Best STOCK mods? Looking to buy today need help

[mwalluk]

Right now I have a Randall RM100 w/ two modules (clean and XTC) and I'm looking for the final piece. I prefer the clean compared to the Blackface. Sounded similair to me, didn't breka up as fast and uses efx better. I love the XTC sounds exactly like the lead guitarists Carvin Legacy. I'm looking for either a high gain mod for the chug or a Marshall like modern rock distortion.

 

[Rellik]

Check into the Ultra XL, 1086, and the Grail. I really like my Ultra XL stock for high gain. I've only heard about the 1086 and grail - if you're looking to mod down the road, the Pete 1086 is getting high praise. My JCM800 Modded SL+ is pretty sweet for the Marshall tones - check into that as well.

 

[crankyrayhanky]

I'm a total gain head, and I did not like the 1086 stock at all...by the time I got it, I already had lots of mods with mods, and while the 1086 had a variety of tones, none were as good as my other choices. However, due to public pressure (I'm talking to you Mailman and Pedro) I must get another one to send off to Pete, as that seems to be a beast!

Hi Gain chug or Marshall, you must choose a path.
I bet the newer SL+ with the 800 mod would be a solid stock choice for Marshall.

You know what, if you plan on being in the mts family for a while, just look around for a deal on a used piece, after time, you can find most of them at a decent price, and flip them if it's not you're flavor.

Current deal of the day may be that Russ DFriedman TopBoost- not the hi gain you're targeting, but great bang for the buck for a reputable member

 

[mwalluk]

How do I know which ones have the JCM800 mod

 

[crankyrayhanky]

I don't know when it started, may want to start another thread, someone will know

 

[SacredGroove]

How do I know which ones have the JCM800 mod

C14 on the pcb should be 470pf and R31 resistor should be 33k (3 orange bands). If C14 is 250pf R31 is 56k (green, blue orange bands) then it's the original "stock" version.

 

[RockStarNick]

If you can't make up your mind, the 1086 is a good one to get. hi/lo gain switches, and mid voicing to go from chug/marshall.

 

[guitarcomet]

My vote (albeit inexperienced)
The SL+
It can do rock rhythm and does lead well, too.
It has the character "Marshall" tone so many are after and it's a close facimile.
I'm sure several other modules can do a similar trick if EQed right.
The Grail is probably the next one I'll buy, but I'm also concidering the 1086.
But I already own a Plexi and an SL+ module. (I have my basic Marshall sounds)
If this is priority to you, get the SL+

My 2?

 

[mwalluk]

Thanks everyone for the input. I decided to order the SL+. Anxious for it to arrive. I purchased it new, so hopefully it has the JCM mod. Thanks to the posters, I now know what to look for. I decided against getting a high gain one, since I can boost my XTC to get a nice chug.

 

[ned]

I'd say try the KH2.

 

[mwalluk]

I was tempted to try that out, but don't think it would fit my band's sound. www.myspace.com/tusoun

 

[mwalluk]

heard the KH-1 clean was nice tho. Good at loud levels. What's some other good clean mods? I have/had both clean and blackface, stuck with clean over blackface.

 

[crankyrayhanky]

clean over BFace, wow. Not many in that camp. I never tried the clean though...

KH1 sounds a bit like a modded BFace, supposed to be good with active pu, I used mine with passive and it was cool, seeemed to have a tad more hi end chime

 

[mwalluk]

I use EMGs that why I chose the clean mod. BLackface is why to chimey, high treble, Plus I use efx such as chorus, delay, phaser, to clean it up

 

[Pedro]

However, due to public pressure (I'm talking to you Mailman and Pedro) I must get another one to send off to Pete, as that seems to be a beast!

JUST DO IT AND DON'T HESITATE :lol: ... i've been playing the 1086 and XL side by side...and I do love the XL, but 1086 with Pete's mods, bass reduction, the gain boost that comes stock, clarity\warmth, and the hi-freq gain boost, there's a load sounds you can dial in. It's a great piece of machinery! :wink:

SO....1086, XL, Modern sounds good as well,

Pedro

 

[Mailman1971]

Hmmm......stock I would go with either a 1086 or Ultra XL and a Grail and the KH2 module. That would cover all the bases for rock/metal tone stock.

 

[guitarrob]

I have to agree on the 1086 - sounds great stock. I also like the Grail and Super V stock.

 

[skeeterbob]

I agree with 1086.

I have 1086, Treaplate modded to Grail, and SL+.

With the 1086 I can do everything that the SL+ can do an more. Also it sounds more open/alive than the SL+ to me.

I have tried tube swapps and boosting but I just cant get my SL+ to sound as good as the 1086.