#183 ways to get more gain?

[Mac Daddy]

I have more gain then I could ever want in my 183's
Maybe you should try different Preamp tubes

[Reeltarded]

Or you can add Jose style diode clippers....

I love this idea.

[jelle]

Yeah, right!? Try something different....
Cheaper to do than new preamptubes. Also changing the plate resistors to 470k and 330k will add some gain. Have fun!

[LeftyStrat]

Or try the FET input?

[CHIP]

I honestly have been considering trying to lower the gain in the OD of my 183 copy.
to each his own.

[talbany]

would default to turning the preamp volume (V1A, if you would) all the way up

Gil
Good idea you could alter the ground on the input pot..

Ground it in clean mode and lift it (whatever value sounds good in OD) put it on a relay that activates when you go to OD.

Tony

[Jhyatt2012]

would default to turning the preamp volume (V1A, if you would) all the way up

Gil
Good idea you could alter the ground on the input pot..

Ground it in clean mode and lift it (whatever value sounds good in OD) put it on a relay that activates when you go to OD.

Tony

This sounds like it might be an interesting option.

[Jhyatt2012]

Or you can add Jose style diode clippers....

I love this idea.

Been playing around with several variations on this one - different positions in the signal chain, different value diodes and with an on/off switch. Gives plenty, and I do mean PLENTY of gain! Had several guys in my shop who heard it with the mod and they all liked what they heard. The problem I'm running into with this one is the extreme loss in volume. Other than that its definately the direction I'm wanting to go in.

[martin manning]

Or you can add Jose style diode clippers....

I love this idea.

Been playing around with several variations on this one - different positions in the signal chain, different value diodes and with an on/off switch. Gives plenty, and I do mean PLENTY of gain! Had several guys in my shop who heard it with the mod and they all liked what they heard. The problem I'm running into with this one is the extreme loss in volume. Other than that its definately the direction I'm wanting to go in.

[mode="rant"]You say you increased gain, but lost volume? That does not add up. What you mean is you increased distortion.[/rant]

[Jhyatt2012]

I love this idea.

Been playing around with several variations on this one - different positions in the signal chain, different value diodes and with an on/off switch. Gives plenty, and I do mean PLENTY of gain! Had several guys in my shop who heard it with the mod and they all liked what they heard. The problem I'm running into with this one is the extreme loss in volume. Other than that its definately the direction I'm wanting to go in.

[mode="rant"]You say you increased gain, but lost volume? That does not add up. What you mean is you increased distortion.[/rant]

Thanks for the correction Martin. Any clue as to how to correct the volume loss?

[martin manning]

Where do you have this clipper nw installed and what does it look like?

[Cameron]

I love this idea.

Been playing around with several variations on this one - different positions in the signal chain, different value diodes and with an on/off switch. Gives plenty, and I do mean PLENTY of gain! Had several guys in my shop who heard it with the mod and they all liked what they heard. The problem I'm running into with this one is the extreme loss in volume. Other than that its definately the direction I'm wanting to go in.

[mode="rant"]You say you increased gain, but lost volume? That does not add up. What you mean is you increased distortion.[/rant]

its just how diodes work. Diodes clip the signal. You should still have volume to get to band level. If its too much try a different Zener Diode. 20 volt will cut less volume then a 5 volt Zener. You could try the clipping circuit in the Marshall Jubilee amps after the 3rd gain stage. Forgetting all the diode stuff......Also look at the Boogie 2c+. I like the sound of a gain stage in front of a Fender based circuit better(like the 2c+). The Diode clipping circuit works better in a Marshall based circuit. I've never had a problem getting a good high gain sound with a Dumble....plugging into the FET input and turning the MID boost on.

[Reeltarded]

Instead of going direct to ground go thru a 25kL pot from the diodes then you can balance volume loss with added distortion.

Do not discount this change. I use a variation of it on every amp I build.

Your other option is add a tube stage for gain.. the real gain not the other one.

[Jhyatt2012]

I've got it going from the OD vol to ground. Tried different variations with resistors from diode to ground with no real significant difference. In just playing around with the switching, though I jumped the wiper from the od drive to the master wiper. Put it all on a DPDT and it works pretty good.

[Cameron]

I've got it going from the OD vol to ground. Tried different variations with resistors from diode to ground with no real significant difference. In just playing around with the switching, though I jumped the wiper from the od drive to the master wiper. Put it all on a DPDT and it works pretty good.

What diodes are you using?