Ceriatone Forum

Ok, I know what Overtone Special "183"  is and Overtone Special Ford Mustang as well.

...but I don't know what Overtone HRM MK2 is all about.


Anybody knows?

Looks like a Emerald Pro from Two Rock with some tweaks. That sure would explain the MK=K&M=Two Rock

I've always thought it a rather curious, odd thing that Nik does not provide any descriptions of any of his amps , on the Ceriatone website. What's with that?

We had 4 models to choose from and that was pretty hard to make a choice, now we've got SEVEN models! welcome to hell-paradise  ???

Only it has no reverb. Why has Nik chosen to not add verb any of his amp. What happened to the SSS Nik was working on, anybody know the real scoop on any of these new models?

no verb is simpler and it actually makes the amp perform differently. Usually you get better tone W/o reverb implimented. Hence why HAD didnt make to many reverb amps. Also it gives you the option of using any verb device you like, and youre not just stuck with the amps reverb.

 Point taken. I guess I'm getting fed up with having to lug all the gear it takes to make time based effects work :) I like the results although (I've never been more happy with my rig, ever!). From a grab and go stand point Had wasn't to keen on craming the amp with features. Probably because he catered to pro guitar players that had roadies.  Most of his models were available with verb although: The SSS, Dumbleland special (150w), Overdrive reverb, 300sl. Overdrive 150w.

No one has mentioned the layouts that are under "Docs"
I see the HRM and the 183 contain EL34 valves.
Perhaps someone with more understanding could spot any other points with the components?

Tone

The Ford Mustang is a clone of Robben Fords amp, well more accurately it's a clone of a clone - the cloned amp in question being a Bludodrive Ojai. The most obvious change is in the Presence circuit (Global Negative Feedback) which contains a 2.2 uF capacitor. This will change the tonal characteristics of the amp and give a different range of operation to the Presence control. More brightness available.

The 183 is an Overdrive special with serial number 183. It was an EL 34 based amp that was bought by a well known Gear Page forumite for a lot of cash ($50,000 has been mentioned); and he paid a US based amp builder to clone it. I think that he then sold the original amp. The 'guts' of both of these amps have been 'shared' and discussed on the ampgarage forum although there is a fair amount of disquiet over Niks use of this information - I'll stay out of that discussion.

I'm not sure about the HRM MK 2, It's a revision on the HRM so it could just be Mark 2. The Emmy Pro is a well known Two-Rock take on the Overdrive Special HRM so there is a chance that it is based on that. I haven't looked too closely at the revised diagram, the comments state that the LNFB has been removed from V2 which will give a bit more gain / loosen up the feel a bit.

Is the biggest diff for the HRM mk2 that it's set up for EL34s?

Is the tonestack mostly the same as the old HRM? (I'm in the car, so can't check)
- other than the neg feedback tweak.

I guess an HRM with EL34s would be a nice variation
 

Here is a clip where ODS #183 is played side by side with the Clone made by Quinn Amps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jggkxsIiyKI

The clone is on the left hand side and played first.

Here's a clip of the Bludodrive Ojai

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCEgQu6QE4E&NR=1

I have a rack pre-amp coming from Shad @ Quinn amps of "183" with ftsw'able FET to run with the D-lator/Pwr amp of my Bluesmaster. It will have some NOS parts.I'll have it in a month of so.I'll report when i get it,followed by clips.  It would be cool to compare it to a Ceriatone 183.

Well EL34 is not a big change at all.... you could easily put EL34 in a standard HRM and see what is does to your amp.
The mk2 has several changes which are more important... like no bright cap on the OD level pot, precision style PS board, no LNFB on V1b, hi plate values on the OD channel, different treble pot on the HRM board and some other little tweaks here and there.
I would like to know which amp is this suppose to be.
 ;)

@mcinku, I read somewhere that the MKII is supposed to be a Two Rock amplifier, probably the Emerald Pro, which is often nicknamed an "Emmy".

Anybody know any good clips of this amp...

... I guess I could always try youtube.
 ;)

Maybe a "golden word" from Nik should bring light in all this model-jungle?  :-\
He's the one who knows the differences between all the model?!

Well I asked Nik if MK2 is Emerald Pro and he said, he never even saw E-Pro in person.
MK2 is just another take to HRM D-style amp from Nik... something more in line with the real thing.
 ;)

Okay, that was freaking insane playing right at the very end!

If the clone is first, that's really good! I didn't see your note above at first, and preferred the first one anyway. So, would one just tell Shad to make one a "#183"? ;)

 Yes, his version is obviously more accurate. If you own a dumble style amp already his Preamps are a great alternative to owning multiple amps. I got a #183 pre on order from Shad right now with ftsw''able FET. I'll be sure to post some clips for everyone when I get it.