Modding The Monoprice | Making A Great Amp Greater!
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- Опубліковано 1 жов 2024
- In this 50th installment, Jimmy does some modding on the Monoprice Stage Right 15W valve amp from Monoprice. Here we test out the differences by retubing the amp with a set of JJ tubes, along with a MOD 3 spring reverb tank. When in stock, the Monoprice Stage Right 15W amp is available on Monoprice.com
Changing the tubes is the most expensive upgrade that will make the most negligible improvement. Upgrading the 12ax7 at V1 & the two el84s are the only tubes that will make any difference whatsoever. Upgrading the tank & speakers & dialing in the bias to your own taste will make the biggest differences.
Thanks for watching and commenting B…your probably right (V1 and power tubes especially) but upgrading them all also gives you a set of tubes (spare) which is good to have anyway. It was not “that” expensive, and certainly cheaper than having to find/buy one when you least expect to. The new units now come with JJ’s stock, so that’s a good thing for those buying now. I have since also picked up the Monoprice 1x12 Vintage 30 equipped cab and it gives a lot of difference in sound with the Celestion Vintage and a larger speaker cab. Appreciate your stopping in and sharing….👍
I swapped 12AT7s into V1 on both of mine, and Tung-Sols into one of them, along with an Eminence Legend speaker. Huge difference. It has a much warmer, more Fender-like tone. With the other one, I wanted to retain more of the high end, so I left it as-is for now. With the two amps running side by side, it sounds great.
Another thing these have above the Blues Junior is the ability to bias the tubes properly. They even made it simple to do. If you remove the chassis from the cabinet and look at the circuit board, there's two small potentiometers, one being the hum adjustment and the other being bias. If you look near the bias adjustment pot (closest to the power tubes), there's a little solder point with the word "BIAS" printed on the board next to it. Take your multimeter and touch the red probe to the solder point, with the black one grounded to the chassis. Plug it in, switch it on, and check your voltage. If you're +/-5% of 12v, you're good. If not, adjust the potentiometer until you're there. Unplug it, put it back together, and play away.
These used to come biased cold (mine was all the way down at 8v), which contributed to the short life of the stock tubes. The second one was pretty much spot on, but when the power tubes wear out, I'll rebias it to spec.
It's an easy operation, but always make sure when you're rebiasing the amp that you don't make contact with any of the capacitors. These run at some pretty insane internal voltages, and if you're not careful, it could injure (or possibly kill) you. If you're unsure or uncomfortable, take it to a qualified technician. If you're like me, then yolo.
Thanks for the insight and the very informative post Bradley!! Lot’s of folks ask about re-biasing these amps. As you state however, PLEASE be careful and cautious if you attempt to perform this yourself!! 👍
Bias cold and the tubes will last for years , bias hot and it wears the tubes out quicker !
The Monoprice 15w usually ships biased fairly “cold” from what I understand from Monoprice and others…
@@JimmyStewart1 One of mine was biased very cold (8v), the other was right at 12v, so it's hit or miss.
@@ijamsum Not quite. Too cold will damage the cathode if you don't lower the other voltages across the tubes in kind due to vibration, where too hot damages the cathode from too much heat. You can bias a little cold, but I wouldn't go under 11v.
On the other hand, a Variac allows you to lower all the voltages safely, which does allow for long tube life, but at a cost of reduced clean headroom and reduced output, which can actually sound great.
Three of the reviews that I watched illustrated that humbuckers were not sounding very good with the amp. Did you find that as well?
Thanks so much for watching and commenting Waldofcorp…honestly I am not a huge fan of humbuckers to begin with, and prefer P90’s and other single coils. That said, I didn’t really find this amp being “particular” with any specific pickups and can be pleasing with any. It’s all in the tone setting you want to achieve. Again, I do prefer single coils, especially P90’s and this amp has done everything I need including humbuckers here in the studio!
Appreciate your stopping in to the channel…🎸👍
I was surprised the new reverb tank improved the reverb as much as it did. Current 15W version of the amp from Monoprice ships with JJs.
I have been hearing that it now ships with JJ’s, but not owning the latest version, could not personally confirm that. Updating to the 3 spring gives it a more “lush” sound in the tank, allowing to bring up the “verb” without totally destroying the effect.
Thanks for watching and commenting! Much appreciated! 👍
How long ago did they start using JJ's?
@@rochat
I have been hearing this for a few months now, but couldn’t give you the actual date they made the change. I will contact Monoprice and see if I can nail down the time frame.
Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍
@@bradejensen
I think that’s a 2 spring tank, right? If so, it’s probably very similar to what’s in the amp now. The stock 2 spring is not bad actually, but if replacing I would go with a 3 spring like the MOD I used. I don’t see much sense replacing a 2 spring with a 2 spring unless the original is dead and you wanted it to sound as close to the original stock tank.
@@bradejensen
I am not sure Brad as I have no background in the tank you described outside of the model number you provided. I would have to do some research on that particular tank. If the info you have on it already says it won’t work, then I would stick to what I know works and sounds good with the Monoprice which is the tank I used in this video.
Here is a link to the MOD tank I used if you are interested. Perhaps you could match up the specs with the one you have:
www.amazon.com/MOD-Reverb-Tanks-8EB2C1B-Tank/dp/B003BGXW50
Thanks for the Mod reverb number to upgrade my amp i just ordered from Monoprice !
It is $30 now 11 /2021 !
I retubed the 12ax7 tube preamp and cannot figure out exactly what V1a & b does nor V2a & b but ended up with a Genalex gold pin 12ax7 in V1 socket and a vintage Mullard in V2 and a sovtek 12ax7 LPS phase inverter tube with balanced triodes in V3 and the gain at 5 sounds
rather clean but has sustain like its overdriven ?
I think now V1a overdrives V1b triode and V2 runs the reverb with a&b triodes !
I am not sure but the Genalex has a lot of gain yet stays cleaner because it can take high gain easily !
It sure sounds great now that is certain !
My pleasure ijams sum…Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
Have fun with your new Monoprice and the 3 spring verb! Congrats and thanks again for stopping in to the channel! 👍🎸
The circuit of that amp is a direct copy of the Laney cub 12 ( not the 12r ,that one has digital Reverb). There's a trim pot inside for biasing the output tubes. On the Laney Cub 12 schematic, there is a test point with the notation on what the voltage reading should be at that point to get Optimum bias. I own this app and if you want to rebias the tubes I definitely recommend looking at the Laney Cub 12 schematic. The Monoprice printed circuit board does not show the test point but it does follow the exact same capacitor and resistor identification so all you have to do is find the nearest point to where the test point is supposed to be I found it right near a capacitor about an inch and a half away from where the trim pot is. It's definitely a pretty easy process but look at the schematic before you try
Appreciate the info and of course watching and commenting! 👍
@@JimmyStewart1 no problem I'm also an amplifier technician and I hate to tell you but Ruby's in JJ's come from the same Factory there's only three places in the world that make tubes these days and they just get branded by the company that buys them you probably ended up with more Headroom with the new set because bias was not changed therefore the tube has more Headroom because the plate dissipation is different if you really want to get a different sound try changing that speaker
@@mark5150ty
Yes, I realize the tube manufacturing scenario, but thanks again....I am ok with the speaker for now, as it has opened up a bit since new and breaking it in a bit. I may at some point soon, go with a Celestion Vintage 30 to try. Once again, appreciate your stopping in to the channel and the input! Stay safe...👍
@@JimmyStewart1 no problem I appreciate it sorry if I'm commenting too much this is my last one I got to get back to work LOL I also added a bright switch to mine. Right across the volume pot the same as you would see in a Fender amp and boy can you really get better tone at lower volume with it. It's funny I bought this amp as a tester amp in my shop but it turned out to become my small gigging amp of choice because it sounds so good. I cut my cabinet and half and turned it into a head so I play through a Harley Benton 212 with vintage 30s and it sounds amazing. Have a good day God bless
@@mark5150ty
No problem at all man....always appreciate input and comments, especially from folks with helpful knowledge giving the viewers and subscribers to the channel as much straight talk as possible! Much appreciated from my end my friend...the “head/cab” and “tone/ bright switch” mod was something I was also thinking about...sounds like it worked out great for you! Truly appreciate the input! 👍
Great video! I have totally modded my Monoprice Stage Right 15W tube amp. I installed a matched set of Tung-Sol gold pin EL84's, 3 Tung-Sol 12AX7's, a Belton 3 spring medium decay reverb tank and finally I installed a WGS 12" Reaper speaker. I got the amp for $225 and spent around $175 on the mods. The amp sounds amazing.
