlord1974]

I agree with Gene. The SL is pretty good for that type of tone.

IMHO, absolute necessities for an M4 (if you want a real variety of classic tones) are the BMAN, VX and SL.......

 

[guitarslinger]

D/D
VX
SL
EG5


That's what you should do.

 

[Doubleneck]

D/D
VX
SL
EG5


That's what you should do.

I would agree with Cullen Krisp's recommendation, but I would get the SL2x instead of the SL.

 

[Bucksears]

D/D
VX
SL
EG5


That's what you should do.

I would agree with Cullen Krisp's recommendation, but I would get the SL2x instead of the SL.

I was kinda leaning that way, actually.
It's getting more and more apparent that I'm going to have to get an E2 as well when it comes out......

 

[rlord1974]

I would agree with Cullen Krisp's recommendation, but I would get the SL2x instead of the SL.

To each their own, but FWIW, I had the SL, SL2 and SL2X all in my M4 at the same time for a few weeks and the one I ended up letting go was the SL2X.....

 

[guitarslinger]

IME, the SL2X sounds similar enough to the EG5, you will be sorry you don't have the SL. Lots of high gain overlap IMO.

YOU WILL BE SORRY YOU DON'T HAVE THE SL

 

[Bucksears]

IME, the SL2X sounds similar enough to the EG5, you will be sorry you don't have the SL. Lots of high gain overlap IMO.

YOU WILL BE SORRY YOU DON'T HAVE THE SL

Ok, to play devil's advocate: why the EG5 over the SL2X? From everything I've read, I'm probably going to do that bright-reduction/cap mod if I go with the EG5.
Is the EG5 like the SL2X, only, 'more'?

 

[guitarslinger]

IME, the SL2X sounds similar enough to the EG5, you will be sorry you don't have the SL. Lots of high gain overlap IMO.

YOU WILL BE SORRY YOU DON'T HAVE THE SL

Ok, to play devil's advocate: why the EG5 over the SL2X? From everything I've read, I'm probably going to do that bright-reduction/cap mod if I go with the EG5.
Is the EG5 like the SL2X, only, 'more'?

IMO, the EG5 has a little more gain, and a little more in the midrange.

The SL2X sounds a LOT more like a Marshall with that upper midrange scream/roar.

If you play GNR all the time, get an SL2X over an EG5.

If you play Ratt, but with more oomph, I'd say get the EG5.

And FWIW, don't "plan" to mod what many consider a perfect module. If your playing space or speakers make it sound too bright no matter what, mod it. If not, don't mess with it.

 

[s.mac1969]

I thought I had it all mapped out, this stuff is making decision making hard. I hope this isn,t considered highjacking a thread, but the situation is the same for me as well, exept I have the Erect and EG5 and dont want to lose either. I realy believe that I need a Fender clean. So I guess I'm re-asking Bucksears #2 Question SL or VX?

 

[3 Mile Stone]

Without an SL you will have no "mid" gain tones, except for the B channel o the VX. The SL is probably the best of the mid gain modules. If that is what you are going for that's cool. If you want 2 mid gain options out of the 8 tones you will need an SL.

 

[Mailman1971]

SL2 and EG5........

all areas covered.

 

[s.mac1969]

Cool!