1.) 100pf bright cap replaced stock 500pf. (More natural sound. Took away hiss on High Treble Channel 1 which now matches Normal Channel 2...very quiet).
2.) LAR/MAR PPIMV (Home practice and also lowers noise stage at high volumes).
3.) After approx 15-18 hours of playing, bias re-set to 40.5/43.0 respectively. This gave me the best (natural, chimey) cleans and also provided plenty of kick-ass natural tube distortion when the amp is driven above 5 or so.
4.) Allen-Bradley NOS Carbon Comp resistors.
5.) Sozo capacitors.
Once I replaced the 500 pf with the 100pf bright cap, it became one of the quietest medium wattage tube amps I've ever owned. I am extremely happy with this amp and the quality of components George and Fido (et al) put together.
Stock Metroamp transformers. Valve Arts KT-66's, stock ECC83's.
I'm playing this with a Gibson ES-335 Fat Neck Dot Sunburst into an Avatar Premier 2x12 loaded with G12-65's. I love those speakers. Bold, fairly accurate, can't be overdriven, luscious cleans. I am hoping to experiement with some Scumbacks eventually in the same cab and settle on the best. I have to play all kinds of tones...cleans, lightly distorted rhythms and all out searing leads. These speakers deliver that in spades.
For your viewing enjoyment:
Backside
Frontside without headcase
All set up on stage after her debut of 5 sets! Cab was mic'd in front and my set up was a little neater prior to a whole weekend of playing!
On that pedal board is: Korg Pitchblack (replaced my Boss TU-2), Fulltone OCD, Zvex Box of Rock, Fulltone SupaTrem, Boss DD-7 Delay and a Pedal Power 2. I also use a Fulltone Deluxe Wah on occasion.
I may have overdone the pics, but in case someone needs them down the road for an example, they are provided for your reference. I apologize for the lack of clarity in some photos as I used my iphone to take the pics. I hope you enjoyed them.
Blues Rocker
