Tonal differences between a mod and a BE-100 build?

[pfrischmann]

This may have been covered already but what is the tonal difference between a BE-100 build and a Marshall conversion. Does the donor amp for the conversion make a big difference? (1959 reissue vs JCM-800 vs a 70's JMP)?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[steve_k]

Here's the unofficial, end-user answer - yes, the donor amp makes a difference. Although I own mods on quite a few 1959 RI's, they just don't sound and respond as well to me as does the JMP. I always found JCM's to bright and thin, so I never bought one of those for a mod donor. Between the RI's and JMP's, the PT I am sure makes up some of the difference as does more vintage components in the tone stack that don't get changed in the mod.

Tonal difference in the BE100 and a KS mod - yes. I find the BE to be quieter for one thing and have a little more sag/brown to it than a mod and better harmonics, response. Dave builds a lot of range in that amp. With the custom transformers and the turret board wiring from George and good component selection - the BE100 is damn near a perfect amp to cover a lot of genre.

This is my take on it. Others, or Dave may respond differently.

Steve

 

[bonedarrell]

I have had both, but still only own the BE 100 build. Steve 'splained it accurately.

JMP mod=greatness
BE build= greatness+keeper (can't even recall the last time I saw a used BE for sale??)

Thus, since mine is the only opinion that matters....AMEN!

 

[steve_k]

I haven't even taken the back off mine yet. Couldn't even tell you what tubes are in it. Usually, within 30 minutes of unboxing an amp, I will have the amp retubed with something else. Not this bad boy though.

 

[motrock]

I have a Mojave Peacemaker that Dave did the BE and C45 with Sat Switch. I had it modded before that with a Heybor 500V Power Supply and an original Dagnall OT that I had pulled from a 1978 Marshall JMP 2203. Dave pretty much put his own components on the Mojave board. Some original and some new. Mojave uses high quality components too. This amp is amazing! I don't think I would be interested in the BE100, because I feel like I already have it. And I could care less about having the HBE thats on the KS... the BE is amazing. I don't use the C45 either. The BE seems to be right up my ally!

 

[laneychris]

I have a 50 watt Metro build that I sent to Dave back in 2010 and I love it! I had the KS with effects loop that is hard wired not sure if its better than the Metro drop in but I love what he installed none the less oh and a line out. Also foot switchable dual masters would be a nice addition if you haven't considered it Wish I could play on motrocks Mojave hey how did it sound with the stock transformers or did you switch them before the mod?

 

[steve_k]

I have a Mojave Peacemaker that Dave did the BE and C45 with Sat Switch. I had it modded before that with a Heybor 500V Power Supply and an original Dagnall OT that I had pulled from a 1978 Marshall JMP 2203. Dave pretty much put his own components on the Mojave board. Some original and some new. Mojave uses high quality components too. This amp is amazing! I don't think I would be interested in the BE100, because I feel like I already have it. And I could care less about having the HBE thats on the KS... the BE is amazing. I don't use the C45 either. The BE seems to be right up my ally!

Agree with you on the BE. Mine stays on the BE input too. It is a more focused and controllable gain, at any volume. Can't imagine needing anymore gain than that. I don't use the C45 either. FAT and SAT is where its at...

 

[motrock]

I have a Mojave Peacemaker that Dave did the BE and C45 with Sat Switch. I had it modded before that with a Heybor 500V Power Supply and an original Dagnall OT that I had pulled from a 1978 Marshall JMP 2203. Dave pretty much put his own components on the Mojave board. Some original and some new. Mojave uses high quality components too. This amp is amazing! I don't think I would be interested in the BE100, because I feel like I already have it. And I could care less about having the HBE thats on the KS... the BE is amazing. I don't use the C45 either. The BE seems to be right up my ally!

Agree with you on the BE. Mine stays on the BE input too. It is a more focused and controllable gain, at any volume. Can't imagine needing anymore gain than that. I don't use the C45 either. FAT and SAT is where its at...

