mdubya
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jan 24, 2010
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Last week I had to send back a malfunctioning Tech 21 Trademark 10 (sounded great when working, but had some issues and needed to be returned). At the same time, my trusty 5 year old Mustang I modeler started to fall apart (on/off switch popped out with some vital metal contacts going with it).
This forced my hand a bit. My current "working out of town" situation demands low volume and/or headphones only.
I bought an Alto TX8 powered speaker in anticipation of a new modeler floor unit which would require such a speaker. In the meantime, I needed a rig.
So I am using my $20 (used) Bad Monkey as my power amp, with my vintage Maestro MFZ-1 Fuzz and my Maxon OD808 in front of it, going into the Alto. I am not even using the Bad Monkey in the "on" position, just running through it and using its DI/out function.
The Alto has a very flat, warm base tone. It is acceptable as a clean, but not great. The magic happens when I step on the Maestro. This slapped together temporary rig gives some very fat JTM 45 like tones with the fuzz set low (2 or 3 on the dial). The OD808 works as my lead/boost. The signal is pretty dry and could benefit from a little slap back and/or some light reverb, but overall, this is a great little rig.
I think my Tech 21 British pedal would sound incredible with this setup and I would bet a Tech 21 Fly Rig would, too.
Soon enough, I will be running a Fractal AX8 through the Alto, but it is going to take some beating this ghetto rig.
Behold (retro 70's room and portable record player extra):
This forced my hand a bit. My current "working out of town" situation demands low volume and/or headphones only.
I bought an Alto TX8 powered speaker in anticipation of a new modeler floor unit which would require such a speaker. In the meantime, I needed a rig.
So I am using my $20 (used) Bad Monkey as my power amp, with my vintage Maestro MFZ-1 Fuzz and my Maxon OD808 in front of it, going into the Alto. I am not even using the Bad Monkey in the "on" position, just running through it and using its DI/out function.
The Alto has a very flat, warm base tone. It is acceptable as a clean, but not great. The magic happens when I step on the Maestro. This slapped together temporary rig gives some very fat JTM 45 like tones with the fuzz set low (2 or 3 on the dial). The OD808 works as my lead/boost. The signal is pretty dry and could benefit from a little slap back and/or some light reverb, but overall, this is a great little rig.
I think my Tech 21 British pedal would sound incredible with this setup and I would bet a Tech 21 Fly Rig would, too.
Soon enough, I will be running a Fractal AX8 through the Alto, but it is going to take some beating this ghetto rig.
Behold (retro 70's room and portable record player extra):
