M Fowler wrote:The Express is such a beast of an amp and I am one guitarist that can't use an Express amp to gig with just isn't for me.
But I have heard several guys plug in and get the best tones through some of the Express amps I've built. They know how to work the guitar volume pots.
One day I am going to get some good NOS tubes like you did and hear the difference. I'm sure it does make a lot of difference compared to using new tube stock.
Mark
Mark,
I did notice huge differences with NOS tubes, and can now understand how important tube choice (specially v1), can change the voice of the amp. I would highly recommend the investment in NOS tubes.
Bright switch on is a must when I want cleans AND means. You can certainly dial in a lead only tone, but the cleans will suffer greatly. In any case, the Express feels a bit lifeless without the bright engaged.
You might try removing the diode string across the output transformer. It's not exactly necessary and can be responsible for some noise and ghosting. Mine are gone.
I use a plexiglass shield in front of the Express speaker cabinet. It cuts the perceived volume and enhances the tone to my ear. It really helps the when the amp is grinding. It reduces some of the highs and adds some 'knock' if you know what I mean. Shield is highly recommended. I'm not a big Bonamassa fan, but I picked that up from him. Give credit where it's due. I also run 1x12 closed-back cabinets. Cheap Lopoline cabs that sounded boxy as hell until I cut some 3" ports and added batting. Those cabs, with Eminence Delta Pros, are some of the best cabs I've ever heard. Completely against the 4x12 Greenback 25 wisdom, but it works and it's cheap.
The Express V1 is a tube tester. I've worn out that socket rolling tubes through there. Old RCAs are the right one there for me, but my stash doesn't have all the choices.
Electronic equipment is designed using facts and mathematics, not opinion and dogma.
I will remove diode string and report.
My amp sounds awsome otherwise. "ghosting" only occurs on certain notes. (high A on B string) for example. This phenominum seems to somehow "choke" the sustaining controlled feedback, but ONLY on these few notes!! Wierd!!
As posted in onother thread on blocking distortion, the culprit for the my strange noise, turned out to be a faulty v1 valve (dislodged piece of mica).
"ghosting" only occurs on certain notes. (high A on B string) for example. This phenominum seems to somehow "choke" the sustaining controlled feedback, but ONLY on these few notes!! Wierd!!