Oh yeah man! I actually need to try out the Sat Switch. I have the Master Volume set on Noon all the time! LOL

 

[steve_k]

I have a Mojave Peacemaker that Dave did the BE and C45 with Sat Switch. I had it modded before that with a Heybor 500V Power Supply and an original Dagnall OT that I had pulled from a 1978 Marshall JMP 2203. Dave pretty much put his own components on the Mojave board. Some original and some new. Mojave uses high quality components too. This amp is amazing! I don't think I would be interested in the BE100, because I feel like I already have it. And I could care less about having the HBE thats on the KS... the BE is amazing. I don't use the C45 either. The BE seems to be right up my ally!

Agree with you on the BE. Mine stays on the BE input too. It is a more focused and controllable gain, at any volume. Can't imagine needing anymore gain than that. I don't use the C45 either. FAT and SAT is where its at...

Oh yeah man! I actually need to try out the Sat Switch. I have the Master Volume set on Noon all the time! LOL

The best tone from the BE (in my opinion) comes with jumping the FX loop and using the FX return as a master volume. BE gain around 1:00 and MV around 2:00 and FX loop return as needed for volume. Lots of natural compression, big bottom end, girth and definition, without getting muddy or lost with excessive gain. I don't use the FX or pedals, so, it works out well....

Stev

 

[King Guitar]

We have sold several Brown Eyes from the shop and to a man everyone loves them. We have 2 more shipping this week to customers.

Dave F is a ninja.

 

[WizardSouth-JP]

I've been through many amps - waiting on BE from Brad. His customer service and understanding of helping find the right amp is second to none. He understands matching tone in head and pointed me in right direction. Doubt you can go wrong with a Friedman or King

 

[LP Freak]

I'd put the mod he did for me on my orange Metro 2203 up against any production BE. Well, actually I did. That amps got it going on. Ejecta has it now.

 

[6CA7]

I've been through many amps - waiting on BE from Brad. His customer service and understanding of helping find the right amp is second to none. He understands matching tone in head and pointed me in right direction. Doubt you can go wrong with a Friedman or King

Yup, got my BE-100 from Brad.
Great working with Brad and killer amp Dave put together..

 

[motrock]

I have a Mojave Peacemaker that Dave did the BE and C45 with Sat Switch. I had it modded before that with a Heybor 500V Power Supply and an original Dagnall OT that I had pulled from a 1978 Marshall JMP 2203. Dave pretty much put his own components on the Mojave board. Some original and some new. Mojave uses high quality components too. This amp is amazing! I don't think I would be interested in the BE100, because I feel like I already have it. And I could care less about having the HBE thats on the KS... the BE is amazing. I don't use the C45 either. The BE seems to be right up my ally!

Agree with you on the BE. Mine stays on the BE input too. It is a more focused and controllable gain, at any volume. Can't imagine needing anymore gain than that. I don't use the C45 either. FAT and SAT is where its at...

Oh yeah man! I actually need to try out the Sat Switch. I have the Master Volume set on Noon all the time! LOL

The best tone from the BE (in my opinion) comes with jumping the FX loop and using the FX return as a master volume. BE gain around 1:00 and MV around 2:00 and FX loop return as needed for volume. Lots of natural compression, big bottom end, girth and definition, without getting muddy or lost with excessive gain. I don't use the FX or pedals, so, it works out well....

Stev

I wished I had an effects loop. Nowhere to put it in my Mojave Peacemaker! That was the problem with the Hairy Brown Eye... nowhere to put it. The amp is stuffed! LOL

 

[WizardSouth-JP]

Finally got the BE-100 yesterday (#116) Holy Smokes!!! Hands down the best modded Marshall type amp I've ever heard. Absolutely fantastic...if you're thinking about one, just get it. Sell something if you can't afford it...TV, Bed, teeth...you won't be disappointed.

 

[RACKSYSTEMS]

Thanks guys. Glad you like them.

 

[rupe]

Did BE numbering begin at 1 or did it take over where the Marsha left off?

 

[RACKSYSTEMS]

They started at 1. But at some point we lost the list early on and in reality we have made more then the serial numbers say. Maybe about 10 ro 15 more.

 

[supersonic]

They started at 1. But at some point we lost the list early on and in reality we have made more then the serial numbers say. Maybe about 10 ro 15 more.

How many Marshas' were built Dave?

 

[RACKSYSTEMS]

I think around 60