Let's Get Technical > Schematics & Modifications (mods)
MP-1 Tone Signature Mod descriptions
Kim:
Here are the notes I had compiled for these mods. I gathered this info from a few sources, namely the creators of the mods and from a bit of testing of my own.
MP-1 MOD DESCRIPTIONS 1-2-04
MOD 1 (created by Mark Howell)
This mod gives the MP-1 a more traditional Marshall sound much like the JCM 800. It basically turns the 4th gain stage into a cathode follower, which is a key concept of that "Marshall crunch" that most rock guitarists have preferred since the inception of the JCM 800. Paired up with a good tube power amp, you would be hard pressed to hear the difference between the JCM 800 and this ADA equilivant. Seven MP-1 components are removed on the tube board (one of which is replaced), 3 traces are "jumped", and one more trace is cut. This mod is easily reversible, provided that the stock components and traces aren't damaged during removal (the cut trace will need to be "re-jumped" if reversing this modification).
Pros:
Great "classic rock" tone.
The MP-1's Clean Tube voicing will be much cleaner.
Much cheaper than buying the traditional JCM 800!
Cons:
Not enough gain to support the "metal" players.
MP-1 still has the fair amount of noise it already has in stock form.
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MOD 2 (created by Mark Howell)
This mod adds diodes to the gain structure to create a "fuzzier" tone. It should be pointed out that this idea gives a somewhat "sterile" sound to the MP-1, very much like adding a solid-state Overdrive pedal in front of your traditional tube amp. It should be also pointed out that while the schematics for this mod "look good on paper" it may or may not be of any real benefit to most MP-1 users, since this mod makes the gain very "buzzy" and "harsh" and could be reminiscent of the guitar sound usually associated with "industrial" genres of music.
Pros:
Great sound for "industrial" players.
Cons:
Loses the "pureness" qualities of a tube preamp.
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MOD 3 (created by Mark Howell)
This Mod brings a "rectified" quality to the tone signature of the MP-1, which is usually known for it's "hot-rodded Marshall" like characteristics. The Tube Distortion voicing has a smoother, creamier overdrive. Those looking to achieve a "Mesa/Boogie" or a "Soldano" type of a medium-level overdrive will find it here. High-gain users will notice the lack of "cutting power" when playing single-note leads. Also easily reversible.
Pros:
Brings the "rectifier" tone closer to MP-1 users, for those who desire that tone.
Makes the MP-1 much quieter, and eliminates most of the extranneous noise.
Individual notes in chords are easily heard.
Cons:
Brings the "rectifier" tone closer to MP-1 users (for those who do NOT desire that tone).
Single notes lose the "bite" that the stock MP-1 was known for.
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MOD 3.1 (created by Mark Howell)
This is the first "Modded-Mod" for the MP-1. It tries to bring back the attributes lost in the original MOD 3. This mod shares most all of the features with the previous MOD 3, and is easy to do provided that the MOD 3 was already in place.
The gain level is brought up a bit over the previous version, and the single notes have more of the "bite" that was lost before.
Pros:
Brings the "rectifier" tone closer to MP-1 users, for those who desire that tone.
Makes the MP-1 much quieter, and eliminates most of the extranneous noise.
Individual notes in chords are easily heard.
Single notes have more "bite" than MOD 3
Cons:
Brings the "rectifier" tone closer to MP-1 users (for those who do NOT desire that tone).
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MOD 3.666 (created by Hairston Bagg and Marshalljmp)
This mod is more extensive to perform, as it addresses some EQ issues on the motherboard, as well as modifications to the tube board. The "Mesa" tone still shines through with this mod, and the available gain is VERY high (much higher than any Mesa equilivant). The Bass and Mid EQ points have the ability to be "customized" to each individual user through the creative use of adjustable internally located trimpots.
The mids can now be viciously scooped out if desired, and the bass frequency point can also be altered and "tuned" to the particular speaker cab being used. This results in a very tight sounding bass "thump" instead of sounding "flubby". Combine this tight bass with the mids scooped out severely, this mod will give the MP-1 a truly "evil" sound; hence the name "MOD 3.666". The Clean Tube voicing has more gain available, and thus produces a nice crunchy overdrive as well.
Pros:
Tons and tons of gain.
Customizable EQ points for the Mids and Bass.
Clean Tube voicing gets very "crunchy".
Cons:
More gain equals more noise. You will need a gate for high gain mayhem.
The adjustable trimpots are designed for a "set and forget" situation.
Clean Tube voicing is even harder to achieve a truly "clean" tone.
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MOD 4 (created by Hairston Bagg and Marshalljmp)
This mod retains the "Marshall" sound, but brings it to the "heavily modified Marshall" sound. Those looking for those Zakk Wylde, George Lynch, and pre-Peavey-endorsed Eddie Van Halen tones should find all that here in this mod. Screaming leads, harmonics galore, and tight rythym sounds. This mod has not been completely released to the Do-it-Yourselfers as of this writing, but is currently available from Hairston as a service.
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3TM (created by Hairston Bagg and Marshalljmp)
This mod is considered VERY extensive, only because it requires a completely new redesigned tube board to allow 3 preamp tubes to be installed in the MP-1 instead of the 2 tubes it was designed and manufactured with. The original conception of this mod is credited to the great (albeit elusive) Todd Langner, with Hairston and Marshalljmp working to make this mod available to nearly everyone. Having a third tube gives the otherwise stock MP-1 some more usuable gain, and a even more "tube sounding" quality.
Pros:
Todd Langner-designed concept.
3 preamp tubes instead of 2.
Can now realize the full potential of the MP-1.
Replaces old tube board with a brand-new redesigned board.
Cons:
Replaces entire tube board. (which really isn't a bad thing!)
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El Chiguete:
GREAT mod guide to have in 1 place the description of all those modes in comparison!
rabidgerry:
What is heavier 3tm or MOD 3.666? Just curious, have no intention of getting 3.666
Kim:
--- Quote from: rabidgerry on June 21, 2016, 02:02:57 AM ---What is heavier 3tm or MOD 3.666? Just curious, have no intention of getting 3.666
--- End quote ---
I suppose it depends on what you would define as "heavier".
EQ-wise, the MOD3.666 has the ability to scoop Mids a bit more than than usual and allows the user to "tune" it's Bass control frequency to whichever cab is being used.
Gain-wise they both have more Gain than you might need. An example of that might be that when I had the 3TM, I never even used the Tube Dist voicing; everything I needed to be "heavy" was handled right in the Tube Clean voicing.
jgd:
Does the 3TM only add gain?
Because what I would consider an improvement on my current MP 1, would be more tightness in the bass.
More of this cold, dead, metal-on-metal palmmute tightness.
(if that makes any sense...)
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