Help A Newbie Spend, Spend, Spend - Marshall, SLO or.... ?

[TrueTone500]

^ lol. And we're off!

^Ignore this ass-hat^ He is one several Mark Cameron fanboys who lives to stir-up shit on the forum. There are several of them here, which I'm sure will jump-in as soon as they zero-in on the thread.

You are truly an idiot, TrueTone. I don't know how many times you need to be told something before it sinks into your feeble little brain. I don't have a Cameron amp and I am not a Cameron fanboy, as you put it.

To the opening poster of this thread: the true "asshat" here is TrueTone500. He is an on again, off again alcoholic troll that spends his time on this forum unnecessarily stirring up shit and generally pissing everyone off.

Oh, TrueTone is also widely known for tampering with his amps' internals and then selling them in the Classifieds without disclosing this fact. I would steer clear of any of his Classified listings. This will undoubtedly be followed by a response from TrueTone stating that his "tampering" was really all to improve the stock amp design/build and any buyer should be happy that he made these "improvements". Regardless, he's a lying sack of shit for not disclosing this in his Classified listings.

It won't take you much time on Rig Talk to see for yourself that everything I have posted about this moron is the truth.

Caveat emptor.

Good luck with your tone search.

See what I mean? He accuses builder Billy Blades of building amplifiers that shock people and and catch fire for no other reason than to cause the guy trouble! He has no proof, which is why he cannot provide any when asked. He really is an asshole of epic proportion! He is but one of many members here on RT who supported Mark Cameron while Mark was ripping people off! Billy Blades is an outspoken guy... So what? How does this equate to building an unsafe device?

Just read his hate-filled comments on the Blades thread...

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=143498

As far as my so-called tampering as rlord1974 describes it...

Here are a few responses from the Cornford forum is regards to the rebuild I did on my personal RK100:

1. by d1dsj » Sun Jun 02, 2013 9:17 am

"Awesome job, and you have the satisfaction of knowing no corners have been cut. You clearly know your onions!"

2. by d1dsj » Sat Jul 19, 2014 10:29 am

"Yep, the quality of work you've put into this amp is just staggering! I'd love an RK100 .... Especially that one!"

3. by Gadget » Sun Jul 20, 2014 12:47 pm (Cornford forum moderator)

"Nice job!"

You can see the before and after pics here... It came out great!

http://cornfordamps.com/forum/viewtopic ... 13&t=20481

Like I said... Asshole of epic proportion!




ASSHOLE!

 

[Conky]

Awesome - this is turning into some funny stuff!

Have to admit, the chances of me going for something other than what I listed is pretty slim - regardless of how they sound. Started the whole process thinking vintage Marshall, but then a SLO became available and recalling years of compliments for the SLO has made me interested. But they just don't sound good to me from the clips I've heard - or, perhaps better said, not $1,000 to $2,000 more money "good". Is it a religious experience playing one? Do they just not record well? Do you have to be 5 ft. in front of it to "get it"?

On the flip side, if I buy an old Marshall, I'm concerned I'll be bored by its limitations and commonality and will kick myself for not getting the SLO when I had the chance.

The Bogner - sounds like a cool amp, but the naked see-through raincoat thing bothered me!

I think the SLO is just it's own beast. Love it or Hate it but it is not quite a Marshall at least I don't think.

Bogner has different grill cloths. The metal grill is my favorite but they do not make any more. There is also gray and tan cloths.

Not sure but I assume you are referring to the black metal grille?

If it was my cash and my amp I would probably go with the Bogner but our tastes may differ.

No, I mean the picture of Reinhold! Somebody posted it here I believe - the man is classic!

 

[maddnotez]

Awesome - this is turning into some funny stuff!

Have to admit, the chances of me going for something other than what I listed is pretty slim - regardless of how they sound. Started the whole process thinking vintage Marshall, but then a SLO became available and recalling years of compliments for the SLO has made me interested. But they just don't sound good to me from the clips I've heard - or, perhaps better said, not $1,000 to $2,000 more money "good". Is it a religious experience playing one? Do they just not record well? Do you have to be 5 ft. in front of it to "get it"?

On the flip side, if I buy an old Marshall, I'm concerned I'll be bored by its limitations and commonality and will kick myself for not getting the SLO when I had the chance.

The Bogner - sounds like a cool amp, but the naked see-through raincoat thing bothered me!