That sounds like a great mod you did!
Outstanding! It really is a great amp for the $$ and my most used in the studio these days.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Greatly appreciated! 👍
V3 near the el84 tubes is the phase inverter so to improve a great modded amp use a 12at7 in V3 or a $21 Sovtek 12ax7LPS with balanced triodes as this will improve the tone greatly when the gain is 4.5 or higher as many PI tubes cannot handle gain and will distort real bad distortion and ruin the tone coming from the preamp and sound mushy at high gain settings !
The Sovtek long plate tube is the best 12ax7 PI tube on Earth made today !
@@ijamsum Thanks for the tip! I will definitely look into this.
whenever you do an upgrade, you should always record the "before" to compare the after.
Thanks for watching and commenting Rick. I totally agree with you…my thoughts were, well I have played and used the amp on dozens of reviews and demo’s prior to the upgrades so people should know how it sounded prior…🤣
I was in my fantasy world, believing everyone surely watched those video’s, right? But yeah, I should have included a little bit “prior” for sure! I truly appreciate your stopping in and hope to see you around the channel more! 👍🎸
FYI for anyone looking for a new speaker for this amp. a WGS Et65 sounds good with this amp to get a nice thick overdrive with decent cleans. And the wgs g12c (Jensen type voicing) is good for strat SRV blues tones which is what I ended up keeping in there. WGS are great and really affordable. You can find most of the ceramic models for 40 or 50 bucks used on reverb
Thanks so much for watching and commenting Jason…good info to on the WGS. Appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing! 👍🎸
And even better yet an e65 and a veteran 30 in a vertical 2x12
@@OEF_OIFVET68
The Vintage 30 extension cab from Monoprice sounds pretty good as well! Lots of choices! 👍
@@JimmyStewart1 yup
@@OEF_OIFVET68 I actually ended up with a Texas heat in there, biased with jjs and a eh12ax7 in v2. I’ve been gigging for the past month and I always get compliments on my sound. I love people’s reaction when I tell them it’s a $200 amp!
When you have the old stock tubes, change only the first pre amp tube with a jj electronic. Than you can hear imidiatly a diference. Much cleaner sound. Thanks Jimmy.👍
.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Yes, the V1 pre tube is the “magic” tube!! 😎
The newer versions now come with JJ’s stock, so even a better value!
Appreciate your stopping in to the channel and hope to see you more! 👍
If I upgrade the tubes do I need to upgrade all of the preamp tubes to the same or just the first one thanks so much in advance !!!
@@craigjacob3704
You can just upgrade the V1 if you wish
Jimmy Stewart, do fuses blow in the Harley Benton 12 W like they do in the Monoprice Stage Right 12 W. I have heard great reviews about Harley Benton but I'm afraid of it because it looks same as Monoprice so do you know if I can change fuse myself in Harley Benton 12 without sending it to the factory.
The Thomann Harley Benton version is basically the same amp rebadged for H.B. Biggest difference is this is designed for overseas use and runs on 230v for the European market. If you are located in the States, you probably don’t want this version unless you are planning on using a step down transformer. You shouldn’t be blowing fuses in the Monoprice. I have had mine for 3 years now and no issues. I use it just about every day….if for some reason the fuse blew, it’s not that difficult to replace, but like I stated, a blown fuse could indicate some other issue that’s causing the fuse to blow in the 1st place.
Question for the amp tech out there -
I have a '72 Fender Champ. It is a 5 watt amp with NO reverb. It has one 12AX7 in the preamp circuit. There are alternate 12xxx tubes (possibly 12AY7 ?) that can be substituted for the 12AX7 that will provide more or less headroom.
Does anyone know if alternates would play the same role w this amp? And which of the three 12AX7s would be replaced by them?
I'm guessing that one of the 12AX7s here is related just to the reverb function. Thanks
Hi Bob…not a “amp tech” by any stretch, but I have heard from many that if you want to gain more headroom in the Champ, you can swap out that 12AX7 with a 12AY7.
Same would go here with the StageRight (V1 tube). Hope that helps and thanks for stopping into the channel! 🎸👍
I have been playing mine over a year. I finally made an upgrade. I picked up a Celestion G12H 30 Watt 70 Anniversary for $50 and replaced the 70/80. Instantly made the amp heavier. And instantly made the amp come alive. When I turn the amp up the harmonies are singing. This is with humbuckers. I want to try my single coils, but cant stop playing with the what I'm listening to now. I will play this amp with anything comparable to a JR. It's simply an amazing upgrade . Great video by the way . Yea interesting how people can Believe those tube stories.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting MrMojabo! I have been contemplating doing a speaker “upgrade” as well, but have yet to pull the trigger. Perhaps in the future. Sounds like the G12H did the trick for you! Nice! Truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing! 👍🎸
The right speaker is the best mod you can make to a amp !
Is this the reverb tank you got? Reverb Tank - Mod 8EB2C1B, Medium Decay, 3-Spring
Yes, I used the MoD 8EB2C1B, Medium Decay, 3 spring. It’s input Impedance is 800 Ohms, Output Impedance 2,575 Ohms. Thanks for stopping in to the channel! 👍🎸
I just snagged an amp with JJ tubes for 199.00. I was on their mailing list and was notified when it came on sale. I ordered is ASAP and received it in 4 days. I’m really happy with it.
Nice!! Great buy, especially with the JJ’s stock on them now! Enjoy, and thanks for stopping in to let me know! Appreciate it! 👍
I did something similar with mine. Used the same reverb tank, and experimented with different tubes in the preamp section. In the end I settled on a 5751 in V1, an ECC83MG in V2 and a 12AT7 in the V3 for the reverb. Which gave me way more headroom, and a slightly softer feeling attack on the reverb. Makes for a great pedal platform. I have yet to swap the power tubes because I did not want to mess with re-biasing at the time, and in my experience power tubes have little effect on tone anyway. I'll wait until the Ruby EL84s start going south first. I also swapped the stock Celestion 70/80 for Vintage 30. One of the best sounding amps I own and one of the cheapest too! Love this thing.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Nice job on your amp! The headroom difference certainly comes from V1...and yes, the amp is great as a pedal platform.
I would also agree that the power tubes can certainly wait, and the Ruby’s are not horrible, though they now ship with the JJ’s. I will just keep mine as backups as they are basically new. I thought about swapping the 70/80 for a Vintage 30 but decided to just let it go for now.
Appreciate your stopping in to the channel. Thanks again, and stay safe! 👍
@@JimmyStewart1 The voicing of a speaker change would've been even more of tonal change.
@@jimcamp2423
I agree with you Jim….just wanted to give the 70/80 a chance to break in before going with a swap! That’s next!! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 👍🎸
I put in the same tubes,(actually I was coping you.. haha,, ) I could turn the gain up to 3 before too much breakup, I just finished installing a Jensen Legend 1258 now I can crank gain up to 6, Nice Clean tone for My CASH stuff. Still have to break it in for a while...
@@bassoneman
That’s great Jim….a better, higher wattage speaker will also do wonders. Congrats man and happy to hear your getting your amp personalized to your needs!! 👍
Chief Stewart this is Boats Larry down in Ft.Lauderdale we have so much in common with monoprice, Navy, ECT to much to cover in one message hopefully we can chat mere in future... However Chief I'd like to consult with u your advice on wat to do here I never taken a pic guard off & looked under the hood!!! I have both the black & the blue Super strata with humbuckersi love the feel of the black btr than the blue it jus feels right chief however the volume knob is loose & moving around it's still under warranty wat would you do chief swap the pic guard out with the blue or is fixing a knob an easy repair anyway chief if u have sometime to spare it would be awesome to get ur in put on this issue Thank Chief from boats Larry down in Ft. Lauderdale TTYL
Easy fix Boats…just pull the knob off and look at the inside to see if it’s stripped. Also look at the shaft. You can put a screw driver or knife blade in to spread the shaft a bit to fit the knob tighter. Go slow and be gentle…don’t break the shaft…if need be, you could also wrap the shaft with a wind or two of pipe thread if the inside of the knob is stripped of grip.
bummed because i came here thinking you were about to do a *real* mod to this amp... :( but no, you just swapped the tubes and reverb tank lol. That's not "modding" that's just "customizing"... I tube roll on any and every amp I've ever had, and do so continuously over the years, as well as trying different tanks and speakers. But all of that is just personalizing. I wanted a real full on mod dammit!
