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Post by modernfiction on Apr 16, 2018 5:50:17 GMT -7
Basically im trying to give my KT45 a Stangray mod in terms of giving it that clean sparkle but with a booming low end. If I can make it a little warmer too I'd like try some options. Even if it's just a matter of changing the SS rectifier to tube and a certain speaker pairing. Not looking to go crazy just want to tweak it's natural sound a bit.
I love it's attack and punch but it just feels a little thin to me at times, trying to add some girth!
If you have any mod ideas that you've done to get create certain changes in the amp I'd like to hear some options.
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KT 45 mods
Apr 16, 2018 13:39:12 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by southmusic70 on Apr 16, 2018 13:39:12 GMT -7
What speaker(s) are you using?
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KT 45 mods
Apr 16, 2018 18:35:54 GMT -7
via mobile
Post by modernfiction on Apr 16, 2018 18:35:54 GMT -7
Right now it's a celestion G12-65 heritage. I was considering the 65 creamback?
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Post by jhen86 (jordan) on May 4, 2018 16:22:17 GMT -7
I'm no expert, but I'd look at a few things...from least expensive to most expensive. 1) Chinese 5AR4. In the Steve Miller Stangray mod thread, Doc comments how these are much warmer, and I was blown away at how noticeably accurate that statement is. This alone might get you what you are after. I got this one for my M12 Steve Miller mod. Really like it. www.thetubestore.com/Tubes/5AR4-GZ34-Tube-Types/preferred-series-5ar42) NOS EF86. These seem much warmer to my ears. Tesla and RFT are two I have tried. 3) New EL34s. The tube store has some good reviews on these as well. I don't know much about how they are biased in the KT45, but I would think biasing could have substantial affect as well. (In fact, you may want to check bias BEFORE doing any of these. And then again just after installing the 5ar4). 4) Alnico Gold Speaker. Bonus: Get an EQ pedal. Boost at 100-200hz, give it a little cut at 400 or 500hz and then a bigger cut at 800hz. Will get you more of a scooped Vox low mid and bring out that more vocal upper mid and highs. I've personally been amazed at how powerful an EQ pedal can be for tone shaping.
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Post by modernfiction on May 10, 2018 3:37:00 GMT -7
I'm no expert, but I'd look at a few things...from least expensive to most expensive. 1) Chinese 5AR4. In the Steve Miller Stangray mod thread, Doc comments how these are much warmer, and I was blown away at how noticeably accurate that statement is. This alone might get you what you are after. I got this one for my M12 Steve Miller mod. Really like it. www.thetubestore.com/Tubes/5AR4-GZ34-Tube-Types/preferred-series-5ar42) NOS EF86. These seem much warmer to my ears. Tesla and RFT are two I have tried. 3) New EL34s. The tube store has some good reviews on these as well. I don't know much about how they are biased in the KT45, but I would think biasing could have substantial affect as well. (In fact, you may want to check bias BEFORE doing any of these. And then again just after installing the 5ar4). 4) Alnico Gold Speaker. Bonus: Get an EQ pedal. Boost at 100-200hz, give it a little cut at 400 or 500hz and then a bigger cut at 800hz. Will get you more of a scooped Vox low mid and bring out that more vocal upper mid and highs. I've personally been amazed at how powerful an EQ pedal can be for tone shaping. Thanks for the replies guys! current update: I talked to the Doc before I saw these responses, He recommended using a 1x12 celestion 65 creamback and switching my rectifier tube to a 5U4GB and rebiasing.
I noticed my Rectifier was actually a Sovtek 5AR4 after posting this. Ordered a 5U4GB but have not swapped them yet.
Thanks for the recommendations jhen86, I think I might try you r suggestion 5AR4 since it wont need rebiasing and see what I get. Do you have any opinion on the difference between the 65 Creamback and Gold?
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Post by jhen86 (jordan) on May 13, 2018 20:36:08 GMT -7
Well, I would preface all that follows with this....If Doc recommends something, it's gotta be good, and probably, best.
