Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
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Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
I have recently stumbled upon some discussions about Marshall Majors and a few references to the model referred to as "The Pig" and am left with some confusions. While there are schematics available for the slightly more normal, two channel versions, but only one available schematic (and redrawn for that matter) for the three knob "Pig." These amps seem quite unique in multiple aspects. From what my limited knowledge can glean, it appears that the bass and treble pots control what appears to be a separate triode each, much like it was an electronic crossover with one pot controlling the actual volume of only the bass frequencies and the other pot controlling just the treble frequencies. I could be mistaken about this, and would sincerely appreciate any info and guidance.
Also, many folks talk about these amps having a cathodyne phase inverter, but I'm not cetrtain that I'm seeing any phase inverter, especially on the Pig?
Thanks Folks,
Gene
Also, many folks talk about these amps having a cathodyne phase inverter, but I'm not cetrtain that I'm seeing any phase inverter, especially on the Pig?
Thanks Folks,
Gene
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Re: Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
Major phase inverters...
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Re: Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
The Sound City 50Plus MkIV took that tone control idea a step further, adding a mid control.
I don’t regard them as being active tone controls, but I’ve been overruled on the matter by the super brains on MEF
http://soundcitysite.com/Sound_City_LB_ ... ematic.pdf
I don’t regard them as being active tone controls, but I’ve been overruled on the matter by the super brains on MEF
http://soundcitysite.com/Sound_City_LB_ ... ematic.pdf
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Re: Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
I have never liked the feel of amps like these with this method of tone shaping.
I would sooner run a SS based graphic EQ stomp box in front of the amp, or in a effects loop if I felt I needed such!
I do however like the very stiff power supply of the Pig for Bass guitar!
I would sooner run a SS based graphic EQ stomp box in front of the amp, or in a effects loop if I felt I needed such!
I do however like the very stiff power supply of the Pig for Bass guitar!
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Not screaming like the passengers in his car!
Cutting out a man's tongue does not mean he’s a liar, but it does show that you fear the truth he might speak about you!
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Re: Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
Majors make decibels and Pigs get slaughtered. There is a reason that design was abandoned in a burning pile.
I have a Major for sale that I haven't listed. It needs the caps reformed and a set of output tubes. Early placard 6550 model. (export) It looks like NASA laced it. Half the weight of the amp are tricks to keep it from essploding. They only sound like Marahalls because there is a logo.
I have a Major for sale that I haven't listed. It needs the caps reformed and a set of output tubes. Early placard 6550 model. (export) It looks like NASA laced it. Half the weight of the amp are tricks to keep it from essploding. They only sound like Marahalls because there is a logo.
Signatures have a 255 character limit that I could abuse, but I am not Cecil B. DeMille.
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Re: Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
Gut shawts
The bias board is as big as a small tweed amp lol
The bias board is as big as a small tweed amp lol
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Re: Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
Mick ronson used a pig with bowie. the sound is rather unique, for better or worse.
majors were used by blackmore and John Frusciante and to a lesser extent SRV.
majors were used by blackmore and John Frusciante and to a lesser extent SRV.
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Re: Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
In regards to the NASA mention, you mean built by the lowest bidder? Lol!
I do love these round screen resistors that they used in these amps!
I do love these round screen resistors that they used in these amps!
When I die, I want to go like my Grandfather did, peacefully in his sleep.
Not screaming like the passengers in his car!
Cutting out a man's tongue does not mean he’s a liar, but it does show that you fear the truth he might speak about you!
Not screaming like the passengers in his car!
Cutting out a man's tongue does not mean he’s a liar, but it does show that you fear the truth he might speak about you!
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Re: Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
I built a shrunken version of one years ago as I was more interested in the preamp sounds than the power. 2xKT66 instead of 4xKT88 and called it the Piglet.
I build effects and amps and do custom builds to order. Boom.
