WARNING: Dangerous Levels of GAIN! ...EPIC Guitar Amp Conversion!

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  • Опубліковано 15 сер 2018
  • In this vid, we'll convert a vintage Precision Electronics Grommes 50PG-3 PA amplifier into a high gain guitar amp with a Fender Princeton tone stack and 6V6 output. I left a lot in this one, so pull up a comfy chair and grab some popcorn. (Schematic used in this vid is for a model 55PG.)
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  • Наука та технологія

КОМЕНТАРІ • 687

  • @mushkamusic
    @mushkamusic 5 років тому +50

    Man this is one of the best sounding amps you've done. Nice job dude.

  • @joshuaweiner6378
    @joshuaweiner6378 5 років тому +18

    I find watching Brad's videos very meditative, even if I only can follow 1/4 of the tech stuff. Great sounding amp!

  • @Boogiemoose
    @Boogiemoose 5 років тому +85

    Another nice one Brad.
    I rather sit here for an hour and half and learn something than watching a stupid TVshow or movie.
    Sounds great.

    • @tubical71
      @tubical71 5 років тому +2

      best answer ever! go build your own stuff, even if it won´t work first place, keep on doing it, and you end up with a unit that just will perform maximum right for you.

    • @jkhan337
      @jkhan337 4 роки тому +1

      i agree

    • @alainbrisebois8334
      @alainbrisebois8334 4 роки тому +2

      I spend hours and hours learning on you tube. I even learned to play guitar.

  • @heathbarnhart1092
    @heathbarnhart1092 5 років тому +64

    That's probably one of the best sounding amps I've ever heard.

    • @johnymartin5411
      @johnymartin5411 3 роки тому +1

      Ever hear a hovercraft?

    • @Buhhhhhh-xi4ju
      @Buhhhhhh-xi4ju 3 роки тому

      @@johnymartin5411 lol every hear of a mace?

    • @johnymartin5411
      @johnymartin5411 3 роки тому

      @@Buhhhhhh-xi4ju nope , but hovercraft are some pretty awesome amps

    • @frankferriolo9212
      @frankferriolo9212 3 роки тому

      Yes!!

    • @madmod
      @madmod 2 роки тому +2

      Peavey Festival 200w head biased so hot you're changing tubes between songs. Take that to the bank.

  • @agtronic
    @agtronic 5 років тому +8

    Amp sounds killer man! Thanks for your slow burning videos. Don't change a thing! It's nice to just sit back and observe your thought process. Also, it's a nice change of pace in the rush of every day life. Keep on truckin'!

  • @erikvaldur3334
    @erikvaldur3334 5 років тому +9

    this amp sounds fantastic. can't believe you played Pantera with this thing. Awesome job man

  • @kronus513
    @kronus513 5 років тому +3

    One of the nicest sounding amps in a while! Thanks, Brad!

  • @JohnIainMcFarlanewaspfactor
    @JohnIainMcFarlanewaspfactor 5 років тому +2

    Had to come back and watch this again.Genius conversion ma man,sounds awesome!

  • @danielwoll6917
    @danielwoll6917 5 років тому +2

    Standing ovation man. Great job. Always. fascinating to see where you end up and to watch a masters mind work. Thanks pal

  • @davidstorm4015
    @davidstorm4015 5 років тому +6

    What a fantastic sounding amp, qudos to you Brad, you know how to make these circuits sing!

  • @mikemartin6554
    @mikemartin6554 5 років тому +6

    love your videos! I just found your channel last week and I've been geeking out ever since! I subbed 10 minutes into the very 1st vid! Thanks for your knowledge,humor and ability to explain in a very entertaining and interesting manner!

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  5 років тому +2

      Welcome aboard, Mike! Buckle your seatbelt.

  • @jordanmayer5932
    @jordanmayer5932 5 років тому +1

    Wow what a conversion, that thing sounds fantastic. Absolutely fantastic.

