texas Special

[ricky]

Anyone own one of these? i am trying to figure mine out. I have had it for a couple of years and used it once or twice as I already have a mess of clean modules I have some time now and was messing with it and it is a bit tricky to dial in. There is a switch that goes from Cali to Chime to Texas. in Chime mode it is like all of the mids and higs drop out. Also the mid knob seems to emphasize the low mids. So if anyone out there has any tonal areas or settings to start with I would appreciate it. I have never owned a Lone Star so I don't know where to go.
thx

 

[Jaded Faith]

The middle settings ("Chime" I believe) are only intended to provide a flat tube preamp platform for pedals in front of the amp. They are not intended to be particularly useful as a channel.

Focus on the Cali and Texas modes. Cali is classic Fender, Texas is Mesa. The Mesa settings are both bolder. Tune to taste from there.

 

[zepplin490]

I as well am interested in this module , as soon as my rm100 shows up im gonna need a clean module and the Texas Special, Vybe Deluxe and Superclean, or possible the twox... any suggestions? Im looking for something that is clean but boosts up a bit
-Matt Page-

 

[audiomidijace]

I've played them all. The TWOX is by FAR my favorite!

 

[Oyster]

Just got my custom Tweed/Baseman from Rob. Great clean! Loving the JFK EG 3-4. The Vybe is still a favorite. New Tweed may beat it out.

 

[ricky]

I have a bunch of mods. some are kind of specialty mods in that I only use them for a specific project or tone while others are very versatile. I have worked with the Texas Special now for about three weeks and it is a unique clean and has it's place. The VybeDeluxe is very versatile but breaks up fairly early. The SuperClean is IMO a lot like a JC120 but can have a little bit of grit if needed and does sound cool with a distortion pedal in front of it. On this forum, "clean" can mean different things to different people so it is more a matter of what style you might use the mod for. The Voxless has a cool clean sound also. All of the choices around here are like a stoner moving to Colorado....

 

[Mike P]

The SuperClean is IMO a lot like a JC120 but can have a little bit of grit if needed and does sound cool with a distortion pedal in front of it.

I was having an issue with the Super Clean because all of my guitars would overload the front end for some reason. I was just really having issues with gain staging it properly.

I sent an email to Rob and as soon as I hit "Send", it dawned on me to try a JAN5751 in V1. BOOM! The module completely cleaned up and sounds unbelievably awesome.

I'd put it on par with the best Fender Twin tones I've ever heard.

 

[ricky]

Mike, I am curious about that tube. i have never used one. What does it do?Is it like a 12at7?
I may have to try one.

 

[Mike P]

Mike, I am curious about that tube. i have never used one. What does it do?Is it like a 12at7?
I may have to try one.

I'd say it's closer to a 12AY7. There really isn't a loss of volume, but it has far less gain. In the case of the SuperClean, it really changed the top and bottom end. The top is "smoother" and a bit less harsh (for lack of a better word) and the bottom end is far less woofy, especially with hollow and semi-hollow body guitars.

For example, the front end of the SC would break up even with the Gain at like 10 O'clock and the Master at noon. The bass would be at 11 and the Treble at 10-11. With the JAN5751 and my Epi Casino with Lollar P90's, the Gain and Master are at 12 with no front end breakup, the mids and treble around 11-12 and the bass fully up. Now, it's super smooth and clean with just a hint of overdrive.

I really dig it in this module but unfortunately, they aren't cheap these days. I bought a couple for $20 dollars each at ARS back in 2010 but a cursory look online shows them at from $35-$65 dollars for a tested tube. To me, that's quite a bit for a stinkin' tube.

 

[ricky]

That sounds cool. I had Rob build me a GA-50 mod for use with my L5. I might check out that tube if you think it smooths things out. I am going for the Jim Hall tone.....velvety smooth. I trust your ears on tones as I have always liked your clips. You play with finesse....

 

[webrthomson]

JJ's do a 5751, which I've used in the PI of my MOD50 - I personally could not tell the difference between that and the JAN one for that purpose. Not tried it in a module but it's way cheaper so probably worth a shot first, if you like it you could always splash out on a JAN and compare

 

[Mattfig]

If you are trying a new type of tube - I highly recommend starting with a cheap as the tonal difference in the tube type is what you will hear anyway....If you like that change, and feel the need to brand-hunt, then it's worth it...Any 10 dollar tube will get the job done.

Good luck!

 

[ricky]

Thanks everyone! I am going to order a couple of cheap ones and try them out....
rw

 

[Exoticwood]

I just got a Texas Special from Rob at JF and I love it!
although I found 2 very useful tones my recommendation is ;

Gain low, Bright switch on (right)
next switch set at Clean,
Bass up high
Deep switch on or down position,
Mid low
Next switch set for Chime (although I did like the Cali)
Treble around 2 oclock

This clean tone was punchy and full, I like it a lot!

 

[Jack_Hydes]

Love my texas special, Great clean and crunchy tones from it. Especially through my RM20

 

[Anonymous]

When you guys are talking about replacing V1 are you talking about V1 on the module or the amp?