bennybeatts
11-26-2011, 08:39 PM
earlier this year i bought a 1973 50W Artiste head and matching cabinet from a friend. the head didn't sound great (too bassy and clean) but the cabinet is loaded with original greenbacks.
the head had been modified previously with a master volume, an additional 12AX7 as part of the MV, several inputs had been internally jumpered and some other stuff which makes the amp pretty ugly!
i came across this site which gave me the idea to modify the amp.
http://www.ampmaker.co.uk/artiste/index.htm
i had been looking for an early model JCM800 to buy so i thought i could try out some mods and with luck i would have a JCM800 with vintage internals.
so i did the mods and it sounds awesome! i definitely understand why people spend big bucks on vintage amps.
before:
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6492/dsc06928n.jpg
after:
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9986/dsc08491qh.jpg
much simpler without
- a tube driven reverb section
- two volume/bass/treble tone sections
- four input jacks
- an aftermarket 12AX7
my layout isn't as refined as the original, my respects to professional amp designers! i will be doing other mods in the future so i didn't want to spend too much time fiddling with layout.
the extra real estate leaves plenty of room to play with the additional 12AX7 - either an additional gain stage or a much cleaner input stage.
i will be comparing this with another mate's original 2204 combo soon.
the head had been modified previously with a master volume, an additional 12AX7 as part of the MV, several inputs had been internally jumpered and some other stuff which makes the amp pretty ugly!
i came across this site which gave me the idea to modify the amp.
http://www.ampmaker.co.uk/artiste/index.htm
i had been looking for an early model JCM800 to buy so i thought i could try out some mods and with luck i would have a JCM800 with vintage internals.
so i did the mods and it sounds awesome! i definitely understand why people spend big bucks on vintage amps.
before:
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6492/dsc06928n.jpg
after:
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9986/dsc08491qh.jpg
much simpler without
- a tube driven reverb section
- two volume/bass/treble tone sections
- four input jacks
- an aftermarket 12AX7
my layout isn't as refined as the original, my respects to professional amp designers! i will be doing other mods in the future so i didn't want to spend too much time fiddling with layout.
the extra real estate leaves plenty of room to play with the additional 12AX7 - either an additional gain stage or a much cleaner input stage.
i will be comparing this with another mate's original 2204 combo soon.