Question about SLO mods

[Guitarnobody]

What cap values are used on the depth pot? Just curious.

1-Meg Audio Taper Pot and a .0047uF cap

Thanks.

I find it interesting that it can't be heard when the amp is turned up. .0047 adds a ton of bottom end. I wonder if it's because it adds so much people just turn the pot slightly. Seems like a different value might be a better solution. Something like 470pf for more mids, or even a .001 for something in the middle. Then people could use more of the pot. Of course this isn't directed at you, as I'm sure you know this and a lot more than I do.

 

[se7en]

I talked to Bill @ Soldano about using a lower value for the depth mod, because I wanted less bass out of it and more low midrange. He recommended a lesser value, but I don't remember what it was.

The scoop mod is really nice for the clean channel. Pushing the midrange control up can smooth out the treble if you find the amp too bright. With the depth mod in the circuit you can bring back the bass control to dial in the low end just how you want.

 

[mikey]

I have a four mod SLO, depth, WH, 1/2 power and scoop. It was priced well otherwise I probably would've picked up a stock one. I've gigged it a couple times a week for 7 years.

I've never used the Warren Haynes mod, it's essentially a bright cap "clip" on a switch, I don't care for it and I don't think too many people do. It has a dulling effect I don't think most would like.

The 1/2 power switch seems to change the attack slightly (maybe a little softer). Not sure why this is offered, if you're looking for power tube overdrive, this is probably not the right amp for you in the first place! I had tried it early on but haven't for a very long time. Some may like the slight variation in feel/attack.

The scoop mod, as mentioned above, gives the normal channel a Fender vibe. Seems like a cut around 400hz. It has it's place but I don't care for it in conjunction with channel switching with the overdrive channel, just my preference.

I saved the depth for last as it's the most polarizing ;-) ...seems to be a love/hate thing. I rarely used it in the past but the last couple years have been experimenting with it. I didn't use it before because I typically don't like a ton of low end. Lately I have been running the bass control down around 3-4ish and running the depth up around 9 o' clock. It changes the voicing slightly in a way that I've been liking. Soldano purists will bitch about it I'm sure, but it's worth a try. It tightens the bottom up a bit and the attack feels a little quicker or snappier.

...and as usual, YMMV!

 

[FourT6and2]

Depth mod is great. I do like mikey. I run the Depth up and the bass down. Fills out the amp a bit with added lower mids. Sounds great. Very punchy. I might try a lower value cap though now that some mention it. Could be cool to see what happens.

There are lots of other mods out there (not factory Soldano mods though). You can tweak a lot in this circuit (like a Marshall) to change things here and there. SLO Clone Forum has a running list.

 

[SLOgriff]

I have a four mod SLO, depth, WH, 1/2 power and scoop. It was priced well otherwise I probably would've picked up a stock one. I've gigged it a couple times a week for 7 years.

I've never used the Warren Haynes mod, it's essentially a bright cap "clip" on a switch, I don't care for it and I don't think too many people do. It has a dulling effect I don't think most would like.

The 1/2 power switch seems to change the attack slightly (maybe a little softer). Not sure why this is offered, if you're looking for power tube overdrive, this is probably not the right amp for you in the first place! I had tried it early on but haven't for a very long time. Some may like the slight variation in feel/attack.

The scoop mod, as mentioned above, gives the normal channel a Fender vibe. Seems like a cut around 400hz. It has it's place but I don't care for it in conjunction with channel switching with the overdrive channel, just my preference.

I saved the depth for last as it's the most polarizing ;-) ...seems to be a love/hate thing. I rarely used it in the past but the last couple years have been experimenting with it. I didn't use it before because I typically don't like a ton of low end. Lately I have been running the bass control down around 3-4ish and running the depth up around 9 o' clock. It changes the voicing slightly in a way that I've been liking. Soldano purists will bitch about it I'm sure, but it's worth a try. It tightens the bottom up a bit and the attack feels a little quicker or snappier.

...and as usual, YMMV!

My thoughts as well!

 

[Racerxrated]

I have a four mod SLO, depth, WH, 1/2 power and scoop. It was priced well otherwise I probably would've picked up a stock one. I've gigged it a couple times a week for 7 years.

I've never used the Warren Haynes mod, it's essentially a bright cap "clip" on a switch, I don't care for it and I don't think too many people do. It has a dulling effect I don't think most would like.

The 1/2 power switch seems to change the attack slightly (maybe a little softer). Not sure why this is offered, if you're looking for power tube overdrive, this is probably not the right amp for you in the first place! I had tried it early on but haven't for a very long time. Some may like the slight variation in feel/attack.