Hi Brady…sorry to disappoint you. There was another comment a few months ago that kind of stated something similar, that changing tubes and reverb tank is not really “modding”. I explained that “Modding The Monoprice” had a better ring to the title then “Upgrading The Monoprice” and in keeping with the definition of Modification: 1 : the act or process of changing parts of something. 2 : a slightly changed form
I do appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts! 🎸👍
I don't know why you keep asking questions, like someone is going to answer you? 🤷♂️ Sounded the same to me. Ruby tubes are from China, I heard their plant had a fire. JJ's are from Slovakia
Hi Lou..thanks for watching and commenting. I don’t know why I ask questions either…just something I have always done 😎
The JJ’s seemed to me to give more clean headroom in use, especially after running it the past couple years with “zero” issues. I did keep the Ruby valves as backup.
JJ’s are much tougher to come by now due to the current situation between Russia and Ukraine. Not too long after this video was published, Monoprice changed to JJ’s as stock tubes in their amps. Very recently, they have changed to PSVANE tubes (another Chinese manufacturer) due to the shortage from Slovakia…
Appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing! 🎸👍
I modded mine with 5751 in v1 and v2, 12at7 v3, 3 spring mod tank and a Jensen p12n speaker. I think each upgrade helped the amp sound more they way I wanted it too
That’s great Justin! Sounds like you got it where you want it! Excellent!! Thanks so much for watching and sharing! Much appreciated….👍🎸
Jimmy i love your channel it’s like sitting down with my grandpa or just putting a big overcoat, makes you feel great. Because you don’t do the hard sell,keep up the good work. P.s your the only channel I talk to when it’s on saying like GO ON JIMMY,!!!!
Wow!
Thanks so much Mark! That gave me a warm fuzzy this morning with me tea!
Appreciate your stopping in and the kind comments. Hope to see you around the channel! Stay safe...👍
@@JimmyStewart1 no problem, keep up the great work 👍
@@markloveridge3345
👍👍
I could be wrong, but in searching for a schematic on the net it seems that the circuit is basically a clone of the Laney Cub 15R ? If so, it has a fixed bias configuration for the power tubes, and when replacing them the power tube bias should be adjusted.
Hi ryanjones4150…thanks for watching and commenting. The circuit is actually cloned from the Laney Cub 12R…and yes the bias is adjustable from the circuit. I read many forums whom had positives/negatives about adjusting the bias (smaller wattage power amps and JJ tubes especially) and in my situation because the original bias/tubes were shipped/set pretty cooI from the factory, I left it alone and it has worked just fine for the past few years…appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing! 🎸👍
Honestly, one of the better mods is to put it in a new box made of actual wood. It is a great looking and great sounding amp but the cabinet itself is made of particle board. Putting it in a true wooden box will really help it's longevity. Replacing the tubes is great if you can find them.
Hi bjdenil…thanks for watching and commenting. I ended up just grabbing one of their V30 equipped extension cabs on sale. Makes a world of difference as well (larger 3/4 closed cab) and got the cab (wooden) for just about the same price as the Celestion Vintage 30 speaker costs on its own! Truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts! Much thanks…🎸👍
I agree with bjdenil. Also I would like to see the inside of the chasis before I put a lot of money in a cheap amp, all be it a good sounding one. I bet the tubes are mounted directly to the circuit board that will be subject to heat; not good. I would be warry using it a gig, probably miced up, but at home, recording, or noddling around it's a good value.
@@tubetone74
It’s been going strong for the past few years since I bought it….I paid $150 for the amp….about $100 for tubes and 3spring tank…still about 1/3 of a blues jr (with a effects loop and attenuation) and if it died tomorrow I still owes me nothing. For me, it’s a studio amp, but I wouldn’t hesitate to gig with it.
The thing is though wood is resonant. MDF is not. This is why all modern studio monitors pretty much are made of MDF. The resonance characteristics are far better. Unless you want a resonant cabinet? Which might be the case I don't know. I would think you'd want a non resonant cabinet for obvious reasons.
@@Screaming-Trees
Agree…weight is always a issue as well with small combo amps…appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts! 🎸👍
hey i have this amp coming tomorrow, its supposed to come with JJs, but i want back up tubes due to the impending tube crisis, can someone please tell this tube noob exactly what tubes i need and a couple suggestions as to brand? im going for rich, complex, overdriven sounds with enough clean headroom to use pedals.
Congrats on your new amp! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! In the video, I go through the tubes that this amp takes (3 12ax7 for preamp and 2 EL84’s for the power section. Some like to run slightly different but compatible tubes based on preference, but those are the stock tube configuration. I would receive it first and fire it up, see how you like/dislike the stock tubes (and yes, could be JJ’s but not guaranteed) and go from there. There is really only a couple tube manufacturers that make all the tubes regardless, you just want to decide what you want sitting in your slots. Google “tubes for Monoprice 15w Val a amp” and see what others are suggesting. I like it stock with JJ’s that I used in this video…good luck and thanks again for stopping in to the channel! 👍🎸
Por favor...
Link for the new tubes.
Link for the 3-spring reverb box.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BGXW50/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Reverb Link
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005F5TP6U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Pre-Amp Tube Link
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003FO89CE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Power Amp Tube Link
Remember children......while tube rolling might seem fun, but with questionable sonic benefits (except for V1 and worn power tubes).....too much socket pin wear can lead to buzz kill issues down the road with loose intermittent pin contacts.
Good points...
Thanks for watching and commenting! Stay safe! 👍
Is there an even better reverb tank upgrade option if someone was willing to spend more money that will fit right in there? Thanks! I have one of the first versions of the amp with the controls on top. I can hear the reverb making noise for sure! I got the amp for $50 at the flea market!
Hi buck7477…thanks for watching and commenting. There certainly “could be” I guess, but I really don’t know. I like the MoD and it works well. Fit is perfect…I guess you could research to see what fits and matches up, but I have not done that. Does yours have the little “blue box” reverb, or the two spring in it? Even the 2 spring would be a huge upgrade to the original “blue box” they use to come stock with.
I bought some NOS vintage Russian tubes for my 1/5w Monoprice. I haven't installed them yet.
The JJ’s are Slovic, so yeah....should liven the 5W up for sure! 👍
NICE! Hey Jimmy, let our friends know that guitarsgarden.com has many guitars in stock right now! Take care 🙂 ❤
Yes!! Thanks...👍
Chief, I followed this instructional video and completed the mods with the components indicated. Absolutely NO experience and it went famously. Now I’ve done some research and found that replacing the 1st power tube with a 12AY7 gives a cleaner sound BUT diminishes the volume. The amp had a reduction in volume but it still had plenty of volume for most purposes. I, and I’m sure many subscribers, thank you for your educational videos and advice. Have a terrific holiday! 😊
Hi mjvicc…thanks so much for watching and glad it was useful to ya! Much thanks!! 🎸👍
Why not turn the amp
upside down<
when changing the tubes🤔
You certainly could, if you wish! I just didn’t bother 😎
Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Stay safe! 👍
The speaker is what changes the most the tone in an amp, so I'm surprised that it's not the first thing you changed
Hi Alex…thanks for watching and commenting! I actually picked up the Monoprice Celestion V30 Extension Cab for this as I wanted to keep the sound of the 70/80 but have the option of switching to the V30. This gave me the best of “both worlds” you could say.
Thanks so much for stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts! Much appreciated! 🎸👍
Im going to be trying 3 different speakers in mine. The stock, Jensen C12K and Carvin British Series. The Jensen and the Carvin speakers are old and well worn in and sound fantastic thru just about any amp ive tried them with. But i have a lot of "fender" sounding amps so i may end up liking the Carvin as its more up the "british" tone literally even in the name. HAHA! I feel i already have my Fender tone covered with other amps and id like to have an amp that does something a little different for recording with. I look forward to modding this amp a little and trying different tubes etc. :-)
@@ctcards2636
I bought the Monoprice Celestion Extension Cabinet for mine. Basically got the V30 Celestion speaker and cabinet for the same price as the speaker alone. This gives me more versatility and could be used with other amps in the studio as well. Good luck with your mods…enjoy! 🎸👍
Um...looks like there's smoke coming out of the amp. Or are you burning incense?
