Using a strat for the first time in my life ('96 American Standard) and it sings with the Bluesmaster.  The amp is 100w, don't know if that has anything to do with it.  However, I did find that the pickups weren't driving as hard as I wanted them, which I expected.  There are 2 good options for this.  One is to use a line buffer or a clean boost pedal at the beginning of your pedal chain to fatten up the pups.  I have a Smart People Factory Ego Boost (which I think it out of production), but a Keeley Katana or Analogman boost would work really well.  Or, you could try this:
http://this1smyne.com/shop/mb-mini-buffer/
Dan at T1M is fantastic and his stuff is really really cheap, all things considered. 

The other option is to increase the level knob on your compressor, if you are using one.  Either way works well and I've gotten good results with them.


S

Hey Citizen,

When you engage the PAB, it won't necessarily raise the volume level on the OD.  This is because the boost increases gain into the overdrive channel, which gives increased saturation.  I normally play with the PAB always engaged, so I set the Level of the Drive channel slightly higher to compensate for the increased volume I get on the clean channel with the PAB engaged.  Not sure about the mod referenced above.


S

To the OP, best solution is to get the C-lator and put it in the cab like a previous poster recommended.  The Klein does a good job but doesn't have the same volume potental, feel, or warmth of the C.  YMMV

Everyone, 

So for the last few weeks I haven't been playing my BM OTS.  I was finding the OD to be fizzy and rather unremarkable.  Sad, but true.  I had been running an NOS RCA 12ax7 in the V2 and thought that maybe it had gone bad, so switched it to a TAD 7025 Select, which did sound better.  However, it was still not great.  So, I put it down and played acoustic for a while. 

This morning, as I was powering up the amp, I noticed that the Voicing switch was set on Jazz instead of my usual rock.  I flipped it back and BAM the amp was what I remember it to be: RAD. 

So, the point of this thread is to comment on the Jazz voicing of the OTS series.  Full disclosure, I am running a BM 100w with the C-lator, Tung-sol RI in V1/V3 and the RCA in V2, TAD 6L6-GCs.  Though I run pedals, I won't mention them here because I felt the same negative response from the Jazz setting with or without pedals.  As you may have noticed, I am not too much of a fan, though I can see how some would love it.  And yes, it is probably just the style of music I play. 


Thought?

FWIW, Nik did mention on this forum that he did a 200w Overtone in the SSS-style and that amp does have reverb.  Don't know too much more about it though. 

While I appreciate Marin's videos on the C-lator, they really don't showcase the difference between it and the Klein. 

Now, I just got my C-lator back from the shop (shorted out because I busted a switch).  While it was gone, I was using the Klein.  Getting the C-lator back, I realized that it is capable of producing much more volume than the Klein.  It's has more depth.  I know that this is all subjective, but I thought I'd put it out there.

Ax,

Love that Tung-Sol Reissue.  I'm running one in V1 and V3 with an Almost NOS RCA blackplate in the V2.  Now that is sublime, my friends.  EVM-12L + EVM-12S in a Hermida ported cab (just got this, world of difference).  With the C-lator, I am in ALL GOOD. 

Hey Guys,

Soooo, I ran search after search and couldn't find anything on this topic.  To be clear, I'm not asking what type of tube, I know it has to be a 12ax7 or derivative.  I'm looking for recommendations on brands. 

FWIW, I have tried a few.  The JJ's were ok.  I dropped a NOS JAN-Phillips 5751 in there (not recommended, it made the OD sound fizzy/grainy for some reason).  Best so far was the TAD 7025, which I just put in.  It ROCKS.


Stephen

+1 to Wilcox.  Go tuner > wah > amp > Klator  > Reverb > Delay > Effects Return. 

The placement of your reverb and delay is really up to you, but I find that delay is best at the end of the chain.  YMMV. 

Also, you can have Nik build the C-lator into a head cab for you along with the amp.  This makes it easier to transport everything.

Stephen

Excellent suggestions everyone!

Hey Pick,

Yeah, I have the C-lator (out for repairs) and the K-lator.  I prefer the former, but will take the latter over having nothing.

S

Hey All,

I noticed that a lot of us are running a version of the Bluesmaster.  I thought it'd be nice to have a resource we can reference to see how others are setting their amps and why.  I'll start:

Bluesmaster 100w
Type of Music: Underground/Indie Rock, Melodic Distortion, some blues-influenced rock
Guitars: Mostly a Les Paul Studio with Burstbucker Pros.  Also a Blueshawk and Fender Am Strat

Settings:
Bright off
Deep on
Mid on
Rock
Preamp Vol: 3
T/M/B: 6/7/2
Drive: 5
Level: 3
OD Trim: noon
Master: 5
Presence: 5

What I am trying to do is make this a much more versatile amp.  I run mostly in Rock with the PAB on, so I have the clean vol with PAB at the same level as PAB with OD engaged, give or take.  I can still get great sounds without the PAB on in Rock mode, but I prefer it better with it on.  However, when I'm doing blues, I prefer the Jazz setting so I have the TMB set for that EQ curve.  Since I'm usually running the PAB on in Rock, doesn't matter where I set the TMB, but doing it this way, I have essentially a 6 channel amp (with minimal tweaking).  Also, I'm running a Keeley compressor and using a TIM as a preamp boost and to cut down some of the bass from the LP and give a bit of hair to the clean.  I'll try making a clip here soon.


Stephen

One way to go is get some George L cable and connectors (Lava also make some).  No soldering required and you can cut them to the length you need.  I run these between my C-lator and amp which are in the same head cab.

Are you running any effects?  A pedalboard?  Just curious, as two options for you may be 1) run a stereo modulation pedal like the Hardwire reverb or delay or Analogman chorus, or 2) Get a stereo pedalboard like the Furman.  I think you can find the latter used for about $150.

It is, fixxe,

Go with the 100w + lator of some sort.  Better to have the extra wattage and not need it (plus it does sound better), and you can easily dial down the vol with the lator.

Stephen