Never really liked LEDs used in dirt pedals, especially in amps. I find it harsh, pseudo hair metal, and frankly don't like square wave distortion. Basically the goal is to make the amp's breakup smoother, more tube "amp like". Just after messing around with the amp a bit after the mod it does seem to have more clean headroom up the gain dial. Can't say if it actually gives more volume because its just a little apartment amp and I haven't had a chance to wind it up yet. You can really hear the difference in the gain boost switch when you're listening through some good headphones.
I recorded a pre-mod/stock demo with the gain boost on.
[youtube][/youtube]
Removed the LEDs just a little while ago, will do an demo tomorrow morning, keeping the knobs as pictured in the first demo.
I can't help but realize how good of an amp this is for a hundred bucks.
Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 4:39 am
by Mo Law-ka
do the LEDs do more than just act as an indicator? I've often wondered that.
Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 4:48 am
by Haze
A led isn't just a light, its a Light Emitting Diode, like a silicon or germanium diode used in clipping sections.
Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 4:53 am
by Haze
like so
just unsolder these devils
Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 6:19 am
by Will
Dig these mods. I cut the diodes out of my Orange Crush some time ago (they might be back in, can't remember).
Cutting them out usually lets you overdrive the JFET opamps naturally, which in many cases sounds more natural unless you're into heavy distortion.
Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 10:59 pm
by hotrodperlmutter
i have never heard of this mod, which is surprising because i own three of these amps, but least surprising when i've never even considered modding them.
i should try it in one, and leave the other stock, and do an a/b into my wharfdale cab. boo to my ever-expanding list of things to do.
demo sounds great though; need the post-op version now.
Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2010 11:42 pm
by Haze
Recorded some today but the camera died mid way. Not sure if the charger made its way into the flat but if not ill piece together the bits I have and upload them tonight
