Actually from what I've seen the vast majority (about 90%) of the 12 series Super Lead amps were split-cathode. Most of the share-cathode amps tend to be early within the 12 series and become more sparse as the series progresses.I don't think the chances are high that a split cathode would have been stock on a 12XXX, though maybe a small percentage were.
It’s funny to me that 1) people keep getting into these discussions and that 2) I will read all of it. I think it’s fascinating, yet I have no inclination to sound like EVH. I will say that I wish more players would seek their own tone than try to chase EVH’s.I appreciate the knowledge base here but I'm also of the opinion people tend to overthink it.
From what I understand Eddie got the amp from a club he worked at and who’s to know that it was original unaltered when he got it. I read somewhere it had been sitting and when he took it home and plugged in, he flipped it on and the smoke came out. I can’t prove any of this but I read it somewhere.
That is when it had dawn on him that he could control the level of the amps output by voltage.All the fuss and over hype . Back then it was simple . Ed knew . 100 watts great tone - too loud . Simple . Starve the beast with a simple light dimmer / switch . Yup , the old fashioned rotary ones . No " sh-variac " needed . Evereyone thought over-volt , nope . Undervolt it .." brown " it out . Hense the brown sound . Simple as that . $4.99 . Dont mod your amps . Stop over complicating .
I have said before Eddie used many effects that cost way more than any of the amplifiers in his sound.
So did Jimmy Page and others.
All you have to do is listen to their final recorded or live sound.
That is why I would never modify any amplifier to achieve a specific sound.
A good effects loop in a good amplifier is better than any other amplifier voicing modification in this realm.
Marshall already made the ultimate Plexi bedroom amp and they also made the perfect JCM 800 bedroom amp the problem is they only made them in 2012 .I don’t think PPIMVs are the ticket to Plexi paradise at bedroom levels, personally. They mess with the feedback loop around the power section, changing the feel and the EQ of the amp, and making the presence control useless. I think a good attenuator is a better solution.
Marshall already made the ultimate Plexi bedroom amp and they also made the perfect JCM 800 bedroom amp the problem is they only made them in 2012 .
If anybody is not convinced this super low watt Plexi delivers early VH sound to perfection than listen for yourself :
JMP 1 WATT SOUNDS BELOW:
Lonely is the night
Running with the devil
Jamies Crying
Lay it down
JCM 800 1 WATT SOUNDS BELOW:
If Marshall made these a year round stock item like everybody has been wanting them to they would sell tens of millions year in year out . The current DSL 1 watt SUCKS in comparison to these 50th anniversary models.
Besides having monster chops, this guy is playing an EVH replica guitar through a stock 1974x 18-watt combo (!). Sounds like legit Van Halen tone to me.
While I don’t disagree with this sentiment, I do appreciate the research, investigation and knowledge imparted by those who have “done the math” trying to understand why these iconic amps and the players who use them sound like they do.[sarcasm] Gee, I wonder what brand bright cap he is using to get that tone?[/sarcasm]
Off the shelf MIM guitar, a few simple effects, STOCK Marshall circuit. If you aren’t getting the same results, it’s your technique and no amount of gear purchasing or modding will get you there.
While I don’t disagree with this sentiment, I do appreciate the research, investigation and knowledge imparted by those who have “done the math” trying to understand why these iconic amps and the players who use them sound like they do.
Like another poster said, I’ve read this entire thread even though I’m not looking to replicate EVH tone. It’s fascinating!
The EVH Wolfgang pickup in that guitar(the clip listed above)play a big part of that sound