Question:
I read from time to time on here about people putting attenuators in their amp so that they can push their tubes at a lower volume. I'm starting to realize that this may be what I need as well. I play a Fender Deville 212 amp, and have rarely had an opportunity to crank it past two.
So, I guess my question would be if any of you have recommendations on an attenuator for my Deville. Also, are these something that an average joe can install, or should it be taken in to be professionally done?
Anyway, I've learned a lot from reading all of your thoughts and ideas on this board, and appreciate the help in my quest to better my skills and tone. Thanks again and God bless!!
Answer:
Major Tom Attenuators Inc. are the best kind, at a cheap price.
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PM major tom and see if he'll build one for you. i have one in my fender HR dlx. i also have heard good things about the weber products (MASS and Load Dump). www.webervst.com
and of course the THD Hot Plate is always a popular one.
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And speaking of the Hot Rod series... Tom, if you get around to reading this...how much do those go for? One guitarist in my band has the same amp as MikeC up there (the Deville 2x12 @ 60W) and the other has the Deluxe @ 40W. I'd love to get them both one, but at the very least the lead guitarist (the Deluxe amp) because I'd like to hear him push the amp over the edge.
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I love my Major Tom attenuators. They are worth every penny you pay. And, he's pretty smart too.
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Now if he only made them for 120w tube amps
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Originally Posted by Brent And speaking of the Hot Rod series... Tom, if you get around to reading this...how much do those go for? One guitarist in my band has the same amp as MikeC up there (the Deville 2x12 @ 60W) and the other has the Deluxe @ 40W. I'd love to get them both one, but at the very least the lead guitarist (the Deluxe amp) because I'd like to hear him push the amp over the edge.
Last I heard he sells them for 35$ each. MUCH better then the 2-300$ that most brand name attenuators cost.
So, I guess my question would be if any of you have recommendations on an attenuator for my Deville. Also, are these something that an average joe can install, or should it be taken in to be professionally done?
Like everyone has said, go with one of Major Tom's. They are really cheap, and sound excellent. As far as installation, you simply screw it in to the inside of your amp (or not - doesn't matter much, just makes transportation easier) then plug the cable going from the amp circuitry to the speaker into the amp, and plug the attenuator's cable into the speaker. I dunno how complicated that sounds, but be assured that it takes less then a minute. The part I found most difficult in installing mine was finding a spot in the amp where the attenuator would be out of the way and where the cord would still reach the speaker input.
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Hey guys, thanks for the info! I'll give Tom a PM...
-mike
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Originally Posted by PianoMan Last I heard he sells them for 35$ each. MUCH better then the 2-300$ that most brand name attenuators cost.

Like everyone has said, go with one of Major Tom's. They are really cheap, and sound excellent. As far as installation, you simply screw it in to the inside of your amp (or not - doesn't matter much, just makes transportation easier) then plug the cable going from the amp circuitry to the speaker into the amp, and plug the attenuator's cable into the speaker. I dunno how complicated that sounds, but be assured that it takes less then a minute. The part I found most difficult in installing mine was finding a spot in the amp where the attenuator would be out of the way and where the cord would still reach the speaker input.
Amen to value on the cost of a MT compared to the other brands. To me, it is easily worth many times more than what I paid for it. As for ease of use, I decided to use it with my Fender Bandmaster head and my Traynor by attaching velcro on the outside of the amps and placed one long strip on the attenuator. Then, whatever amp I decide to use, I can make the switch easily and it is conveniently located on the back so I can see to adjust it.
Thank you Major Tom for your contributions here!
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Originally Posted by Hopeful I decided to use it with my Fender Bandmaster head and my Traynor by attaching velcro on the outside of the amps and placed one long strip on the attenuator. Then, whatever amp I decide to use, I can make the switch easily and it is conveniently located on the back so I can see to adjust it.
Great Idea! I will have to remember that for future reference in the case that Tom ever stops making them...heaven forbid!
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My amp is so big I wouldn't have a problem with it. My only problem is my dad letting me give my address to a guy I know off the internet. Unless there was a way I could get Major Tom to put one on eBay, assured that I was the one getting it...
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Originally Posted by Mattlock My amp is so big I wouldn't have a problem with it. My only problem is my dad letting me give my address to a guy I know off the internet. Unless there was a way I could get Major Tom to put one on eBay, assured that I was the one getting it...
There are a number of us in this forum who have purchased one from him without any problems. I would say he can be trusted as a businessman and fellow Christian. Take a look at the valuable input that he has given as a member of this forum. Honestly, there was a time that I was tempted to start a Major Tom appreciation thread, both for his knowledge of guitars and amps and for his great product! I would be one of the first to put in my $.02.
Maybe you can suggest that your Dad correspond with Major Tom via the private message route and let him get comfortable. The alternative is to go to Musicians Friend and spend $279-$319 for a THD Hotplate or $399 for a Marshall Power Brake.
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I would agree. He can definitly be trusted, and the deal is WAY too good to pass up.
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Oh, so you think my dad should e-mail him? Why make him go through ALL that work?
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Hey, it's up to you. We can't force you. We're just saying, you won't find a deal like this anywhere else. To not at least try to go for it would be kind of dumb. I would say at least ask your Dad what he thinks and show him our opinions. If he still says no, then oh well, at least you tried.