Hi Lou….thanks so much for watching and commenting! Arr…yes…what you are seeing was a small room humidifier I use to have back there to keep the “herd” hydrated during the winter months…I have since replaced it with a much larger floor unit! All is good…😎
Truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel and hope to see you around more! Much thanks (good eye)! 🙏👍
I would hardly call swapping tubes and the reverb tank modding an amplifier.
Hmmm…well perhaps the term “upgrading” would have worked better for you…Thanks for stopping in to the channel Barry. I do appreciate it. In the true spirit of the video however, I thought using the short version of “modification” and Monoprice worked nicely together in the video title, and I though it was pretty accurate as well when you consider the actual meaning of “modification”
1 : the act or process of changing parts of something. 2 : a slightly changed form
Again, thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts! 🎸👍
JJ's power tubes are good but I hate their 12AX7's. They sound so muddy. Get some Tung-Sol's or Electro-Harmonix for the pre amp and a Sovtek LPS for position 3 (phase inverter).
Thanks for the suggestions and thanks for stopping in to the channel! Much appreciated 👍
I kinda wish I had the V2. The front facing controls are a game changer. I got the V1 in 2017 for 159.99 USD pre tax with a coupon. Wish I got a second for stereo lol
The original "spring reverb" is pretty ok as well. I'm def gonna swap it out one day
You can always grab another for your “stereo”…😎
The stock 2 spring verb is fine…just wanted a bit shorter and more rounded reverb…thanks so much for stopping in and sharing! 🎸👍
I just got this amp delivered today 4/6/2021 for $250 from Amazon and I clicked the link on Amazon to write a review and the price is up to $329 a day later.
Congrats on the new Amp!! You got to love Amazon’s pricing. I find that all the time...strange the way they price things sometimes. Hope you enjoy it. Thanks for stopping into the channel. Appreciate it! 👍
Are you saying a 'cold' bias leads to hot power tubes (that burn out) in one of your comments?
I don’t think I said that…what I was saying is the Monoprice comes from the factory set a bit “cold” in the bias so I didn’t see the need to re-bias the amp when swapping out the EL84 power tubes from the stock Ruby tubes to the JJ’s. The amp now ships with JJ tubes stock, so the bias should be good for either set of tubes! I have been running it now for 2 years with no issues just about daily.
Hope that helps! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! 👍🎸
Chief, as a “ Heads up” for you subscribers Monoprice is currently running a sale on these amps for $199.00+ free shipping. I already have the 5W version and you have convinced me that when you see a sale “ BUT IT “!😊
Yes!! These have been on sale and still in stock last I looked!! Appreciate your sharing!! 🎸👍
Oh wow what a great deal..l ordered one at the 199.00 with free shipping. I was blown away when l realized mine had the gt 100 speaker instead of the 70/80 and the tubes appear to be JJ's. I am actually very pleased with the reverb and have a NUX reverb pedal on the way...
@@brentatkinson73401
Hi Bret…congrats on yours and enjoy it!! Yes, the newer models changed the speaker and shipped with JJ’s….even more of a deal! Thanks so much for stopping into the channel and sharing your thoughts!! 🎸👍
the first mod you shouldve done to this amp is replacing the garbage seventy 80 speaker and put in a celestion Creamback, instead. it is SOOOOOO much better with a creamback loaded into it.
Hey thanks man for watching and commenting. That was the “next” upgrade…got the Celestion V30 cab to go with it…sounds very good!
Appreciate your stopping into the channel and sharing your thoughts! 🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 yes, i watched that video you did with the extension cab with the vintage 30 in it.. i love the vintage 30 speaker. its such a good speaker that i use it for almost everything. that being said, the celestion creamback is a different speaker. sounds quite different than the vintage 30. it sounds very good as well. the thing is, if you slide a creamback into the 15w monoprice tube/valve amp, itll blow your mind. seriously. the creamback is better suited to the style of amp that this is, plus the cream color back on the creamback (hence its "name") goes along with the color of the amp. i swear, the creamback was made specifically for this amp, or something, lol. the creamback has a more "bluesy" kind of tone and it really compliments the monoprice 15w tube/valve amp. it really does. it think it is worth the investment. the creamback, imo, pushes the monoprice 15w tube amp to where i think it is better than an actual fender blues jr or the laney its supposed to be a clone of, at FAR less cost, even including the extra cost of the speaker. i HIGHLY recommend putting a celestion Creamback into this amp.. it "changes the game" so to speak and makes it the PERFECT blues amp.
I heard some Bachman Turner! Thanks, bought the Amp today $199.00+tax, free ship with coupon, and sub'd
Well thanks so much for watching and commenting and hope you enjoy your amp! They now come stock with JJ tubes too!
Good price!! Enjoy and thanks again! Much appreciated! 👍
How has everyones experience been with biasing this amp ? I just got one and i have yet to get home to mess with it. But was planning on cooling the bias so i can use 6p14p power tubes. But ive read that these amps are biased cold from the factory. But how cold are they ? Do i even need to "cool" the bias for these tubes or is this amp around where id be setting it anyways ? Ive also seen conflicting stories on how to bias this, including someone posting a video of "how to bias" this amp and that video made me have more questions than i had before watching it ! lol. Ive biased amps in the past so this isnt new to me in that aspect, but it is new to me with this amp. Any help would be awesome. I already have a MOD tank to put in and i am going to replace the wires for the reverb as well. Someone online mentioned a way of getting more headroom out of this involving cold clipping. Id like to get as much headroom out of this amp as possible, so i have some different preamp tubes to try but id read about this cold clipper mod and just wanted to see if anyone else has found some other ways of getting headroom out of this lil amp. I own the 5 watt version which is modded a little bit. In that amp I took the 100uf/450v cap out and replaced it with a 22uf/450v cap and that increased the bass response. But it was too much response for the stock Super 8 speaker. So i ordered from Amazon for $23 shipped a Celestion 8 15 and this speaker handled the increase in bass and added a nicer tone to the amp overall than the stock Super 8. People claim the Super 8 and 8 15 are one in the same and NO they are not. Even the magnet on the 8 15 is 20% bigger id say. But along with a cheap reverb pedal this lil 5 watt is one of my fav recording amps right now. I also put a 6n2p-ev preamp tube (using 6n2 to 12ax7 adaptor) and a NOS GE 6v6GT in it. NICE ! Im hoping i can turn this 15 watt version into something that i can use often and fits my style and tone etc. Thanks yall :-)
Hey CTCards…thanks for watching and commenting. If you have not had time to get use to this amp yet, I would spend some time with it 1st before you decide what you may want/need to mod or change. I had mine for a good bit before deciding to upgrade a few things, but it really wasn’t because it “needed” it, but more to experiment and see if it made better! These amps do come biased on the “cold” side and at 15Watts, keeping the factory bias is not going to hurt anything. You could change out valve #1 and get a bit more headroom if you wish. I also have the 5W little brother…another good amp. I run these through the Monoprice V30 equipped Celestion extention cabinet and get some great tones! Appreciate your stopping in to the channel…good luck with your new amp and congrats! 🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 Thanks :-)
@@ctcards2636
My pleasure…👍
Great video, thank you! Which input impedance was that MOD reverb tank? 10 Ohms or the 800 Ohms model? I want to replace mine also since yours sounded so great but not sure which option to purchase as StewMac has both versions. Any help is GREATLY appreciated! Hope you are well, j
Thanks for watching and commenting Jay! I ordered mine from Amazon, and here is a link to the one I ordered. It is the 800 ohms model...
www.amazon.com/MOD-Reverb-Tanks-8EB2C1B-Tank/dp/B003BGXW50
Hope this helps you, and appreciate you stopping into the channel. Hope to see you around the channel as well! 👍
@@JimmyStewart1 thank you so much for the quick reply and for such a great video! hope you are well, j
@@JayTrainerBand
Thanks so much....stay safe and have a look around the channel! Appreciate you stopping in! 👍
Can I get further info about the three spring reverb tank. Can you share some links where to buy
Hi Marlou…thanks for watching and commenting. Yes, the Mod tank I purchased from Amazon and here is the link: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BGXW50/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Appreciate your stopping into the channel and hope you enjoyed the video! 🎸👍
7:33 Original (unmodded)
25:07 After Mods
Thanks so much for watching GlennMarshallRocks! Truly appreciated! 🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 - Definitely sounds better after the upgrades. The tubes certainly sound clearer and more pleasing to the ear, and that reverb is kick ass now. I didn't like the sound of the original reverb at all, but that new 3 spring is the cats meow... I just ordered up a Stage Right SB20 amp, which is known for having a very poor reverb in it, with it maxed out on 10 there's barely any reverb, and it's one of the first things I'm going to look into after hearing the improvement in your reverb after updating that tank. That's quite a significant improvement in tone and a far more pleasant reverb that your amp has now... ;-)
With the SB20 50w all tube head, I'm surprised at how many people are complaining about the reverb in it being weak, but no one has tried upgrading the reverb tank, and it's not a very expensive item to upgrade either. I'll be interested to see what I find when it arrives and I open it up.
