crankyrayhanky
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 8, 2008
- Messages
- 3,426
- Reaction score
- 1
There is a Pete module in the classified that just went up that looks identical to the SL+ I just received; makes sense to do identical modifications simoultaneously to optimize time ...this is a Fantastic module!
It has a 3 way bass response switch, JCM800 on a switch, and the usual Turley warmth and clarity mods (patent pending on that phrase? :wink: Why not, Pat Riley patented "3peat")
The SL+ gained up is the exact Marshall hi end roar I wanted. Before the mods, I think I needed a boost to get the drive I needed, but after Pete worked his voodoo magic, it doesn't need anything but a player with an attitude!
I then engaged the 800 switch and my jaw hit the floor. Midrange fullness surrounded my notes and gave a real authenticity to the amp its emulating. This 800, however, actually has enough gain on tap to play some angry hard rock/metal, unlike my experiences with Marshall 800. The Marshall has a big saturated roar at big volumes, but unless your ready to boost it, it just didn't give that chainsaw sizzle, more like an Aerosmith Guns & Roses Rock sound. This Pete/Randall SL+ gives the eq and gain options to go into previously uncharted territory- chainsaw angry east coast rock and metal. Yes!
This is coming from a player who has rehearsed/performed many times with a DSL401, TSL100, JCM800 (one from the early 80s, one from the mid 90s) This module not only gets you in the ballpark, I think it may be better! It's clearly superior to the DSL/TSL modern series, which is closer to the SL+ stock. The 800 is deeper in my memory banks, but I'm taking this amp over to my friend's to A/B in the next week and I'll have a better grasp on just close it is.
Regardless, the Pete modded SL+ is a module that can stand on its own as Great Tone :!:
The best part of this Randall series in my opinion, is the ability to give quality tone at low volumes. I started my jamming in the late afternoon, fully cranked and enjoying the sonic bliss of the powertube saturation. But this session extended well past midnight, at which point I gave my neighbors some mercy and lowered the volume down to bedroom levels. The sl+ still delivered similar quality, especially with Pete's bass response switches to flip...truly a great option when looking for the sound that is appropriate for the room and volume your in. Try this with your modern day JCM2000 and you'll get bee-buzz mosquito tone- yuck! Unlike many players, I actually like the modern JCMs, but they need to be cranked or it's just not good. ..and on stage, the soundguy will never let you crank it. Sad, because even with the 25watt power soak switch on the TSL100, you just can't get the tone without the volume, and you're not allowed to get the volume....the rm100 powering the Pete SL+ makes all of these headaches go away!
The artistry of the custom faceplate and knobs is very well done and puts the frosting on the cake...a conversation starter, no doubt!
In conclusion, if you have a SL+ that is stock you must explore a Pete modification. Pete is a great guy to work with, exuding patience with my manic pms
and delivers excellence in his work.
Stay tuned for my next review, as yesterday I also received a Pete modded Treadplate that has now taken over as my #1 module!
It has a 3 way bass response switch, JCM800 on a switch, and the usual Turley warmth and clarity mods (patent pending on that phrase? :wink: Why not, Pat Riley patented "3peat")
The SL+ gained up is the exact Marshall hi end roar I wanted. Before the mods, I think I needed a boost to get the drive I needed, but after Pete worked his voodoo magic, it doesn't need anything but a player with an attitude!
I then engaged the 800 switch and my jaw hit the floor. Midrange fullness surrounded my notes and gave a real authenticity to the amp its emulating. This 800, however, actually has enough gain on tap to play some angry hard rock/metal, unlike my experiences with Marshall 800. The Marshall has a big saturated roar at big volumes, but unless your ready to boost it, it just didn't give that chainsaw sizzle, more like an Aerosmith Guns & Roses Rock sound. This Pete/Randall SL+ gives the eq and gain options to go into previously uncharted territory- chainsaw angry east coast rock and metal. Yes!
This is coming from a player who has rehearsed/performed many times with a DSL401, TSL100, JCM800 (one from the early 80s, one from the mid 90s) This module not only gets you in the ballpark, I think it may be better! It's clearly superior to the DSL/TSL modern series, which is closer to the SL+ stock. The 800 is deeper in my memory banks, but I'm taking this amp over to my friend's to A/B in the next week and I'll have a better grasp on just close it is.
Regardless, the Pete modded SL+ is a module that can stand on its own as Great Tone :!:
The best part of this Randall series in my opinion, is the ability to give quality tone at low volumes. I started my jamming in the late afternoon, fully cranked and enjoying the sonic bliss of the powertube saturation. But this session extended well past midnight, at which point I gave my neighbors some mercy and lowered the volume down to bedroom levels. The sl+ still delivered similar quality, especially with Pete's bass response switches to flip...truly a great option when looking for the sound that is appropriate for the room and volume your in. Try this with your modern day JCM2000 and you'll get bee-buzz mosquito tone- yuck! Unlike many players, I actually like the modern JCMs, but they need to be cranked or it's just not good. ..and on stage, the soundguy will never let you crank it. Sad, because even with the 25watt power soak switch on the TSL100, you just can't get the tone without the volume, and you're not allowed to get the volume....the rm100 powering the Pete SL+ makes all of these headaches go away!
The artistry of the custom faceplate and knobs is very well done and puts the frosting on the cake...a conversation starter, no doubt!
In conclusion, if you have a SL+ that is stock you must explore a Pete modification. Pete is a great guy to work with, exuding patience with my manic pms
and delivers excellence in his work.Stay tuned for my next review, as yesterday I also received a Pete modded Treadplate that has now taken over as my #1 module!
