SS modding?

Jonathan · 11-04-2009, 02:33 PM

Is it possible to turn an SS-amp like for example a marshall valvestate into a tube amp with the help of a pro?

TeleDog · 11-04-2009, 02:41 PM

Is it possible? Of course, depending on how much you wanna spend... If you're willing to consider using the SS as a "box" for a new amp, then the sky's the limit! lol

hipofutura · 11-04-2009, 03:11 PM

Can I turn a gold fish into a canary? Pretty much the same question. If you mean to convert both preamp and power amp sections there would be little to nothing left of the Valvestate.

jo07 · 11-04-2009, 04:02 PM

wtf

TeleDog · 11-04-2009, 04:09 PM

Well, it's possible if the OP is willing to spend some $$ and use the amp as a cabinet for the "new" amp. Still, you will have to make adaptations to accommodate the new chassis, and if it's just a head we're talking about, it'd be difficult to say the least if there's not enough room.

You will have to get creative, even laying out the board and chassis is not as simple as it seems. But the OP said "with the help of a tech" so yeah, it could be a possibility.

But hey, why go there? If you're willing to do this you sure can go build a tube amp from scratch, it's easier.

axepilot · 11-05-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonathan

Is it possible to turn an SS-amp like for example a marshall valvestate into a tube amp with the help of a pro?

In all accepted reality - no................unless you find a "pro" willing to do it, and command major money to throw at the project.

Sort of like re-engineering a Yugo to go to the moon..............

dennistruckdriver · 11-05-2009, 09:32 PM

I think what the others are saying in so many words is....'no'.

needlespauls · 11-06-2009, 12:01 AM

If you've got an effects loop in your SS amp, this Grant Fidelity Tube preamp processor. Only about $150!!!!!! Check it!!!

YouTube - Guitar Amp Solid State to Tube Grant Fidelity tube processor

alligatorbling · 11-06-2009, 12:43 AM

buy a tube amp.

paulygates · 11-06-2009, 10:13 AM

I have been thinking about a tube preamp recently. Sounds like its worth trying.

hipofutura · 11-06-2009, 10:43 AM

I have to say, that as far as SS amps go I think the Valvestate is about the best. I was quite impressed with the 8100 I tried. It's a versatile amp.

JM Vasek · 11-06-2009, 10:45 AM

I think you'll get a lot more mileage out of a tube preamp or one of Jonesey's Tonemojo boxes.

Or a different amp altogether...

TeleDog · 11-06-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needlespauls

If you've got an effects loop in your SS amp, this Grant Fidelity Tube preamp processor. Only about $150!!!!!! Check it!!!
YouTube - Guitar Amp Solid State to Tube Grant Fidelity tube processor

Wouldn't this turn the SS amp into a hybrid? Tube preamp and SS power section... That, as far as I know, is not a real tube amp and the differences can be dramatic.

Still an improvement over those harsh SS overdrive tones, but not the real thing.

needlespauls · 11-06-2009, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeleDog

Wouldn't this turn the SS amp into a hybrid? Tube preamp and SS power section... That, as far as I know, is not a real tube amp and the differences can be dramatic.

Still an improvement over those harsh SS overdrive tones, but not the real thing.

Oh I totally agree. I just thought that little box was cool, and it certainly made a good difference on that amp. And depending on application, I'd way rather by that Grant Fidelity tube processor over buying a little cheap tube amp if I was in need of a giggable setup. If I needed something really manageable but tube for the house, and money wasn't a big factor, thats different.

lp_junkie · 11-07-2009, 10:21 AM

I like my Valvestate the way it is, mine has the preamp tube (ECC83) and I like the solid power section, I can get good distortion without having to blow the windows out of the house like I do with my tube Marshalls.

If you want all tube, get an all tube head, Marshall has a new one out that is around $699 for the head.

11-04-2009, 02:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jonathan Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 149 Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	SS modding? Is it possible to turn an SS-amp like for example a marshall valvestate into a tube amp with the help of a pro? __________________ - Gibson Std Faded '08 Honeyburst. - Vox Tonelab LE.

11-04-2009, 02:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
TeleDog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Posts: 1,456 Thanks: 12 Thanked 52 Times in 13 Posts	Re: SS modding? Is it possible? Of course, depending on how much you wanna spend... If you're willing to consider using the SS as a "box" for a new amp, then the sky's the limit! lol __________________ ... just blues it up a little!

