Next amp build

[Fbiwaterman]

Hello everyone,

It’s time for my next amp build. I finished the valvestorm JTM45 kit, and OMG! There are many four letter expletives that I’d like to use to describe how badass that amp is. I started using it live for Hendrix covers and everyone was head over heels on the tone. It also does fantastic Clapton/cream tone with my LP. I’ve recently been working on getting the VH tone, and getting close with the JTM. I set ch1 and ch2 gain about noon (they’re jumpered), eq bass at 9 o’clock, mid dimed, treble at 3 oclock. I use an ocd pedal in front with the gain all the down and some deep reverb after that. It’s close, not quite there.

So, my question is, what’s the best choice for my next build of the 50 watt-ers? The 1987 or the 2204? If I understand correctly the 2204 is a mv, which I don’t care about because I use a Weber load box so that I can run balls to the wall. I’m looking for a more agressive, tighter sound, but definitely not the new Marshall sound.

Thanks in advance for the advice!
Mike

[axeman]

Build a Super Lead 50 watt. Stock, once u get the hang of, you'll be able to dial in a tone that u will really like. It be converted to a 2204 if you ever decide.

[Fbiwaterman]

Is that the same as the 50w kit on valvestorm, or is it a modified version of the 100w super Lead?

[axeman]

A Super Lead is the specs of the circuit, so it can be either 50 or 100 Watts and yes you can buy either one @ Valvestorm

[Fbiwaterman]

Awesome! Thanks for the advice.

[neikeel]

I agree a 50w lead spec

Although you know I think the 2 in1 front end (with just a switchable MV) is the way to go with one of these.



It gives you a 1987 (plexi lead amp with the switch pushed in and a 2204 with the switch pulled out) if you crank the pre-pi volume pot it is out of the circuit.

You can ignore the PPIMV (the pot that is in the presence pot space) bit if you want.

[Fbiwaterman]

That’s an interesting concept. I assume there’s less tone suck with a mv than with a load box? I’m using a Weber speaker motor with my JTM, and it definitely changes it, albeit, only slightly.

While we’re talking about options, how does George do the variac circuit on the metroplex amps? That would be another thing I’m interested in.

Thanks!

[neikeel]

Not sure exactly about Metroplex but typically a dual voltage PT (normal and low) that you select with three position standby switch. You have to have two bias resistors to adjust the feed/
Look up virtual variac with search function.
Brian Wallace sells dual voltage PTs for these.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... zd3STVYd3c

Look for HR file of the above in Steve's site

[rockinrod'67]

I like the 2 in 1 concept. Do you have to follow all the red text to a T, or can I just focus on the front end? I have a 50w Valvestorm build.