how to crunch up my marshall


riff1989
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Joined: 01/15/05
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riff1989
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Joined: 01/15/05
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01/15/2005 2:06 pm
hi people ,
I bought a second hand marshall valvestate (vs 100 ) halfstack , i like the sound but i always thougt it lacked punch. It really bothers me and i allready asked a few people and they advised me to do stuff like buy a pedal for boost, a compressor or replace the tube that supposed to be in the preamp. What should i buy ?

thanks
# 1
Dr_simon
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Dr_simon
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01/15/2005 2:43 pm
I had a VS65 combo which I sold for roughly the same reason !

You might try replacing the preamp tube with a JJ Electronics tube. I have a set Im going to install into my TSL100 head when I have a spare moment.

You could also try talking to Bob at www.Eurotubes.com (US suppliers of the JJs and see what he has to say. He is a very knowledgeable fellow and can probably give you some good advice.
My instructors page and www.studiotrax.net for all things recording.
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# 2
fastelvis
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fastelvis
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01/16/2005 12:15 pm
Try a Marshall power brake. (attenuator) You can crank it then. 100 watters don't shine unless they are 70%+.

If you're daring, put a rheostat on the AC line. This will cough up a little more umph from the amp. Be Careful!!!!!!!!!!! Max down to like 95 volts. If you choke it down too much, the power supply diodes might cook.

Also-Wonder what cab you have? Make sure you are at the right impedence setting. If I remember correctly, the SL100's had 8 and 16 ohm outs.
I once thought a "Sweeping Arpeggio" was an Italian janitor.
# 3
SPL
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SPL
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01/16/2005 1:29 pm
Originally Posted by: fastelvisTry a Marshall power brake. (attenuator) You can crank it then. 100 watters don't shine unless they are 70%+.


The VS100 is a solid state amp... A power brake won't do him any good.
# 4
Dr_simon
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Dr_simon
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01/16/2005 4:11 pm
No it is a hybrid amp with a tube pre
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# 5
Lordathestrings
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Lordathestrings
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01/16/2005 5:19 pm
[font=trebuchet ms]And dropping the AC line voltage reduces the heater voltage along with the plate supply!

Cold tubes die an ugly, evil-sounding death![/font] :eek:
Lordathestrings
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# 6
SPL
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SPL
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01/16/2005 6:31 pm
Originally Posted by: Dr_simonNo it is a hybrid amp with a tube pre


I know, but the power section is solid state, which means a power brake would be useless.
# 7
fastelvis
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fastelvis
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01/17/2005 7:54 am
OK - I got it mixed up. It was Doc that had the TSL. However, the VS100 will still respond to a brake.
The brake (or soak) should be placed between the power amp and speakers.

For Doc=Your TSL uses 4 - EL34's in the power amp section. I doubt these are original Sovtek's. If these were replaced with Electro Harmonix's, volume is the only way to wake them up.

Hughes & Kettner Red box is around $150.
I once thought a "Sweeping Arpeggio" was an Italian janitor.
# 8
Dr_simon
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Dr_simon
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01/17/2005 4:17 pm
Naa, Im quite happy with the sound of the stock tubes and when I get round to it I will replace them with the JJs I have. I also have an OD-20 if I really want to go mental however the TSL has more than enough balls on its own.
My instructors page and www.studiotrax.net for all things recording.
my toons Brought to you by Dr BadGAS
# 9

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