Guitar Gear Forum

GRIMESPACE wrote:

jhall wrote:Of all the tubes I've rolled into and out of my JCA 2212RC, I've come back to Sovtek!!
It seems to me that every time I try some fancy tube brand in an EL-84 based amp
I go back to the Sovteks!! They just sound great. I'm coming around to the fact that they are a very good reliable tube
that are way to maligned on many forums. I do have jjs in the preamp positions but
the power tubes seemed to have the biggest effect on the tone of this amp.
I LOVE this amp and with an OCD in front and a Boss RV-5 in the loop (it works well with either channel and I really like the crunch channel with the gain at noon) it sounds amazing.
It's soo good that it's hard to stop playing through it.

I've been real happy with the full set of JJs I purchased shortly after buying my 50H. Those, plus setting the bias made a massive difference over the stock tube. Unfortunately, I haven't had an experience with other tubes (yet), other than trying out one of the old RCA 12AT7s from my '73 Fender Pro Reverb in V1 (which I didn't really like). I've heard great things about the Sovtek 6L6WXT+ for power on the 50/100, and will probably be the next set I go with for my 50H. I'm also really interested in lowering the OD gain, and may try a Jan Philips 5751 in V1 to try to tame things, and may also experiment with the phase inverter.

Good to hear about your success with the OCD - I have a Joyo Ultimate Overdrive (OCD clone) that I plan to try out when I get the studio up and running so I can give it all a workout.

OCD Volume all they way Gain all the way down, Tone just about 8-9 O-clock. OD gain at noon bass dimed mids at about 4 treb at like 2 presense all the way down. This is a very bright amp (and this coming from an ice pick in the forehead lover) and after stumbling onto this setting I loved this amp.
Also with this set up the crunch channel it is just beautiful to hear straight. Then step on the OCD and it is excellent rock tone. Think brown sound with a lot less flub. Kick it onto the OD channel (and then you need to lower the tone knob on your guitar) and you've got some in your face &*ck you lead tone.

jhall wrote:

GRIMESPACE wrote:

jhall wrote:Of all the tubes I've rolled into and out of my JCA 2212RC, I've come back to Sovtek!!
It seems to me that every time I try some fancy tube brand in an EL-84 based amp
I go back to the Sovteks!! They just sound great. I'm coming around to the fact that they are a very good reliable tube
that are way to maligned on many forums. I do have jjs in the preamp positions but
the power tubes seemed to have the biggest effect on the tone of this amp.
I LOVE this amp and with an OCD in front and a Boss RV-5 in the loop (it works well with either channel and I really like the crunch channel with the gain at noon) it sounds amazing.
It's soo good that it's hard to stop playing through it.

I've been real happy with the full set of JJs I purchased shortly after buying my 50H. Those, plus setting the bias made a massive difference over the stock tube. Unfortunately, I haven't had an experience with other tubes (yet), other than trying out one of the old RCA 12AT7s from my '73 Fender Pro Reverb in V1 (which I didn't really like). I've heard great things about the Sovtek 6L6WXT+ for power on the 50/100, and will probably be the next set I go with for my 50H. I'm also really interested in lowering the OD gain, and may try a Jan Philips 5751 in V1 to try to tame things, and may also experiment with the phase inverter.

Good to hear about your success with the OCD - I have a Joyo Ultimate Overdrive (OCD clone) that I plan to try out when I get the studio up and running so I can give it all a workout.

OCD Volume all they way Gain all the way down, Tone just about 8-9 O-clock. OD gain at noon bass dimed mids at about 4 treb at like 2 presense all the way down. This is a very bright amp (and this coming from an ice pick in the forehead lover) and after stumbling onto this setting I loved this amp.
Also with this set up the crunch channel it is just beautiful to hear straight. Then step on the OCD and it is excellent rock tone. Think brown sound with a lot less flub. Kick it onto the OD channel (and then you need to lower the tone knob on your guitar) and you've got some in your face &*ck you lead tone.

What kind of guitar are you running into it? HBs or Single coils? Can't wait to give it a try!

