Barb EQ question for Dave, others...

[DreamTheaterRules]

I have two Epi Valve Juniors that I'm getting ready to mod. One will be a full makeover 18 watt lite conversion. The other though, is what I'm undecided on. I initially figured either a "Marshallize" or "Voxy" mod. But now I'm wondering. Since I have a Barb EQ, which would be the best base platform of tone to start with, then use the B-EQ to get to other tones? Should I start off with a more neutral Fender mod instead?

I've never asked directly, if the intent of the B-EQ is to replicate the tone stacks of the different style amps or just to try to come close to their tone. I do understand that the tone stacks are in different places in the gain stage chain, on Marshall, Fender and Vox amps etc. I'm pretty into DIY and have already built amps and pedals, so I understand all that. And I realize a Valve Junior and Barb EQ aren't going to sound just like the real amps. (Although my Dirty Bomb, DDSS, LTD etc can handle the gain aspect).

So, If I have gain handled with pedals, and if I want everything from clean strat, to blues, to classic rock to modern high gain, what would be the best mod to the valve junior in order to use the Barb EQ and get into Fender, Vox and Marshall tone land, EQ wise?

I asked this in a valve junior mod forum, and one person actually said maybe don't doing any voicing mods, just the mods that correct the mistakes in the design and build of the stock Jr. (Tubes biased way wrong, wrong OT, wrong input resistor value, etc). So that is an option.

My thoughts are this: I'd prefer a Voxy or Marshall mod. But the Fender might be a more neutral platform to start from. Thoughts? Suggestions?

[David Barber]

I have one of those vavle jr amps, they sound fairly small unless you start replacing things that cost a bit more than the amp is really worth. My advice is to do the simple stuff that gets the most out of what you have, maximize how it is gain staged for a little more dynamics and of course some better tubes. If you are going to throw some dough at an amp, get something with a little more wattage and dynamics. The Barb EQ should carry the tone stack chores very nicely.

[DreamTheaterRules]

Dave,

Thanks for the reply. I already have the amps, so that factors into the cost to improve vs. performance. I've heard a few clips of modded Juniors that sounded VERY good. The old "the simpler and purer the circuit, the better the tone" thing seems to apply. I know it needs iron. But that isn't that expensive these days. And there are so few parts, that you can use the good stuff, and correct the values and get a LONG way. The tubes were replaced after about 30 minutes.

This is a hobby. Something to do for fun in a quest for tone. Also, I play mostly at lower volumes. I don't need tons of power. In fact, right now, my dream amp would be a Budda SD18. i don't need more power than that for ANYTHING and 5 watts is more than enough for most anything I do.

Once I get one sounding really good, I'll put up some clips so you don't think I'm nuts. Some of the clips I've heard at SEwatt were VERY VERY good. And, they were done by guys who in many cases are newbies at recording so it's not all studio polishing.

Given that, how would you voice the amp? Meaning, what base tone is the Barb EQ designed around? Just looking for a starting place for the B-EQ (tonally) to take it other places.

[David Barber]

Dave,
Given that, how would you voice the amp? Meaning, what base tone is the Barb EQ designed around? Just looking for a starting place for the B-EQ (tonally) to take it other places.

Just keep it pretty straight and flat in the preamp.

[DreamTheaterRules]

Will do. Thanks for your thoughts.