Watts vs. Balls

[MkIV]

There were some discussions about balls in the thread: "Why am I wishy washy haha aka to sell or not to sell"
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=63975

IMHO, A 100 watt power section is were the balls are.

I agree and I feel a 100w also will have more head room which is great for a clean channel.

Having owned a Mod50 and Mod100...and owned many other amps either 50 or 100W. I really have to say a lot of it has to do w/ 100W power sections. They offer more headroom, are punchier, bigger, fatter...not necessarily that much louder...but they just offer more punch and gerth. The Mod100 was definitely more "ballsy" and big...and powerful vs. the Mod50. The Mod50 was a bit more "polite" warm, squishy, etc.
Eric

Just playing with a thought here... I have had 50 watters that has had major balls, for example a Mesa Cal.50+ which I had modded by Tommy Folkesson, and my JMP-1 (also modded by Folkesson) with a Mesa 50/50 power amp. And I played a couple of modded 2204's which also had serious balls... so I'm not convinced that the 100W opinion is the certain road to success in gaining more balls. Maybe it's a fact when it comes to MOD100 vs MOD50, but in general I'm not sure...

Could the "balls" have something with running the power tubes less warm (which is typical for Mesa) I'm reffering to typical metal tones now just to clarify. Or can I get some more balls by swichting tubes to lets say 6550's in my MOD50?

I love the modular stuff from Egnater, and I really want to keep my MOD50 as my main amp. I think it's really great for more classic running hard rock/metal tones, but it lacks something when it comes to modern metal and drop tunings or sevenstring riffing.

I'm going to try slaving my MOD50 through a 100 watter when I get the chance and I'm going to do some serious testing with my modded JMP-1 through the power section of the MOD50 as well.

 

[Guitarvc]

Having used both 100 and 50 watters, I prefer to use 50 Watters to get my tone at lower stage volumes and use the PA to adjust for balls and overall audience volume. I find it works better for the overall sound when working with a band.

 

[Doubleneck]

There were some discussions about balls in the thread: "Why am I wishy washy haha aka to sell or not to sell"
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=63975

IMHO, A 100 watt power section is were the balls are.

I agree and I feel a 100w also will have more head room which is great for a clean channel.

Having owned a Mod50 and Mod100...and owned many other amps either 50 or 100W. I really have to say a lot of it has to do w/ 100W power sections. They offer more headroom, are punchier, bigger, fatter...not necessarily that much louder...but they just offer more punch and gerth. The Mod100 was definitely more "ballsy" and big...and powerful vs. the Mod50. The Mod50 was a bit more "polite" warm, squishy, etc.
Eric

Just playing with a thought here... I have had 50 watters that has had major balls, for example a Mesa Cal.50+ which I had modded by Tommy Folkesson, and my JMP-1 (also modded by Folkesson) with a Mesa 50/50 power amp. And I played a couple of modded 2204's which also had serious balls... so I'm not convinced that the 100W opinion is the certain road to success in gaining more balls. Maybe it's a fact when it comes to MOD100 vs MOD50, but in general I'm not sure...

Could the "balls" have something with running the power tubes less warm (which is typical for Mesa) I'm reffering to typical metal tones now just to clarify. Or can I get some more balls by swichting tubes to lets say 6550's in my MOD50?

I love the modular stuff from Egnater, and I really want to keep my MOD50 as my main amp. I think it's really great for more classic running hard rock/metal tones, but it lacks something when it comes to modern metal and drop tunings or sevenstring riffing.

I'm going to try slaving my MOD50 through a 100 watter when I get the chance and I'm going to do some serious testing with my modded JMP-1 through the power section of the MOD50 as well.

I just think your not happy with your high gain tones. Maybe if this mystery module ever comes to life, that will do the trick?

 

[MkIV]

Ok, so I've been playing for a couple of hours until my ears were bleeding and I must say there's pretty much balls in the power amp of the MOD50!

