"Ultimate effects loop" (EDIT) stories here..

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kapo_Polenton
  • Start date Start date
Kapo_Polenton

Kapo_Polenton

Well-known member
Original thread topic is posted below in Italics. just to update this thread, I sent the loop back to Curt and it tested successfully with one of his builds. In this case it came down to a missed email and the possibility that the circuit just didn't work with my amp. Luckily both issues have been addressed and as with all things related to mods, your mileage will vary just like they will when it comes to argument of tone. The important thing is that Curt stood behind his product and was willing to ensure that the issue was resolved and I'm happy with the outcome.


I'll start... as a few of you know, I installed a Granger zero loss effects loop in my 82 2204 a few weeks back.. been struggling with this thing ever since. It just plain sucks. Replaced all my preamp tubes to rule out any issues there and no change.I even used the metro zero loss loop instructions to compare and I'm telling you, I hear a DRASTIC difference in the tone. My lows are cut and highs are attenuated. Anybody else feel that with their zero loss type loops? Maybe it is a per amp basis because my voltages checked out and my install was the way it was supposed to be. I wish i had wired this in before drilling the holes to check. Take it from me and learn from my mistakes... try it out first before drilling or better yet, save time and go wet/dry which I am going to have to go now anyway. Now to figure out what to do with the holes in the back. Fail Granger. (especially so seeing as he left me hanging when all i asked for were suggestions) I wish i had that 70$ back to spend on a speaker. :thumbsdown:
 
I haven't had any problems with the Metro loop. I've installed it in several amps now.I'm not sure if the Granger is a direct copy but they must have missed something if it is.
 
I'll say... at this point i guess i should just get a metro and salvage the holes I've made or just leave it in and not in use and spend that 100$ towards a second cab for wet dry..
 
Same here. I've installed probably 5 now, all in Marshalls, and every one worked perfect with no tone loss. And trust me, I've sold many amps that sounded great but had shit loops.
 
Maybe you should change the name of your title to "Granger Ultimate Loop" since that is what they call theirs. The Metro loop is called the "Zero Loss" and I have installed a ton with zero issues. That sucks you had bad luck after drilling the holes...I had looked into that loop but I'm happy with the Metro ones and recommend them whenever asked.

-Brian
 
Maybe you should change the name of your title to "Granger Ultimate Loop" since that is what they call theirs. The Metro loop is called the "Zero Loss" and I have installed a ton with zero issues. That sucks you had bad luck after drilling the holes...I had looked into that loop but I'm happy with the Metro ones and recommend them whenever asked.
Click to expand...

Noted and changed as most metro people seem to be very happy! :confused:
 
You want horror? Original 3-channel recto parallel loop. Worst loop in existence. Amazing, the difference between it and the Mark IV loop. The IV's loop is damn near flawless in my opinion.
 
1) Remove the loop board.

2) Smash into a brazillion pieces with a 16lb sledge hammer.

3) Mail back to Granger and tell them you think something's wrong with it.

4) Buy a Metro loop or if you are giving up on loops, buy 2 - 1/4" hole plugs at Mojo.
 
Kapo_Polenton":1cfrsapu said:
I'll start... as a few of you know, I installed a Granger zero loss effects loop in my 82 2204 a few weeks back.. been struggling with this thing ever since. It just plain sucks. Replaced all my preamp tubes to rule out any issues there and no change.I even used the metro zero loss loop instructions to compare and I'm telling you, I hear a DRASTIC difference in the tone. My lows are cut and highs are attenuated. Anybody else feel that with their zero loss type loops? Maybe it is a per amp basis because my voltages checked out and my install was the way it was supposed to be. I wish i had wired this in before drilling the holes to check. Take it from me and learn from my mistakes... try it out first before drilling or better yet, save time and go wet/dry which I am going to have to go now anyway. Now to figure out what to do with the holes in the back. Fail Granger. (especially so seeing as he left me hanging when all i asked for were suggestions) I wish i had that 70$ back to spend on a speaker. :thumbsdown:
Click to expand...


why are you blaming grainger? there is plenty to read on that loop.It is not transparent. It does have a change in tone. its slight and it has a true bypass so......????? I dont get it. by your description, you screwed up. it can be fixed though.
 
Yea doesn't seem right to drag the guys name through the mud because his particular product did not work for you. Tone and sound is subjective and it's always a gamble. The loop didn't work for you somove on to something else. Hardly a horror story IMO.
 