The scoop mod, as mentioned above, gives the normal channel a Fender vibe. Seems like a cut around 400hz. It has it's place but I don't care for it in conjunction with channel switching with the overdrive channel, just my preference.

I saved the depth for last as it's the most polarizing ;-) ...seems to be a love/hate thing. I rarely used it in the past but the last couple years have been experimenting with it. I didn't use it before because I typically don't like a ton of low end. Lately I have been running the bass control down around 3-4ish and running the depth up around 9 o' clock. It changes the voicing slightly in a way that I've been liking. Soldano purists will bitch about it I'm sure, but it's worth a try. It tightens the bottom up a bit and the attack feels a little quicker or snappier.

...and as usual, YMMV!

My thoughts as well!

Do you guys notice the depth doing anything when you have the master up? I never thought it made a difference above 3 or so, which is damn loud...

 

[GtarLover]

It's fun to be revisiting this topic after I have my SLO, stock with KT77's in it.
I have enjoyed it and haven't tried ANY of the mods...

Thanks for chiming in with all the options and thoughts about how to work with the mods.
Never know will sound best until YOU try it woth your gear I suppose.
Nice way of re-opening this older thread.

 

[Guitarnobody]

Here is a tip for the depth mod... and it works for a lot of amps. Get a 1 meg audio push pull pot and throw something like 500-1000pf across the pot. Then wire a .003-.004 cap across the switch. Pushed in will give more low end mids, pulled will give more lows. Experiment with different cap types. Ceramic is smoother sounding, silver mica is harder/sharper. It's very simple and will certainly increase the versatility of the amp. Of course when the pot is turned to 0 it is out of the circuit.

 

[flash6969]

This is brilliant stuff - thanks to everyone for the info.
Now I have to decide if I need the mods

 

[Mr. Willy]

I don't think anyone mentioned this, but about the Warren Haynes mod...I believe it only works when the gain is set at less than 12:00. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Also, I'm pretty sure that mod only affects the lead channel. I've got a stock SLO. I wouldn't change anything about it. She's got a lot of bottom end, IMHO. I see absolutely no need for the depth mod. Some guys are saying that it adds more low mids, but to me that's not where the SLO's mids are supposed to be. If you have a SLO but want more low mids, I think you might want a different amp. They sound killer stock, IMHO.

 

[RockyStar]

I am running KT66's in mine and was looking for a change. What are some great suggestions and their corresponding results in the SLO? Thanks

 

[se7en]

I don't think anyone mentioned this, but about the Warren Haynes mod...I believe it only works when the gain is set at less than 12:00. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Also, I'm pretty sure that mod only affects the lead channel. I've got a stock SLO. I wouldn't change anything about it. She's got a lot of bottom end, IMHO. I see absolutely no need for the depth mod. Some guys are saying that it adds more low mids, but to me that's not where the SLO's mids are supposed to be. If you have a SLO but want more low mids, I think you might want a different amp. They sound killer stock, IMHO.

Gain has to be under 4 for the WH mod. Nothing wrong with a stock SLO, but the depth mod thickens the mids nicely. I think it's standard now.

 

[GtarLover]

I am running KT66's in mine and was looking for a change. What are some great suggestions and their corresponding results in the SLO? Thanks

Haven't tried a bunch of tubes, yet mine is running KT77's and it ROARS!!
No mods, stock SLO

 

[Mr. Willy]

I don't think anyone mentioned this, but about the Warren Haynes mod...I believe it only works when the gain is set at less than 12:00. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Also, I'm pretty sure that mod only affects the lead channel. I've got a stock SLO. I wouldn't change anything about it. She's got a lot of bottom end, IMHO. I see absolutely no need for the depth mod. Some guys are saying that it adds more low mids, but to me that's not where the SLO's mids are supposed to be. If you have a SLO but want more low mids, I think you might want a different amp. They sound killer stock, IMHO.

Gain has to be under 4 for the WH mod. Nothing wrong with a stock SLO, but the depth mod thickens the mids nicely. I think it's standard now.

The SLO's mids are thick as hell already.

 

[syncrodude007]

Stock is soooo boring!

At least get one with Depth and the FX-Loop bypass switch. Warren Haynes mod is pretty worthless for most players. Makes the amp too dark sounding and not in a good way. Having the FX-Loop bypass switch makes the amp more punchy. Scoop Mod only works on the Normal channel and just makes the clean more Fendery sounding.

this x 2...

 

[Deanmachine]

I had the depth mod done it really helped for me l