  • @bigfootingermany
    @bigfootingermany 5 років тому

    Wow! That PRS and little amp sounds epic together and definitely some beautiful Fender tones without being too clean!!! Great job Brad and great playing!!! Bob in Germany

  • @jontallbacka9406
    @jontallbacka9406 5 років тому +2

    Waow Brad! Cudos & hail to the Guitologist!!! Awsome conversion

  • @TonySkiens
    @TonySkiens 5 років тому +15

    i do believe what the client meant by "smooth" was the transition from clean to overdrive on the gain pot. A smoother transition from clean to distorted...

  • @michaelkornet1227
    @michaelkornet1227 5 років тому +7

    Yeah! Pantera from the little amp!! Awesome video as always, these are the videos I love watching from you. Don't ever think that your videos are too long, most UA-cam videos are too short love this style of vid. Keep up the great work

    • @valvenator
      @valvenator 5 років тому

      yeah, most of his videos seem to long till you get past the 2 or 3 minute mark and than you're like 'wait, I just sat here for an hour watching this shit?'
      and than you look for another one :)))

    • @Atomic1710
      @Atomic1710 4 роки тому

      Agreed .

  • @leocrossfield
    @leocrossfield 5 років тому +1

    Brilliant video. What a great in-depth look and you have turned it into an amazing amp.

  • @sidneysnottley6414
    @sidneysnottley6414 5 років тому +1

    A long one, but as always, informative - Keep 'em coming. Thoroughly enjoyed.

  • @laika6978
    @laika6978 4 роки тому

    Great video. Loved the clean up of the innards and the end result. So fun to listen to. Good stuff.

  • @russellhltn1396
    @russellhltn1396 5 років тому +19

    Re: Loudness. Very common on Hi-Fi systems. It adds bass boost at lower volume settings so that the sound doesn't go "tinny" because of the way our ears work. Look up Fletcher-Munson or equal-loudness contours for the details on the "why". Seems like this might be a nice thing to have in a practice amp.

    • @dwaynemcallister7231
      @dwaynemcallister7231 4 місяці тому

      I recall the stereos systems of the '70's and they usually had a loudness button.

  • @justinpridham7919
    @justinpridham7919 4 роки тому

    Stayed long enough to hear "I'm Broken" Dime lick. Appreciate the references you throw into the demo. Thx Brad!!!

  • @denniss2937
    @denniss2937 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the Vid. I went to school for electronics, a vocation I never used. Watching your vids is ringing a bell. I might just get back into it.

  • @alveydoug
    @alveydoug 4 роки тому

    Love the closeups at 25 minutes in!
    I’ve made point to point connections that were all rosin too. You’ve got an experienced eye!

  • @martinreid1740
    @martinreid1740 5 років тому +1

    Your best video yet. I've watched this three times, great amp Brad. Thanks.

  • @blackfender100
    @blackfender100 5 років тому

    Excellent work Brad ! How could any one not be happy with that Amp !

  • @frankferriolo9212
    @frankferriolo9212 3 роки тому

    This channel is so relaxing to watch!

  • @Clmkxoxo
    @Clmkxoxo 3 роки тому

    Loved this video !! It's awesome to hear the reason for changes and see the changes! Playing later AWESOM !!! Loved hearing you play !!!

  • @ibanezleftyclub
    @ibanezleftyclub 5 років тому +25

    That is definitely one of the best amps you’ve done over. You really should design and sell your own brand, even if it’s limited runs. I would also love to hear these amps in a small rig with a right matching cab and some comp and delay with a tube screamer to really get the amp pushing.

  • @johnnyb3987
    @johnnyb3987 5 років тому +1

    Great job on this one. It sounds great all around, but it's really the clean sounds that are gorgeous on this one. I'm sure the owner was blown away by the end result.

  • @Crisdapari
    @Crisdapari 5 років тому +1

    Beautiful point to point beast! Isolate and protect leads on this kind of circuit is laborious, but always needed.

  • @johnbecker8768
    @johnbecker8768 4 роки тому +1

    Dude, your amp skill are amazing. That thing sounds awesome. Nice chops too! Thank you!

  • @kevinwilkins9926
    @kevinwilkins9926 5 років тому

    Learned a lot in this one and man, that sounds fantastic. Great work.

  • @mykill35
    @mykill35 5 років тому

    Awesome tone and video, love your tonal sense. Sounds awesome, great work.

  • @fichambawelby2632
    @fichambawelby2632 4 роки тому

    Great job, Brad! Congrats!

