Marshall Amp Forum  

Go Back   Marshall Amp Forum > The Amps > Marshall Amps

  

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-15-2009, 12:02 PM   #91 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
Shawn Fate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 458
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Quote:
Originally Posted by marshallhonk View Post
I have to tell you I'm surprised... I consider the JCM 900 4100 to be the holy grail. I'm on my 3rd one... I keep selling them for "nicer amps".. ie several mesa stiletto's, roadster, 2ch recto, the kerry king 800, a silver jubilee combo,... I keep coming back to the 900's I LOVE the distortion, I alway do a full re-tube with JJ E34L's and ECC83's. I get mass gain and mass bass. I just picked up a 4102 that I am converting into a separate head and cab, white stained pine... it looks sweet.

For me the holy grail is a 100watt dual reverb and a 1960A. can't be beat!!!
I really want to try out a 2203KK.
Shawn Fate is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2009, 12:12 PM   #92 (permalink)
Super Moderator
 
Adwex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 1,631
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Quote:
Originally Posted by marshallhonk View Post
I have to tell you I'm surprised... I consider the JCM 900 4100 to be the holy grail. I'm on my 3rd one... I keep selling them for "nicer amps".. ie several mesa stiletto's, roadster, 2ch recto, the kerry king 800, a silver jubilee combo,... I keep coming back to the 900's I LOVE the distortion, I alway do a full re-tube with JJ E34L's and ECC83's. I get mass gain and mass bass. I just picked up a 4102 that I am converting into a separate head and cab, white stained pine... it looks sweet.

For me the holy grail is a 100watt dual reverb and a 1960A. can't be beat!!!
Mine was a 50 watter, with stock tubes. Maybe I shoulda re-tubed it. The distortion was very "grainy", like sandpaper. Not smooth at all. Maybe the 100's are better. The clean channel was pretty good though.
Adwex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2009, 01:13 PM   #93 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
LesPaulopolis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 250
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Man, I gotta retube my 4100...stoked to hear it with E34L's and ECC83's. Sounds pretty good w/Sovtek EL34's but I think it could "cut" a little more in the full band setting. Will those tubes help with that? Practicing on my own it sounds great but w/another guitar, bass and singer the "clarity" could be a little better.
__________________
'68 RI LP Custom
JCM900 + EQ & Boost
LesPaulopolis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2009, 02:01 PM   #94 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 10
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

the KK is not bad, just not a good distortion as the 900. I briefly had a dsl that I quickly chucked.

The best thing about the 900 is how it plays with you... It just feel smooth, like it knows what sound I want, loud, soft solo, or chunk... with all my mesa's I always felt like I was fighting them. Although I will say on general audio quality and clairity the mesa crushes any marshall I've heard. but as far as playablity and mojo... marshall hands down.

Maybe it is the tubes, I've never played a jcm 900 with anything except for JJ E34L's and high gain ECC83's

We play drop D stuff, and when I palm mute... I get mass chunk. I don't miss my mesa recto or stiletto at all as far as bottom end goes.
marshallhonk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2009, 02:05 PM   #95 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
Shawn Fate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 458
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

thanks to steelhorse I put JJ 34 L 's in my SLX...still been gassing for a 2203kk though...but I am a big old school slayer fan.
Shawn Fate is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-16-2009, 01:47 AM   #96 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 1
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Havent seen any mention of the 2xxx series JCM900 - the 'high gain master volume' models. These are single channel but have two volume controls that are footswitchable. No reverb is one difference between the 2xxx series and the 4xxx series. The other is the tone - the voicing seems completely different - as previous posts have said, my 2502 combo is like a regular 50w Marshall with a built in OD pedal that you dial in using the 'sensitivity' knob. However, unlike a 4xxx, a 2xxx series doesnt do clean, but everything beyond that is great. I bought mine new in 91 and still have it, and have never gigged with anything else. It produces great rock tone at low (or high) volumes. Viva diodes!!