@@GlennMarshallRocks
Truly appreciate the kind comments. I think a tube swap and 3 spring truly brought the amp to “life”!! Let me know how you make out on yours and thanks again for stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts! 🎸👍
putting a celestion creamback into this amp makes this amp, BY FAR, the best sounding amp i have ever heard for its price, even including the added cost of the celestion creamback..... i recently got a monoprice 1x12 cab too. i got mine for $160usd, after tax and free shipping.. it is an INCREDIBLE deal. to pass it up, if you want a 1x12, is a dumb move. i cant even find used 1x12 cabs for the price i got my monoprice 1x12 for. heck, an empty seismic 1x12 is around $200, just by itself and then you still have to add in the cost of a speaker too. so, yeah. this monoprice 1x12 is the best deal on the market, i can find. the little tube amps they make are great for the money too.
Absolutely agree on their 1x12 V30 cab…makes this amp a monster! I also have the 5w little brother…see my reviews of the cab along with the 5w here on the channel! 🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 yes, i saw that vid as well. i want both of these amps, but ultimately, i am going to have to choose between the two. i want the 15w more, but the 5w is more in my budget. lol
@@millermonsterair
If you can swing the 15w I think it’s well worth it. The spring reverb and effects loop are well worth the price of admission…😎
Is there a way to make changing a blown fuse easier? I heard fuse is way up in printed circuit board and you have to send it to company to change it.
Thanks for watching and commenting Michael….I am not a amp tech, but yes, the fuse is on the board and you need to pull the amp chassis to get to it. I would Google Monoprice 15w Stage Right Amp Fuse and read up on some of the threads about changing the fuse, along with troubleshooting and probably more important, what could be causing the fuse to blow?
You could certainly change the fuse DIY, but always take CAUTION when working on a amplifier as they can be very dangerous if you do not know what you are doing.
@@JimmyStewart1 Thank you Jimmy.
Can you tell me how to find the fuse on this amp? I can't find anything out on where the fuse is.
Thanks for stopping in Mikey….I have not tried to pull it, but think the fuse is more than likely inside the amp casing. You would have to pull the amp chassis to get access to it. 👍 Reminder that power amps can be DEADLY when working around…be sure to take appropriate cautions!
Chinese blues jr love you long time. Never had an el34 amp these things look fun. Have a deville and deluxe. I wish they had these when I was a kid there was no such thing as a cheap chinese 250$ tube amp.
Ha..ha!!
I wish they had amplifiers when I was a kid...love you long time, buy me aircraft carrier! 🤣
@@bradejensen
It’s certainly right up there and less than half the cost! Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍
@@bradejensen
Hey, you get no argument from me....😎
I think it’s the best value 15w valve amp on the market! I have a 30w Laney 2/12 class A that I have used for the past 20 years and it’s a beast (in a good way) but a bit much for the studio, so the Monoprice has taken its place for most studio work, along with UA-cam reviews and the like. It sounds good with just about any guitar I throw at it!
@@JimmyStewart1 Hi there
Is this Monoprice comparable with Laney cub 12?
@@dimitrisaivaliotis5616
It uses virtually the identical circuit as the Laney Cub…👍
I'm thinking of modding mine in the near future too I'm going to start with a speaker though cuz I think that would give the largest change in sound for the buck maybe an eminence or a warehouse or another celestion you know the speaker that's in it is a g7080 and it's a thick it sells for about 67 bucks it's a medium level speaker it's not garbage it ain't the best so that's going to be my first mod but I'm really interested to see how you are doing with yours sincerely yours, Bob the blind bedroom guitarist
Thanks for watching and commenting! Speaker upgrades are certainly one way to change the sound if that is what your looking for! The 70/80 Celestion that is stock is not a terrible speaker as many would have you believe, and tends to open up a bit and sound better as it gets broken in. My amp is doing fine, and I appreciate your stopping in.
1 of the 3 JJ 12 ax7 needs to be a tube with exact like matched halfs sinse it is used as a phase inverter tube for the push pull 2 el84 tubes. Almost every tube power amplifier sectin has 1 a2ax7 phase inverter tube. to not use a matched tube for that position V3 in this case one power tube can/will go bad before the other, it can take some time or happen fast. depend how big difference it is between the 2 halfs in the 12 ax7 in V3 position. Should mention that to people or what?
Thanks for watching and commenting. When I purchased new tubes for this from JJ, they said they were a matched set. No issues since putting them in over 3 years ago now, so think we should be safe….
Never heard about the “matched half’s” of a 12AX7….appreciate your stopping into the channel and sharing! 🎸👍
the power tubes in a matched set is spot on. But the 12 ax7 or ecc83 before the power tubes is not used for preamping it is used as a phase inverter and since the are 2 amp stages in one such tube one on each side. (2 transistors in one pagage) to be used as a phase inverter for the power tubes they only select tubes with very close toleranses on each side match, You should read up about the function of the 12 ax7 in phase inverter position close to power tubes. i am almost 60 and still learning or refreshing old knowledge and always trie to update myself since i do build and rep refurbish etc.
@@leohobbleohobb3781
Appreciate the info….much thanks! 🎸👍
Damn it is much different. How does it like pedals?
Hi Eric…thanks for watching and commenting. Takes pedals like a champ!! Thanks for stopping into the channel…much appreciated! 🎸👍
The little tube amp that could just got a lot better. Those tubes brightened and made the overall sound more full. That new reverb tank showed what 50% more spring can do. Great info, Jimmy.
Thanks so much Cal….the Monoprice Stage Right 15 is a great little amp, and one of the best deals in a 15w valve amp out there IMHO.
Appreciate you watching and commenting! 👍
Thank you very much for the video. I'm waiting for my amp to arrive. Apologies if you've provided the information elsewhere, but I was wondering if you had the model number for the spring reverb tank. I don't seem to be able to find anything in the UK for the MOD 3: the MOD tanks seem to have quite long model numbers.
@@TripleMoxy9
Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Glad you enjoyed it. The 3 spring tank I used I ordered from Amazon. Here is the link: www.amazon.com/MOD-Reverb-Tanks-8EB2C1B-Tank/dp/B003BGXW50
If you are in the UK, I am hoping you ordered the correct voltage amp!! Truly appreciate your stopping into the channel!! 🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 Thank you very much for that! They only had one option of amp on the site, so I'm hoping that they notice that I'm in the UK 😃
@@TripleMoxy9
It’s been awhile since I ordered my amp, but if you ordered it from Monoprice directly, they only offered the 120V version. Don’t know if they have changed that or not. Harley Benton offers the exact same amp (different badging) equipped for European Voltage (220v) but not sure about the differences in cost currently. If you ordered the 110v you will need a converter to use in the UK…
@@JimmyStewart1 I ordered the Harley Benton TUBE15 version from Thomman in Germany. It's supposed to be the same amp apart from the branding.
@TripleMoxy9
Excellent!! That was my concern when you stated you were in the UK…the HB version is the same amp (both designed on the Laney Cub 12) for the European market. You should be good to go!! 🎸👍
After a few mods this is now the only amp I own. There are only a few factories making tubes under different brand names so I wouldn't give much weight to the brand stamped on the tube.
Hi ebikes2…thanks so much for watching and commenting. Nice to hear your using one as well…congrats!! Still the best budget all valve 15w combo out there in my opinion. Yes, I realize that there are only a few tube manufacturers these days. The Ruby’s are made in China, and the JJ’s are Slovic. Truly appreciate your stopping into the channel and sharing your thoughts! Much thanks…🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 I'm using a JJ 5751 in the V1 spot. Much more clean headroom. Just ordered a MOD reverb tank long decay version. Can't wait to try it although the stock tank sounds good.