  • @stevebumstead9840
    @stevebumstead9840 5 років тому

    Brad, that is the most killer amp I've heard come through your shop. Fantastic. Well done!

  • @jimseals8659
    @jimseals8659 4 роки тому

    Thanks for another great amp presentation. I love your work.

  • @suavetrainwreck7300
    @suavetrainwreck7300 5 років тому +2

    What a beautiful sounding amp. Incredible!

  • @zandig666
    @zandig666 Рік тому

    Nice playin Brad. Nice work on the amp !!!!

  • @EdgarsLS
    @EdgarsLS 4 роки тому +1

    can't watch it enough. your playing is just the best ever, at least I think so. and the amp sounds out of this world.

  • @nomoniker7917
    @nomoniker7917 5 місяців тому

    You play surprisingly well. Impressed with your soldering skills too.

  • @marcusjones1082
    @marcusjones1082 4 роки тому

    Wow, Brad! Great job cleaning that mess up. Sounds awesome, too.

  • @EricMartinez-dg2lu
    @EricMartinez-dg2lu 4 роки тому

    I love what you did for the tone over all.

  • @richardweinberger6302
    @richardweinberger6302 5 років тому +1

    Fantastic work on this amp !

  • @TempoDrift1480
    @TempoDrift1480 5 років тому +8

    Man, that's the sort of amp I want right there.

  • @stu-nix
    @stu-nix 5 років тому

    Great movie, and the tired eyes blues opener at the end was simply delightful. I'm Glad I caught it.

  • @outthereassociates7155
    @outthereassociates7155 5 років тому +2

    Kept my attention the whole time Brad. I'm digging the cut aways, if that's what they're called. Amp sounds like what your client wanted.👍

  • @matthewf1979
    @matthewf1979 5 років тому +14

    Yes! A switchable NFB is my favorite mod. Tonally subtle but the amount of gain it frees up is crazy. It’s like an old school treble booster.
    This amp, with the Princeton tone stack, is far more Boogie Mk1 than Marshall. The bottom end and clean is great! No fizzy bullshit either!

    • @alainbrisebois8334
      @alainbrisebois8334 4 роки тому

      I was just picking my brain on what amp has that killer of tone.

    • @IAmKillEveryone
      @IAmKillEveryone 2 роки тому +1

      You're spot-on with the NFB analogy imo. If more people looked at it as an built-in treble boost pedal, they wouldn't be so apprehensive about them.

  • @elit3darkness
    @elit3darkness 4 роки тому +10

    Aesthetically Reminds me of a Sears Silvertone, or a Magnatone style. Really cool conversion!

  • @jmv668
    @jmv668 4 роки тому

    Great video ! Nice playing too!

  • @tsloth1390
    @tsloth1390 5 років тому

    Wow killer job, Brad!

  • @REMERY1000
    @REMERY1000 3 роки тому

    Dude its like class is in session im really digging your video's this amp sounds killer on my studio speakers, i could only imagine how it sounds in person. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us

  • @MrGTO-ze7vb
    @MrGTO-ze7vb 5 років тому

    Such a GREAT little Tone MONSTER..!! Super job Brad..!!

  • @srtamplification
    @srtamplification 5 років тому

    Hey Brad, great video! I especially liked the part when you asked if we saw anything. Had me rolling. LOL

  • @phillipbainbridge9107
    @phillipbainbridge9107 5 років тому

    This is another one I'll be watching multiple times. Really like this one!

  • @skipijam7736
    @skipijam7736 4 роки тому

    I want to see you in your thinking cap, love the company having you on the tube, here at work

  • @jeffberwick
    @jeffberwick 4 роки тому

    Awesome to watch this. I restored a similar vintage mono 6V6 amp by Bell and also found the hum to be too large. I will definitely try relocating the center tap location.

  • @Bsquared1972
    @Bsquared1972 4 роки тому

    Great vid! Badass sounding amp, sounded like it had a sort of cocked-wah kind of tone at one point, I dig it! Hope the owner was happy, you put a lot of work into that!

  • @IAmKillEveryone
    @IAmKillEveryone 2 роки тому

    good shit man. subbed immediately. loved your demo at the end.