I think the SLO is just it's own beast. Love it or Hate it but it is not quite a Marshall at least I don't think.

Bogner has different grill cloths. The metal grill is my favorite but they do not make any more. There is also gray and tan cloths.

Not sure but I assume you are referring to the black metal grille?

If it was my cash and my amp I would probably go with the Bogner but our tastes may differ.

No, I mean the picture of Reinhold! Somebody posted it here I believe - the man is classic!

OHHHH YA

I have heard the guy likes to party,

That raincoat pic was way over the top lol. Not sure what kinda drugs he was on but regardless, the man is a Genius and makes fantastic amps.

When it comes to amps and builders I try to seperate work and personal.

If someone is a huge dick is usually will not affect my decision on buying their amp. I usually do not hold grudges, even if it is a little shit talking.

As long as someone does not do any thing serious directly to me, a friend or family it is all good.

Even better if they are a whack job

 

[FourT6and2]

Pretty good representation of the Cornford; obviously some delay, but a great amp.

That sounds amazing. That dude can play. For reals.

 

[FourT6and2]

I don't know why a Marshall would just fall apart for no reason. If you want that sound, get a Marshall and be happy.

The SLO can do a pretty convincing "Marshall" type of sound in the Crunch mode. I was pleasantly surprised. Sounds pretty good for that classic rock thing. Not exactly like a Marshall. But it will get the job done.

For the high-gain stuff, I don't play 80s shred or cock rock. I'm more in the realm of modern rock, hard rock, prog rock, and modern metal. If you want an example of SLO metal sounds, listen to anything on the Killswitch Engage live concert DVD. It was all reamped with a boosted SLO.

And the SLO doesn't need to be loud to sound good. In fact, I actually prefer it lower than louder. But it all depends on the sound you're going for and the speakers you're using. The SLO sounds great with darker speakers. I'm using G12-65s.

But if I were you, from the sounds you want, I'd go with Bogner...

 

[jharpersj]

I would consider a used VHT, especially since you mentioned liking hiwatt, or a carol ann triptik (my current fav).

 

[FourT6and2]

As far as my so-called tampering as rlord1974 describes it...

http://cornfordamps.com/forum/viewtopic ... 13&t=20481

Rebuild looks pretty good. If you can't find original Philips MKT caps, the newer Vishay MKT368 are the exact same ones. They bought out Philips. Same cap, different name.

Only thing I wouldn't have done was suspend those parts in the air high off the board like that. Component leads aren't meant to support their own weight beyond a certain length. And "Mile-Spec" standards list out how long component leads should be based on how much the component body weighs. For example, 2 gram components should have lead lengths no longer than X amount or something like that.

Those Takaman resistors are expensive as shit too.

Would love to build a Cornford from scratch though. No accurate schematics out there as far as I can tell though. I guess best bet is to buy a newer one and rebuild like you did...

 

[aw9190]

I don't know why a Marshall would just fall apart for no reason. If you want that sound, get a Marshall and be happy.

The SLO can do a pretty convincing "Marshall" type of sound in the Crunch mode. I was pleasantly surprised. Sounds pretty good for that classic rock thing. Not exactly like a Marshall. But it will get the job done.

For the high-gain stuff, I don't play 80s shred or cock rock. I'm more in the realm of modern rock, hard rock, prog rock, and modern metal. If you want an example of SLO metal sounds, listen to anything on the Killswitch Engage live concert DVD. It was all reamped with a boosted SLO.

And the SLO doesn't need to be loud to sound good. In fact, I actually prefer it lower than louder. But it all depends on the sound you're going for and the speakers you're using. The SLO sounds great with darker speakers. I'm using G12-65s.

But if I were you, from the sounds you want, I'd go with Bogner...

I recently got an SLO and i agree with this. I am using the same speakers. if you raise the presence and mid range on the amp on the OD channel it gets kinda marshally too. I am really digging the SLO but i also play hair metal, but i do think it can capture those more modern tones as well

 

[TrueTone500]

As far as my so-called tampering as rlord1974 describes it...

http://cornfordamps.com/forum/viewtopic ... 13&t=20481

Rebuild looks pretty good. If you can't find original Philips MKT caps, the newer Vishay MKT368 are the exact same ones. They bought out Philips. Same cap, different name.

Only thing I wouldn't have done was suspend those parts in the air high off the board like that. Component leads aren't meant to support their own weight beyond a certain length. And "Mile-Spec" standards list out how long component leads should be based on how much the component body weighs. For example, 2 gram components should have lead lengths no longer than X amount or something like that.