Hello, I haven't been back here for ages and have pretty much forgotten what I learnt while I was here!! Hahaha
Anyway, I did the mod to increase gain on the crunch channel and made it switchable. Sounds great and from bad memory, easy to do. Anyway, why I'm back is I'd like to do something similar with the OD channel, for a more full tilt "METAL" sound. Does anyone know how this could be achieved?
Also is there an internal power source I can tap to run some LED's for some bling?

Cheers

Ok, so I see the predator mod. Looks interesting, is the component numbering the same for the 22h?

Cheers again.

My JCA50H CUSTOM is almost done!! Can't wait!!!

Jase01 wrote:Hello, I haven't been back here for ages and have pretty much forgotten what I learnt while I was here!! Hahaha
Anyway, I did the mod to increase gain on the crunch channel and made it switchable. Sounds great and from bad memory, easy to do. Anyway, why I'm back is I'd like to do something similar with the OD channel, for a more full tilt "METAL" sound. Does anyone know how this could be achieved?
Also is there an internal power source I can tap to run some LED's for some bling?

Cheers

Ok, so I see the predator mod. Looks interesting, is the component numbering the same for the 22h?

Cheers again.

Heya, Jase - good to see you again. A bunch of people have done the SLO mod, which apparently helps a lot with the more gainy stuff - check out Jay's thread over in DIY.

I *think* you can tap off the 6.3 volt power section and put together some kind of rectifier (it's AC voltage) and regulator to get it at 5 volts, then run one of the LED strips they use inside computer cases. I got as far as buying one the LED strip, but never finished it out. I think there was some good info back a few pages on the JCA mod page back on HCAF.

Pretty sure component numbering is different between the 22 and 50/100

racerevlon wrote:My JCA50H CUSTOM is almost done!! Can't wait!!!

Did you order the one with EL34s, and/or something else?

GRIMESPACE wrote:

sanch0 wrote:

GRIMESPACE wrote:
Welcome! Glad to have you on board. Would be very interested to hear what you think about the speaker pair you're running - especially if you have something to compare to, like the Celestion V30s I keep wanting to try out. Make sure you check out the prior pages here - lots of good stuff!

They've got a good rock sound. They were recommended by WGS as the best combination, even though the Retro 30 was recommended for the JCA20h, I didn't need a brighter speaker. I don't have anything to compare them to other than an EVM 12L from the 80s that I have in a combo. That one is very loud and doesn't break up well. It's mostly designed for clean headroom, I believe.

EDIT: Hey Steve, I noticed you have an EVM 12L as well. I wonder how yours compares to mine.

I do have an EV speaker, but it's mounted into a Thiele TL806 box I built into a 2x12 paired with a Boogie (Celestion) MC-90 that's got approximately 1/4 of an open back. I haven't run my JCA50 with that combo much yet - it's mainly been run in conjunction with the old Line6 4x12 that's got a set of Celestion speakers in it that sounds pretty good to my ears. When I get my new studio completed (see my DIY thread referenced in my signature for info), I plan to do a lot of dialing of my sound at louder volumes than the bedroom stuff I've done to this point. Then we'll see just how much I like the speakers I have and will hopefully get to try out something with V30s at some point. The WGS stuff is real compelling to me, but I wish there was a way to try them out - shipping costs keep me from even thinking about buying without hearing them in person first...

I just watched a lot of videos on Youtube and took recommendations from WGS. Youtube "Vaughn Skow" he works for WGS and does comparison videos for ALOT of their speakers. The Veteran 30 is supposed to be a Celestion Vintage 30 without the "ice pick" midrange. The ET65 is modeled after the Celestion G-12 65 Heritage. The ET65 low complements the Vet30 mids. I haven't cranked these speakers yet and i'm still breaking them in, but they sound great so far. Going to buy a multimeter to bias the power tubes. I don't play too loud or very often, so i'm going to bias them slightly hot.

GRIMESPACE wrote:

Jase01 wrote:Hello, I haven't been back here for ages and have pretty much forgotten what I learnt while I was here!! Hahaha
Anyway, I did the mod to increase gain on the crunch channel and made it switchable. Sounds great and from bad memory, easy to do. Anyway, why I'm back is I'd like to do something similar with the OD channel, for a more full tilt "METAL" sound. Does anyone know how this could be achieved?
Also is there an internal power source I can tap to run some LED's for some bling?

Cheers

Ok, so I see the predator mod. Looks interesting, is the component numbering the same for the 22h?