Site: http://ballseffects.com/
Site: http://ballseffects.com/
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Re: Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
Dr Tony Balls wrote: ↑Thu Sep 30, 2021 2:00 pm I built a shrunken version of one years ago as I was more interested in the preamp sounds than the power. 2xKT66 instead of 4xKT88 and called it the Piglet.
Very Cool! Please share more info. How many watts-ish? How did it sound? Willingness to share a schematic? I'm especially curious as to the voltages at the PI and preamp nodes?
This was exactly the kind of reply I was hoping to elicit from this fabulous brain trust!
Enquiring Minds & All That,
Gene
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Re: Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
Mick Ronson's sound reminds me of a cranked Silverface Twin with the tone controls set pretty low.
Blackmore is my reason for having these things. Joe Perry mixed one with two other amps for a couple tours in the 2000s.
What happened to that one I sold your friend?
Signatures have a 255 character limit that I could abuse, but I am not Cecil B. DeMille.
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Re: Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
The insulation is ridiculous.
Those pier resistors are awesome!
Genalex designed these things. I wonder if any hi-fi guys want to blow up their 35w $80,000.00 monitors.. hmm
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Re: Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
Watts-ish: 45-50The Ballzz wrote: ↑Thu Sep 30, 2021 3:21 pmDr Tony Balls wrote: ↑Thu Sep 30, 2021 2:00 pm I built a shrunken version of one years ago as I was more interested in the preamp sounds than the power. 2xKT66 instead of 4xKT88 and called it the Piglet.
Very Cool! Please share more info. How many watts-ish? How did it sound? Willingness to share a schematic? I'm especially curious as to the voltages at the PI and preamp nodes?
This was exactly the kind of reply I was hoping to elicit from this fabulous brain trust!
Enquiring Minds & All That,
Gene
Sound: great...a bit limited but a novel and interesting concept where you basically have one really bright preamp and one really dark one and you blend em.
Schematic: below. its quite similar to the 'vintagekiki' one posted in the OP. I did a lot of research and comparison with photos and the rare Pig PA schematic floating around.
Voltages: dont have them but I wasnt trying to match anything specific. I used pretty standard 50W Marshall iron so the plates were ~450VDC
I build effects and amps and do custom builds to order. Boom.
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Re: Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
The Pig had tremendous voltage. Over 700 and the poor screens melted.
Majors don't have a lot less. UL supply is end of the line. Melted screens ahead. Modern tubes need not apply. (that is why about one of ten still operates with original transformers) The 6550 exports are still extant in much larger numbers.
Screens at 650?
Dawk said the flyback potential is about what it takes to create life from stitched together convicts. Have you ever seen one of his rebuilt transformers? Not cheap. He was a nut.
Majors don't have a lot less. UL supply is end of the line. Melted screens ahead. Modern tubes need not apply. (that is why about one of ten still operates with original transformers) The 6550 exports are still extant in much larger numbers.
Screens at 650?
Dawk said the flyback potential is about what it takes to create life from stitched together convicts. Have you ever seen one of his rebuilt transformers? Not cheap. He was a nut.
Signatures have a 255 character limit that I could abuse, but I am not Cecil B. DeMille.
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Re: Can We Discuss Major Pigs?
The 200W Pig schematic at the top of this thread shows 750V on the plates and 550V on the screens, and it is conventional p-p (not UL). If the OT primary impedance is made high enough to keep the plates from over dissipating, then the screens will be at great risk. Looks like a very bad idea to me. I'd cut the screen voltage in half.
For UL, a look at the KT88 data sheet says 560V on the plates with 40% screen taps and 4k5 Zaa for two tubes and 100W output. If the anode voltage is increased, Zaa has to go up to keep the plate dissipation down, and the DL fraction has to go up to keep the screens out of trouble.
For UL, a look at the KT88 data sheet says 560V on the plates with 40% screen taps and 4k5 Zaa for two tubes and 100W output. If the anode voltage is increased, Zaa has to go up to keep the plate dissipation down, and the DL fraction has to go up to keep the screens out of trouble.