TOL 100 Questions

  • Thread starter Thread starter Drew
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Drew

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I searched and didn't see too much about these amps on this forum.

About 8-10 years ago Steve Snider had a 2x12 TOL100 and I loved the sound of that thing back then. With that in mind, on an impulse the other day I picked up a Rocktron era TOL100 head and I have a few questions:

1. The previous owner suggested the power tubes (EL-34's) probably are a little tired. Any recommendations for optimum replacement tubes? And what should the bias be set to for EL34's? What about suggestions for preamp tubes?

2. The amp I bought included a 4 button midi foot switch with a Randall logo on it (no model number on the footswitch) Do I need a 7 pin or 5 pin midi cable? Can I use any midi pedal to switch channels--perhaps a Tech 21 Midi Mouse?

3. How does the "Midi Store" button work?

4. The often asked (but I can't recall the answer)...how does the Rocktron era TOL100 differ from the pre-Rocktron TOL100's?

5. Does the amp lounge service Rocktron era TOL100's?

Thanks.
 
I've never owned a TOL, though I have friends who have. With that said, I'm a huge Egnater fan (Mod50 on the way... hurry up, please :D :D :D ) and have research these things a nice bit. From what I can gather:

1.) I have no idea what tubes Bruce recommends for the TOL but I know from personal experience that SED Winged C EL34s are brilliant, warm, full sounding tubes. Given that the TOL's clean channels are somewhat Fender-like, the big bottom from the Winged-Cs would make it nice and full. The TOL dirty channels are like a warm, smooth, darker Marshall, so again the big warm low and low-mids from the Winged Cs would likely work well. Bias - talk to Bruce.

2.) I don't think there is any reason why you can't use a standard 7-pin MIDI, but don't quote me on that.

3.) NO idea

4.) From what I can gather they're essentially the same, but the Egnaters are rumored to use higher quality parts. Some claim that you can make the 2 sound exactly alike, others swear by the pre-Rocktron and have no use for the Rocktron era TOLs at all. I know the one that my friend has was a Rocktron and he said it was amazing, so I can only assume that the Egnater one is just mind-blowing. But we all knew that, didn't we?


Sorry I couldn't be of any more help, but at least you've got SOMEthing now!


_Myke
 
4) Bruce Egnater answered this one for me when I bought the amp:

"The difference between the pre and post IE4 is the pots. The TOL100, on the
other hand, is different. The preamp channels are essentially the same but
adding the solid state reverb and parallel loop did affect the overall
"response". The Pre's are a bit more intense and responsive though I know
quite a few player who like the Rocktron model more. I wouldn't say one is
better than the other, just different. "

I've played both, and I wasn't disappointed with the Rocktron model when I bought it.

5) They currently have my Rocktron TOL 100 in the shop for service.
 
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