London Power Scale

[ElectricMagick]

I got a 2001 1959SLP a while ago, and it had been on the backburner for some time because of its sheer volume. I met Surfnorthwest at a Trower concert and he told me about the London Power Scale. I got it installed shorrtly after and I just got around to writing this.
It sounds BEAUTIFUL. Absolutely no tone loss. You can jack the drive comp up for an AFD kind of tone. I have it rolled back quite a bit for a nice KEEF tone. I'm not scared about buying big amps anymore and it has really opened up an entirely new chapter. It really surprised me how responsive it was even at bedroom levels.

[surfnorthwest]

I am glad the mod worked out for you. The 1959 is a great amp and being able to scale it down some is a nice option to have. Marshall has started to install this option on some of their amps (AFD100 and YJM100) and they call this option EPA. BTW, we are flying down to Oklahoma City next week to see Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ top.

Now on to buying more Marshall's for you.

[ElectricMagick]

Are they playing together?
I saw ZZ Top last year and was pulled to meet them after the show. He played his Moderne replica for part of the set but most of it was the Black "Beer" Gretsch Jupiter. I kept in contact with the guy who pulled me back and he got me into a couple Slash and Ozzy shows where I really saw the AFD in action. Thats is some beautiful work.
Still have yet to see Skynyrd, sorry I mean, Gary Rossington.
You said you had an R8 with Bare Knuckles right? Or were theey Sheptones? I wanted to try some sheptones in this 58/59 Replica that I'm building with some wood from the 50's Gibson factory.

[surfnorthwest]

Yea their playing together, its been over 30 years since the last time I seen either band play. They had no west coast dates set for the concert so that is why we are going to OKC to see it next weekend.

I have a 58RI and it is BareKnuckle Mules in which I absolutely love.

[ElectricMagick]

Thats gonna be an amazing show. What does Rossington play through?

[surfnorthwest]

Gary has had a long relationship with Peavey amps. He is currently playing his Signature Penta 140W amp. Don't know about the rest of the band but will let you know.

[Wildone]

How much did the power scaling modification cost you, thanks.

[ElectricMagick]

Around 200 for the kit and installation. I got the SB-1 kit and made a few modifications with the bleeder resistors and other things Kevin told me to change that went right over my head.

[MDD]

Where did you send your amp for installation? Would love to find someone to install it in the my VM.

[surfnorthwest]

Email Kevin below and tell him where you are so he can recommend a installer. Here is a list

http://www.londonpower.com/powerscaling ... allers.htm

amps@londonpower.com

[CBoothe]

Hi Guys,
I've been following this thread and I'm real curious about the London Power Scaling. I e-mailed one of the recommended installers:

(from the LPS website)
CIRCUITRIX
Rhode Island
http://www.circuitrix.com
Manny Bettencourt is a knowledgeable and friendly East-Coast amp builder who can repair, modify or build you an amp at a reasonable price. He is also a Power Scale installer.

He replied back pretty quickly. I asked him if he minded if I posted his reply here and he said no so here it is:


"Hi Chuck,

I haven't done that particular amp model yet but previous installations cost around $350 plus the scaling kit that you'll have to order from London Power. Your amp is much more involved and would definitely cost more. Exact price would be tough to quote without having actually done that particular amp model yet.

Thanks,

Manny Bettencourt / Circuitrix"

I'm really interested in this but don't know if I'll do it-not because I'm worried about the amp, but wondering if it's really worth it. He also suggested, rightly so, that I try to find an amp with it installed so I can see if I really like it. Based on everything I've read I think I will. Just wanted to pass it on.

[ElectricMagick]

I gave my SLP to the only local amp guy. The mod worked and everything was installed correctly but I don't think I would trust this guy again. He left his screwdriver INSIDE the head cab. And he botched up two of the pots. I gave it back and he fixed it, but I would send my amp off somewhere rather than deal with this guy again. He had to change some other resistors and caps and blah blah amp jargon for the mod to work without the RBX, but it came out well. One thing you should be aware of though, is that when I dial it back to bedroom levels (a crime) I lose some of the bite and edge even with the drive comp high.