Those Takaman resistors are expensive as shit too.

Would love to build a Cornford from scratch though. No accurate schematics out there as far as I can tell though. I guess best bet is to buy a newer one and rebuild like you did...

The caps I used are Vishay MKT368. I tried to find some of the Philips labeled caps, but 33n value were not to be found.

I considered the height, but the Takman's have very stout leads! Larger in diameter than any .5 watt resistor I've ever seen. I like to keep electrolytic caps away from resistors due to heat. Axial electro caps are getting very hard to find, so I want them to stay as moist as possible, for as long as possible. Martin had them suspended also, but not quite a high. I coated the cathode leads with 60/40 for added strength.

Mine was a late model that was constructed by someone at Straight Edge. If it were a pristine Martin Kidd build, I would have left it alone.

 

[FourT6and2]

Ah my bad I thought I read you had used some Philips caps you had laying around. I should have built my SLO Clone with the MKT368s. But I didn't know at the time I was sourcing parts and used the Sprague 716s.

Also, you should try some Kester 63/37. It's definitely an improvement in joint quality over the 60/40. But whatever works.

 

[TrueTone500]

Ah my bad I thought I read you had used some Philips caps you had laying around. I should have built my SLO Clone with the MKT368s. But I didn't know at the time I was sourcing parts and used the Sprague 716s.

Also, you should try some Kester 63/37. It's definitely an improvement in joint quality over the 60/40. But whatever works.

I thought Soldano uses Sprague 716's in the SLO?

Yes, Kester 63/37 is exactly what I use! Do you use distilled water on your cleaning sponge? We have hard water here, so the tip cap get pretty nasty with calcium. I don't know if the solids can contaminate the solder, but it sure seems to make a difference. If I use tap water, the solder doesn't adhere to the tip as well.

 

[halebox]

Cant really go wrong with all 3 choices. 2203 is single channel great familiar rock tone and cheaper. I dont feel the SLO is a hair metal amp I think its a classic rock amp that can get more gain if you need also has a great clean too. You can get close to your 2203 marshall sounds on crunch channel then kick on overdrive channel for soaring leads that will jump out way more than a 2203 with a pedal. Then you have a pretty convincing fender clean. The build quality is really solid. I am using a SLO right now and digging it and not sure why some people have not stuck with them. Its working very well with the project I just started. The ecstacy is great sounding maybe too good. Its kind of strange when you kick on the drive channels you get this amazing tailored sound that makes you feel warm. Its like a weird lonely compressed sound that is so fun to play especially alone but does it want to play with others in a band? I dont know. Ive had 2 100B's and I do miss them and would like another so I could revisit and figure out what I liked or didnt like about it. It may get boring getting that perfect sound without enough rough edges of a 2203. I think the SLO falls between the 2.

 

[FourT6and2]

Ah my bad I thought I read you had used some Philips caps you had laying around. I should have built my SLO Clone with the MKT368s. But I didn't know at the time I was sourcing parts and used the Sprague 716s.

Also, you should try some Kester 63/37. It's definitely an improvement in joint quality over the 60/40. But whatever works.

I thought Soldano uses Sprague 716's in the SLO?

Yes, Kester 63/37 is exactly what I use! Do you use distilled water on your cleaning sponge? We have hard water here, so the tip cap get pretty nasty with calcium. I don't know if the solids can contaminate the solder, but it sure seems to make a difference. If I use tap water, the solder doesn't adhere to the tip as well.

Nah, Soldanos have the Philips MKTs.

I don't use distilled water. I should try it and see if there's a difference. But the iron I use is regulated and has a ceramic heating element. So when I shock it with the sponge it stays pretty clean either way.

 

[fretout]

Man, I think all three are pretty solid choices. I would say that since you mentioned wanting an amp that is still used professionally, the most popular may be the Marshall and the Soldano.

I always thought of the SLO as a "modern" amp, and not to mention it launched many of the modern generations most popular amps (Mesa/Boogie Rectifiers, Peavey 5150s/6505s, Bogner Uberschall).

The Marshall wouldn't just call apart. It's made it this long, and as long as it's not modded wrong, the only thing that possibly may need to be replaced should be tubes and/or caps.

Sounds like you may be the proud new owner of a SLO, unless you find another amp that you fall for. I was deciding between a Marshall, a Bogner, and a Soldano a while back and I found my Coliseums and that was the end of that.