Other reasons JCM900s get a bad rap in the US are:
1) EL34s were in short supply so a whole bunch were shipped over with 6550s. But of course you can retube and rebias with (Svetlana winged =C=) EL34s to check those out
2) The 2xxx series have no reverb, but all have effects loops so this is easily redressed
Gryphon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-29-2009, 11:30 PM   #97 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
joshuaaewallen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 372
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Quote:
Originally Posted by coldsteal2 View Post
you can play through the regular gain channel and bypass
the diode cliping on the 900.
Are the JCM2000's diode clipping or strait to the tubes? I have a TSL122 and am curious how it's distortion is achieved.
__________________
Josh

2004 PRS Custom 24 10 Top
Dean Caddy w/ Bare Knuckles Nail Bombs (This One's For Sale, Just Let Me Know If You Are Interested)
1999 Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 122
- Power Tubes: JJ EL34L's
- Assorted New & Vintage pre-amp tubes... I like to roll...

HardWire DL-8 Delay/Looper


http://irkinempire.spaces.live.com/

"... When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all." - Futurama
joshuaaewallen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-30-2009, 03:01 PM   #98 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
coldsteal2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Chico, CA
Posts: 1,555
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

in the OD channels it does
coldsteal2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2009, 05:47 PM   #99 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
MikeJSchmidt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Shakopee, MN
Posts: 9
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Diode clipping rocks!

Mike
__________________
JCM Slash into 200watt celestion equiped cabinets
MikeJSchmidt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2009, 04:09 PM   #100 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
Hollowbody's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Tulsa / Northern Texas.
Posts: 271
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Quote:
Originally Posted by coldsteal2 View Post
I'm telling ya! i run into it just about every day
on forums.
They buy reissue guitars, with vintage pickups,
wiring, capacitors and pots, NOTHING ELSE WILL DO.
Then have to have a vintage tube amp or reissue amp (PTP or nothing)
then put 25 transistor stomp boxes in between their guitar and their
vintage amp then whine about a diode in a 900.....

go figure

What about those of us who do all these things you described, or at least pay close attention to an amp on component level and are stringent with the rest of our signal chain and DON'T put a buch of transistor stompboxes in front of our rig and STILL bitch about diode clipping?

(In a 900 or otherwise)
Hollowbody is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2009, 04:54 PM   #101 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
joshuaaewallen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 372
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

I'm as fascinated about the components that go into getting your ultimate tone as anyone else here, but in the end equation... Since music really is all about our ears, then what really matters is if the tone gets our juices flowing... Regardless of what it takes to get us there.

Personally... With or without diode clipping and pedals, nothing floats my boat like the roar of a good Marshall tube amp. Long live Rock & Roll!

__________________
Josh

2004 PRS Custom 24 10 Top
Dean Caddy w/ Bare Knuckles Nail Bombs (This One's For Sale, Just Let Me Know If You Are Interested)
1999 Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 122
- Power Tubes: JJ EL34L's
- Assorted New & Vintage pre-amp tubes... I like to roll...

HardWire DL-8 Delay/Looper


http://irkinempire.spaces.live.com/

"... When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all." - Futurama
joshuaaewallen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2009, 05:09 PM   #102 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
steelhorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 3,888
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

I applaud you joshua! heh
__________________
www.ricojronline.com
760-956-6619
Garmopat Pedal Mods

"
I wouldn't mind hearing your head smash through a glass door. That would be cool..." luekmeyer



steelhorse is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2009, 05:52 PM   #103 (permalink)
Super Moderator
 
Adwex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 1,631
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Not sure if this helps the discussion, but here are my observations.....

I've owned two Marshall heads (and a rack rig, but that doesn't apply here).

My first tube Marshall was a JCM 900 50 watt dual channel head. It had diode clipping.
It sounded like crap...very "grainy" distortion, with no low end whatsoever.

