Is it possible to replace one of the tubes with a SS device to increase the gain capability of this amp???
I think I recall reading this once...???
I think I recall reading this once...???
More Gain From Germino Lead 55:
- Thread starter Inspector #20
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Clockworkmike
Ambassador of STACKS in WV SHACKS
Adrian would be better at explaining this one because he has them i believe, but Jet City has the Retrovalve that is basically an analog tube replacement that does this. I know they are a bit harder to find these days because they're out of production as of now, but supposedly it's a plug and play swap out for 12ax7s that can slightly increase the gain or go full blown depending on the model you choose. Heres a video of it in action and you can certainly hear the difference
Theres another older, truer valved option that could bring out some really heavy gain but reviews were 50/50 on reliability and thats Soldano Hot Mod tube that used a 6K11 and boosted the hell out of the preamp gain but they are long gone and run about $275 if you find one today. Theres Legendary Tones Hot Mod V2 that has one socket and 2 12Ax7s with a switch that you engage and it goes hard as well. Kind of a spiritual successor to the Soldano Hot Mod after the 6K11 became hard to get and ended that production. Again though, bout $275 so not cheap unfortunately!
Amp Mad Scientist
Ambassador of Heresy
Changing tubes to something like Sino will make a pretty big boost.
But if you are willing to do some small mods you can get a lot more.
Like for example using the 2 preamp stages like a 2204, instead of a plexi doubles the preamp sensitivity which is what you really want.
(you want to increase sensitivity not gain)
People often mistake gain boosting, when what they really needed was sensitivity...which is why many amp mods ready don't reach the expectation.
If you are willing to bypass tone controls there is some major potential which you never imagined possible. You could wind up sounding like a $50,000 amp...
(bypassing tone controls is one of Dumble's secrets) it's not as complex as many people believe.
eSGEe
Ferengi Ambassador of Trade
I do have one -- and I have tried it in several amps-- it didnt suck----I didnt try it under "stage stress" --- so -- I mean long term effects of the "tube"
potential issues?
real world use?
not much help.
As I say it didnt suck -- it did give a different tone but not like a HUGE difference......
syscokid
Ambassador of War & Peace
It's possible but the idea of using an SS substitute makes me feel nauseous. Circuit board mods can be simple and more cost effective. Some are not that intrusive, and even a Caveman can do it... I'm referring to myself!
Check out this $30 kit from Granger Amps:
X-Gain Kit - Granger Amplification
Easily add gain to your Plexi, Marshall, or Marshall-style amp! Tones like Van Halen, Dokken, Motley Crue, Whitesnake, etc can be dialed in with the X-Gain mod.
While at Granger Amps, they also do a Jose Master Volume kit, but the complexity and intrusive levels increase.
Amp Mad Scientist
Ambassador of Heresy
syscokid
Ambassador of War & Peace
Another option that may work on the Germino 55 is the V2 Amps "80s Mod Board". You will have to drill a couple small holes for the two switches. But you should contact Mr John McDonald and discuss how it can be implemented into the Germino's circuit. The V2 Mod Board was designed for JCM800 style circuits.
V2 Amplification - Amp Modules
Already own an amp but want to kick it up a little? Our Mod Boards can be added to existing amps to boost gain, fine-tune the low-end response, and put more tonal variations at your fingertips.
v2amplification.weebly.com
OP
I installed Genelex Gold Lion B759's, but bandleader wants more gain.
I told him why not just buy a JCM800 like this studio mule we use???
OP
It's possible but the idea of using an SS substitute makes me feel nauseous. Circuit board mods can be simple and more cost effective. Some are not that intrusive, and even a Caveman can do it... I'm referring to myself!
Check out this $30 kit from Granger Amps:
X-Gain Kit - Granger Amplification
Easily add gain to your Plexi, Marshall, or Marshall-style amp! Tones like Van Halen, Dokken, Motley Crue, Whitesnake, etc can be dialed in with the X-Gain mod.grangeramp.com
While at Granger Amps, they also do a Jose Master Volume kit, but the complexity and intrusive levels increase.
Neat kit...
My question was could a SS plug-in rectifier be used to get him some more gain???
He 'marvels' at my Origin 50's gain production - and I tell him - it's not gain, it's volume....
Clockworkmike
Ambassador of STACKS in WV SHACKS
Are those the Silver Dragons? I had a set of those in a JCM2000 and they really were a kick in the ass in the gain department. I kinda changed gears though and went for a more crunch sound, changed things to JJs and used a 12Au7 on V1 to roll back the gain. But im always tinkering and may go back to the Silver Dragons someday
Clockworkmike
Ambassador of STACKS in WV SHACKS
They do have SS swap outs for the rectifier tube. They allegedly take away the sag from the tube and tighten up your sound and you have the advantage of not having to change them as often.
Tube Amp Doctor Solid-State Rectifier - StewMac
Tube Amp Doctor Solid State Rectifier
syscokid
Ambassador of War & Peace
IMO...: No. SS rectifier will increase voltages very slightly, make the amp's response more punchier, and loose the sag you get from a tube rectifier.
Amp Mad Scientist
Ambassador of Heresy
2203/2204 is a better way, or a Studio Classic 800 which is 20 watts (right?)
If you can buy an 800, I would definitely do that.
Typically most inexpensive or "plug in" mods are not that great and add a lot of noise. They are made from cheap parts. They also tend to sound farty when pushed and have slow over-compressed response.
But I can change the Germino wiring into a 2204, or other mods. So I just mod it.
I can understand that most people don't know how to do that.
Amp Mad Scientist
Ambassador of Heresy
My question was could a SS plug-in rectifier be used to get him some more gain???
no
OP
You need to meet our bandleader...LOL
OP
Ok, that's good info!!!
OP
I told him just by a Laney or an Engl...
Clockworkmike
Ambassador of STACKS in WV SHACKS
The Laney Ironheart's have gain for days as does the Engl Powerball series, though much pricier. I believe you can score an Ironheart 60w in very good used condition for about $700 these days, $1200 new.