 

[Conky]

Well actually had some time with a SLO, which was a bit surprising since I didn't think there were any to be found around here.

I'm going to pass on getting one. First, the cleans weren't bad but don't come close to my Hiwatt (or frankly even my Mesa). For a vintage vibe, again, it doesn't better the Hiwatt with a King of Tone or even an old vintage Rat (or perhaps a modded SD1). Forget about the Hiwatt cranked.... Craziness perhaps, but hey, I really like my Hiwatt. In terms of more modern gain, I don't buy into some of the complaints people have about this amp being overly bright, harsh, etc. If you know how to eq, it will sound fine and then some.

So why am I not getting it? For better or for worse, it has it's own thing going on. Unfortunately, there is a ton of overlap between the SLO and my Tremoverb. Let me rephrase, there is a overlap that is not worth the nearly $2,000 premium. The SLO is a better lead amp, but don't think it's necessarily a better rhythm amp than the Mesa. I'm a lead player, but its too much money for a marginal improvement on a similar tone.

Next up, Marshall land. I have a '81 JCM 2203 in the pipeline thats being repaired. Not sure what the problem is, and if it's too sever will pass on purchasing it. The YJM looks interesting, but really thinking about just getting a vintage Plexi.

Btw, the Vintage Modern - not to offend, but what the "f" is that thing???? Yikes....

 

[FourT6and2]

What cab/speakers?

 

[Conky]

What cab/speakers?

Huh? Dude, I'm not looking for advice on a SLO clone....

 

[fretout]

Well actually had some time with a SLO, which was a bit surprising since I didn't think there were any to be found around here.

I'm going to pass on getting one. First, the cleans weren't bad but don't come close to my Hiwatt (or frankly even my Mesa). For a vintage vibe, again, it doesn't better the Hiwatt with a King of Tone or even an old vintage Rat (or perhaps a modded SD1). Forget about the Hiwatt cranked.... Craziness perhaps, but hey, I really like my Hiwatt. In terms of more modern gain, I don't buy into some of the complaints people have about this amp being overly bright, harsh, etc. If you know how to eq, it will sound fine and then some.

So why am I not getting it? For better or for worse, it has it's own thing going on. Unfortunately, there is a ton of overlap between the SLO and my Tremoverb. Let me rephrase, there is a overlap that is not worth the nearly $2,000 premium. The SLO is a better lead amp, but don't think it's necessarily a better rhythm amp than the Mesa. I'm a lead player, but its too much money for a marginal improvement on a similar tone.

Next up, Marshall land. I have a '81 JCM 2203 in the pipeline thats being repaired. Not sure what the problem is, and if it's too sever will pass on purchasing it. The YJM looks interesting, but really thinking about just getting a vintage Plexi.

Btw, the Vintage Modern - not to offend, but what the "f" is that thing???? Yikes....

I had no idea that you had a Trem-O-Verb. Yeah, the SLO may overlap. I think it has a little different type of gain structure than a Mesa Rectifier-type amp, but there is some overlap depending on settings.

So, the Marshalls (like a 2203) have been around forever and may give you a great near-polar-opposite of the Trem-O-Verb. For that matter the Bogner, would be another opposite to what you have, but I think most people love or hate them, and if you can't try one, it may not be worth the gamble.

 

[Kelly]

Lots of great amps in that price range. I'd try before I buy. As for old Marshalls, you never know what you're getting. Some sound great, some don't, a lot are modded with who-knows-what. IMHO, you're better off with a clone by someone like Metro, Germino, or Ceriatone. Just be aware that a plexi Marshall has no distortion until it's way over 100 db without some attenuation or master volume.

 

[Conky]

Thanks again guys.

I'm really thinking about going the Marshall route, and my interest has been somewhat piqued by the YJM100. I'm confused about something though, so your help is greatly appreciated. Now here's the thing - I'm a reverb and delay guy (much more so the latter, but I do like a hint of the former). Now, I know the JCM 800 2203 has some preamp gain, but I thought this amp is largely plexi like in that its the power tubes / phase inverter that provide much of the gain. To that end, if the YJM is a plexi w/ some added things, how in the world would an effects loop make sense in terms of tone preservation/improvement? I don't really want to run a dry/wet setup or slave out... at that point, pedals in front of the Hiwatt become a much cheaper and time/tested solution.