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FS: "Plexified" BYOC Brit 45 Amp Head

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duhvoodooman

Addicted to solder....
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** SOLD **

Much as I love this amp, some things have to go to cover what I recently spent for THIS, so this puppy is up for sale. Here's the rundown:

As some of you probably know, there's not a heckuva lot of difference between the legendary Marshall JTM45 and Model 1987 50W "Plexi" amp circuits--mostly, it's the change from tube to solid state rectification, and from KT66 to EL34 output tubes (with a corresponding change in the OT for this different tube type). Beyond that, it's basically some different resistor and capacitor values at various points in the circuit. To make a long story (which you can find HERE) short, I modified my build of the BYOC Brit 45 amp head kit (their true-to-the-original clone of the JTM45) with the EL34's and different OT but kept the rectifier tube. Keith "Mr. BYOC" Vonderhulls was good enough to tell me what else to change in the Brit 45 circuit to properly handle these output stage changes, plus a few other resistor and cap changes. In the end, what I built is basically the '66 JTM50, which was a transitional model between the JTM45 and Model 1987 50W "Plexi". So think of this amp as a 50W Plexi head with tube rectification, 'cuz that's pretty much exactly what it is.

I didn't stop there, though, since 50W of Marshall power was w-a-a-a-y-y too much for my playin'-at-home needs. So I also wired in a variable voltage reduction (VVR) module that I got from Keith to tame the output volume while still being able to get that juicy Marshall crunch tone. That's controlled with the red knob in the rear panel. A couple of months later, I also wired in a pre-phase inverter master volume control (that's the knob where the low sensitivity input jack for the Normal channel would be in the large frontal photo below) when I found out what an easy mod that was. So you can dial down the output volume two different ways, separately or in combination--take your pick. Or leave them both "dimed" and use the two Loudness controls on the front panel for a pure JTM50 experience.

The amp has very low usage hours (less than 50, I'm sure), has never left my "man cave" and is in the mint condition that the attached photos show. I'll be happy to answer any questions--just send me a PM. I'm posting the amp here and in a couple of other forums I frequent for the next week or two; if it doesn't sell by then, it'll go up on Reverb.com. Shipping to US or Canadian destinations only. PayPal payment required. Price is $899 + FedEx Ground shipping. Since the unassembled Brit 45 kit by itself is $790, I think that's a pretty outstanding value!

JTM45Mod_front+MV.jpg


JTM45Mod_rear.jpg


JTM45Mod_chassis_potside_view.jpg


JTM45Mod_chassis_tubeside_view.jpg
 
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Since we have some new members here allow me a minute to discuss ANY product from DVM. ANYTHING he offers is worth the price he places on it. When he was building pedals, I bought about 4 or 5 pedals (BYOC clones) that he assembled an decaled that are excellent. Occasionally, he puts some of his private stock of gits and amphs for sale. I have a Tele clone and Fender Blues Jr with all the BillM mods done to it. I have been extremely happy with everything I bought. I have no need for another tube head which is why I am not all over this.
 
I am interested. Got any audio clips?
No, not of this particular amp. I believe there maybe a clip or two posted by BYOC on YouTube.

I just don't have a decent set-up for recording good quality audio or video clips. And I've seen/heard enough bad ones to want to avoid that kind of outcome!
 
Now I'm interested in hearing that baby. I'd rather be in front of it to feel it though. If you can't be Prince - a purple amph is the next best thing.

Screaming solos to commence.
 
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