I ran my Folkesson modded Marshall JMP-1 in the return of the serial loop and played some heavy down tuned riffs for a good one and a half hour and that combo really kicks butt! The JMP-1 has a beefed up Recto meets MkIV kind of vibe on OD1 while OD2 is voiced something like Salvation mods Custom 3 mod.

I did some tube swapping in my modules as well and I must say that I was really satisfied with my Erect module - man that is one fat motherf**ker of a metal tone machine. It's really ballsy with a lot of low end without getting as muddy as a real Dual Recto can get.

I also replaced the original Sovtek 12AX7 (V1) in my SL2X with a Sino 7025 and that really did a lot for this module. Lower gain and beefier tone - exactly what I was missing! The Sovtek might have been bad and I never have getting along with this module earlier but now it's my favorite next to the Erect.

After todays jam session I'm totally confused... but one thing is for sure - I won't sell my Egnater MOD50!

 

[briguy73]

Rumor has it that Bruce is workin' on a new circuit that will allow you to blend watts and balls. It's called a "Walls" knob...Sorry, couldn't resist...going back under the bridge now.

 

[jlbaxe]

After todays jam session I'm totally confused... but one thing is for sure - I won't sell my Egnater MOD50!

I said that once.

I also A/B'd both heads (Mod50/100) the 100 watt had a better feel, headroom seemed more open.

 

[Doubleneck]

In the past year I have tried to make an effort to really become a better guitar player, Yes equipment makes a huge difference, but the bottom line is practice. 99% is in your fingers.

If you like 50W vs 100W, or ABC brand vs XYZ brand and it makes you happy, go for it!. Everyone gets caught up in the GAS syndrome me included.

I just want to be a better player.

 

[MkIV]

I just want to be a better player.

Me too!

 

[aeroic]

In the past year I have tried to make an effort to really become a better guitar player, Yes equipment makes a huge difference, but the bottom line is practice. 99% is in your fingers.

If you like 50W vs 100W, or ABC brand vs XYZ brand and it makes you happy, go for it!. Everyone gets caught up in the GAS syndrome me included.

I just want to be a better player.

I agree man. It's a big reason why I did what I did...getting a couple heads. I found myself tweaking too much on the modular line...and chasing tones a bit too much. Got the 2555 all done..and it's awesome. It's inspiring playing it man! No frills...just balls out tone.

There's something to be said about a killer power section. Having played the 2555 I had done...with Mercury Magnetics power / output trannies and choke...and F&T filter caps...man...those are the big differences in watts / balls for me. For me personally...the Mercury magnetics power / output trannies and choke...are where teh balls come in. I forgot how much I loved playing through an amp w/ those in them. I think that's a big difference for me personally vs what Egnater uses... Secondly the voicing of the power amp circuit really offers a much different feel. Bruce voices the Mod50 to be a bit too "polite" and warm and squishy for my personal tastes. I want something with a bit more bite and aggression...yet still having that warm feel to it...with some smoothness. The Mod50's power section for me...was just that...too polite...and not grabbing me when I play it. Having said that..I really liked the RT2/50 as a power section more than the Mod50. That's why I always leaned towards it vs the Mod50.

If I were to keep a Mod50..I'd have the power section modified more to my personal tastes. Mercury Magnetics PT / OT's would definitely be involved...and a more aggressive voicign would be had. Having said that..the Mod50 is still an amazing amp....just not for me. But the M4...I still absolutely love!

Eric

 

[Telefied]

"I love the modular stuff from Egnater, and I really want to keep my MOD50 as my main amp. I think it's really great for more classic running hard rock/metal tones, but it lacks something when it comes to modern metal and drop tunings or sevenstring riffing."

Yep my thoughts exactly. Not enough to sell the MOD50 though

 

[PSGuitar]

Well I personally can not stand modern metal, modern hard rock or drop tunes new rock, hate it. Sorry, that is me though. I much prefer music of the 90s and back......mostly back! LOL.