  • @dougtaylor7724
    @dougtaylor7724 3 роки тому

    From 34:00 to 39:00 I love when you tell the effects of each part on the sound. I learned a ton!

  • @briancoonrod7224
    @briancoonrod7224 4 роки тому

    That’s one sweet ride 👍👍
    Nicely done ✅ !!!

  • @telecasteroil
    @telecasteroil 5 років тому +2

    Best Video yet, an Hour and a half of entertainment

  • @BoltOnzs
    @BoltOnzs 5 років тому

    Great job Brad. From watching many videos (mostly yours) I've converted all of the Grommes Little Jewl amps to guitar amps from the LJ2 to the LJ7 and they all sound great. I'm especially fond of the octal (6SL7) pre-amp tube sound in the early models.
    Cheers.
    RC

  • @courier11sec
    @courier11sec 3 роки тому +1

    Holy shit that thing sounds fantastic for rock and roll. and the clean sounds really nice as well.
    Hell of a job you did here, friend.

  • @GigglePantsMcGee
    @GigglePantsMcGee Рік тому

    This is my new favorite channel

  • @davidlejeune8764
    @davidlejeune8764 3 роки тому +2

    I don't usually comment but I just have to say...Wow. This really cleared some mud for me. The amp sounds great. Big, bold, and honest. Much appreciate the inspiration you've given me for my own tube amp builds and conversions.
    BTW... I sure wish that could get my right hand to do finger picking magic that you do so easily. A pleasure watching and listening as always Brad. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and talent.

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  3 роки тому

      That’s very kind of you to say. I did a video about fingerpicking tricks. You can search it out. Might help you.

  • @sparkeyjames
    @sparkeyjames 4 роки тому +1

    I'll bet that guy was pleased with that job. What a versatile amp that has turned out to be.

  • @stevesolo16
    @stevesolo16 5 років тому

    Very nice. I didn't expect versatility.

  • @Smurf431
    @Smurf431 2 роки тому

    Nice playing, f'n GREAT tone, and a OUTSTANDING tutorial video of tweaking a tube amp.......I don't care how old the vid is.......THANK YOU for this!

  • @joemack1884
    @joemack1884 5 років тому

    Good job Brad!

  • @themarcoharder
    @themarcoharder 5 років тому +6

    That is massive gain!

  • @baggsblues2104
    @baggsblues2104 3 роки тому

    Awesome sounding amp. I'm just discovering these old pa conversions.

  • @peteroditis2156
    @peteroditis2156 4 роки тому +1

    show off!! sounds great. been checking you out since the knight km15 amp

  • @Lumby1
    @Lumby1 4 роки тому +1

    Amp customized by the Guitologist! Sounds pretty nice. Looks like a sleeper. Well designed tube amps are awesome.

  • @normjacques6853
    @normjacques6853 5 років тому

    Brad, you are very kind, generous, and diplomatic when it comes to the other guy's work! I have a few adjectives I might use....none of them complimentary. Bless your patient manner.

    • @normjacques6853
      @normjacques6853 5 років тому +1

      BTW, if you're forced, by design and space, to live with an output transformer adjacent to a power transformer, simply turning one 90 degrees (so that the cores are perpendicular to one another) will cut down *some* of your mutual inductance problems. I suspect you knew that....but you didn't mention it, so..... :-)

    • @normjacques6853
      @normjacques6853 5 років тому

      Also, where those gain adjustments send the amp into oscillation - try adjusting the pot(s) to just below osc. then measure the pot resistance...then insert a like-valued resistor in the wiper circuit so that that circuit can never fall below a minimum resistance...and get rid of the possibility of driving it into osc.....or just switch to a 12 AT7, 12 AU7, etc....but sacrifice gain.

  • @frankferriolo9212
    @frankferriolo9212 3 роки тому

    I really liked the riff you played when you tested the amps tone before beginning the modification......I thought it was a solid rhythm! The amp sounds great too.

  • @jordanmartinez2432
    @jordanmartinez2432 2 роки тому +1

    You sir have the coolest job in the world!!!!👍😊🤘
    Excellent content!!!

  • @NitroModelsAndComics
    @NitroModelsAndComics 5 років тому +2

    What a straight up little beast that thing is.