My second, and current Marshall is a 2555 100 watt Silver Jubilee. It has diode clipping.
It sounds great...smooth distortion, with that "hollow" attack, almost 3D sound. I've been told to "turn down the bass".
Adwex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2009, 07:11 PM   #104 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
Hollowbody's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Tulsa / Northern Texas.
Posts: 271
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

I have owned an 800 a 900 and a Jubilee 2550 50 watt head. The only one I have now is the Jubilee. They all sounded really good. On the Jubilee you can switch the diodes in or out. There are times when I hear the harsh sound when the diodes are switched in on the rythm clip.

I am doing some research on mods for the clipping circuit, and I completely agree with Josh.

Last edited by Hollowbody; 02-06-2009 at 08:24 PM. Reason: Because I completely agree with Josh, and I wanted to see if my signature would show up.
Hollowbody is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2009, 08:25 PM   #105 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
Hollowbody's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Tulsa / Northern Texas.
Posts: 271
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Where is it?
Hollowbody is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2009, 08:26 PM   #106 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
Hollowbody's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Tulsa / Northern Texas.
Posts: 271
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

oh, sorry. it's there.

...Geez

I'm new at this, can you tell?

Last edited by Hollowbody; 02-06-2009 at 08:30 PM. Reason: now where did all the multi-colored smilie faces go? this isin't going how I planned.
Hollowbody is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2009, 03:48 PM   #107 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
HOT TUBES 70's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SASKATOON
Posts: 1,675
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hollowbody View Post
I have owned an 800 a 900 and a Jubilee 2550 50 watt head. The only one I have now is the Jubilee. They all sounded really good. On the Jubilee you can switch the diodes in or out. There are times when I hear the harsh sound when the diodes are switched in on the rythm clip.

I am doing some research on mods for the clipping circuit, and I completely agree with Josh.
by changing the diodes to different values etc, you radically change the
personality of an amp , i had a 2205 and all i did was change the diodes
to a pair of 1n34a germainiums and it instantly changed the "buzzy"
distortion to a sweet warm distortion that was nothing like itself before.

so it depends on the amp in question i guess .
HOT TUBES 70 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2009, 04:01 PM   #108 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
steelhorse's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 3,888
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Quote:
Originally Posted by HOT TUBES 70 View Post
by changing the diodes to different values etc, you radically change the
personality of an amp , i had a 2205 and all i did was change the diodes
to a pair of 1n34a germainiums and it instantly changed the "buzzy"
distortion to a sweet warm distortion that was nothing like itself before.

so it depends on the amp in question i guess .
It makes logical sense HT.

According to the dude I got the Dual Recto from he asked the Mesa tech he wanted more gain and depth but wanted it to be tight and apparently the tech replaced 1 or 2 of the diodes and he said it made a noticeable difference. He's had the amp for almost 13 years then he decided he wanted a Marshall and that's how I wound up with it.
__________________
www.ricojronline.com
760-956-6619
Garmopat Pedal Mods

"
I wouldn't mind hearing your head smash through a glass door. That would be cool..." luekmeyer



steelhorse is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2009, 04:31 PM   #109 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
DrVintage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Heerhugowaard (Netherlands)
Posts: 18
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Quote:
Originally Posted by RachelMorgan View Post
What I find quite funny is how people will absolutely say how tube overdrive is the best and all sorts of stuff like that, then have no qualms about sticking a bunch of solid state overdrive and distortion pedals in front of their amp. So you've got an all tube cascading gain circuit and you stick a tubescreamer in fron of it to tighten it up or push it that little bit more. So yeah, why not put one directly inside the amp?
For every type of pedal has it's own characteristics, combined with the tube warmth.
If i play on my 6100LE with TAD's as outputs, i prefer for a slightly bluesrock style my A-Man TS808 Brown mod on the clean channel, it gives me a crunch i can't get with tweaking the crunch channel (2) or the lead (3) alone without the effect.
It is all in the most preferred coloration in combination with the tube saturation (that even an overdrivecircuit inside the amp can't give me)
______________________________________