I had the Randall RT2/50 and it lacked the mojo I get with the Mod 50. I don't hear any lack of balls. Sounds big and punchy through my TM212 which is about the best 212 I have heard. The older I get, I feel I have gotten a lot wiser. I used to go for the boggest 412 I could find, 100 or 120 watt heads, balls out...now playing small bars and clubs, honestly the Mod 50 has more than enough guts and balls for me. As heavy as my band gets is something like A Perfect Circle, maybe Stone Temple Pilots, Lynch, etc. Oh, and throw in a little Alice in Chains and Incubus. Some of the few bands I have like in the last few decades.

I had a Bogner Shiva but I don't think it sounded as good as the Mod 50, nor is it as versatile. I also like the bigger sound of the TM212 over the Bogner 212.

One note, I was never a big fan of Mercury Magnetics transformers. I have had them installed in countless Marshalls and other select amps but never liked the result, just didn't like the feel. I ended enjoying some of my stock Marshalls even more.

Hey Aeroic, do you still use the modular stuff? I see it in your signature.

In terms of becoming a better player, it was staying away from rack gear and digital modelling where I spend all day tweaking. With a few good modules, the Mod 50 is like any other amp....plug in and play. To me the Bassman and SL2 is the perfect amp. I don't get caught up in tweaking and modules.

 

[aeroic]

Well I personally can not stand modern metal, modern hard rock or drop tunes new rock, hate it. Sorry, that is me though. I much prefer music of the 90s and back......mostly back! LOL.

I had the Randall RT2/50 and it lacked the mojo I get with the Mod 50. I don't hear any lack of balls. Sounds big and punchy through my TM212 which is about the best 212 I have heard. The older I get, I feel I have gotten a lot wiser. I used to go for the boggest 412 I could find, 100 or 120 watt heads, balls out...now playing small bars and clubs, honestly the Mod 50 has more than enough guts and balls for me. As heavy as my band gets is something like A Perfect Circle, maybe Stone Temple Pilots, Lynch, etc. Oh, and throw in a little Alice in Chains and Incubus. Some of the few bands I have like in the last few decades.

I had a Bogner Shiva but I don't think it sounded as good as the Mod 50, nor is it as versatile. I also like the bigger sound of the TM212 over the Bogner 212.

One note, I was never a big fan of Mercury Magnetics transformers. I have had them installed in countless Marshalls and other select amps but never liked the result, just didn't like the feel. I ended enjoying some of my stock Marshalls even more.

Hey Aeroic, do you still use the modular stuff? I see it in your signature.

In terms of becoming a better player, it was staying away from rack gear and digital modelling where I spend all day tweaking. With a few good modules, the Mod 50 is like any other amp....plug in and play. To me the Bassman and SL2 is the perfect amp. I don't get caught up in tweaking and modules.

I will keep a Egnater M4 for life!! The BMAN, VX, COD, EG34X tones I absolutely love. My bigger rig has the M4 as well as 2 MPXG2s, a Line 6 Echo Pro and Filter Pro, and a custom Bradshaw switching system. I will use that w/ a CAA / Suhr PT100 amp, and run it in stereo w/ the other out going into my 2555's power section.

On the Mercury Magnetics front...I bet you like a bit saggier tone...that's not as tight. (Not loose in a bad way....just a bit more give...and sag to it). Folks like myself want a tighter tone...with more clarity...and such. The Mercury Magnetics transformers do that in spades. I've put htem in countless amps also. But have the complete oppostie experience.

Eric

 

[crankyrayhanky]

"I love the modular stuff from Egnater, and I really want to keep my MOD50 as my main amp. I think it's really great for more classic running hard rock/metal tones, but it lacks something when it comes to modern metal and drop tunings or sevenstring riffing."

Yep my thoughts exactly. Not enough to sell the MOD50 though

Check out the Salvation Mamba, it slays for modern hard rock metal. I use it in several Randall amps, I'm willing to say it would work well in Eggy's.

