Fargen MiniPlex "Decade Switch" tech?

[Free]

I asked this question to Mr. Fargen, but he was either reticent to answer or didn't feel like explaining - bad customer service for me I'm sad to report. I was really disappointed to get that kind of response, because what I always appreciate most with great boutique makers is that they are always happy to elaborate technically on their amps, which I had purchased or was in process of.

So, I'd thought I'd bring this question to TGP: Can someone please lend some insight into the "Decade Switch" that gives 3 different classic sounds/gain structures on the MiniPlex. Is this achieved via various cathode bypass caps? What is going on technically in detail with that feature? Thank you.

 

[Grimace]

I have heard that it is indeed cathode bypass caps that are being switched. I have a Fargen Epic. Up, you have the Marshall -y .68 uF, down you have the Fender-y 25 uF, and in the middle there is no bypass cap. I have not confirmed this by opening it up, but the sounds I get in the three positions are consistent with this.

 

[Free]

Thanks for the info, Grimace. Though I'm not an amp builder, I'm from the Dave Hunter "Amp Handbook" school of guitarists that like to know what technically makes these amps tick, so I appreciate the insight.

 

[3th3r]

On my Mini-Plex:

80s = 22 cap
70s = no cap
60s = .68 cap

I've seen circuits with this same arrangement that call the settings "Bright" (60s) and "Deep" (80s)

 

[Free]

On my Mini-Plex:

80s = 22 cap
70s = no cap
60s = .68 cap

I've seen circuits with this same arrangement that call the settings "Bright" (60s) and "Deep" (80s)

Thanks for the reply. Right on - I don't get it. Fargen amps calls it a "patented 'decade switch'", but as far as I can tell it's a long common "bright" - off - "fat" bypass cap boost arrangement that makers like TopHat have been using for over a decade - traditional Marshall bright cap at .68 and the 22-25 uf range "fat" boost that so many makers have always used. Interesting.