How do I mod my amp for a little more gain?

[Iron_Man]

Hi, I'm planning on buying a 2X12 combo, and I'm seriously considering the AD30TC, but I also would like to get a little more gain than normal from it. It covers anything up to sabbath beautifully, but I need an amp that can do everything and it needs jsut a TEENY bit more gain.

I considered an overdrive pedal(possibly a Marshall bluesbreaker as a boost) but I'm not sure how well it would compare to the amps natural(after mods) overdrive, and how well it would work in general.

Are there any particular valves/tubes I can use that will accomplish this without really compromising the amps tone? Or anything else? Because I don't want a different sounding gain, just more of it if you know what I mean.

I'm rather perplexed, and any help would be greatly appreciated.<img src=icon_smile_dissapprove.gif border=0 align=middle>

Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast...

[Jay_Starr]

A clean boost. They are the best thing to get to boost your gain. I think something like the Krispy Treble? Most of them are Boutique pedals and rightfully so. A real Transparent pedal is the best.

[fiveightandten]

Yeah...i'd recommend a treble booster over a gain mod. A gain mod will most certainly change the sound of the amp, and usually not for the better.

I personally think the AD30 has enough gain for ANYTHING when you crank it hard enough. But it's obviously not a death metal amp, if you know what I mean. With a treble booster, or even stock, that amp will get a great thick overdrive. But...it's also a tube rectified 30W amp loaded with EL-84's. It's never gonna be THAT mean, no matter what you do to it. Great thick rock and roll overdrive; yes. Gain monster; no.


For what it's worth, Orange used to make a treble booster. I heard it's quite good. I'm gonna be making one for myself. I can give you the schematic if you'd like. And if mine works out, and you want one, we could work something out with me making one for you if that's what it comes down to. But the reality is, there's a ton of treble boosters out there for you to try. And many good ones that may suit your needs.

Hope that helps.

-Nick



Edited by - fiveightandten on 05 Apr 2003 18:42:12

[messner]

Try the MXR microamp. Originally, I bought it to wear on my guitar strap to drive long cords, and found that while doing that, it also overdrives the amp a bit more. You could also try switching to an active bridge pickup if not already. High quality cords will also help keep the signal strength up. Also, try adjusting the pickups closer to the strings.