Metropoulos Forum

I am new to the forums but am instersted in purchasing a metro amp kit. I want the Brown Sound tone. I have been reading alot but still need you guys advice on what kit to get and what mods to apply to it. I really like Rockstah's sound and would very much welcome all advice from Mark and all forum members on how to get to where I am going.
I have never built an amp before, but if I get proper instructions I know I can do it.
I also need to know what mods should be made to a Plexi so I can play it at low volums and still have good Power tube distoration.
I would also like to know what reverb unit I sould get to go with this amp to get the Brown Sound I am looking for.
Maybe this question has been asked before but I really have not found the exact answers yet.
Thanks Nathan

Welcome. Start with the stock 12xxx 100W. Concentrate on finishing the amp stock before any mods are additional components. Baby steps. Be patient and take the time to read through the forum threads and you'll find all the answers you need.

Good luck.

Thanks for the advice.
Would anyone else like to make a suggestion?
Mark would you suggest the 12XX or the 2203?

Does anyone like the Blankenship Amps?
Mojave Amps?

wdelaney72 told you right. Start with just completing a 'stock' kit first. Then, the next step would be to experiment with the circuit, like the obvious sections of the circuit, where by now ( saying you have just built it, you should be pretty familiar at this point), that make immidiate, obvious differences, like sharing the cathode, changing values in the tone stack, PI caps, etc. See, if you arent familiar with this, then study layouts and schematics, untill you are.

I also would go the Super Lead route, as opposed to the 2203 route. To me, it would allow you more options.

Getting output tube distortion at controlled volumes can be done in many way's. An attenuator is a good way, but a ppimv actually is a great 'alternative' solution to that sound, as it isnt really working the power tubes hard. If that doesnt give you enough gain, then boost with a eq or distortion box, or put in a 2203 style mv (v1 cascade). Combining a ppimv along with the cascade, is a great, easy and cheaper alternative to going the reamping or attenuator route.

plexi NMV circuit is where u want to start. stock 68. from there stuff like PPIMV, and cascaded gain stages( 2203 ) can be done.

Mark. What is the NMV circuit? Which 68 kit do I purchase? The 1200.00
EVH kit or what. Point me in the right direction. I don't want to buy the wrong thing.
Thanks
Nathan

nhendrixsc wrote:Mark. What is the NMV circuit? Which 68 kit do I purchase? The 1200.00
EVH kit or what. Point me in the right direction. I don't want to buy the wrong thing.
Thanks
Nathan

NMV = Non Master Volume. I

+1. The 100 watt kit ('69) is the way to go. The 12 series layout isnt as 'efficient', with the caps under the chasis and all. The instruction and all will make the '69 kit a more practical and easier build. Hell they look identical except the 12 series only has one stand up cap exposed on the chasis.

MacGaden wrote:

nhendrixsc wrote: and modify it to 12000-spec, and the mod it from there, because of the instructons.

Does The 68 kit not come with a layout and instructions?

taildragger wrote:

MacGaden wrote:

nhendrixsc wrote: and modify it to 12000-spec, and the mod it from there, because of the instructons.

Does The 68 kit not come with a layout and instructions?

I found it. "Please note that no step by step instructions are included. But layouts and wiring diagrams are."

You can really use teh step by step for all parts of any earlier amps build for everything accept the power supply. With that you can hook it up at any point you want. I know people put it in after the main board and others before. I like to put it in after the heaters and trannys are hooked up.

So are you saying I can purchase the 68 kit and use the instructions from the regular kit to build the 68?

Yes but there will obviously be deviations. Mostly centered around the power board VS chassis mounted cans. In those sections you can just use the layouts.

nhendrixsc wrote:So are you saying I can purchase the 68 kit and use the instructions from the regular kit to build the 68?

when i bult my first amp, a 68 bare bones kit, i used to step by step for 100w kit. where things didnt match up i posted questions and learned along the way.

Mark