The Amp Garage

Somehow I tried to quote the original question, but it got separated so I'll cut and paste so that it makes sense! "geetarpicker wrote: Also it takes a very proper Express build to make one that will truly clean up well with little volume drop. The Express is an amp of few parts, and a common compla...

To me the point of a Express is that it doesn't need any pedals in the gain and overdrive department. Still you need to have the smoothest taper guitar pots available, and have the patience to learn how to use the guitar knobs a LOT to find the cleans. Also it takes a very proper Express build to ma...

I thought I'd take a few voltage readings of my 1989 Express that many here are familiar with via my CD and/or Youtube videos. This sort of data is nothing new here, but I thought folks might want to see what's up number wise with this particular original Ken Fischer built Express. I took voltage re...

Glen here! I mostly run my Express amps at 12-1pm, though sometimes a little higher. This is with 12AX7s in all 3 positions. Still Ken used pots that came on quite slowly, heck my '85 Express actually has a noticeable gain difference between 3/4 and full up. My '89 uses different pots that are a lit...

I have 2 original Express amps and they do not have this trait. I haven't timed it but the amp will not play very long at all when put in standby.

I usually run the bass at the most at 1pm on my Express, but usually on 1/2 or even 11am if I'm diming the amp or close to it. At that point it's fairly tight, perhaps as tight as a lead spec 1987 circuit Marshall JMP 50. Then using a 4x12 helps to fill it back out in the lows. Run the amp circuit l...

What is your net B+ at the power tubes? A stock Express (KF build) is in the 410-420v range.

Try a 40' guitar cable made with Canare GS6 wire! You would think you could simulate this by adding a small cap (of the right value) after a short cord, or at the amp input itself. That said I tried it though and it just didn't sound as good. I think there is more going on than just capacitance in a...

Looks like it's similar in size to a A-3801 though it doesn't appear to have the unique 3 layer core that is unique to these.

Thank you pdf64! Glad the mode short cut is helpful. I had to do a couple slant slides in this video to keep things in tune. With that much gain a sharp 3rd gets ugly quick! The G and B strings are a 3rd a part but mathematically a hair sharp, so when I play them together I slant the slide to flatte...

I just uploaded this short follow up video. Same guitar but different amp though, this being my 1989 Pacific OT Express. The settings were volume and treble on 11am, mid and bass on 1/2, presence on 1/4, and full bright switch ON. Using one Mogami 18' Gold cable. Guitar has unpotted PAF pickups but ...

Lovely playing Glenn, really enjoyed that :) Looks like it was mic'd with a Royer 121 ribbon. That's a lovely mic that has a fig 8 pattern and a very natural un hyped top end, all of which will contribute to the great sound you're hearing here. Marcus Good eye, yes it's a Royer R121L, the "live" ve...

I like it!! Sounds awesome but explain me this..... why use two mogami cables to roll off highs instead of not using bright switch? I rather use a 15" lava soar and get all the rich full guitar signal and don't use any switch. Somebody close to Ken told me that he HAD to put that switch because in ...

I just watched your ROCK STUDY video on youtube, and I must say it sounds great. But I have to ask.....Do you have to push a wheelbarrow around to pack the balls it must have taken to wear those pants on camera? :D In all seriousness I really like how your tone and phrasing has changed over the yea...

Wow that's sweet, nice blues, love that neck pickup. Watching your videos, I've wondered how loud is it in that small room playing the express at 2/3? Do you have to wear earplugs? Thanks again for the new video. Yes it is very loud (probably in the 110-115db range) and I am wearing Hearos -33 db f...