Splawn Marshall Mods

Schafrocks

I have a JCM 800 50 Watt head. I was thinking of getting the head modified. I heard some sound clips on the Splawn site that are awesome. But I think the ones I heard are Splawn heads. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with his mods on a Marshall?

I'm kinda torn between leaving it alone for collecting purposes because it is in near perfect shape or modding it to go for that perfect tone. I will probably keep it forever but that's what I always say until the price is right.

Also, if anyone has a recommendation on a different mod, I would be open to that as well.

Thanks.

Schaf

dannymusic

Modded Marshalls are unnecessary. The JCM800 is a great foundation for the MILLION different pedals out there. Don't be a fool.

dannymusic

PS, NOone keeps amps forever anymore. GAS is too powerful.

DrMike

I have a marshall head I just restored to original condition.

Most mods seem to push the amp beyond what it was made to handle. The mods tend to make the amp burn through tubes faster and blow the transformer quicker than ordinary.

My opinion, don't do it unless you plan on tossing the amp out and buying a new one in about a year...

Same advice with power brakes and all that other non-sense.

Hendrix had the amps to burn. Tossed-em out right and left. Wish I could do the same and I might consider it.

guitar3456

Bias mods are about all I would do to a Classic JCM. They are easily undone but if you bias it colder to make higher distortions you will change tubes more often. resale will definitely decline on a modded amp. Something to think about.

Schafrocks

Wow!!! That was bruttaly honest for a guy who does Marshall mods. After thinking about it awhile I think I am going to leave it alone. I really haven't had it long enough to experiment with it with all my pedals. If I want a higher gain amp I will save my money and buy one. You gotta love that JCM 800 tone. On the other hand, splawn amps just nail that VH and Lynch tone. That's really the tone I'm into.

Anyway, thanks for the advice.

Schaf

guitar3456

The bias mod will give you more of those tones. It's less tasking to restore the orig specs. Mods where you eliminate components and bypass components are more challenging to restore. One of the biggest questions I ask guys when I do a mod....ARE YOU SURE?? Less than half that bring units in for mods actually have them done. I won't lie to them about it!

They also know the beating some mods take on components. many times it's for a recording project and then they try to reverse it.

you can also look at a Soldano Avenger. A bit cheaper but devastating distortion.