I guess Im wrongfully assuming the grainger IS the metro (SDM's loop) if not then disregard my comments. Im sorry I have no knowledge of graingers loop. some guys just relabel shit. I didnt know he developed his own loop. The metro works great. there is some tone change, I dont care what anyone says. BUT thats why it has a bypass.
 
2) Smash into a brazillion pieces with a 16lb sledge hammer.

3) Mail back to Granger and tell them you think something's wrong with it.
Click to expand...

Lol @ this...

Guys, I'm not trashing Granger or his amps. His amps sound good... I am trashing his inability to help me out with this. Surely he must be familiar with the components on his board and have an idea as to what might cause this. There is a def shift in tone.. a little better when I dropped the resistor on the board from a 10k down to a 4.7k though. (like metro instructions mention) Baron55 had mentioned that the difference between the mojo and the Granger was a resistor vs. a cap. If that cap adds some highs back in, maybe I should try removing it in place of the resistor. At this point, I'm just f-cking around and hoping for the best. I might try a few more things but after that, I might opt to go the plug route or add a PPIMV and a switch for a gain boost. Could also be that this is the way these loops work and it just isn't for me... I know it isn't really a "horror story" but who said I can't have fun with a title now and again? If I could just get it to not sound like it is distorting i'd be happy enough.

Jerry any suggestions at your end?
 
im not sure how similar it is. did he just copy it or is it actually different. I prefer the line level one that metro and SDM offer. if you can make sense out of it just convert it to a metro one. as best you can. I got so fed up with loops I just do a line out with a level control and try to talk my customers into using that method That way hte main amp stays dry and then you have whatever in stereo.. Now matter how close the loop gets in tone I prefer it guitar and amp..
 
I installed the metro zero loss loop per their instructions. Loop works well but my 2203 sounds like shit now. Gnna have to restructure the voltages apparently. My B+ went up @30 volts and im not liking the tonal differences. Anyone have any idea what to do to remedy this? Besides the dropping resistor, which i added a 22k to give me 310 volts at the metro loop board, i changed one of 2 100k resistors that were in series to a 5.6k metro suggested. Coupd this particular change have affected the plate voltages?
 
I dug the loop in my CCV. I thought it was much better than anything I'd had before (Boogie, Bogner, Marshall).
 
guitarman967":1jq0e0x1 said:
I installed the metro zero loss loop per their instructions. Loop works well but my 2203 sounds like shit now. Gnna have to restructure the voltages apparently. My B+ went up @30 volts and im not liking the tonal differences. Anyone have any idea what to do to remedy this? Besides the dropping resistor, which i added a 22k to give me 310 volts at the metro loop board, i changed one of 2 100k resistors that were in series to a 5.6k metro suggested. Coupd this particular change have affected the plate voltages?
Click to expand...

Yeah man, somethings wrong then. I have one in a 2204 and it sounds very, very close to what it did before.
 
I had Egnater install his tube buffered loop in my JCM 800 2203 horizontal input amp and it works killer...I think he sells/sold it as a kit...there's a little circuit board and you have to punch a hole in the chassis for the tube and drill holes for send/return jacks, but it works great...hope this helps.
 
the metro loop explains how to compensate for any changes in b+.. read it over good you should be able to put it back where it was no prob. it a matter of changing another resistor on b+ rail. you might need to eliminate one or add. .
 
Wow, very surprised. That's certainly not the tone of the email conversation, which I just re-read. I replied 4 times (as product support). Is this the same Kevin that emailed
Installed and working like a champ. Not that much difference noise wise either. Had to fiddle with my input/output settings on my Gmajor2 but it sounds pretty good to me ! I support this product.
Click to expand...

If not, then please email me directly about any concerns you have with the product. I do reply to ALL emails. Always have.

My loop does NOT reinvent the wheel. It's similar to both Metro and Mojo loops in that it uses the B+ voltage to power the board, along with the LDN150 MOSFET as the active gain device. I designed it with board-mounted trim pots so that it would be easier to install (minimal drilling) yet still provide plenty of flexibility. These things are not overly complicated. Every single one has worked fine in every amp I've installed them in. I haven't sold that many yet, and this is the only instance of negative feedback (no pun intended).

Sincerely,
Curt Granger
 
So now the truth is coming out. Just as suspected it's user error.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top