  • @chrislangdell117
    @chrislangdell117 4 роки тому

    Wow man. Killer tone.

  • @bjdenil
    @bjdenil 5 місяців тому +1

    Wow, it really sounds amazing by the time you are done with it! Sounds like it would cut through the mix, too.

  • @archdeathmagetelemaster5805
    @archdeathmagetelemaster5805 4 роки тому

    Just finishing some work on a couple Marshall JCM 900 combo amps (4502 & 4102), came across your videos. Great stuff!

  • @jeremiahfiek5495
    @jeremiahfiek5495 3 місяці тому

    You're a fkn badass, dude! This is the coolest thing i've seen in a LONG time.

  • @tomasotreasaigh111
    @tomasotreasaigh111 3 роки тому

    You got that thing sounding creamy and smooth as hell when needed and plenty of snarl and groan when needed! I would absolutely love to own that amp. Fantastic job Brad, peace and respect from Ireland mo chara x.

  • @efenderbls
    @efenderbls 5 років тому

    Very cool video and I always learn a thing or two from your vids and it's fun going along through these circuits.
    She sure did clean up from all the noise and man what killer gnarly gain.
    It was awesome to hear you talk about the same changes as I did to my 5E3 clone the 220k V1 plate load resistor and .022uF coupling cap.
    I do though have the .022uF coupling caps on V2 and V1 normal Ch .005uF.
    As you mentioned the 220k plate load resistor did drive the second preamp stage harder and with a lower coupling caps and man she cooks.

  • @2dazetake
    @2dazetake 3 роки тому +8

    That's got to be the hardest job any musician could ever have,having to send the sweetest tones and vintages amps back to the owners, you always make great sounding circuits Brad,awesome skills bro.

  • @stevehogan8829
    @stevehogan8829 5 років тому

    oh, nice art at the beginning. . Hey Brad.... Enjoyed this vid. Looks like a bad boy conversion. Thanks.

  • @EJ-74
    @EJ-74 4 роки тому

    Wow when you hit the distortion I didn't expect that at all Cool little amp 👍✌️

  • @glenndavis6793
    @glenndavis6793 5 років тому

    Awesome job could watch you for hours learn a lot thank you very much

  • @donny763222
    @donny763222 4 роки тому

    Very great work mannnn

  • @pathale4360
    @pathale4360 4 роки тому

    What a badass amp thanks to you!! And also hats off to your chops.....definitely smokin !!

  • @redbull8661
    @redbull8661 4 роки тому

    Holy crap! I bet that customer was very happy with that tone! Great job!

  • @ricknelsonm
    @ricknelsonm 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you for your interesting video and really enjoyed your playing.

  • @kenjimac2211
    @kenjimac2211 5 років тому

    Damn Brad! That thing sounds awesome!!!!

  • @jonlennon3348
    @jonlennon3348 5 років тому

    That thing produces distortion extremely well. Man you do great work.

  • @timothybedwards5440
    @timothybedwards5440 5 років тому

    Awesome sounding great job

  • @Riffraff12571
    @Riffraff12571 5 років тому +1

    Damn! That sounds fantastic!!

  • @bluesstrat6889
    @bluesstrat6889 5 років тому

    Awsome video as always. Thank you.

  • @benlogan430
    @benlogan430 5 років тому

    Always good stuff! I’ve got an old Stromberg Carlton radio I should send your way for conversion!

  • @raelik777
    @raelik777 4 роки тому

    Man, that thing sounds amazing!

  • @gilmacevers253
    @gilmacevers253 3 роки тому

    Excellent Video!

  • @neuk01642
    @neuk01642 5 років тому +2

    I know fuck all about electrical engineering/electronics. I get the raging fear re wiring a plug. I play a little guitar (not particularly well, but I'm learning).
    For some inexplicable reason I love this channel. I have no clue what half of the stuff you're talking about means, it sounds like the teacher from Peanuts most of the time, but I can't get enough...
    Thanks for providing hours of weirdly addictive entertainment dude!
    Matt

    • @TheGuitologist
      @TheGuitologist  5 років тому +1

      I get this a lot. Maybe I just have one of those voices or something.