New DC-2 owner here !!!

[eiopago]

Hello,

this is my first boogie and I really love the rythm/clean channel.

I have played around the lead channel and noticed there is a bit too much gain for my taste.
This is maybe a stupid question, so excuse me for this, but, is there any way to make the lead channel sound more similar to the one on a lonestar classic?
Rounder and less gainy and more fluid?
Maybe changing the preamp or power amp tubes?

Thanks a lot.

Marco

 

[Judas]

I would replace the V1 (or V2, I don't know exactly which tube does what in the DC2) with a 12AT7 instead of a 12AX7

 

[Monsta-Tone]

I haven't actually tried a 5751 yet, but most people that do, tend to think that it's much better than the AT7.

You might also try the ECC803 from JJ. Slightly less gain and much rounder sounding.

V1 with affect both channels
V2 is just lead channel
V3 is lead and FX Loop

I would definitely start with V2 & 3 if you like the clean channel.

Also, make sure the Contour is turned off. It is basically a simulated 'V' on a Graphic EQ and will make the amp more aggressive at higher gain settings.



Lastly, or perhaps first of all try this:
Turn the Gain on the channel down and turn the Master up. Use them in the reverse manner than what you are used to.
For instance, put the Master where you would normally put the Gain and vice versa. The higher you turn the Master, the lower the Gain should be. I usually put my Master at around 8 and the Gain on 2 or 3. It's really loud, but sounds sooooo sweet!
This will give you a much more Vintage type of tone and push your power tubes harder. I really like to use the lead channel on my DC's this way if I'm in more of a Bluesy mood.

 

[MusicManJP6]

Lastly, or perhaps first of all try this:
Turn the Gain on the channel down and turn the Master up. Use them in the reverse manner than what you are used to.
For instance, put the Master where you would normally put the Gain and vice versa. The higher you turn the Master, the lower the Gain should be. I usually put my Master at around 8 and the Gain on 2 or 3. It's really loud, but sounds sooooo sweet!
This will give you a much more Vintage type of tone and push your power tubes harder. I really like to use the lead channel on my DC's this way if I'm in more of a Bluesy mood.

I've not tried that in the lead channel, but it works great for the clean channel! I'll try it in the lead channel too...

Is your DC-2 a head or combo? I'd like to see pics!

 

[Pete H.]

I'm using 5751's in V2, V3 which are the lead channel, and gives you less break up. 5751's have 70% gain of a 12ax7, 12at7 are 60% of a 12ax7. I also use a 5751 in V6 the phase splitter.

 

[eiopago]

Pete, do the 5751 really make the lead channel smoother and less compressed?

Have you got any sound clips?
I`d be really interested in comparing your lead tone on the dc-2 with mine.


thanks

 

[Pete H.]

The 5751's tame down the beakup, I still am setting the lead gain at 3ish, with a voodo labs sparkle drive as a pedal for more punch. I don't do recording. I have picked up my 5751's from Vacuum Tubes Inc he sells jan nos 5751 for $15, jan Joint army navy, nos new old stock, 60's era surplus military tubes. I do like a cleaner sound, my other change is an ev12L it's a tighter bass, and a little smoother. I'm in Seattle, feel free to stop by and plug in. It sounds great with my strat, L P, Es 446, Howard Roberts with p-90's. good luck at $15 a pop give them a try, Tell me I'm an *** hole if think you wasted the money. Pete

 

[Pete H.]

The 5751's tame down the beakup, I still am setting the lead gain at 3ish, with a voodo labs sparkle drive as a pedal for more punch. I don't do recording. I have picked up my 5751's from Vacuum Tubes Inc he sells jan nos 5751 for $15, jan Joint army navy, nos new old stock, 60's era surplus military tubes. I do like a cleaner sound, my other change is an ev12L it's a tighter bass, and a little smoother. I'm in Seattle, feel free to stop by and plug in. It sounds great with my strat, L P, Es 446, Howard Roberts with p-90's. good luck at $15 a pop give them a try, Tell me I'm an *** hole if think you wasted the money. Pete

 

[Pete H.]

The 5751's tame down the beakup, I still am setting the lead gain at 3ish, with a voodo labs sparkle drive as a pedal for more punch. I don't do recording. I have picked up my 5751's from Vacuum Tubes Inc he sells jan nos 5751 for $15, jan Joint army navy, nos new old stock, 60's era surplus military tubes. I do like a cleaner sound, my other change is an ev12L it's a tighter bass, and a little smoother. I'm in Seattle, feel free to stop by and plug in. It sounds great with my strat, L P, Es 446, Howard Roberts with p-90's. good luck at $15 a pop give them a try, Tell me I'm an *** hole if think you wasted the money. Pete

 

[eiopago]

Hi Pete,

a bit difficult to come and plug in as I live in London UK.
Anyway, I`ll try some other tubes to see if I can tame the lead channel a little bit.
With this much compression on it now I loose all the pick attack...