If i am happy about the sound, so are they!
DrVintage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2009, 04:39 PM   #110 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
DrVintage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Heerhugowaard (Netherlands)
Posts: 18
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Damn, sorry i'm a bit late with that comment, but what i mean=:
it's all in the spices you add (ss or tube no matter what), that form the taste.
I have some modded pedals i really like using in combination with my tubes, but also i always use a tape delay (RE-201) and it gives me more than the SDD2000's i have.
So the preferred coloration is determined by the complete signal channel, and not only by an amp,guitar,or fx.
_______________________________
If i am happy about the sound, so are they!

Last edited by DrVintage; 02-08-2009 at 04:04 AM.
DrVintage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-07-2009, 08:32 PM   #111 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
coldsteal2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Chico, CA
Posts: 1,555
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hollowbody View Post
What about those of us who do all these things you described, or at least pay close attention to an amp on component level and are stringent with the rest of our signal chain and DON'T put a buch of transistor stompboxes in front of our rig and STILL bitch about diode clipping?

(In a 900 or otherwise)
well they wouldnt be the ones that i would be talking
about
coldsteal2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-08-2009, 08:18 PM   #112 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
Hollowbody's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Tulsa / Northern Texas.
Posts: 271
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Thanks Hot Tubes, you just clairified for me which diodes I should try. I had even posted that part number some where else in a different conversation but wasn't completely sure.

I realize the change won't be identical due to many factors and tolerances but it is a start. The problem I was running into was something I had read about germanium diodes having a lower threshold which would mean harder clipping, which, in a SS circuit (or in this case the solid state part of a tube circuit) sometimes translates into a fizzy sound at higher imput levels but I am running at a lower gain with passive PU's and a 12ay7 in my first slot I should be ok. I guess I could by a bunch of diodes and sort them out and run some well marked alligator clips out of the chassis and try them all. I know I would have to make sure my amp was off each time.

You are right Cold Steal2. I figure I can only bitch about my own amp without asuming everyone else is having the same problem.

Crap, now I have to go and drain my filter caps again, never any time these days for practise.
Hollowbody is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2009, 09:37 AM   #113 (permalink)
Super Moderator
 
Adwex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 1,631
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hollowbody View Post
I have owned an 800 a 900 and a Jubilee 2550 50 watt head. The only one I have now is the Jubilee. They all sounded really good. On the Jubilee you can switch the diodes in or out. There are times when I hear the harsh sound when the diodes are switched in on the rythm clip.

I am doing some research on mods for the clipping circuit, and I completely agree with Josh.
I recently was told by someone I trust that the diodes are always in the path, even without the rhythm clip pulled out. Apparently you can see the LED's lighting up if you play the amp with the chassis removed from the box.

By the way, I NEVER use that rhythm clip thing...sounds awful to me.
Adwex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2009, 01:44 PM   #114 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
Hollowbody's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Tulsa / Northern Texas.
Posts: 271
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Yeah, the rhythm clip is a cool idea but I have been rolling off my GTR volume to accomplish the same thing. I thought the rhythm clip was the only part of the amp that used that set of diodes, I need to take another look at my schematics.

If I do get this done and it sounds good enough I will see if I can put a relay in and make it footswitchable. I could have all three settings available on the floor. My amp tech said that the 800's use a relay and the 900's use a transistor for channel switching..

I wonder if there is anyway to replace a diode clipping circuit with a tube driven clipping circuit. I guess there would have to be enough room in the chassis and a way to run the heater power and all the peripheral components. If it were possible I would be tempted to try different tubes, maybe an EF86, or who knows.

I know I should turn it over to my amp tech but if I do then I won't learn. He is very generous with his knowledge and an all around cool guy but I need more hands on. He will probably slap down this crazieness, like the time I suggested a footswitchable bypass for the tonestack.

