Dumb question regarding one of Dr. Ika's mods:

Removing the .05uf cap at V1 -
Does that mean replace with wire, or break that connection?

Random thoughts:
I've had my OTS for about 2 years now and still not getting what I want out of it, though its getting close.
Currently running pine 2 x 12 diagonal cab with a pair of G12H30's. I found the EVM's to be somewhat sterile.
So I'm ready to try some mods. This amp is my first and only build.

I'm pretty happy with the OD tone, though I'm not getting the sustain/feedback thing much.
I have to play around with the PI, - I used the DCV method, but I'm going to try adjusting it by ear.
I'd like the clean to be more compressed, less stiff.
Some of Dr. Ika's mods seem to be the way to go.

Thanks again to Nik and many of you for helping me during the build.
I couldn't have done it without you!
Cheers,
Jon

hywelg, thanks for the advice.
I'm going to tackle the mods one at a time so I can gauge the effect, and I want to start with the easiest ones.

So my question at the moment is: Do I replace the NFB cap with wire, or just remove it from the circuit?
Thanks

Thank you Dr.  Yes, I'll put a switch.  Just wasn't sure if any signal should still flow through that path.
Your mod calls for a 3-way.  So I assume the tone with the other (470pf) cap is sort of half-way between the .05uf cap and no connection.  Is that right?

Muchos Gracias, Dr.
I'll report my results/opinion in the next while.
My next gig isn't until next week, and I can only REALLY tell what's what after a gig or 2.
Like the EVM's - sounded good at bedroom levels, but got somewhat harsh when pushed a bit.
I had 2 of them - one was quite a bit darker sounding than the other.  At home, I thought the darker one had more mojo, but on the gig, I hated it.  The brighter one sounded more 'right', but in the end I didn't like the tone of either of them enough to put up with the weight.  (I'm getting old!).

Love your playing and tone, BTW.

PickMaster,
Thanks for the speaker tip. I'm pretty happy with my pair of G12H30's, but still willing to experiment.

I performed the V1 NFB mod, and so far, I'm liking it a lot.
Ever since I got the amp, I couldn't decide if 'my' tone was with the Deep switch on or off.
I like the ballsyness when its on, but I always wished the boost had a lower center frequency.
Now, with the NFB mod, it makes the Deep setting sound less honkey and more useable.
Its just like you said - fatter, a bit more compressed, a bit more gain.  Its really making my Strat sing better.
Can't wait to try it at a gig.
Thank you.

I'm probably going to try the slope resistor mod next.  I've never seen those plain brown resistors before.
What are they called? and what wattage?  Can I substitute something I have laying around - like a regular 1/4 watt color coded type.

Hywelg,
Thanks for the info.
I'll try to source those at my local electronics shop.
Otherwise, I'll have to order from Mouser or similar, in which case I'll have to figure out what else to order.
I don't really want to place an order and pay shipping for 1 resistor!!!!

Hi Guitar,
I’m glad that you are happier with your tone now.
Best wishes   

Hi Captain,
Couple of suggestions: definitely change 150k resistor to 100k or less on X-line after 0,005mf cap. This would open a drive tone and volume.
Reduce drive gain a bit with the trim pot.
If you increase X-line’s 0,005mf cap to 0,01mf, drive will have more bass on it but try first above mod without cap change.
Also, if you increase big filter cap’s capacitance (add more capacitors) it will tighten amps overall bass response a little bit.
Cheers.