@@ebikes2xs159
Nice! Yes, the stock tank does just fine but I wanted a nice 3spring in there…🎸👍
A youtuber suggest a great setting for Fender Champ amps which seem to apply here as well. Turn the tone controls all the way off, turn the volume up. So try the following for the Monoprice. Set TONE to 5 (or higher), Set BASS to 0, MID to 5 (or higher), TREBLE to 0. Set Gain to 10, Volume to 5 (or higher). By keeping the Bass and Treble at zero and playing with the Mids this creates a whole new amp (JCM 800 ish ??)
Hi Phil…thanks for watching and commenting. I think depending on the guitar you are using and the style of music or song you are playing would be a better indicator of your amp settings, no? I appreciate your stopping into the channel and sharing however! I will give it a shot at some point, though I tend to set up patches via my pedal board for specific tones I am looking for. Much thanks…🎸👍
Have you had to bias the amp after changing the tubes? Great video again 👍
Thanks for watching and commenting Andrew…I have not re-biased the amp since re-tubing. The Monoprice ships biased a bit cold from what I understand, and I used JJ tubes which is what it ships with standard now. No hot plating, nothing I have noticed since replacing the tubes, and it sounds good so I left it alone. There is a pretty good explanation of how to do it listed here in the comments from a amp tech should you want to do it based on the Lany Cub 12 schematics that this amp is based on.
I would like to paint mine a different color. Spray paint?
I am not sure how well that would hold up, but I guess you could try!!
Nice job on the mod! Hey Jimmy, I'm a harmonica player. If I wanted to dirty mine up a little more, any suggestions for tubes? Thanks
Hey Rich, thanks for watching and commenting. It seems that position V1 tube in the preamp section is the tube you could play with to gain or reduce the headroom to have it breakup a bit sooner, or later. I would keep that as a 12AX7 tube. In my case, going to the JJ’s gave me a bit more clean headroom. You are kind of looking to do a bit of the opposite. If you have the amp already, then I would experiment with just bringing up the gain to where you get a bit of dirt you like, while bringing the volume down and setting your EQ to taste. Obviously, you get can more dirt while reducing the volume and using the attenuation switch as well. I would experiment with that first before looking for a lower powered tube for that V1 position.
Hey Rich - have you tried putting a boost or overdrive pedal in front of your amp? I have mine set @ gain @ 4, vol @ 5-6 and the Xotic EP Boost I use pushes the the stock tubes even harder when I kick it on. I actually keep it in the FX loop mostly, but both setups sound good and there are TONS of good pedals out there. You may also want to try just using a good EQ pedal in front of your amp - they're powerful. Also, look into harp mics...I have a Bulletini and it runs really hot, so it overdrives easily.
Hi Rich, get a Mojo Pad pedal.
Then you can higher your gain without risk of feedback, makes a big difference
Great video and thank you! Do you think it’s necessary to bias this amp after replacing all 5 tubes? I’m looking to doing this myself on my Monoprice amp.
Oh wait, you mention at 21:10 that you didn’t bias this using the JJ EL84s. Did you not feel it was necessary to have it bias?
@@stevenwayne
Hi Steve…thanks for watching and commenting. Two camps on biasing small 15w amps like this. Monoprice sets the bias a bit “cold” from the factory so going from the stock Ruby’s to JJ’s should make little if any difference in bias, especially on a small wattage amp like this. They started shipping these with stock JJ’s after I bought mine, but don’t know what they are shipping with these days. Mine has been running just fine for over 3 years now with no issue. So I am on the “not necessary” camp….thanks so much for stopping into the channel. 🎸👍
Thanks for the reply back! Yeah, it seems everyone has an opinion haha. I have a new 2023 model and it has unlabeled tubes in them, most likely Chinese brand. I’ll most likely swap them with JJ’s just like you and swap the reverb tank. I’m sure the sound difference will be minimum but I get bored and feel like tinkering with stuff haha
@@stevenwayne
My pleasure man…they probably went back to the Ruby’s with all the issue with Slovic tube logistics.
It`s smoke coming out behind that synthesizer !?
Hi Tim…thanks so much for stopping in to the channel! That is a small humidifier I keep in the studio during the colder/winter months to keep the humidity levels up for the guitars. Truly appreciate your stopping in and watching/commenting! 🎸👍
i lifted the pin 8 v5 and installed 1ohm to grnd on top for bias check point since i am just using meter on mv scale. jumped 330k to 100pf cap on gain control and the 2.2k to gnd on bottom of that pot..plus experimenting with using VR1( cath side) as the gain control for signal to V2 instead of the 470k/470k split
Thanks for your input Don! 👍🎸
@@JimmyStewart1 finished up mods...waiting on tubes and a cream back from owner...this should be interesting....LOL...sit and wait.. 8-(
@@JimmyStewart1 the stock preamp tubes actually sound ok-ish.. after all the mods. with zero circuit mods a 50ka pot for the 10ka rev pot gives a great more effect. / splashy if wanted
@@donnyboy911
Thanks for keeping us in the loop!! 👍
@@donnyboy911
Nice….the stock reverb wasn’t horrible..the 3 spring I put in mine did the trick for my use. Your amp should be amazing once your done Don! 👍
I see you did this review about two years ago. How has the amp held up during that time? Have any new issues surfaced with it? Do you know of any mods on how to install a standby switch?
Thanks for stopping in…no issues whatsoever with my amp, and I use it nearly daily. I have seen a couple of threads in my research about folks wanting to install a standby switch. If you Google “installing a standby switch on a Monoprice tube amp” you will bring some up. There is a very good video I saw once. He used a type of on-on-off switch on a blues JR as I recall. At 15w I don’t think it’s critical, so I have left it alone.
You can actually just use the 1w switch to act like a “standby” when you turn it on. Leave it in 1W until it warms up, then switch over to 15W as needed! 👍🎸
I find it easier to remove the handle and turn it upsidedown to work on it!
Hi Edward…thanks so much for watching and commenting! Yes, turning it upside down and removing the panel makes it a lot easier to work on for sure! Truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing! 🎸👍
Thanks for the upload I appreciate it I just purchased the amp myself a few weeks ago I got it about 10 11 days ago and I love it it was down to two 12 around Black Friday I'm blind and I was having trouble navigating the site and every time I went to pay something was screw up and to make a long story short they were out of it and every place else was out of it and finally I got it from Believe it or not Target online and it was 250 plus tax but I'm very happy with it so I'm looking forward I haven't got into your video in depth yet so I'll stop here and go back to watching you LOL thanks again sincerely yours, Bob the blind person guitars
What a ordeal! Glad you were able to grab one! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 👍
The most effective mod would be a speaker swap.
Hi Ernest…thanks so much for watching and commenting! I was just trying to see if a tube swap would be worth the $$ and what a 3 spring tank would do vs the stock 2 spring. I agree that overall “sound” change would be more effective with a speaker swap. Appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts! 👍🎸
To be honest, it does not sound good.
I would buy a Princeton.
Princeton is a nice amp….however get your check book out…😎
Thanks for watching and commenting….👍
Why didn’t you swap the speaker too
@@stuartkennedy4570
Hi Stuart…thanks for stopping in. What I did was add the Monoprice V30 1x12 external cabinet instead. More versatility as I can use it with other amps as well and got it for the cost of the Celestion V30 speaker on its own. Appreciate your stopping into the channel!! 🎸👍
Tubes make massive differences! I want to see them make a smaller 10" version. 10's are so MUCH MORE RESPONSIVE, FASTER.
Hi DOCKent…thanks so much for watching and commenting. They do have the 5W “smaller brother” equipped with a 8”…
A 25w with twin 10’s would be nice…😎
Appreciate your stopping into the channel…much thanks! 🎸👍
Is the filament voltage rectified and filtered?
@@oldguy3255
Thanks so much for stopping in. I am not sure of the answer to this. There are a lot of amp forums online, so I am sure with a bit of digging you could get your answer from a more technical aspect. Appreciate your stopping into the channel! 🎸👍
Did you read the voltage output on yours?
Mine was from the factory at -7 volts.
The specs on the cub12, which is what this is is -12.3.