Cheers again.

Heya, Jase - good to see you again. A bunch of people have done the SLO mod, which apparently helps a lot with the more gainy stuff - check out Jay's thread over in DIY.

I *think* you can tap off the 6.3 volt power section and put together some kind of rectifier (it's AC voltage) and regulator to get it at 5 volts, then run one of the LED strips they use inside computer cases. I got as far as buying one the LED strip, but never finished it out. I think there was some good info back a few pages on the JCA mod page back on HCAF.

Pretty sure component numbering is different between the 22 and 50/100

Thanks Grim, I was hoping you'd come along! I'll check out that thread, thanks for the tip. Is there a difference between the SLO Mod and the Predator Mod? and does anyone have the component numbering for 22h for the Predator? I'm trying for a more "modern" Metal sound..The LED situation sounds a bit complicated to me unless someone can break it down to idiot proof instructions!! hahaha

GRIMESPACE wrote:

jhall wrote:

GRIMESPACE wrote:

jhall wrote:Of all the tubes I've rolled into and out of my JCA 2212RC, I've come back to Sovtek!!
It seems to me that every time I try some fancy tube brand in an EL-84 based amp
I go back to the Sovteks!! They just sound great. I'm coming around to the fact that they are a very good reliable tube
that are way to maligned on many forums. I do have jjs in the preamp positions but
the power tubes seemed to have the biggest effect on the tone of this amp.
I LOVE this amp and with an OCD in front and a Boss RV-5 in the loop (it works well with either channel and I really like the crunch channel with the gain at noon) it sounds amazing.
It's soo good that it's hard to stop playing through it.

I've been real happy with the full set of JJs I purchased shortly after buying my 50H. Those, plus setting the bias made a massive difference over the stock tube. Unfortunately, I haven't had an experience with other tubes (yet), other than trying out one of the old RCA 12AT7s from my '73 Fender Pro Reverb in V1 (which I didn't really like). I've heard great things about the Sovtek 6L6WXT+ for power on the 50/100, and will probably be the next set I go with for my 50H. I'm also really interested in lowering the OD gain, and may try a Jan Philips 5751 in V1 to try to tame things, and may also experiment with the phase inverter.

Good to hear about your success with the OCD - I have a Joyo Ultimate Overdrive (OCD clone) that I plan to try out when I get the studio up and running so I can give it all a workout.

OCD Volume all they way Gain all the way down, Tone just about 8-9 O-clock. OD gain at noon bass dimed mids at about 4 treb at like 2 presense all the way down. This is a very bright amp (and this coming from an ice pick in the forehead lover) and after stumbling onto this setting I loved this amp.
Also with this set up the crunch channel it is just beautiful to hear straight. Then step on the OCD and it is excellent rock tone. Think brown sound with a lot less flub. Kick it onto the OD channel (and then you need to lower the tone knob on your guitar) and you've got some in your face &*ck you lead tone.

What kind of guitar are you running into it? HBs or Single coils? Can't wait to give it a try!

Gibson Les Paul with Duncan JB (bridge) and Jazz (neck). Also is just excellent with my Agile 2800 Double cut with the Gibson 498t-496r set from said Gibson Les Paul. I also tried it with my Gretsch Corvette and it sounds great but I prefer the feel of the other two guitars with it.

Looks like Doug & Co have been real busy. JCA announced a new website. Looks pretty good. Glad to see this brand still kicking ass!

Here's a link to the info I got in my email
http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=b767cdc63d3afd7a2735b14b5&id=5a78f90461&e=5d30a99089

Great job, Doug!

Just got a message from Doug. My JCA50H Custom EL34 with metal baffle front, choke and depth mods is ready to ship!!!

"The waiting is the hardest part..."

--------Tom Petty

Guys, I am just curious. Friedman moded JCAs had stock or aftermarket choke?

thanks

JCA50H CUSTOM should be here Friday! If it shows up in time it's getting used for Friday night's gig at the Vu!

racerevlon wrote:JCA50H CUSTOM should be here Friday! If it shows up in time it's getting used for Friday night's gig at the Vu!

