Re-Issue 7.4k Toasters thru VoxAC15

[keeper]

Hopefully someone can put me straight.
I am an intermediate player at home only.
I have a 2007 360/6 Jetglo with hi-gain pickups running into a new Vox AC15 Heritage Head & Cab.
At present, I can barely raise the volume level from 0 on the amp without blowing my head off.
I have read all the talk about the original 60's tone and was considering purchasing a pair of Re-Issue 7.4k lo-gain Toasters.
If I have these 7.4k toasters professionally installed will that enable me to push the volume on the amp????

[seanyfitz]

Lucky you!!! I have an AC15. I have heard older ric pickups lose magnetism. Anyone know???

[keeper]

Lucky, but frustrated!!
Don't want to waste any money if its not going to alter much.

[1965]

7.4k toasters will allow you to turn the amp up a bit more, but that's no reason to get toasters. They sound very different than the hi-gains, as I'm sure you could have guessed. Don't waste too much money getting pickups installed, it's really easy to do yourself if you have access to a soldering kit. What you really need is a power attenuator, like a Dr. Z Airbrake or a THD Hotplate. Look it up.

[keeper]

Thanks for that.
Is it best to have the attenuator professionally installed into the amp?
And why is so hard to find a pair of toasters?

[keeper]

Just had a look at the Dr.Z - looks like the best option of ramping up the amp.
Thanks

[goofyfoot]

Reading Graeme's thread reminds me of the value of some smaller wattage tube amps. They are loud enough to play in full-on ensembles in auds, parks, and backyards as well as in warehouse jams. The dials can also be set beyond "2" or 8 o'clock while practicing at home. I have three such tube amps --- '84 Fender Super Champ (Rivera-design, 18w), '94 Mesa/Boogie Subway Blues (20w), and '01 VOX AC-15 (English reissue, 15w). The Super Champ runs best when dials are set at 6 or higher. The Mesa/Boogie and VOX are ideal at or past 12 o'clock. (Doubling the wattage would result in only a 3dB volume increase.) Keep on keepin' on.....Goofyfoot.

[1965]

Just had a look at the Dr.Z - looks like the best option of ramping up the amp.
Thanks

I have the Dr Z Airbrake. With it I can get great tone from my AC30 at lower volumes. Works as advertised. Try putting up a want ad here at the forum, and someone may be able to hook you up with some toasters for a decent price. They're worth it.

[schoolside]

You might try a compressor pedal or other effect to lower the gain from your guitar if you want to turn the volume knob up a bit. Another route might be to change the first stage preamp tube to something with less gain, i.e.: 12ax7 to 5751. I did not find hi gains to be really high gain, P90's and Humbuckers are much louder. Possibly lowering the pick ups a bit may help too.

[keeper]

Thanks for all the replys, most helpful.
I have a Dr Z Airbrake on its way and excited about the potential results.
Has anyone tried a combination of one hi-gain and one toaster in the same guitar?
Graeme

[goofyfoot]

Thanks for all the replys, most helpful.
I have a Dr Z Airbrake on its way and excited about the potential results.
Has anyone tried a combination of one hi-gain and one toaster in the same guitar?
Graeme

Check out Blue Angel's post #3 in this Guitars thread. Regards.....Goofyfoot.

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