Salvation has top quality clips, but you check out a piece of it here in Drop A
https://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=8770064

 

[PSGuitar]

Aeroci, I need to get the VX module! How is the low end on that one? I know Voxes can be toppy, lacking in lows!

YEP! On the Mercury....I like saggy and spongy, giving if you will, super warm and smooth. That's me.
I can see why we had different experiences as our tastes differ man....no right or wrong!
I am more like that guy John on here form Hectic watermelon who like those thick, rich, chewy, saggy tones.

I have other amps that are tighter.

I remember seeing John put this in a post and this is the type of tone I like. I only have one song I do with the band that is really heavy with palm muting so I get by for that one song....tight enough. I think the Mod 50 is a good, high end tranny, just not your taste man.
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default ... dID=676119

On the Mercury Magnetics front...I bet you like a bit saggier tone...that's not as tight. (Not loose in a bad way....just a bit more give...and sag to it). Folks like myself want a tighter tone...with more clarity...and such. The Mercury Magnetics transformers do that in spades. I've put htem in countless amps also. But have the complete oppostie experience.

 

[muudrock]

I've had numerous 50 watt and 100 watt heads. Still have the Mod 100, Mod 50 and M4 w/RT250 rig. IMHO it's all an issue of headroom. Lower (output) rated transformers have less headroom= power stage clips earlier which means more compression. Everything levels out more.
The Mod 100 sounds different than the 50, but not necessarily punchier to me. If anything, it's a dryer sound where as the Mod 50 has a juicier sound and a bit of sag in the power section. I find the RT250 right in between the 2 as far as sag, feel and tone. I don't agree that the Mod 50 is not puchy or have balls. A lot of other factors involved in that. Speakers, pickups, the guitar, the player.....
Any one of us could play another's rig and make it sound totally different. We also all like something a little different.
I know I've owned 100 watters that lacked the punch and clarity of 50 watters and vice versa. Actually, back in the day I owned one of those Marshall 3203 Artist heads. 30 watt tube output section. Used it for years. One of the punchiest amps I've ever owned, and only 30 watts. Through a 4x12, it absolutely killed.

 

[PSGuitar]

could not have said it better myself. The Mod 50 has everything I have wanted in an amp.
That warm, rich, chewy sagginess is what I so desire. Best amp I have owned. I can't stop playing it.

Mod 50 through the TM212 with Elite 80s is punchy, warm, ballsy, juicy, all the things I desire.

 

[Telefied]

"I love the modular stuff from Egnater, and I really want to keep my MOD50 as my main amp. I think it's really great for more classic running hard rock/metal tones, but it lacks something when it comes to modern metal and drop tunings or sevenstring riffing."

Yep my thoughts exactly. Not enough to sell the MOD50 though

Check out the Salvation Mamba, it slays for modern hard rock metal. I use it in several Randall amps, I'm willing to say it would work well in Eggy's.

Salvation has top quality clips, but you check out a piece of it here in Drop A
https://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_so ... ID=8770064

So funny you say that. I went through those soundclick clips the other night and the one I pulled out as viable was the MAMBA haha wow. Reading my mind eh

 

[crankyrayhanky]

Yes the mamba has girth and modern super high gain; I love it 10x more than any other module and I've had dozens modded out

for what it's worth, that list includes an EG5 for I had awhile, it wasn't quite what I needed

 

[PSGuitar]

Not being a fan of modern high gain, has not been an issue for me. I prefer classic rock to rock to hard rock. In my opinion the SL2, SL2X and EG3/4X can do about any style. But I am not a fan at all of the EG5. A friend had one and I thought it was too gainy and out of control. The SL2, X, and EG3/4X have loads of GIRTH! No issue there. I guess the EG3/4X is my modern high gain - very Bogner/Diezel-ish.

 

[shade]

Am I the only one a little uncomfortable with a "girth" discussion and no women around?