That said folks, if you aren't comfortable working around electronics, use it cold. But it is a simple tweak.
I put an old set of telefunken tubes in mine. Biggest difference for me was I replaced the speaker with a WGS 12c 75 watt, got it for 40 bucks. Gotta say, this amp actually loves humbuckers.
For the money, I paid 173 bucks for it, can't be beat.
I am ready to do the reverb upgrade to finish it off.
Curiously, I believe the reverb was MOD AEB2C1B?
Nice job bro.
Hey fingers magoo…thanks for watching and commenting. I never measured the voltage output but have heard from numerous sources that they ship “cold” so I didn’t bother with re-biasing the JJ’s. I did eventually pick up the 12” Celestion V30 cab for it…I believe that MoD 3 spring number is correct. Look in the comments here as I gave the reverb tank a number of times to other viewers who asked, but can’t remember exactly…it’s been awhile…😎
Truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel….this amp is the best value 15W valve amp on the market in my opinion! 🎸👍
to be honest i kinda liked it better how it sounded before your mods
Hi Friendship 7…thanks for watching and commenting! Well…there ya go!!
We all here different things in our own way…tone is certainly objective!
Appreciate your stopping into the channel and sharing your thoughts!! 🎸👍
hey man, do you know the exact model number of your mod tank? they sell so many different models.
Hey man….thanks for watching and commenting. The exact tank I bought is available on Amazon here: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BGXW50/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 thanks for the info buddy. Great video
@@mysteriousmansion1841
My pleasure…thanks so much! Hope to see you around the channel!! 🎸👍
I am trying to figure out what speaker to put in this amp. I feel like there’s a blanket over the amp with this 70/80.
Hi Scott…thanks for watching and commenting! The 70/80 will open up after some break-in time and it’s not a “horrible” cab speaker. If you wish to replace it, there is actually some good recommendations listed here in the comments from other users and subscribers to the channel. What I ended up doing was leaving the 70/80 but also buying the Monoprice single 12” extension cab. I caught it on sale for just over the cost of buying the Celestion Vintage 30 speaker it is equipped with. The Vintage 30 is a great upgrade and for me, the additional cabinet allowed the amp to open up considerably. I have reviews/demos of the cab here on the channel should you want to get a upclose look/listen to it. Thanks again for stopping in to the channel…much appreciated! 🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 thanks for replying! I enjoy your content and your playing. I appreciate you putting this info out there for people 👌
@@phunkyjunkee
My pleasure Scott…I appreciate your watching and support to the channel! Thanks for “coming on over to the good side” and Welcome Aboard! 🎸👍
Awesome video. I am looking at getting one of these as well if one becomes available. If they already have JJs like one person did below, I can save a few bucks. I may look at a new speaker upgrade as well like a greenback. Great Job.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting Liz! I have heard from a number of owners who confirm that the latest release of the Monoprice does indeed ship with JJ tubes! The 70/80 speaker in this is no slouch, so before upgrading it, you may want to give it some time to “break in” as it does sound better to me every time I use it!
Of course, you can do whatever, but “stock” the amp is still the best value 15W valve amp on the market in my opinion. Nothing even close in this price range. It’s basically a Laney Cub12 in a different cabinet, and 1/2 the cost!
Glad you enjoyed the video, and hopefully will see you more around the channel! Stay safe! 👍
Hi Jimmy! I love to see this, i jst bought a Tube 15 and im interested in modding it. Do you think it would be possible to install that 3-spring *in addition to* the existing 2-spring? I'd also like some more lushness, but i do like the 2-spring for some sounds. I guess I'd need to make sure the two reverbs didn't interfere with each other, so maybe it would be better to keep one tank in a seperate enclosure?
Hi Keith..thanks for watching and commenting. You probably COULD, but I would think the sound would be less than desirable. You would have to insure the correct impedance on both tanks, and keep the correct isolation and recovery. Wouldn’t work without some mods to your amp circuit. I would think it would be much easier to add a additional reverb pedal into your effects chain and go that route in my opinion. I have 3 different reverb/delay units on my board for those occasions when needed. It’s the correct impedance AND recovery signal mixed to the dry signal along with isolation that are the major factors. Hope that helps a bit…
Appreciate your stopping into the channel! 🎸👍
Is there already tubs in it or did they need to be up graded??
Hi David…thanks for watching and commenting! Yes, it comes with tubes of course! I just wanted to upgrade them a bit to see what difference it would make. Appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 🎸👍
I think I'm going to exchange mine for another. I ordered from Amazon and got it yesterday from a woman in her personal mini van who dropped the box. The feet don't sit level, the screw in the side was crooked and doesn't tighten and one power tube is rattling. They come with 3 out of 5 JJ tubes now or at least mine did. Two were slightly smaller Chinese tubes like their 5 watt. Made on 6/21 Black Friday was $229. I was going to keep it and fix it but the stripped screw changed my mind. It had been thrown around a lot I'm sure and it tweaked the screw and wood. I have bad luck with this brand but love the sound
Wow…yeah, I would definitely look to exchange it for another. Sounds like the delivery was a bit rough…yes, they started shipping with JJ’s over a year ago. They do sound good, and probably the best budget all valve 15w combo out there! I would explain to Amazon and get a replacement. I think you would be very happy with it!
Thanks so much for watching and commenting d7…truly appreciate your stopping in! 👍🎸
How much did it cost for the up grades with the Amp
Hi David…it was around $80 for the tubes and reverb tank, and I paid around $150 for the amp back when I did this video. Everything of course has gone up since then…thanks so much for stopping in! 🎸👍
I remember Paul Reed Smith said in one of his training videos that you need to put the amp on the ground for the best tone.
Well, I wouldn’t disagree with him! 😎
In a small studio environment however, having it on a small stand, with no real “volume” pushing through it (it was set to the 1w setting) I really don’t think anyone, me in the room included, will be able to hear a difference in tone vs having it setting on the floor. Thanks for watching and commenting! Appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 👍
@@JimmyStewart1 Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with Monoprice. With such long videos it would be nice to cover the "15-Watt" setting for a 15-Watt amp too. By the title I thought "modding" the amp might be a little more involved than updating the tubes to today's "standard" offering of JJ tubes and swapping out the reverb unit. What about a better $120-dollar Celestion speaker instead of the $60 Celestion that comes with it? Also, wouldn't mind seeing you try the Monoprice cabinet with the Celestion Vintage-30 speaker. Personally I've recently acquired the 5-Watt combo, the 15-Watt combo, and the extra open-back cabinet with the V-30. Still trying to get a sound I actually like out of any of it. So far the best I can say is these amps are loud. The 5-Watt combo does sound way louder through the cabinet with the Celestion V-30 speaker. Wish I knew more about tube amps. I've always been the singer and/or bassplayer and realized I've never given guitar-amp sound much thought, just plug-and-play. Now getting a bit particular about what things really sound like. Using a few pedals such as a Crybaby Wah, Ibanez Tube Screamer, Monoprice fuzz, distortion, looping stompboxes. Not sure whether any of the cheapo monoprice effects stompboxes were worth bothering with - they seem to just pretty primitive. Finding so far whatever I set up ends up sounding better when I switch to a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. Wondering what I need to get a good sound out of Monoprice stuff. I enjoy listening to your little blues licks! :)
@@dougselsam5393
First, thanks Doug for watching and commenting. I was thinking of doing another tone comparison style video with a few amps, and incorporating the full 15w setting on the Monoprice. It’s just a bit tough dialing in the sounds in the studio, as at 15w the Monoprice gets “loud” as you seem to be aware 😎
One of its selling feature to me, is the attenuation and being able to drive it a bit in the 1w setting. As far as the additional cab, I have also thought about that as well, but don’t really need it. The Celestion 70/80 stock speaker does sound better as you break it in. I do appreciate your input, and will take the 15w demo idea and see what I can do! Thanks again....👍
@@dougselsam5393
P.S.
The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe is a nice amp....however it is also 40w, and runs around $800 so there is that....😎
Jimmy i love your mods & enthusiasum but another "mod" is to plug this into a 4 X 12 CAB & turn it up to Spinal Tap ~11~; such a great little amp i bought a 2nd one!
