Fuchs ODS mod?

[codycarrig]

hi!

I know Fuchs offers a mod where they add the ODS circuit to an existing amp. I was thinking about a Fender Blues Junior NOS with a Jensen speaker because it's tiny and light and loud and has a great clean tone. Bear in mind this amp is for college so it needs to be small, but loud as hell.

1. Would they mod a blues junior?
2. Would I be able to retain that clean tone?
3. How much is that mod?
4. Are there any dangers that go with it?

Thanks guys!

 

[amphog]

It is a gut and replace, they use the transformers,chassie, and cab. It used to cost about 1k$, and they list the amps they will do on their website.

 

[bob-i]

That amp isn't on the list.

 

[csweldon]

I would contact Andy. It might cost extra for drilling (like was required for my Music Man RD50 mod) and transformers (the stock Blues Jr. ones won't cut it, especially if you want loud and clean.) It's not listed, but Andy might surprise you. Nothing to lose, and totally worth it if Andy is willing IMHO!

Of course, with the extra drilling cost and the cost of the transformers, you're getting into the range of an already existing Full House 50, which could be offset by selling the Blues Jr. and buying used...

 

[golfnutt67]

and the full house is a sweet amp......

 

[DaveG]

I love my Fuchs modded MusicMan (50w/2x12), but sometimes wish it had more power (and always wish it was lighter!). I don't think Andy is doing Blues Jrs anymore, but he is doing HRDs, which work out very well. Also, besides the cost of the mods, you need to figure in the initial cost of the amp (if you don't already have it), any parts upgrades, options, and shipping both ways.

Btw, saw this on Reverb... looks like it could be a good deal: https://reverb.com/item/819469-fuchs-ods-mod-black

 

[Astronome]

I had a 50 watt Traynor ODS mod for a little while before I got a Production ODS 100. It was definitely worth the $1100.
I wish I kept it because it was a different flavor from my ODS 100 especially with the el34 power section, but the actual production ODS amps are on a whole other level. My ODS 100 has been my main amp for like 9 years now.

 

[csweldon]

I have my ODS Mod housed in a custom JDesign cab. SUPER light, especially with the Tonkerlite in there. My Pritchard is about 35lbs, and the ODS is like a feather by comparison. Plenty of headroom for my needs, but we all know headroom is subjective.

I could use the cash and sometimes wrestle with letting her go. Then I plug in... GREAT amp! Wish I got her before my band went mostly acoustic *womp womp*

 

[Fro68]

I likely.

I have my ODS Mod housed in a custom JDesign cab. SUPER light, especially with the Tonkerlite in there. My Pritchard is about 35lbs, and the ODS is like a feather by comparison. Plenty of headroom for my needs, but we all know headroom is subjective.

I could use the cash and sometimes wrestle with letting her go. Then I plug in... GREAT amp! Wish I got her before my band went mostly acoustic *womp womp*

 

[csweldon]

If I ever let her go, y'all got dibs haha

 

[jay42]

I don't think a Blues Junior is wide enough for all the pots you need for that circuit.

 

[csweldon]

I don't think a Blues Junior is wide enough for all the pots you need for that circuit.

it might; my RD50 is a little narrower, and it worked great!

 

[JackStraw12]

AFAIK there was a youtube video of a Fuchs Blues Junior awhile back.. may still be up

 

[billyguitar]

It costs $1,495.00 now for a Music Man

 

[wyatt]

It costs $1,495.00 now for a Music Man

The funny thing that is less than the resale price is for a Fuchs modded amp. Doesn't matter if 20 watts, 50 watts or 100 watts...reverb or no...Fender, MM, or other donor amp. They all seem to sell on eBay for $1,200-1,400, mostly $1,200.you might even get a better deal from a private sale.

This is not to slag Fuchs work or their p0rice, they charge what they need to charge, but getting someone else ODS Mod second-hand typically a great deal.

 

[kwd1987]

Having a mod myself, I'd buy a full house or a fuchs mod used. There are plenty in the used market for less than what you'll spend trying to accomplish the same thing.

 

[Fuchsaudio]

The mod market can be weird. We still do a few mods a month (where it used to be a couple a week), we still provide service and updates to everything we've ever built, but the availability of brand-new Casino amps that do as much (for the most part) and carry a five year warranty has clearly affected the market for mods. I wish we could do them less expensively, but honestly: the time and labor expended is better spent on production amps. While we limited the mods to a select group of products, it's still time consuming and the variables of transformer quality and circuit layouts can be a challenge to low noise, great tone, and consistency. Obviously, the used market is where the bargains are for mods these days as people move on to new production amps or their needs change. I stopped buying old amps and investing in mods unless they are stupid cheap for the same reasons..

As far as Fender Blues Juniors and HRD's etc: We've done a mod on these models for those on a budget for some time. Mostly for locals, and not on the website, but amp chassis can be shipped here for the mods. The Blues Jr is $ 250.00 or $ 350.00 with a speaker. Tubes (if needed) are additional. It's mostly circuit tweaks, new F&T filters, adding a bias pot, chassis mounted input jack and they totally scream when done. Same with the Hot Rod amps. Those are $ 350.00 or additional if tubes or speakers are needed. Same deal: New F&T filters, circuit tweaks, and vastly improved sound.

 

[Fro68]

You better

If I ever let her go, y'all got dibs haha

 

[csweldon]

Definitely intrigued by the Blues Jr Mod. Know it wouldn't be an ODS, but still bet it'd sound SIIIIIIICK! Andy seriously does great work!

 

[Stephen Barton]

I would contact Andy. It might cost extra for drilling (like was required for my Music Man RD50 mod) and transformers (the stock Blues Jr. ones won't cut it, especially if you want loud and clean.) It's not listed, but Andy might surprise you. Nothing to lose, and totally worth it if Andy is willing IMHO!

Of course, with the extra drilling cost and the cost of the transformers, you're getting into the range of an already existing Full House 50, which could be offset by selling the Blues Jr. and buying used...

Hi. I have an RD-50 which I was going to sell. What mods did you have done and how much did it cost?

What is the modded RD like?
Cheers, Stephen