Hello,

Tim Caswell modified a 100 watt Marshall Tremolo head at S.I.R sound and created a legend (the infamous #39).  I've been contemplating one of the 36 watt heads for all the benefits...half power, EF-86 channel, master volume...then I remember reading about Lee Jackson putting an extra preamp tube in all those Marshalls in the 80's and 90's...and the truth breaks about #39...now I'm thinking Bluesbreaker.

Question is, how can I pull it off?  I asked Nik and he said it would be too close to the Trannies and would pick up a case of noisy.  I know you've got to have an idea.  I wrote in another section about the 36 watt EF-86 head.  I simply don't enjoy the sound of 4 EL-84's running the powerplant.  Now I'm thinking about getting one of the bluesbreaker heads and modifying the tremolo tube to act as an extra gain stage!!!  The question-how do the KT-66's sound?

Any input is appreciated...I've saved up enough to get an amp and with the economy...it might be a while before I'm able to get another!!!  Thanks

wyatt...thanks for getting back to me-what do you suggest?  I was erroneously under the impression that the el-84's were softer than the 6v6...if i wanted to accomplish my goal-would you suggest looking at adding a different tube?  a set of kt-66's or 6l6gc's.  I am looking at harmonic resonance at the 36 watt setting.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated

Ok, here's my issue...I am looking at acquiring one of the 36 wat Ef-86 marshall clones.  I am interested in learning how to build, but am way out of my league here and need some help!
 What I'd like to do is have the 18 watt (50% power) setting power two El-84's (the amp has 4x El-84's).  That way at half power I enjoy all the breakup and compression that the El-84's have to offer.  I would like to have the other two El-84's replaced by 2x 6v6's.  That way, in the full power mode-at 36 watts- I've got the 2x El-84's going at saturation and compression...and the 2x 6v6's will be going as well.
Trouble is...I'm so new to this, I don't even know where to begin analyzing the things that could go wrong.  I spoke with nik about sending me the Pkg 1 kit and requested info on the transformers...thinking I'd save a bit of money buying these stateside...when I saw the Mercury magnetics mod for the Epiphone Valve Junior.  They upgrade the OT/PT/and choke...and add a flippin 6v6 to the power stage.  Not only do I think the mod is the cats meow-I'm tryin to figure out how to do this with the future 36 watt unit.
I wouldn't be so boo-hoo'd if I had a place to open up some big tubes...so I'm stuck in the low watt range.  I am simply not that into the 4x El-84 poweramp section having had a Carvin Belair 2x12 50 watt unit.  Clean-it was heaven sent !!!
The problem was when you added a little bit o' balls-it just smegma'd right out.  I'm thinking the 6v6's will help it retain some control and harmonic saturation without goin to pudding!
Any help,  hint's, or even a "what in the hell are you thinking?" are greatly appreciated.
John Patrick

Question to the Ceriatone forum...I am really hot to try out some of Nik's handiwork and am looking for some recommendations.  I am not the most novice of amp heads, but I would value some input.  I play heavily overdriven blues rock to something just south of pretty heavy sh*#!!!  I want and need the tube experience, but am looking for a lower yielding amp!  The 18 watt amps might fit the bill, and I have even thought of a Fender clone.  I realize that these aren't gonna put out Soldano levels of gain...but I have a Seymour Duncan Twin Tube Mayhem pedal that produces that racket!  I really think one of the Overtones would be a jewel too-I guess I'm really curious to find out if these amps sound killer under some heavy distortion?