Ceriatone Forum

I will pull the trigger on a Ceriatone FM 100 Modern Eagle Mod (likely) or a Ceriatone HRM Bluesmaster this Friday.
I just wanted to get any thoughts on the amps (I have read a lot here) first hand from you guys. I have heard that you can ask Nik to put in a PAD Trimmer and a OD trimmer pot as well and some of you say this is good to add.
The OTS does not have the Post OD tone stack/trimmers like the HRM. I hear from Nik that the OD on the FM is a little lighter and less harsh? than the OTS?. I have also heard that with the "Modern Eagle Mod" it is less bright.
Now I know that the Robben Ford Mod OTHERS talk about is the removal of the Choke and adding in a resistive one for more sag. Is this what is in the FM 100 Modern Eagle?
That said, I do love the Robben Ford tone a lot! Has anyone played, owned or heard a FM 100 ?
The closest I have ever seen anyone get to THE Robben Ford tone (besides Robben live) is with a Mesa Mark I reissue with an EVM-12L, Tubescreamer TS9, Ibanez AD99, Boss Chorus and a Les Paul w/57 Classics. This combo NAILED the Politician, Worried Life blues...etc tone. Robben would have done a double take!
I bought a Mark I and am in the process of getting an EV put in it to try it. STILL I want a D-style amp and GAS calls.
Sooooo... I need advice, any advice from you guys to make sure I am getting what I need!!

Not familiar with the Modern Eagle mod but regarding a choke or not. The "Robben Ford Mod" is adding a resistor instead of a Choke. Yet, Robben has a choke in his Dumbles so it's actually the opposite  :)

Hello Mr. Powers
I am the proud new owner/builder of an OTS FM50 mod eagle. It is fairly new to me ( less than a month old ) so I wont comment too much on the tone other than saying I have not 1 complaint. Until I A/B the amp with a few other amps I wont have anything to compare with.
That being said, the FM modern eagle uses a choke just the same as the other OTS's. I dont know if Robben  Fords uses a choke or not.
I dont believe any OTS are exact clones but they are very close
I have not attempted to achieve RF's tone either, Im really not RF's biggest fan although respect his ability to play the guitar.
I can say that whatever guitar you play through this amp will make a huge tonal difference as well as pup selection and the guitar volume.
As soon as I have more experience with this amp I will post an honest review.
All that said, you could pick any OTS HRM or not and you wont be dissapointed.
Good luck
Be careful these amps are addicting

Thanks Johanare and T Wilcox!

I guess I am trying to figure out what really the Modern Eagle is.
Should have asked that. I would rather have a choke really.
I listened to clips of the OTS, HRM, 183 and really would like them all.
To afford that I would have to build them from kits...
I am buying a C-lator and a Plexi Super bass with the order.
I have had a LOT of emails to Nik and I feel like he has been so helpful that if I ask him any more questions
he will not be able to get anyones amp out the door.
I want a hundred watts because I have 6L6 50 watters now (Vibroverb Custom 15 w/EVM, Rivera Concert, etc). My Mark I reissue needs tubes and an EV and it will be a screamer. Any clean high headroom amp that likes pedals is always good. I am also having Nik build a loop in the super bass 100.


Thanks!!

The modern eagle mod is the same exact amp as the regular FM 50 or 100watt, except about 6 components values are changed a little.
It adds a LNFB switch which I am finding very useful. It changes the whole character of the amp tone
I took the layout from the reg FM and compared with the modern eagle and highlighted the changes, they are very minimal.
Oh it also adds a 3 way switch instead of 2 way for the bright switch for 2 different bright settings. I have not used the bright switch much yet, but when engaged there is a noticeable change in tone.
If you are building this amp you could ask Nik for some extra components that would allow you change from say standard OTS to FM by just resoldering in a few differnent components.
When comparing these different models your not comparing apples to oranges, its more like red apples to green apples they are still apples just taste a little different.
But HRM to non HRM is a different story.
Hope this helps

Got the FM100 Modern Eagle plus 100w Plexi Super Bass w/ C-lator on Thursday!! (both have the loop)
Thanks Nik!!I am enjoying the Plexi a LOT!! I have an Avatar 4x12 w/ Celestion Lead 80s and it puts out the DB for sure.
UPS did crack the rock/jazz toggle DPDT switch on the FM100 so I have bled the filter caps and will be replacing it 'round midnight central...if all goes well.
Got the head cab for the FM100 but not for the Super Bass...had some wicked feedback at first with it but Nik helped with the suggestion to put a metal pan under the chasis...tried a sun shade for a car w/metallic fabric and VOILLA!!It is quiet as can be..
Lots of options for sounds now...plan to use two amps and two cabs for a EJ or Joe Bonamassa type sound..

 ;D

I use that metal tape that is used for sticking along the seams of those metal-faced insulated panels for house building (Hard foam in sheets several inches thick, Kingspan is the major UK manufacturer).
Score it a little after application to get all the sheets to connect, and make sure a chassis bolt goes through it

Replaced the broken DPDT switch in the FM100 with a new one this AM!!!
Amp sounds awesome...ESPECIALLY with the C-lator!!

Switched the LNFB switch to the most pleasing setting (not labeled, 2 choices on bottom of the chasis)
Rock on, deep on, bright in middle of the 3 way, both overdrive knobs set at 10 o'clock, still playing with the others....
Like the footswitch. Amp is very quiet. Playing through a single EVM12L in an open back cab.
Gonna try my Zendrive pedal up front. Have the reverb, tremolo, chorus and delay in the C-lator loop.
Other drive pedals I have are the OCD, TS808, Carl Martin Hot drive and boost plus an EP Booster.
100 watts is VERY loud into a single EV!! This is a versatile AMP!!
The Super Bass is off for the first time in 3 days!!

Ben