If you already have a 5AR4 in there, I might not fuss with just trying a different brand. Don't think it will give you as noticeable of a change that you are going for. That 5U4 will definitely give you more sag and softer feel, but won't necessarily change the tone as much. And you probably should check and set the bias if you go that route. If it were me, I would probably check and set it either way just to make sure all is well. Doc has a video explaining some of that here
Regarding speakers, I suggested a Gold bc it is THE Vox/Stangray sound. That's not to say it is better, just more in line with the Stangray voice. The creamback is great too, and less expensive. Basically we are talking a high power alnico blue (the gold) vs a high power greenback (creamback). Don't think you will find any gold/creamback comparisons online, but you can google and find a bunch of blue/greenback caparison clips. That will at least give you a sense of what you might be looking at in a speaker upgrade. Here's one of many...
All this has me thinking though...if you like the amp and just want more "girth" and "sparkle", an EQ pedal is probably the best place to start. It won't turn an EL34 amp into an EL84 amp, but it can get you much closer. There are several modded versions of the Boss GE-7 that are great EQ options (Analogman is a good one). Or many multi-FX units like the Line 6 M9 have EQs built in. I have the Line 6 M9 and have found the EQ to be amazing for everything from fixing problem frequencies, to boosting something that was missing, to boosting midrange for solos.
If you just want the Stangray EQ I'd boost anywhere from 80-200hz for girth, and also around 3-5khz for top end sizzle. If you want to sound more definitely Vox-like, I'd give it a little cut at 400 or 500hz and then a bigger cut at 800hz.
Hope that helps.
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Post by modernfiction on May 16, 2018 3:34:07 GMT -7
Agreed Jhen86! The Doc is the Doc for a reason. I think I'm going to pick up a Celestion Creamback 75w, sounds like what I'm looking for while watching some comparison videos online. Will probably try the 5U4GB swap after trying out the new speaker. I took you advice on the EQ pedal, I've had a Fromel Shape Eq/Buffer on my board for a little while but never really used the EQ too much because I felt it took away the openness of the amps sound, which it still sounds like it does a little... but overall after trying some settings as you suggested I do really like the overall sound out of the amp.
Once I try out some of the mods I'll let everyone know.
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Post by aarondavis on Jun 27, 2018 20:00:34 GMT -7
modernfiction, did you try the 5U4 rectifier and Creamback? I swapped a 5V4 in for the solid state rectifier that my KT45 came with and rebiased (it needs it with the rectifier change, since it changes the plate voltage). It made a *huge* difference in feel and output. Made it more in line with a 35 watt amp. More sag and breakup at lower levels. I bet the 5U4 would really bring the squish and warmness on.
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Post by modernfiction on Jul 13, 2018 7:18:14 GMT -7
Hey aarondavis, I never did swap out the rectifier. I realized there was a Sovtek 5AR4 in the rectifier (which is almost the same as the solid state) and decided to try out different speakers first, only because swapping the rectifier and rebiasing I would have to take my amp to a tech. After A LOT of research and debate I actually ended up going with an Eminence Red Fang 50 watt speaker... but the one I bought off of Reverb.com was a custom shop model (12" Ceramic with the cone of the Governor speaker... and I also found an original stock Red Fang (12" Alnico) I bought as well.
Both speakers made a HUGE difference in the amps sound, I was floored by the change with just the speaker. The ceramic really brought out the Marshall personality in the KT-45. Very throaty and crisp, cleans were beautiful with a little breakup at moderate volumes but not harsh, just rolled off enough at the highs. The crunch with a pedal was very PLEXI sounding, quick and defined with some roaring growl to it. I love it.
The Alnico made the amp sound very "American", think fender reverb with a very low boom, a little too low at some points but a few tweaks balanced it nicely but it took away some of the ATTACK, made the amp sound more round and full. I love both speakers but primarily use the Custom Red Fang Ceramic just because it won my favor over a multitude of playing styles.
So I figured I'd hold onto the 5U4GB rectifier tube for future tweaks since I could soften the amp with the alnico speaker. So as of now I have two 1X12 cabs, one loaded with the ceramic, one with the Alnico and depending on my desired sound of the day I plug in to one or the other!
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