Cool man - can't wait to see and hear it! Clips are mandatory for this kind of thing

...gut shots are optional, but most desired

i'm in..... New to Jet City products but love the JCA22

racerevlon wrote:JCA50H CUSTOM should be here Friday! If it shows up in time it's getting used for Friday night's gig at the Vu!

Vu as in Santa Clarita Vu? I've played there a few times. I will actually ask my bandmates if they want to go see your band instead of wasting our lives away at the Sugar Mill

What time is the show?

GuitarBilly wrote:

racerevlon wrote:JCA50H CUSTOM should be here Friday! If it shows up in time it's getting used for Friday night's gig at the Vu!

Vu as in Santa Clarita Vu? I've played there a few times. I will actually ask my bandmates if they want to go see your band instead of wasting our lives away at the Sugar Mill

What time is the show?

Yes, the Vu in Santa Clarita. We've got the 10 PM slot. Come on up--just might use the JCA50H if it arrives and I have time to dial it in. Also just picked up a Metallic Orange B.C. Rich Gunslinger that might get a debut as well...

Just curious, how's the 22H compared to its bigger brothers? My 100H is just too damned loud for my needs at the moment, and I'm really considering dropping down.

Also, what tubes have you guys found to be favored in these?

thesockmonster wrote:Also, what tubes have you guys found to be favored in these?

I rolled tube type after tube type into my JCA 2212C. I ended up back to the Sovteks in the power section!
I'm coming to realize that Sovteks are the most consistent EL-84 out there short of big dollar stuff.
as for the preamp I have a mix of Sovtek and JJs.
I know a lot of folks like JJs in the power section in EL-84 amps but I've fallen for that more times than I care to admit and they always go microphonic real quick on me.
As for the sound of the 2212C it is an excellent sounding Maeshall-esq amp. I had a 2112 RC before this and the newer one sounds way way better to me.
It just has that sweet crunch on the low gain channel and the OD channel is searing. It is a little hard to balance out the brightness between them so I roll the treble knob back on the guitar when switching to the OD channel. Also, if you put an OCD in front and a Boss RV-5 in the loop with rhe OCD set to full volume and gain all the way down it boosts the Crunch channel into bliss.

Well, the Gunslinger and the Jet City JCA50H CUSTOM EL34 got their debut last night. HOLY LORD!! Doug and Mike have really outdone themselves on this one. I think there were technical difficulties with my Flip camera but I I may have SOME footage.

This amp is just pure gain-y joy with a distinct British flavor from the EL34'S. Soldano meets savage Marshall. This amp is BADASS and a definite keeper. The choke gives the amp great tightness and grind, and the depth mod is extremely pronounced. You can go from full cut to shaking the walls (literally) with the twist of the knob. Order yours today!!!

GRIMESPACE wrote:

racerevlon wrote:My JCA50H CUSTOM is almost done!! Can't wait!!!

Did you order the one with EL34s, and/or something else?

Sorry--missed this. Ordered the following:

JCA50H CUSTOM
EL34 power valves
Custom metal baffle front
Custom choke mod
Depth Mod

This amp is evil, mean, wicked, and nasty. Clips soon!

This may be in bad form, but i've started a discussion on the Tone King's JCA22H modified by Soldano. Here's the link

viewtopic.php?f=53&t=8139

Still rockin' my JCA22H. Here's a pic from last Saturday:

Hey guys, another new member here. Been searching around for mod ideas on the Jet City amps. If anyone has any suggestions on what to try next that would be awesome

I got a JCA 50H, I have done some custom cosmetic work myself. I run the head through two peavey 212 cabs with Celestion EK-85's, which ive read are very similar to V30's but more bass?
On order I have four JJ 12AX7's, not sure yet to order a fifth, use the chinese 12ax7 somewhere or another brand.
Also waiting on Genelax Gold Lion KT66's for the power section.

If anyones interested I can post a comparison video of stock vs. these tubes once I receive them!

From what I've read, v1,v2,and v5 (PI) are the preamp tubes most critical to tone, although most users wind up replacing all of them.

If be very concerned about the KT66s for your power section, as the transformers aren't set up to supply the additional current needed. Jay has talked on prior postings in this thread about specifying uprated transformers that can accommodate other tubes.

I'd highly recommend looking thorough this thread for mods and tips for what you're asking about.

Welcome, and post some pics of the cosmetic mods!