Fuchs Hand Tune Option - Who sent theres in to have this done? And other questions :)

[PedalFreak]

My ODS30SLX sounds great! But I keep wondering "what am I missing by not having it hand tuned?"

Who here had a non-hand tuned ODS, then sent it in? What did it do for the amp? Was it a BIG difference?

What did you notice between your amp originally and when you got it back?


Also, mine is an older SLX (one of the originals I've been told). Anyone have their original SLX upgraded to current specs? Same questions as above for you guys

Thanks!

 

[Dave_C]

Both the Fuchs amp I currently own and the one I used to own came to me with the hand-tuning option. So, I've never had an opportunity to compare stock to hand-tuned. So, I'd also be curious to hear from folks who've had both. One dealer I know swears by the hand-tuning option, but I haven't really heard from too many people other than him.

 

[Cody Anchor]

I'd also like to know? Does this just involve adjusting the internal trim pots or more?

 

[PedalFreak]

I'd also like to know? Does this just involve adjusting the internal trim pots or more?

I've heard that Andy goes through and hand picks certain parts and values for the amp. Also picks out tubes. and tweaks all of the internal trim pots.

Maybe Andy can chime in with all the "official" details

 

[Deaj]

I imagine Andy will drop in with a detailed response.

Here's what I can tell you from my own personal experience. I sent more than a year with my ODS-50 before sending it in for hand tuning. By that time I knew very well how I wanted each setting and option on the amp voiced and how I wanted the amp to respond. Andy and I discussed all of my requests in detail and then I sent the amp off for the service. Along with the specific tweaks I was hoping that all of the traits I love about the amp would improve as a result of the service. When the amp arrived back from the service I was astonished - I'd expected some improvement but not to the degree I was hearing when I fired it up! All of the specific changes I'd asked for in detail were completed and right on target. The service amounted to a wholesale improvement across the board! Some of this perception I thought might be due to missing the amp while it was away for service and excitement over having it back. It was clear, though, over time that the amp had indeed improved in almost every respect, some traits saw subtle improvement, some more significant but everything the amp did well it did better after the tuning service.

Now some of this may be attributed to the fact that the amp was now tuned very specifically as I'd requested so some aspects of the amps performance were more accessible to me simply because its response had been tweaked to better fit my technique. Note bloom into harmonic feedback was more effortless, sustain (unbelievably) was improved, the overdrives texture seemed more elastic/chewy. The clean channel always sounded great cranked into overdrive at full volume but this was improved a good bit as well.

Since the amp was in Andy's shop I also requested several factory mods, all of which turned out to be very useful. I also had the 2-button footswitch upgraded to the 4-button switch - great option for live use!

As Dave_C posted the hand tuning service is available on new amps as an option from the factory/shop. By all reports these amps do have something extra going on from a stock new amp - the extra time dialing in the amps performance does seem to result in improved tone and response. With this said I would personally recommend spending some time with the amp first to decide what direction you want to go with it, what could be improved to best fit you as a player. I can't imagine anyone who's into these amps not being satisfied with the results!

 

[PedalFreak]

Thanks Deaj!

Anyone else?

 

[Dave_C]

Thanks Deaj!

Anyone else?

I'd give Andy a call and get the detailed scoop from him. Tell him what you're looking to achieve and he'll be totally straight up with you about whether or not the hand-tuning option will be appropriate for you.

 

[DannyG]

Deaj is right. I'd get to know the amp well first before tweaking. The factory settings on the the Fuchs ODS are amazing in themselves. If after a few weeks/months you're still not getting what you're after, call Andy. Often just changing tubes can get you there. The difference between an RCA blackplate, a JJ gold pin or a Mullard in the V1 slot is drastic.
Ideally, if at all possible, you should be there while the changes are being made. Play the amp. hear what's happening. All of our touches, techniques, ears etc are different so what might work for me might not do it for you.

Having said that, 'hand tuning' puts the amp on a whole other level.

 

[PedalFreak]

I love the amp how it is, and if I didn't send it in I'd be completely content

But then there is the gear whore side of me that says "What if?" and wants to send it in

If I can come up with the money, I'd love to take it to Andy personally. Bring my guitars, play it in front of him, show him the tweaks I'd like to have done. But that'd be a little ways out. I also have no doubt in Andy's capabilities.

Just curious about others experiences with this

 

[Jim S]

That's just incredible service.

Incredible!!!!