Sorry for the delay on chiming in, I had to head to a studio session at 4PM yesterday and ran out of time.
The new mod is called the Grail Tone. It aims directly for the coveted "Brown Sound" made famous on the early Van Halen albums. It is the very first mod ever built in our shop with this specific goal in mind. Most of the features are all-new and were developed specifically for this mod. There is nothing like it within our product line.
It was based on studies of a 1971 Marshall Super Bass we recently serviced (it was as mint as they come, photos are on our Facebook site), loads of research on the history of the EVH Plexi, countless hours listening to early VH albums (a tall order for a Hagar guy who can't stand DLR) and some candid discussions with the North American Sales Manager for Celestion (who has spent many hours with Eddie at his home and with the amp of lore).
The features are as follows:
- Loudness 1 & 2
These knobs are dual gain/volume knobs and behave exactly the same as the pair on the original Marshall when the inputs are jumpered. Loudness 1 is the High Treble side of a Plexi, while Loudness 2 is the Normal side. You can mix and match them for a huge blend of tones.
- Eruption
This changes the input impedance on the Loudness 1 channel. It's the same effect as plugging into the high or low sensitivity inputs.
- Presence
This is all-new and designed specifically for this mod. The circuit was fine tuned to provide the most musical Presence effect possible and is a new twist on the version found in several of our other offerings.
- Tone Stack
Classic Marshall with a slight twist. The midrange is what the EVH sound is all about and this mod does it like no other.
- Variac
A highly-requested option for years, this switch has the same impact on the High Voltage power supply as running a Variac set at 90V. It's a subtle feel thing as opposed to a tonal shift (it's only dropping the preamp voltage, not the entire amplifier), but it's a big part of EVH lore.
Tonally, it can range from open to compressed based on the Loudness blend and the Variac switch setting. Gain-wise it allows for amounts between the 59RR Custom and Quick Mod, with lots of room to clean up as well. There is a lot of range to this one.
The first one shipped yesterday and they are priced at $225. Sound clips will be posted today.