From what I understand the Marshall JTMs were modified Bassman circuits so I ask... how similar/different are tweeds to early Marshalls? From what I've heard in demos of Tweed Deluxes and Plexis, the Fenders seem a bit looser in the lower end at high gain, and the Marshalls seem to have more punch and presence. A more aggressive, almost modern in comparison sound to the raw sag of the Tweeds. Is this what others have experienced?
And more relevant to me is this... is there any way to achieve these legendary tones at bedroom levels? I shall be getting my hands on the Tone King Ironman II Mini attenuator in a couple of months so this will help. But from what I've read Tweed Deluxes and JTMs are LOUD. Am I chasing the impossible if I want power tube crunch at home? Cheers!
Comments
You can easily get power valve overdrive with either of them using an attenuator, but at bedroom volume you're likely to find it loses a lot of dynamics - that's normal with an attenuator set very low.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
To be honest it's just a compromise too far, in my opinion. If you want valve-amp overdrive at low volumes you need to start with a master volume amp, power scaling, or a combination of both, with an attenuator as well. And even then it will never sound the same as it does up loud.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Any love for the Marshall JTM1s? If not I could always ask one of our great amp builders if they offer anything of the sort
Works for me.....
@Richardj these did cross my mind, the only thing is that the Romany sounded VERY farty to me at low power scaling... I wonder if that is consistent with the Plexi 7 too
The two working together can get you very good big-amp sounds at low volume, as long as you don't try to go to low with each control alone. Power scaling might help too, although I prefer attenuation. The more control you have at several different places in the chain, the better.
I don't think small amps sound like big amps, and unless they're truly low-powered (eg the ZVex Nano) they're still going to be 'loud' for bedroom use, at least with a reasonably efficient speaker - and even that is surprisingly loud, I had to make an attenuator for mine .
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/57632/
@Babones that's ideal then I think this might be what I'm looking for.
@hotpickups that's great I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on the mini
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein