Metropoulos Forum

I have built a stock 100W kit and I was wondering about some mods that I could do to it? I am looking for more gain (80s hard rock sound). I was also wondering about the Master Volume kit, how does it work (where does the signal go when turned up and down), and what is the sound quality change (If any)? Also any mods (In general) that I could do to it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

for an 80s hard rock tone the 100w plexi isn't really the amp to go for.

your best option (other than using OD pedals) is to convert it to the 2203 circuit which cascades the gain stages on (what are currently) the bass and normal channels and also adds a master volume.

alternatively, you could try the 1-wire mod and convert your amp into the Randy Rhoads plexi - that'll give you more of that 80s hard rock tone.

Check out SDM's 1959-2203 switchable mod. You'll lose the 2nd channel on the plexi but if you're going for those types of 80's tones, you probably won't care. I've got mine switchable 1959-2203 and a switchable extra (4th gain stage) that's modeled after the Levi Mod for the Slash AFD tone. You can still have the plexi tones which I love, and still be able to get the gain if you want it using switches.

Before going to those means though, you can always play around with values all over the preamp section (cathode resistors and bypasses, plate resistors, etc.). Here's a great mod list that darkbluemurder posted with some great starting ideas. http://forum.metroamp.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=29118" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

HTH wrote:for an 80s hard rock tone the 100w plexi isn't really the amp to go for.

your best option (other than using OD pedals) is to convert it to the 2203 circuit which cascades the gain stages on (what are currently) the bass and normal channels and also adds a master volume.

alternatively, you could try the 1-wire mod and convert your amp into the Randy Rhoads plexi - that'll give you more of that 80s hard rock tone.

Do you have any photos, layouts, showing how to do this? I also forgot to mention that I was going to add a master volume on, does this change anything? Also the 1959 to 2203 mod, how much overhauling does this require?

It's a relatively easy mod. Only a few additional parts are required. Check out SDM's website for lots of detail. I've got some takes on the mod, but I am by no means as smart as most of these other guys.

http://home.comcast.net/~mamp17/index.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I've got tons of pics of my amp with both the 2203 switchable and the switchable 4th gain stage including a layout that I made. Let me know if you're interested in that...

Oh and definitely plan on the Lar/Mar PPIMV. Excellent mod.

ya, that would be great if you could give me those diagrams.

Also does the Master Volume Mod achieve better tone than a Hot Plate or something along that line would achieve?

HTH wrote:for an 80s hard rock tone the 100w plexi isn't really the amp to go for.

I beg to differ. Here's a clip of a Metro Super Lead with the Heyboer 1203-80 PT and the Drake 1202-132 OT with the MM MAR100-C choke flat dimed on a Power Brake. Speakers are G12H-30 Anniversarys.

http://www.wilderamplification.com/soun ... ginal1.mp3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

flemingmras wrote:I beg to differ.

Very right! Here's another clip where tonepilgrim overlaid two tracks with just a standard 1959 and then a couple more with the 2203 switch thrown. There is plenty of snarl with just a plexi.

http://forum.metroamp.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=29042" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Check out the link in his first post. How much gain do you want?

I'm just looking for a bit more edge when I crank it. And a dumb question here, but is the 100 watt plexi called 1959? Or is the 1959 different from a Stock 69 plexi?

-Ty- wrote:I'm just looking for a bit more edge when I crank it. And a dumb question here, but is the 100 watt plexi called 1959? Or is the 1959 different from a Stock 69 plexi?

You are correct...the 100 watt plexi is the 1959.

There is a lot of untapped "edge" from both a 1959 and a 2203 preamp section to be squeezed out. You can always start with the 1959 design and move from one mod to the next changing preamp values over time. Your amp will change before your ears for awhile while everything breaks in.

And the 1959 can easily be converted to a 2203. The only difference between the two is in the first two gain stages. Everything from V2 to the OT is the same for both models with the exception of the master volume on the 2203.

I suppose it all depends on what you consider to be '80s hard rock tone' - I'm specifically thinking of those LA hotrod type tones and for that you will need a 2203/2204 with an OD pedal, a plexi won't cut it (yes, I've listened to the clips and there isn't enough saturation for that kind of tone).

HTH wrote:I suppose it all depends on what you consider to be '80s hard rock tone' - I'm specifically thinking of those LA hotrod type tones and for that you will need a 2203/2204 with an OD pedal, a plexi won't cut it (yes, I've listened to the clips and there isn't enough saturation for that kind of tone).

Well you can't "generalize" THE 80s hard rock tone since there were many different tones out there at the time. The tone you speak of would be called the "80s Hollywood Creampuff One Hit Wonder tone".