183....Conclusions

[boldaslove6789]

Here is my review of 183 now after the honey moon period is over.


So after much tweaking with setting's and some NOS GE's short plates (Thanks to Scott Lerner AKA "Dogears" for hooking me up BTW) I'm really digging this Preamp. I've yet to try with the EL34 Skyliner spec'd power amp, which will most likey bring out the already detailed nuances of this particular circuit. 183's pre works quite nicely with a BM power amp & PI giving it almost a Marshall Super Lead voice.

I've prefered the Mid Boost Off for the most part, engaging it adds body to the already fat sound it possess .

The bright switch has remained in the Off position.

Compared to most amps I've played with this circuit (Skyliner, non-HRm) it is quite different in terms of the way the amp reacts to picking attack. Notes do feedback in an unusual (& very musical) way.





Using a 68p bright cap on the Master (with a push pull ON/OFF) and RG400 cables @ 270pF & 240pf from D-lator send/return is the best config yet. Although the bright cap is not necessary when not using a D-lator.



183 has a very distinct tone with the Mids being its dominant frequency. I think it would be a favorite for any Les Paul or 335 player. Most of all Tele's shine with this amp like no other does.

Even though Robben's ODS #102 has a voice on it's own, 183 will get you there too, and with ease. IMO 183 does the 80's "Talk to your Daughter" tone in spades when paired up with a 2x12 with G1265's & bright cap on the master. EvM12-L's are superb with 183 too although and would most likely be a great config for someone seeking Joe Bonamassa's Van Welden tonez.

One thing about 183 is it will showcase every little nuance in your playing. The cleans are focused and lean, subtle, but musical, feedback may occur with a nice humbucker in the bridge. The overdrive will bloom like a Mo'fo but in a very controlled way, every note will become a dynamic step to the next.


Overall I think its a very versatile tool when paired up with a great guitar.



Hope this gives some perspective to those wanting to build or buy 183.

[CHIP]

+1
Boldas,
Very desciptive ,(and accurate IMHO) review.

[Structo]

Greg is using the rack mount 183 preamp made by Quinn Amps.

Do you primarily play it through your Bluesmaster power amp, Greg?

[boldaslove6789]

Greg is using the rack mount 183 preamp made by Quinn Amps.

Do you primarily play it through your Bluesmaster power amp, Greg?

Tom,

Yes I use my Bluesmaster Pwr amp with it for now.

[Mr Dumble]

Here is my review of 183 now after the honey moon period is over.


So after much tweaking with setting's and some NOS GE's short plates (Thanks to Scott Lerner AKA "Dogears" for hooking me up BTW) I'm really digging this Preamp. I've yet to try with the EL34 Skyliner spec'd power amp, which will most likey bring out the already detailed nuances of this particular circuit. 183's pre works quite nicely with a BM power amp & PI giving it almost a Marshall Super Lead voice.

I've prefered the Mid Boost Off for the most part, engaging it adds body to the already fat sound it possess .

The bright switch has remained in the Off position.

Compared to most amps I've played with this circuit (Skyliner, non-HRm) it is quite different in terms of the way the amp reacts to picking attack. Notes do feedback in an unusual (& very musical) way.





Using a 68p bright cap on the Master (with a push pull ON/OFF) and RG400 cables @ 270pF & 240pf from D-lator send/return is the best config yet. Although the bright cap is not necessary when not using a D-lator.



183 has a very distinct tone with the Mids being its dominant frequency. I think it would be a favorite for any Les Paul or 335 player. Most of all Tele's shine with this amp like no other does.

Even though Robben's ODS #102 has a voice on it's own, 183 will get you there too, and with ease. IMO 183 does the 80's "Talk to your Daughter" tone in spades when paired up with a 2x12 with G1265's & bright cap on the master. EvM12-L's are superb with 183 too although and would most likely be a great config for someone seeking Joe Bonamassa's Van Welden tonez.

One thing about 183 is it will showcase every little nuance in your playing. The cleans are focused and lean, subtle, but musical, feedback may occur with a nice humbucker in the bridge. The overdrive will bloom like a Mo'fo but in a very controlled way, every note will become a dynamic step to the next.


Overall I think its a very versatile tool when paired up with a great guitar.



Hope this gives some perspective to those wanting to build or buy 183.

Great review. Your discription sounds very much like my experience with the real 183. Enjoy that monster!

[boldaslove6789]

Tag,

Did you use the Mid Boost on the real 183 usually? I seem to preffer it Off when using the amp at low to mid volume's and ON for high volume settings at a gig.

This may be irrelevant because I think Shad used different taper'd pots than the original amp but what were your preferred control setting's?



Does anyone know what the OD trimmer was set at in the real amp?


-

[Mr Dumble]

Tag,

Did you use the Mid Boost on the real 183 usually? I seem to preffer it Off when using the amp at low to mid volume's and ON for high volume settings at a gig.

This may be irrelevant because I think Shad used different taper'd pots than the original amp but what were your preferred control setting's?



Does anyone know what the OD trimmer was set at in the real amp?


-

On almost every D style amp I have owned, I have only used the mid boost ocassionally. On 183, VERY rarely, as the amp is so fat as is. My pots all have the original tapers (same fender Parts actually) except for 2, and we are working on getting those. Regardless, i only used it 2-3 times on the original with a tele and strat.

[dogears]

I preferred real 183 with midboost off.

As Tag says, it is already really fat. Midboost adds congestion IMO. However, I use humbuckers not single coils.

[Structo]

Greg you probably know this but the layout for 183 says 22K wiper to ground with the amp and OD on.

I find with my ODS that the mid boost cleans up the low bass so if I'm playing a song that has a lot of low string stuff I will turn on the mid boost.

I have it on a relay and footswitch so it's easy to turn on and off.

Speaking of which, what does everybody here use for the midboost cap?

I have the .002uf and a SM 390pf.

[boldaslove6789]

Tom, thanks, I didn't notice that before.