Friedman Runt 50 SAT switch mod

SFW

SFW

Well-known member
Has anyone here had the SAT switch mod done to their Runt 50? If so, did it give you the extra gain you were looking for, and what was the cost?

I like the overall voicing of the amp, it would really like some more gas in the tank. I don’t mind boosting for solos, but prefer to get my rhythm gain from the actual amp. I wish the gain knob when two more numbers up… lol.

Anyway, thanks for the input.
 
I didnt have it added, but bought one with it. Its not life changing, but I never ever had it off.. and if I got another, id definitely have it done.
 
It does add a good amount of gain, but nothing like a 5150 or Mesa Mark series. I always keep mine on, unless I'm using an overdrive pedal in front (you won't need both an overdrive and the SAT at the same time). I think it costs about $100 to have it done, but you should just email Dave.
 
BTW, the one I had, it was footswitchable. Im sure that costs more,. But it might be an option you like
 
BABMusic said:
It does add a good amount of gain, but nothing like a 5150 or Mesa Mark series. I always keep mine on, unless I'm using an overdrive pedal in front (you won't need both an overdrive and the SAT at the same time). I think it costs about $100 to have it done, but you should just email Dave.
Click to expand...
Yeah, if I need 5150 levels, I’ll just use my 5150. I just want a bit more juice than the amp has stock.
 
The SAT switch should be easy enough to install but you will have to drill the chassis for a switch. An On Off On three way switch is what I use. This will give you 3 selections Off and two different clipping values. The higher the voltage threshold of the zener still clips but with less compression and perceived gain. Friedman uses the MPSA06 transistor wired to use the diodes for clipping, another good transistor to try is the 2N5400 or the 2N5401 which I think the diodes in these trnasistors are close the 7-9volt ranges for clipping which produces more compression with the clipping but you will get more volume drop the lower voltage threshold used.

To give you an idea the Ceriatone Chuppacabra uses 20V and 12V zeners on the three way switch I mentioned. The old Randall RG100ES amp used 4V zeners for their main clipping diodes.

The Zener diode usable voltage threshold values used in amps are 20 volts down to 4 volts.

Here are some 1Watt zener ID number and their clipping ranges to get you started.
1N4747A - 20 volts
1N4746A - 18 volts
1N4745A - 16 volts
1N4742A - 12 volts
1N4740A - 10 volts
1N4738A - 8.2 volts

I recommend starting at 20V Zeners on one leg of the switch and 10V on the other and then determine how much more compression/clipping you want. 20 V is more of a crunchy clipping as you go lower in Zener voltage value you will get more compression/saturation and less crunchy.

I think the SAT might give you that little more for your rhythm tones as you were describing.
 
SFW said:
Yeah, if I need 5150 levels, I’ll just use my 5150. I just want a bit more juice than the amp has stock.
Click to expand...
HOT MOD. Just ask Sahlomonic, who just bought mine with a Hot Mod included. It's a pure tube additional gain stage, and adds punch, and additional harmonic content that really make your leads soar. It's easy, you can just take it out if you want it back to stock.

I've owned 2 Runts that I added the Hot Mod to, and can't recommend it enough. It's worth every penny, and no mods needed.
I ordered them from Motor City and no tax. They typically have them in stock - you need the reverse-wired version.
 
napalmdeath said:
HOT MOD. Just ask Sahlomonic, who just bought mine with a Hot Mod included. It's a pure tube additional gain stage, and adds punch, and additional harmonic content that really make your leads soar. It's easy, you can just take it out if you want it back to stock.

I've owned 2 Runts that I added the Hot Mod to, and can't recommend it enough. It's worth every penny, and no mods needed.
I ordered them from Motor City and no tax. They typically have them in stock - you need the reverse-wired version.
Click to expand...
Does the Hot Mod effect the clean channel?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top