Hey All,

I've been lurking as I have a Marshall Combo on consignment... The plan is to take the cash from that and pick up a kit from Ceriatone Overtone FM50 Mod Eagle, but I'm wanting to go a little outside the box with this rig... You see, I play mainly in church settings and I typically will have my amp isolated out of sight and reach. I currently use a Bill M modded Blues Junior, but though a great little amp, it doesn't do anything but provide a nice clean warm sound... I use pedals to do the rest (this isn't optimum, but it is better than any modeler I've played through.) Because of where and how I have to use this thing, I thought about adding some extras to the stock amp.

First: It'll be a head with a separate speaker cabinet.  This is a no-brainer as I don't put the amp in an iso-cabinet (heat).  Even still, I won't be able to have my hands on the amp, so hence my "plans".

Well, these "extras" include the addition of an external footswitch for those switches typically on the faceplate... I have to "remote" them for use from the stage.  It'll likely be 15-20 feet of cable from my location of the stage to the amp plus another 10' to the speaker cab... I think it is easy to see why I need to have the controls outboard of the amp!

I've read of a number of mods on here, some of which I may have to try at some point once I get it "home".  I was going to order the complete 60W kit/Package 2 and do the rest myself.  I have some time, but I've read that there are many players on here that have substituted other trannies, tubes, etc.  If that is a common issue, please say so!!!

So: 1) Modding the switches, anybody done it?; 2) Are "factory" mods common, accepted, worth it; 3) Any advice of red flags from anyone?

Thanks for any advice or information!!!

Hey man
I built the OTS FM50 Modern eagle as my first kit build.
Its a great amp, and I am still learning new uses for its settings all the time.

You should contact Nik by email and express your tonal desires, using as many descriptions you can think of.

As far as "modding switches" that is pretty vague ?
Lots of the guys on this site do all kinds of various mods as required. They are usually seasoned builders I would suppose.

What mods do you refer to?

Are you going to build this kit?Or pre-built?

Todd

The questions you ask are very common for 'new' users of Dumble style amps.

98% of all users have the switches set like this: Bright: Off, Mid Off, Rock/Jazz: Rock
Some people (me included) have put the mid boost functionality on a relay, so it can foot switched - I never use it.

As you know there's a lot of difference between playing at home situation, where you can experiment with all kinds of settings - and really hear every small difference in tone. However, at rehearsal with a band or playing gigs, take my word for it, you have more than enough options with OD and PAB footswitch. Dumble knew what he did - and his amps are designed for studio or live use. These are the situations where this amp shines - not home use.

Have fun with your amp!

BTW, the PAB sound really strange at home, but but but when you play with a band, its a different story...it actually help focus your lead tone and works fine for Blues, Rock and fusion.

Todd,

How do you like it??? Did you assemble it yourself?  What sold you on the Mod Eagle vs. the other options??

Thanks,

Kevin

I live in Europe - and that's exactly what I did.
Bought the kit without tubes and trannies and bought these in EU to save import duties and freight cost.

Well in the Dumble community I might get burned at the stake for saying this, but I started with just 1 WGS ET-65 and it was a little Dark for my taste. I since got 2x12 cab and added a WGS Vet30 to the Et-65 and it sounds great IMO.
A majority of D-style players will say the V30's sound horrible with these amps, I do not agree!

Never tried a 15" but have heard one guy using a Jensen 15" and he said he's happy with sound.

The most recommended speaker will be the Celestion G12-65. The WGS ET-65 is a clone of that which cost's 1/3 of the price.

Then there is the expensive stuff ( Alnico's , EV12L )

Good day!

Todd

If you get the PT from somewhere other than Nik or Mercury magnetics you will have to also add another small 6 volt trannie for the relay switching I believe!
I was going to get them somewhere else until I found this out!
Maybe Bluesfendermanblues can tell you exactly what you will need for this!
Just throwin that out before its too late!

I did get my trannies from Magnetic components for my 2550 build with no problems other than I am colorblind and hooked the primaries wrong the first time! A learning experience!

Todd

Thank you
I just used MC iron on my 2550 build and it turned out very well!
Which OT did you end up using with your amp?


Todd