11-04-2009, 03:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
hipofutura Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Maine Posts: 1,580 Thanks: 12 Thanked 44 Times in 13 Posts	Re: SS modding? Can I turn a gold fish into a canary? Pretty much the same question. If you mean to convert both preamp and power amp sections there would be little to nothing left of the Valvestate. __________________ Don Unencumbered by Knowledge Trapped inside this old man's body, is the mind of an old man 08 Classic Antique Wine Red Traynor YRM-1 (1x12 JBL) Phaez Daisycutter (2x12 Webers) www.dcsysinc.com www.seatrakinc.com

11-04-2009, 04:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
jo07 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: montreal,quebec Posts: 4,356 Thanks: 361 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: SS modding? wtf __________________ MyLeftBall.

11-04-2009, 04:09 PM	#5 (permalink)
TeleDog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: USA Posts: 1,456 Thanks: 12 Thanked 52 Times in 13 Posts	Re: SS modding? Well, it's possible if the OP is willing to spend some $$ and use the amp as a cabinet for the "new" amp. Still, you will have to make adaptations to accommodate the new chassis, and if it's just a head we're talking about, it'd be difficult to say the least if there's not enough room. You will have to get creative, even laying out the board and chassis is not as simple as it seems. But the OP said "with the help of a tech" so yeah, it could be a possibility. But hey, why go there? If you're willing to do this you sure can go build a tube amp from scratch, it's easier. __________________ ... just blues it up a little!

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11-05-2009, 09:32 PM	#7 (permalink)
dennistruckdriver MLP Trucker Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 15,641 Thanks: 233 Thanked 273 Times in 59 Posts	Re: SS modding? I think what the others are saying in so many words is....'no'. __________________ "I'm male, between the ages of 18 and 49 with a loud mouth and a gun; I AM the American Dream"-Anthony DiNozzo "I've never used one, but I hear good things about them."

11-06-2009, 12:43 AM	#9 (permalink)
alligatorbling Master Entertainter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Central VA Posts: 14,370 Thanks: 455 Thanked 549 Times in 121 Posts	Re: SS modding? buy a tube amp. __________________ "It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." -Jiddu Krishnamurti

11-06-2009, 10:13 AM	#10 (permalink)
paulygates Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bournemouth, UK Posts: 1,219 Thanks: 8 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: SS modding? I have been thinking about a tube preamp recently. Sounds like its worth trying. __________________ 04 LP Std HCSB (Grace) 94 Epi LP Classic Birdseye Maple top (The Captain) Flextone III XL http://www.thesilverhorses.com/#

11-06-2009, 10:43 AM	#11 (permalink)
hipofutura Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Maine Posts: 1,580 Thanks: 12 Thanked 44 Times in 13 Posts	Re: SS modding? I have to say, that as far as SS amps go I think the Valvestate is about the best. I was quite impressed with the 8100 I tried. It's a versatile amp. __________________ Don Unencumbered by Knowledge Trapped inside this old man's body, is the mind of an old man 08 Classic Antique Wine Red Traynor YRM-1 (1x12 JBL) Phaez Daisycutter (2x12 Webers) www.dcsysinc.com www.seatrakinc.com

11-06-2009, 10:45 AM	#12 (permalink)
JM Vasek Respectable Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,644 Thanks: 24 Thanked 11 Times in 2 Posts	Re: SS modding? I think you'll get a lot more mileage out of a tube preamp or one of Jonesey's Tonemojo boxes. Or a different amp altogether... __________________ -JM

11-07-2009, 10:21 AM	#15 (permalink)
lp_junkie Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 5,752 Thanks: 22 Thanked 94 Times in 19 Posts	Re: SS modding? I like my Valvestate the way it is, mine has the preamp tube (ECC83) and I like the solid power section, I can get good distortion without having to blow the windows out of the house like I do with my tube Marshalls. If you want all tube, get an all tube head, Marshall has a new one out that is around $699 for the head. __________________ LP_Junkie my personal MySpace _____________________________________________ Disclaimer- The opinions expressed on this site may cause incontinence, wadded panties, indigestion, insecurity and other serious maladies. Use as directed, not intended for the overly sensitive and humor impaired.

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