I know I am dragging this on but, My perception of how my amp sounds is not based on any terminology, it is based on what I am hearing. I could care less about the stigma behind the use of tubes or diodes. Believe me, if I could shove a stuffed beenie baby toy, or maybe put or a burrito in the socket and make it sound better, I would be making daily trips to Taco Bell.

...time for lunch, later.
Hollowbody is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2009, 02:02 PM   #115 (permalink)
Super Moderator
 
Adwex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 1,631
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

HAHA, "the beanie baby/burrito mod".
Those things sound awesome LOL.
Adwex is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2009, 10:50 PM   #116 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: OC...Michigan
Posts: 8
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

I know that this is quite a touchy subject. I haven't cranked a JCM900...but at showroom volume, the ones I've tried all sounded awesome. I will say IMO that it depends on the power tubes. I had a Carvin Belair and it used diodes in the drive-and 4 EL-84's. I didn't like it at all...too smooth and compressed...no dynamics-just flatlined. I've been told that the mod's to remove the diodes from that circuit are pretty popular. The question-why add diodes to a country and western amp???
sinrman68 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2009, 12:06 AM   #117 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
coldsteal2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Chico, CA
Posts: 1,555
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

i think my 900 sounds great
coldsteal2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2009, 12:35 AM   #118 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
HOT TUBES 70's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SASKATOON
Posts: 1,675
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hollowbody View Post
Thanks Hot Tubes, you just clairified for me which diodes I should try. I had even posted that part number some where else in a different conversation but wasn't completely sure.

I realize the change won't be identical due to many factors and tolerances but it is a start. The problem I was running into was something I had read about germanium diodes having a lower threshold which would mean harder clipping, which, in a SS circuit (or in this case the solid state part of a tube circuit) sometimes translates into a fizzy sound at higher imput levels but I am running at a lower gain with passive PU's and a 12ay7 in my first slot I should be ok. I guess I could by a bunch of diodes and sort them out and run some well marked alligator clips out of the chassis and try them all. I know I would have to make sure my amp was off each time.

You are right Cold Steal2. I figure I can only bitch about my own amp without asuming everyone else is having the same problem.

Crap, now I have to go and drain my filter caps again, never any time these days for practise.
Also , if and when you find your clipping diodes , try and put 2 or 3 in series
but start with one and work your way up , my 2205 needed 2 inseries to make
it sound good , and what i mean by good is ......WARM TUBES if you know
what i mean , i'm going to also try this on my 6100 LM amp !!!

good luck !!
HOT TUBES 70 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2009, 10:08 PM   #119 (permalink)
Senior Member
 
joshuaaewallen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 372
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

Quote:
Originally Posted by 5er driver View Post
steelhorse - I know you weren't singling out the SL-X, that was actually a nice highlight. I didn't know Kiss used them, I thought they weren't very reliable when used hard. A bridge rectifier or something like that tends to over heat & burn out? So far no probs with mine with moderate use. And you're right, the JCM 900 detractors nock them all.
5er driver... You have the best avatar ever!!!

Rock on!

__________________
Josh

2004 PRS Custom 24 10 Top
Dean Caddy w/ Bare Knuckles Nail Bombs (This One's For Sale, Just Let Me Know If You Are Interested)
1999 Marshall JCM 2000 TSL 122
- Power Tubes: JJ EL34L's
- Assorted New & Vintage pre-amp tubes... I like to roll...

HardWire DL-8 Delay/Looper


http://irkinempire.spaces.live.com/

"... When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all." - Futurama
joshuaaewallen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-12-2009, 01:01 PM   #120 (permalink)
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 12
Re: What The Hell Is Diode Clipping????

DIdn't Jason Becker use a 900 on DLR Skyscraper? If he used it, Im sure it has mass potential. Plus, that tone he got, feels like paradise or something, sounds nice and classic-open sounding in the intro, open chordal tones, very early marshall sounding
Bunnest is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply



Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:34 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.2
Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

Our Network: Les Paul Forum | Music Gear Forum | 7 String Guitar Forum