Hi MrZootalores…thanks so much for watching and commenting. THAT is a great “mod”…🤣
I did pick up the V30 1x12 Celestion External cab for it…plenty for the studio!! Appreciate your stopping into the channel man…much thanks! 🎸👍
When I saw "modding" I was hoping a soldering iron would be involved. This is just upgrading. As for tubes, I go Russian military grade and manufacture all the way and nothing from China.
Most items to “mod” or “upgrade” on these amps are modular, so pretty simple. As far as tubes, most are manufactured in just a few plants and JJ’s are Slovak made tubes.
Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍
I feel like people are overlooking the SR/Monoprice solid state 40 watt amp. for what it is, the clean sound can't be beaten for the price. I put a G10 vintage speaker in it and it sings. and if you go in through the effects loop return, accessing only the power amp section, with an amp modeling pedal... you have an insane amount of tone for very little coin
Hi Jeremy…thanks so much for watching and commenting. I know a few folks who have the 40w solid state. They also enjoy it! All the Monoprice amps are good values in my opinion. Just depends on what your needs are and what you’re looking for. Truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts on it. If I didn’t already have a number of small solid states already, I would have already jumped on one….😎
I just got mine 2 weeks ago and it no longer comes with JJ's, just some unbranded tubes that sound ok. It still comes with the 70/80 speaker. I swapped v1 with a 12at7 and have a lot more headroom but the ability to get that dirty overdrive sound. This amp is killer for the price ($340 Canadian after tax) when it's on sale :)
Hi Damien…thanks for watching and commenting. JJ’s have been hard to come by lately…with the situation over there. Yes, swapping the V1 as you did will certainly help with headroom. It’s probably the best value, 15W all valve amp combo out there right now, especially when on sale! Truly appreciate your stopping into the channel and sharing your thoughts!
Much thanks! 🎸👍
Changing tubes is not modding...
Hi Brennan…thanks for watching and commenting. I understand what you’re getting at, but actually changing anything from the original IS what modification means. Appreciate your stopping into the channel! 🎸👍
Playing starts at 25:07. Great background info beforehand.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 👍🎸
What is the smoke in the back ground?
Thanks for watching and commenting…it’s my studio humidifier. Got to keep the herd “watered”! 😎
Appreciate your stopping in to the channel. 🎸👍
The knob on the black Strat is loose Chief it still works wat can I do to make this strat right Chief?????
Easy..see my answer to your other post! The knob should pull off easy if it is loose, or use a spoon with a cloth/rag to protect the finish to pry it off. Widen the shaft or wrap with some Teflon pipe thread tape…done!!
@@JimmyStewart1 hey chief not sure if this msg will reach back 2u I've never sent one from this setting however I will try & take the volume knob off chief I've never done that so I'll learn more about guitars but I truly feel it's loose & moving around under the picguard Chief I'll let you Kno more when I pop the knob THANX TTYL CHIEF
@@larryhuston3867
Sounds like you are talking about the pot itself? If so, again easy fix…there should be a thin nut holding the pot to the pickguard. Hold the pot shaft and tighten the nut with a set of needle nose or wrench if you have one handy! Again, go easy so your don’t strip the nut or crack the pickguard!
shame you did not replace just the EL84's and the pre amp tubes separately. You may have found you may only needed to change one set!
Hi David…thanks for stopping in. In hindsight, I probably should have, but having a full set of new tubes to start with the same amount of burn time on them was what I was looking to do. It’s been quite a while since I replaced them, and all is well with pretty heavy use. Plus I have a set for backup and tubes these days…well..😎
Appreciate your stopping in and sharing your thoughts….🎸👍
@@JimmyStewart1 Thanks for your swift response. Surely 10 minutes of run time would not be significant. Given that the EL84's are aging at a different rate than the low powered 12ax7's anyway. Why not pop your aged EL84's in to test for 10 minutes etc.
@@MrBubbazoo
Suppose I could….are you interested in what the stock Ruby’s sounded like?
@@JimmyStewart1 I am interested to know the difference between the different sets. Like to know the impact on changing just Preamps and just the Power amps. Want to know the impact on tone and volumes. I would assume the power amps as they age will give less volume but not impact the tone. Preamps likely to reduce volume and impact the tone. Thks
New subscriber here ! I just got my Monoprice amp last week & am very impressed. I think the Reverb is ok, but not great. Just curious, did you try a Reverb pedal with the amp before deciding to change to the 3 Spring Tank ? Im thinking of purchasing a Reverb Pedal that has other options. I like plate Reverb as well as spring Reverb.
Hi Tony…thanks so much for watching/commenting and of course subscribing! Welcome aboard! Yes, I use and number of different pedals including a couple of different reverb pedals. The spring reverb is of course a bit of a different animal…😎 My main reason for going to a 3 spring vs the stock 2 spring was so I could boost the “lushness” and bring up the volume without having to tame the verb too much. For that, I think it worked well. 👍🎸
Hey Quick, turn around, your amps are frying their internal components!
🤣
Yep! 😎
ua-cam.com/video/O7E-yCtTvuo/v-deo.html
Thanks for watching….👍
Always great
@@tomd8313
Appreciate it Tom…glad you enjoyed!! 👍🎸
Jimmy. I apologize for the late comment here. Have you tried the 5 watter from monoprice? I have extention cabs and a spring reverb tank. Thoughts?
I have not tried the 5w version of this, but most I know that have say good things. I would think as a small practice amp it would be just fine, but like I said, I don’t own one so can’t personally vouch for it. 👍
Really enjoyed this after a long day's work, subbed immediately and looking forward to more videos. I'm awaiting delivery of the Harley Benton version of this amp and can't wait, does anyone know what tubes come stock with that one?
Thanks so much y2kcrran…glad you enjoyed, and “Welcome Aboard” the channel! Hope you will find lots of videos here of interest to you! Congrats on your new HB valve amp! I don’t have the HB version, but all the new Monoprice versions are coming stock with the JJ tubes now. I would think the HB version would too, as they are pretty much identical except for the badging (and of course the power supply). Truly appreciate your stopping in and have a look around the channel when you get the chance! Enjoy that new amp once you receive it, and keep pickin’ 👍🎸
Will it make a good amp for surf rock?
Don’t see why not!! You would probably want a separate “reverb pedal” for more reverb control for “Surf” but the amp handles pedals well! Thanks for watching and commenting! 🎸👍
Yea Sounds Good.But JJ pre hardly has any gain. So is it just that one gain pre tube thats making the difference just cleaning it up?
I would say “ probably yes” that the 1st pre valve is the ticket
I was wondering if anyone has an older ramp out there if it was a close back cuz I saw some demos from oh who was it it doesn't matter and he said he had to take the back off to look at the tubes and to look at the reverb and the speaker and all that and mine isn't open back and he had said that the the inside was a little messy with a lot of glue and stuff and it was made of wasn't wood it was a fiber board or something like that I can't tell what this one is it doesn't feel like fiberboard and that's how I the only way I can tell unless I ask someone and I haven't yet but yeah this is an open back and from what I can feel it's a very it's very clean I can't believe that I got the same for $250 you know I would have liked to have gotten it for $200 when the first came out but what are you going to do still well worth it sincerely yours, Bob the blind bedroom guitars
They call it a open back style amp Bob. There is a removable panel on the back of the amp to help protect the tubes. The amp enclosure is made of a compressed fiberboard, covered in a off white (eggshell) tolex covering. I didn’t find mine messy and overall a very good value.
$179 a few years ago on sale, changed the verb tank and love it.
Yep!! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! 👍
Thanks Jimmy, was just about to give in and buy a blues jr earlier today but found this amp and your video helped me save about $300. Crazy this thing has an fx loop while the fender doesn’t...
I think you will be surprised by this amp, as I was! It now ships with JJ’s as well. The Blues JR is a very nice amp, but this little baby will hold it’s own with it, and at half the cost, I think it’s a no brainer. Include the FX loop as you state, and it’s a great buy!! Congrats on your new amp, and enjoy once you get it!
Thanks so much for watching and commenting, and don’t be a stranger to the channel, ok? Stay safe...👍
I did the same thing when I got mine I put JJ's in it and the three spring reverb the Reverb tank didn't really make a lot of difference but the tube did great little amp for the money to me it kind of sounds like an old Plexi Marshall
Thanks for watching and commenting Allen! It is a great little amp! Appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing! 👍🎸
It would have been nice to see the new tubes with full gain. Great video though.
Thanks for watching and commenting John.
I will let them settle in a bit, then do a full gain testing a bit later!