Help identifying a Marshall mod...

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SBlue

SBlue

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Recently a friend from Los Angeles got an amp on Ebay for me(since I'm living in Brazil for the last 3 years).
I'm going to the US in a few weeks and will pick up the amp with him.
Thing is, the amp was modded with a master volume and what apparently is an extra gain stage.
The youtube audio of the amp nailed the VH-1 tone, and that was the reason I've asked Dave to get the amp for me and hold it there 'till I have the chance to pick it up with him.
The amp it's a 71 Marshall 50w.
Please, let me know in case you know who might have possibly had done the mod to this amp.
I really appreciate!!!
Cheers!!!





 
Looks sorta like a Harry kolbe mod, but not 100%
 
Looks awesome and well done for the time period it was modded.
 
Thanks dawnofdreamx97 and Charveldan!
I'm really excited about getting this amp. I do own a few other amps, but none of them do the VH-1 perfectly, and judging by the audio the seller posted on youtube, this one does it perfectly!!!!
 
paulyc":3batxlc8 said:
I believe the wires are on top of the choke
Click to expand...

Oh yeah, you're right.

What are those wires on top of the choke?
 
I'm guessing it was disconnected and that wirewound resistor is being used instead.
 
That seems like a step backward...don't 900 series and newer Marshalls do away with the choke for a resistor instead ? I know I put a JCM 800 choke in my 900 SL-X and the tone is better with the choke...it has more low end and guts...It sickens me that every new generation of amps Marshall makes them cheaper and cheaper...
 
paulyc":3e4le1n3 said:
That seems like a step backward...don't 900 series and newer Marshalls do away with the choke for a resistor instead ? I know I put a JCM 800 choke in my 900 SL-X and the tone is better with the choke...it has more low end and guts...It sickens me that every new generation of amps Marshall makes them cheaper and cheaper...
Click to expand...

I think it all depends on the tone you're trying to achieve with the amp. Old Hiwatts do not have a choke, and they sound fantastic.
And I agree 100% with you on the new Marshalls. They've made some amazing pieces lately(40th JTM45/100 and Hendrix 100), but the usual line it's getting weaker by the year.
 
Well... got the amp!
I don't think the audio/video was from this amp, since it doesn' sound nothing like VH I or II. Also, the amp arrived without the Mullard EL34 advertised on Ebay.
Anyway, the amp does work and sound very good. It's very, very 80's kind of tone. Not as tight as a BE at low volume, but great, tight low end at higher volumes.
I've send an email to Harry Kolbe asking if he was the one who modded the amp, but still haven't got a reply.
Anyway, I've figured if it didn't fly, I could put it back to stock or use it for another mod.
I'm happy it does sound good!!!
 
If it's a Langer don't mess with it...not too many of those around anymore. Can you have someone reverse engineer it ?
 
I have found some info that points to this amp being an early Bogner mod. I would leave it alone. You can confirm with Bogner. The knobs and the blue preamp tube cover that was added are telltales. The per board also.



 
SBlue":3v5k5wv9 said:
I don't think the audio/video was from this amp, since it doesn' sound nothing like VH I or II.
Click to expand...
No amp will sound like VH I or II if you don't have the chops and especially the feel to play the material properly...most players, even accomplished ones, simply don't.
Much like the Mod5, in the right hands it sounded perfect for that tone...but unfortunately most hands aren't the "right" ones ;)
 
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