Question:
I'm getting a Fender Hotrod Deluxe soon, and, first off, it's a GREAT amp! I love the sound! Anyway, though, the problem is that I don't like how loud it's gotta be to drive... That will kill my ears so much just trying to practice. Is there a way to lower the volume at which it will drive? I know about attenuators, but those aren't cheap... Any cheap way to do it?
Answer:
Originally Posted by DaGeek I'm getting a Fender Hotrod Deluxe soon, and, first off, it's a GREAT amp! I love the sound! Anyway, though, the problem is that I don't like how loud it's gotta be to drive... That will kill my ears so much just trying to practice. Is there a way to lower the volume at which it will drive? I know about attenuators, but those aren't cheap... Any cheap way to do it?
If I recall correctly, Major Tom attenuators are very cost effective.
Answer:
yep, if you don't need heavy attenuation, a Major Tom attenuator will work.
I know Tom also has some pre-amp tube replacement suggestions to lower the gain on the pre-amp and allow for smoother power tube breakup.
Answer:
Originally Posted by thesteve yep, if you don't need heavy attenuation, a Major Tom attenuator will work.
I know Tom also has some pre-amp tube replacement suggestions to lower the gain on the pre-amp and allow for smoother power tube breakup.
Well, the problem is this: I want to practice with good overdrive at reasonable levels, but I don't want to spend lots of cash on it that I don't have, and I don't know how to wire things. I can't build one myself, really. I don't have the parts or any experience with electronics.
Answer:
Originally Posted by DaGeek Well, the problem is this: I want to practice with good overdrive at reasonable levels, but I don't want to spend lots of cash on it that I don't have, and I don't know how to wire things. I can't build one myself, really. I don't have the parts or any experience with electronics.
The HRD has a master volume and a drive control right? So you should be able to get decent overdrive at low volumes. It'll just be from the pre-amp.
Answer:
Originally Posted by el cabong The HRD has a master volume and a drive control right? So you should be able to get decent overdrive at low volumes. It'll just be from the pre-amp.
Yes, there's a drive knob and a master volume knob. But, when I tried it at low volumes, it was really fuzzy :\. That really bugged me... However, when the volume was up 5-7ish, it wasn't fuzzy and sounded amazing.
Answer:
I'm not a guru at all when it comes to electronics, but building an attenuator was really easy. Granted, it took a bit of time to get it mounted correctly, but it wasn't too hard to get the attenuator working. You should definately shoot Major Tom a PM about how to make one.
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Well, first you put the key in the ignition... oh wait... erm... the amp.
Ok, bad joke. You probably are wanting an attenuator, if you want power tube saturation. A quiet amp working just as hard, though, will sound different than if it were running wide open, so it may or may not solve your problems.
I personally practice with my PODxt...
Answer:
Originally Posted by JaytheK I'm not a guru at all when it comes to electronics, but building an attenuator was really easy. Granted, it took a bit of time to get it mounted correctly, but it wasn't too hard to get the attenuator working. You should definately shoot Major Tom a PM about how to make one.
I think I'll do that... However, is there an attenuator I can buy if I don't feel up to making one?
Originally Posted by Rainer. I personally practice with my PODxt...
That's not really an option for me
(By the way, glad to see you posting again)
Answer:
here's some affordable ones
http://www.tedweber.com/atten.htm
also, you might watch ebay for an Altair or Power Soak attenuator
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(By the way, glad to see you posting again)
Did I leave?
The thread for homemade attenuators is stickied, if you didn't notice.
Answer:
Originally Posted by thesteve here's some affordable ones
http://www.tedweber.com/atten.htm
also, you might watch ebay for an Altair or Power Soak attenuator
What kind should I get for the 40W Hotrod Deluxe?
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Originally Posted by DaGeek What kind should I get for the 40W Hotrod Deluxe? any of the 50W models should work I think. You can email the company about it too, from what I understand they're very responsive.
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Originally Posted by Rainer. Did I leave?
The thread for homemade attenuators is stickied, if you didn't notice.
I noticed it, yes, but I'd be more comfortable buying one, probably, due to no technical experience, not wanting to break the amp that I don't even have yet, and the desire not to have wasted money on parts that I messed up on . (I mean, a few bucks isn't bad, but I don't even have that!)
Answer:
Originally Posted by thesteve any of the 50W models should work I think. You can email the company about it too, from what I understand they're very responsive.
Which one? Fender or the one in that link you gave to me?
EDIT: If it's that Weber company, I can't find an e-mail address on their site.