paytojt
Well-known member
I've gotten a request to explain the Roadster channel 2 mod I posted about a couple of days ago, so here it is. I'll try to be thorough and concise. Thanks to Charles Reeder's Lonestar mod, I wondered what would happen if I changed the pots in channel 2 of my Roadster to match the same pots listed for the 2nd channel of the Stiletto. I eneded up getting a sound very similar to the 2nd channel of the stiletto as I remember it, but I have yet to play a Stiletto to compare and I sold my Ace months ago. This mod is not only easy, but completely reversible. All of the necessary pots can be found in the Roadster, but you'll have to order extra from Mesa Boogie to replace them (mine will be in next week!) Ok. Here are the values you need to make each control on channel 2. The values are labeled on the back of the pots. Just unsolder and resolder as necessary. Note: I was using JJ KT77 tubes with EL 34 bias selected when I played.
Treble- 590738
Mid- 590737
Bass- 590739
Presence- 590740
Master- 590792
Gain- 590792
A little more about the sound. This will add much, much more useable gain, but still retain the British flavor. I was worried it would sound like a Recto, which is a good thing, but I didn't need another Recto channel. I don't think it sounds like a Recto. There is also more bass available. I was able to dial in a very good metal sound, like White Zombie or some classic 80's goodness like Ozzy or Judas Priest with no trouble and no pedals. The lead tone is exceptional, creamy and fluid with tube rectification (again, no pedals, except delay). Not thin and fizzy like the Recto can be. (Recto=best for rhythm, IMO) I also got a good punk Green Day type tone. AND it will still get great classic rock sounds, just turn the gain down to about 9 o'clock (not a typo, there really is that much gain). I hope this explains it and gets Roadster owners pumped up like I was when I started playing it modified. It felt like Christmas! However, this will completely alter the character of the Clean and Fat modes for channel 2. I haven't experimented much with them, but at first listen, it sounds like what channel one would sound like with the gain maxed, except with too much bass. When I turned the bass down, Clean and Fat became very useable for overdrive type sounds or a different type of distortion.
Remember to exercise caution when doing this. Drain capacitors or be really careful not to touch them.
Treble- 590738
Mid- 590737
Bass- 590739
Presence- 590740
Master- 590792
Gain- 590792
A little more about the sound. This will add much, much more useable gain, but still retain the British flavor. I was worried it would sound like a Recto, which is a good thing, but I didn't need another Recto channel. I don't think it sounds like a Recto. There is also more bass available. I was able to dial in a very good metal sound, like White Zombie or some classic 80's goodness like Ozzy or Judas Priest with no trouble and no pedals. The lead tone is exceptional, creamy and fluid with tube rectification (again, no pedals, except delay). Not thin and fizzy like the Recto can be. (Recto=best for rhythm, IMO) I also got a good punk Green Day type tone. AND it will still get great classic rock sounds, just turn the gain down to about 9 o'clock (not a typo, there really is that much gain). I hope this explains it and gets Roadster owners pumped up like I was when I started playing it modified. It felt like Christmas! However, this will completely alter the character of the Clean and Fat modes for channel 2. I haven't experimented much with them, but at first listen, it sounds like what channel one would sound like with the gain maxed, except with too much bass. When I turned the bass down, Clean and Fat became very useable for overdrive type sounds or a different type of distortion.
Remember to exercise caution when doing this. Drain capacitors or be really careful not to touch them.
