1968 - 1959 Super Lead 12 series Questions EVH Amp

[bxershrts]

Hello everyone,

I have a few basic questions and am looking for answers. I am sure they are simple for the Marshall history people here.

First off - Is there a difference between the 12 series 1968 - 1959SL vs the EVH SL builds?

If I am understanding this correctly - the 12 series is the early 1968 SL with the capacitor board underneath - the latter Plexi builds all have the cap cans on top?
Or what makes an amp a 12 series?

I would like to build a 1968 -12 series 1959 SL - is the only way to add effects loop with the Zero-Loss FX Loop Kit - Rev 4 sold here at Metro? Or can an effects loops like what is done on the "Ceriatone 2204 JCM800 Revised 23 Feb 2013" work on the 1959SL?

Last question

What is the preferred MV mod to the 1968 - 1959 SL?

Thanks for your help,

[rgorke]

Hello everyone,

I have a few basic questions and am looking for answers. I am sure they are simple for the Marshall history people here.

First off - Is there a difference between the 12 series 1968 - 1959SL vs the EVH SL builds?

If I am understanding this correctly - the 12 series is the early 1968 SL with the capacitor board underneath - the latter Plexi builds all have the cap cans on top?
Or what makes an amp a 12 series?

I would like to build a 1968 -12 series 1959 SL - is the only way to add effects loop with the Zero-Loss FX Loop Kit - Rev 4 sold here at Metro? Or can an effects loops like what is done on the "Ceriatone 2204 JCM800 Revised 23 Feb 2013" work on the 1959SL?

Last question

What is the preferred MV mod to the 1968 - 1959 SL?

Thanks for your help,

First, welcome aboard...

Second, I will try and answer your questions....

Is there a difference between the 12 series 1968 - 1959SL vs the EVH SL builds?

Not sure exactly what you mean regarding "EVH SL builds. Most of the guys that are getting the closest to EVH tones (outside of the Mod 5) are using the 12xxx series schematic and layout. So, in my mind, the 12 series 1968 Superlead IS the EVH Superlead.

I would like to build a 1968 -12 series 1959 SL - is the only way to add effects loop with the Zero-Loss FX Loop Kit - Rev 4 sold here at Metro? Or can an effects loops like what is done on the "Ceriatone 2204 JCM800 Revised 23 Feb 2013" work on the 1959SL?

My thinking is that any FX look can be added to the 12 Series and/or the Ceriatone you mention.

What is the preferred MV mod to the 1968 - 1959 SL?

Most guys will probably say no MV is preferred. Getting a good attenuator...Marshall Power Brake or Scumback DBL (formerly Alex's Attenuator) is much preferred.

Finally, just having a 12 series amp won't necessarily get THAT tone. It is HOW Ed ran his amp that helps get the tone. Using 6CA7 tubes and Sylvania pre tubes - 12AX7WA (some may argue with this) is critical. In addition, putting the amp on a variac and running well under 90 volts is a key.

THEN you have what's up front...Echoplex, MXR 6 band (if necessary), pickup that works well with YOUR amp, and finally Ed's hands.

Keep us in the loop as you move forward...

[jnew]

Great answers Roger. Just to elaborate on some of the points, no master volume keeps a real authenticity to a 68 plexi style circuit when talking about early EVH tone. Regardless of whether or not volume is an issue, a variac is on the front end is a necessity as it changes the behaviors of the amp ultimately affecting it's voice and tone. Some have even gone the route of a variac on the back end (different topic). But a variac can also bring a huge advantage in volume control. As far as effects, this gets tricky. All Ed's early stuff used the effects in front of the amp with no reverb to be spoken of in his live arrangement. The albums had reverbs that were mixed in production so if you want that for your setup, either a loop or re-amping would be in order. I've never tried an effects loop in my stuff but have had great success in re-amping. More details on this if you want.

[Carbia]

I don't like FX loop on a Super Lead.

There's a lot of phase inverter saturation that make the even through the Fx loop the delay sounds dirty. Yes, better than through the amp's input, but not clean enough for me.

[plexified]

The 12 series has a small power transformer and output transformer. It leads to lower voltages and more sag in the entire power supply rail . Only Chris Merrum will get the transformers right here.

Had to edit to include that the 3-d plane is important here too . Parts locations matter and the transformer orientation is important . Make sure the choke is correct too . Small details that are overlooked every single time . I know of nobody that has yet to get it right . Sad to say.

[jnew]

So the 68 layout has the power caps on the board, in the chassis, underneath the Opt Trans.That is proper. And I''m pretty sure that the choke is a 3H. That should be all the goods we are talking about here. No?