Grateful Dead Music Forum

I would LOVE your input on this. I am about done building my Tiger replica with all the original items (Super 2's, DP111, built in preamp, correct pods, ect.)

I am now considering what I need to get the sound I want from an amp and wondering about what effect pedals - if any I need.

AMP:

I would love to by a vintage McIntosh but just can't swing it. I would love to build a cabinet with JBL E120's but just can't afford it (possibly) right now.

Has anyone tried the JBL Power amp 6260 or some other amp I can get for $300 or less? I do not play out and only want to achieve the right sound at home. I really don't need a powerhouse.

And any speakers or cab you can suggest? I'd love to build it and hook up a power amp to it but if there is a all-in-one under $500 that achieves the late-80's Tiger sound I love I would be most interested. Thanks!

For at-home levels, I would be very happy with a nice 10-25 watt tube combo preferably with reverb. Look for used deals on craigslist, like Fenders, Mesas, Traynors...

Fender Blues Jr. with a K120....



Brad

SarnoMusicSolutions wrote:Fender Blues Jr. with a K120....

Brad

Don't mean to hijack, but I just got a BJr so Brad - what are your thoughts on the various mods, output transformer swaps, and so forth that amp seems to encourage?

It's been a while since I had mine. I liked the thing. I did the basic stuff like upgrade the preamp tube plate resistors to some Dale Metal Film types (Healy style) or maybe it was some old Allen Bradley's - not sure now, and the tone-stack cap's also got upgraded to maybe orange drops or something similar. I didn't do any transformer upgrades. I hear some people say that the Mercury Magnetics stuff is a nice improvement, and others say it's mostly hype and good marketing. I don't have a personal opinion on that factor yet. I wasn't bothered by the stock output transformer. Pretty good sounding amp once the speaker broke in a bit. Out of the box, nearly any new speaker sucks and sounds harsh. I can't recall if I had my K120 in there or not, so it would be worth checking to see if it would for sure fit.

Pretty good little amp. Quite loud.


Brad

Thanks for that! I'm real happy with mine so far but the urge to tinker will win out sooner or later!

-bill

I don't have a BJr, but I am interested in this guy's mod kits and what folks think of them:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Blues-Jr-Jun ... 1422wt_941

I've been using a stock Blues Junior loaded with a Cannabus Rex exlusiveley now for about a year with great results.

The efficient speaker was the key to Jerryland for me. The stock Eminence sounded good too, but in a more Neil Young sort of way. It had a serious growl, that while fun, didn't do it for my purposes. I now run the amp Master wide open and the Volume at about 8 and I get a nice powerful Jerryesque tone. More Europe 72 than the "modern" Jerry, but I'm using a stock 52RI Tele and a Strat with 57/62s.

I love the weight of this thing too.

BILLM is the Blues Junior Guru over at the TDPRI. He offers many mods that many people rave about.

http://billmaudio.com/wp/

Well, with this thread well and truely hijacked (sorry jm) - I ordered the BILLM basic mod kit last night - if there's any interest I'll be glad to post pics and commentary (on a new thread).

FretWilkes - in the interest of the OP - what kind of effects (if any) are you using ahead of the BJr for the early 70's sound?

-bill c

So, to get back to this:

"Fender Blues Jr. with a K120"

What is a K120?

I now see that it's a JBL K120Any sources for these OTHER THAN ebay? I'd like to know who I'm getting it from!

Anyone want to sell one?

Any mods needed for the Fender Blues Jr.?

Please post pics Bill, I have a Blues Jr too and I'm curious about the mod.

SeanO

WilliamC wrote:Well, with this thread well and truely hijacked (sorry jm) - I ordered the BILLM basic mod kit last night - if there's any interest I'll be glad to post pics and commentary (on a new thread).

FretWilkes - in the interest of the OP - what kind of effects (if any) are you using ahead of the BJr for the early 70's sound?

-bill c

WilliamC wrote:Well, with this thread well and truely hijacked (sorry jm) - I ordered the BILLM basic mod kit last night - if there's any interest I'll be glad to post pics and commentary (on a new thread).

FretWilkes - in the interest of the OP - what kind of effects (if any) are you using ahead of the BJr for the early 70's sound?

-bill c

I use a Barber Tone Press on all the time lightly, just to even the guitar out. It's cool because you can mix the dry signal so you still get the attack preserved...clank, honk, etc.
I then go into a Nobels ODR-1 for a little dirt and boost if I wish. I round it out with an Boss RV-3 Reverb/Delay. I like a reverb patch with just a little delay added. I do not use the Reverb in the amp. I will add a Digitech envelope up front for the rare times I need it. Typically I do not.

Sorry to have contributed to any hijacking...I was trying to be helpful as I think the BJ is an excellent choice, especially if you are just playing at home. I get plenty of juice live though. The only time it seems anemic iat all is an outdoor gig where I will bleed a little into the monitor to compensate. Again, the key for me was the efficient speaker.

I hope this helps.

fretwilkes: Very helpful, thanks! I was completely out of guitar for nearly 20 years (that family/job/sick of band politics thing) so that sort of detail is just what I'm interested in.

jmfranc: Actual JBL x-120's are pretty much only available on eBay or occasionally through custom shops (HardTruckers sometimes has some). But check out that BillM mod site - he has a section on speakers of the BJr. that's pretty helpful: http://billmaudio.com/wp/?page_id=295

I'll put together something on the BillM mods as soon as I get the package.

Thanks again to all!

-bill c.

Great advice! Don't forget different preamp tubes!!

Hi quality cables are another key part.

Craigslist can be your friend for speakers!


I've got a Barber Tone press for sale if anyone wants one.