Modding a superlead into a Van Halen 1 machine (sounds very close)

[Amp_chaser]

hello guys after a lot of effort into modding a super lead plus years of modding and learning mods, i think i might be close to that crazy tone we all love.

here are the results (pls forgive me the horrible playing, i mainly mod amps and I almost don't play at all) :



with another cab.





what has been done to head :

- No extra gain stage.
- The cascade a la R/T mod.
- 50k Mid pot a la van halen with the "secret" mid resistor mod.
- A secret mod (not known at all) on the cathodes that boosts the gain a lot without changing the values (they are 820r 250uf v1a 820r .68uf v1b). Good luck finding it because it's completely counterintuitive and it's the most important mod.
- Clipping circuit a la josé in the tone stack.
- coupling caps were changed to get more between an hybrid between a super lead 68 and a super bass.
- Mixer resistor values changed.
- Mid boost.

Last thing that will be done to the head :

- Short load alternative trick.
- Custom wound transformers (it has currently exceptional marstran replicas but it needs custom spec'd ones to get what i want).

the feeback on the amp is crazy you can make squeals pop without any gain pedal and it sustains a lot.

The objective was to get the closest possible to the records and to get an amp that you could just plug to your cabs with greenbacks or blackbacks without the need of pedals or plugins.

any feedback or criticism on the tone that could help me improve is welcomed.

 

[japetus]

It sounds like Van Halen tone to me

 

[Exo-metal]

The whole key is to have this kind of tone when you're 19yrs old...then if you're able to wield it is another story.

 

[Amp_chaser]

The whole key is to have this kind of tone when you're 19yrs old...then if you're able to wield it is another story.

Yes that tone and the hands and creativity of a master ^^! Not sure everyone got this but still having the tone is nice.

 

[Mike Oxhuge]

Sounds close but too much gain.

 

[RedPlated]

Sounds cool. But I personally hear a lot difference in tone on the original guitar tracks.

The original tone has less gain. Less low end in original (I’m assuming you’re using .047uF PI caps based on your post).

And there’s a distinct upper mid/ high end clank not present in the original recording.

I’m not knocking the tone at all, it still sounds fun to play.

 

[Amp_chaser]

Sounds cool. But I personally hear a lot difference in tone in the original guitar tracks.

The original tone has a lot less gain. Less low end (I’m assuming you’re using .047uF PI caps based on your post), and there’s a distinct high end clank not present on the original.

Thanks a lot for the feedback; yes, that's true. I have .1uf on the phase inverter. I should perhaps go back to .022uf ?
For the gain yes i also agree with that. There is the cascade resistor into the grids that i could lower to get the gain at the right spot.

 

[Exo-metal]

Sounds cool. But I personally hear a lot difference in tone on the original guitar tracks.

The original tone has less gain. Less low end in original (I’m assuming you’re using .047uF PI caps based on your post).

And there’s a distinct upper mid/ high end clank not present in the original recording.

I’m not knocking the tone at all, it still sounds fun to play.

That's Captain Klank to you.

 

[japetus]

Can you get the Ram Jam Black Betty tones with phaser suggestions next ??

 

[RaceU4her]

I’m still wondering what one does if they actually nail the tone? Have a drink? Smoke a cigar? Jerk off?

 

[japetus]

I’m still wondering what one does if they actually nail the tone? Have a drink? Smoke a cigar? Jerk off?

Be nice now RaceU lmaoooo

 

[RedPlated]

Thanks a lot for the feedback; yes, that's true. I have .1uf on the phase inverter. I should perhaps go back to .022uf ?
For the gain yes i also agree with that. There is the cascade resistor into the grids that i could lower to get the gain at the right spot.
A clue for those wanting that tone : i think that playing with 2 clipping diode circuits at the same time is essential. I got that idea by looking at ed's plexi board there is a lot of flux residue around the tone stack mid and bass caps.

I’d definitely switch back to .022’s. The .1’s are of course letting more bass through. But I notice a huge difference in midrange with larger PI caps, even more than the bass. The mids will settle closer to the isolated tracks with .022’s.

What are you referring to by “cascade” resistor? The mixer resistor to ground before v2a?

 

[RedPlated]

I’m still wondering what one does if they actually nail the tone? Have a drink? Smoke a cigar? Jerk off?

Yes. But all 3 at the same time.

 

[DanTravis62]

I’m still wondering what one does if they actually nail the tone? Have a drink? Smoke a cigar? Jerk off?

You win the international Boomer Consumer variation of the nobel prize, i'm told

 

[japetus]

Yes. But all 3 at the same time.

Power moves!!!!!

 

[RedPlated]

That's Captain Klank to you.

It’s pronounced Major Klanksalot

 

[Amp_chaser]

I’d definitely switch back to .022’s. The .1’s are of course letting more bass through. But I notice a huge difference in midrange with larger PI caps, even more than the bass. The mids will settle closer to the isolated tracks with .022’s.

What are you referring to by “cascade” resistor? The mixer resistor to ground before v2a?

it's the resistor that connects the vol 2 wiper to the grids of v1b. I currently have 470k i probably should try 330k. I tried 220k but it was way too low.

 

[Amp_chaser]

Can you get the Ram Jam Black Betty tones with phaser suggestions next ??

XD i think i might try slash Appetite for destruction as my next chase or Dann huff Giant's tone but i agree that the tone on Ram Jam Black betty is insanely good.

 

[RedPlated]

it's the resistor that connects the vol 2 wiper to the grids of v1b. I currently have 470k i probably should try 330k. I tried 220k but it was way too low.

You’ll probably thin out the gain too much and lose good harmonic content. Are you using diodes in this clip?

So you’re running 3 gain stages here? I mean, if that’s the case, that’s why too much gain.

Your PI voltage may be low as well. That’ll make the amp more gainy.

These are all uneducated guesses without knowing the actual circuit.

 

[Lightning]

What pickup are you using ?