Phaez Modification

[hipofutura]

Since the MLP Phaez club is a small group, most of you know I'm a Fender amp guy who's ventured into the hi-gain realm with my Phaez Daisycutter. I've been in email communications with Randy (Phaez) to modify my amp so it's more Dumble tone and less Marshall/Vox. I'm reaching for a darker/deeper hi-gain tone with less fizz and more articulation. Think Santana playing "Smooth".

This is going to be an interesting experiment. The Weber alnicos added a lot of warmth and articulated the hi-gain, but I want to go further towards the distorted Fender and Dumble tones. Randy listened to some audio clips I sent and has a plan.

Making a promise to myself that I wouldn't collect a bunch of amps has a down side. I have to work with what I've got. I still have the Traynor to keep me occupied while Randy spends the required time to do the mods. I haven't turned the Traynor on since the Phaez arrived.

The Daisycutter is a fantastic amp and would make any Marshall/Vox aficionado smile. I just have this Fender DNA that keeps pulling me back. I've asked Randy to do a Dumble mod on the Daisycutter. Will be interesting to see/hear the results.

[LPV]

Now try and do that with an "off the shelf" amp

[hipofutura]

LPV, it's like having an amp tech on retainer. Randy, has a ear for the different tones and an understanding of the different circuit designs. It's a blast to be able to reconfigure and modify these amps. I do enjoy this part of the hobby - the quest for tone. It just adds another dimension to the fun of playing.

[ExpatBrit]

Keep us posted, this sounds interesting.

[Deftone]

Very cool.

[claricSTi]

I am glad that his website is going to be up before too long. I really like the idea of being able to have an amp built to your personal taste. And for someone like me that doesn't need another high watt amp it is nice to know that I could get a kick ass custom 7 or 14 watt amp that has it's own unique settings,tones and feel.

Buying amps might be worse than guitars. At least when you buy a guitar you are so smitten with it at first that your GAS is calmed for a bit. I just bought a new amp less than two weeks ago and am looking at getting a lower wattage phaez now. The journey for different tones is always a fun one, and having multiple choices makes it even more fun.

I'll be looking forward to hearing a vid of what the dumble mod sounds like. I like the idea of how randy's wiring is configured on the daisycutters and I think that dumble style gain will really sound great. Keep us updated

[xsouldriverx]

hey claric,

i might be selling my 14 watt phaez depending on how much i like the 50watt one im getting built by randy. if you could wait 3 weeks or so until i get the new amp maybe ill have a good deal for you.

[hipofutura]

The song Smokin' by Boston pretty much nails the tone of my Daisycutter.

YouTube - Boston - Smokin'

YouTube - Boston - Smokin'

I've asked Randy to capture more of a Dumble tone as in Smooth by Santana.

YouTube - Santana - Smooth Runescape Music Video By Amdo1

YouTube - Santana - Smooth Runescape Music Video By Amdo1

At this point I don't know the extent of the mods required. I'm prepared for a worst case scenario of a complete rebuild. What's important is that my chassis be used as my combo cab is sized for it. Don't know what this will mean in terms of the tone stack and faceplate. Probably should have just sold the Daisycutter and bought Randy's D-style amp. gotta love the anticipation!

[ExpatBrit]

So is Randy modding it for you, or are you taking it on yourself based on his suggestions?

I just spent a couple of hours noodling with my Daisycutter on my Les Paul and I have to say - this is the perfect amp for me, I wouldn't change a thing. I actually think that I can get a pretty good Santana tone with the neck pickup, tone control down a little, and the boost channel of the amp. I am also finding that this amp takes pedals really nicely. My vintage reissue TS808 pretty much adds some more balls to anything I have dialed in, and the OCD works really nicely on a base tone that is just starting to break up. I am LOVING IT!!

[hipofutura]

They really are fantastic amps! I sent it back to Randy for the mods. He offers a Dumble amp so it will be interesting to see what he comes up with.

The Daisycutter is too hi-gain. Great for the Marshall/vox players. I want to calm it down a tad and darken it. I tried working the pups, but just couldn't get an articulate dark growl that I was happy with. I realize I'm being a real fanatic about this, but why not. It's fun!

[ExpatBrit]

Hipofutura, let us know how it works out, I am sure Randy will make it awesome. I must admit I don't use half of the available gain on mine.

[CLC12ROCK]

Just bought a Daisycutter from the emporium at TheGearPage. Definitely would have looked over it if not for all of you here at MLP! Really looking forward to getting it. Paid $330 shipped.

[claricSTi]

That's a good deal