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Post by robeadgbe on Aug 17, 2006 8:08:24 GMT -7
I have a 90's RI JTM45 head that's not getting much love at the moment. I'm either gonna make the commitment and do a bunch of upgrades (KT-66's, new output tranny, possibly a handwired board) or I can trade it in on a Route 66.
I'll be using a 2x12 cab with Greenbacks and I'm looking for enough clean headroom to compete with a moderately loud drummer. As an example, my AC-15 doesn't quite get me enough headroom, but my JTM 45 does. Does the Route have enough clean headroom? How are the cleans on it? I'll be using pedals to get a full palette of tones ranging from pristine cleans to cranked Marshall plexi gain levels.
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Post by mikep47 on Aug 17, 2006 8:42:20 GMT -7
Check the other posts where Madison has posted as he just picked up a new Rt to go with his Stangray and he could probably answer any questions you have and hes a really cool guy and a smoking player. ..............Mike
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Post by John on Aug 17, 2006 8:46:34 GMT -7
I couldn't see doing all those upgrades to the Marshall. For the amount of money you'll pay, and time invested, you could probably take that money, along with the proceeds of the sale of the Marshall...and purchase a used Route 66 on Ebay. They're going for about $900.
You will have no problem with headroom with the 66. The cleans would be considered rather bright compared to many other amps out there. But compared to many Dr. Z amps (especially el84 based) it is not as bright. Very fat sound.
You'll probably be shocked at the dynamics of the amp. VERY responsive and touch sensitive.
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Post by chrisgrainger on Aug 17, 2006 9:39:16 GMT -7
I was debating between the two.. ended up with the Route66. I think you'd be happy you went with the Z.
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Post by BW on Aug 17, 2006 10:47:23 GMT -7
Take a look at the KT 45 before ya make the big jump....
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Post by jimfla on Aug 17, 2006 12:00:27 GMT -7
I have experience with a JTM 45 RI, Rt. 66 and a 6545. In my JTM 45 I replaced the output transformer and choke and added a ppi master volume. It did more in terms of making the tone more 3 dimensional and helping the flabby bottom end, than increasing headroom. I had a 6545 head for a short time. I agree with BW the KT-45 side was great, I wasn't as happy with the 65 side. I looked for just a KT-45 head and didn't have any luck. I use the Rt. 66 all the time, I like it much better than the JTM 45. The 66 for me has clean headroom, and a tight bottom end. It takes pedals better than any amp I've ever had. I use it with either a Z Best cab with a V30 & G12H or Avatar with G12H & Alnico Blue Dog. The Greenbacks are less efficient your going to get less volume. I would think the KT-45 or RT. 66 will give you what your looking for.
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Post by prowler on Aug 17, 2006 12:40:43 GMT -7
Go for the 66.. you wont be sorry.
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Post by (8^D) on Aug 20, 2006 15:32:40 GMT -7
The R66 will absolutely blow you away if you're already "in" with the JTM45 tones. The Z sounds like the best tweaked out JTM45 you've ever heard. It's its own beast, but w/a definately huge knod to the JTM. Lots of clean headroom, lots of touch sensitive dynamcs, lots of tones...loves hums, P90 and standard single coils pups; and, loves all kinds of pedals.
tasty indeed!
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dewman
Junior Member
Posts: 86
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Post by dewman on Aug 21, 2006 7:47:08 GMT -7
dont mod the JTM45. Still doesnt sound like a Germino Classic 45, which is a dead on original JTM45 tone. I tried with an 89 Bluesbreaker, did all the mods...save yourself some effort and cash and get the Route 66. Try it with alnico blues/weber blue dogs paired with a G12H30 and also with reissue greebacks. The amp responds nicely with both, in very distinct ways. Run the treble and bass up and the volume low and get all the benefit of nice sustaining tones at manageable volumes. Pair it with an airbrake and get even more natural amp breakup. With the right speaker pairing, you can dial in lots of the JTM45 tones.
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Post by zman on Aug 21, 2006 19:58:38 GMT -7
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Post by jcshirke on Aug 25, 2006 18:09:38 GMT -7
dont mod the JTM45. Still doesnt sound like a Germino Classic 45, which is a dead on original JTM45 tone. So, how different is the Germino Classic 45 from the Rt. 66? I am considering the Rt. 66, another one of Greg's amps (I already own a Lead 55), or a Fulton Webb DR45. They are all, more or less, in the JTM45 tone zone. Any opinions? Thanks, Jeff
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Post by taswegian on Aug 28, 2006 9:24:58 GMT -7
I would say the Germino would be more "authentic JTM45" To me the Route 66 is an original that stands on it's own. Sure with different speakers you can get it to sound more like a Bassman, or JTM, or a 70's Marshall or even a Hiwatt but not "just like it". With the ef86 front end, the KT66's and the design, it's it's own beast. And what a beautiful beast it is!
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Post by Laroosco!! on Sept 5, 2006 18:50:49 GMT -7
Get the 66, period
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