1959slp Vs Hw Vs Original Issue

[Trelwheen]

I'm in the early stages of a hunt for a suitable 1959 head. I've never owned one, and it's been a long time since I let go my 1987x (which I never bonded with).

I've read that the HW is modeled after the 1969 year model, and that the SLP is based on the 1972 version.

I've noticed that both the reissues have a tighter and faster sound and feel than the vintage examples I've listened to, most likely due to aging components, for good or bad, affecting the mojo of the older examples in subtle-to-obvious ways from one to the next.

I'm leaning hard toward the 1959HW at this point. I figure if I'm gonna shell out the big $$ for one of these bad boys it makes sense to throw in the few extra hundred for the HW. Also, from what I'm hearing, the SLP seems to sound a little more spikey and hard compared to the slightly smoother HW.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has played all the above, and from those who own and play any of them. What do you like about one more than the other? What do you use to rein it in for stage use?

Final thought: what about a hotrodded version such as those created by @NewReligion? That's an intriguing concept.

 

[NewReligion]

I'm in the early stages of a hunt for a suitable 1959 head. I've never owned one, and it's been a long time since I let go my 1987x (which I never bonded with).

I've read that the HW is modeled after the 1969 year model, and that the SLP is based on the 1972 version.

I've noticed that both the reissues have a tighter and faster sound and feel than the vintage examples I've listened to, most likely due to aging components, for good or bad, affecting the mojo of the older examples in subtle-to-obvious ways from one to the next.

I'm leaning hard toward the 1959HW at this point. I figure if I'm gonna shell out the big $$ for one of these bad boys it makes sense to throw in the few extra hundred for the HW. Also, from what I'm hearing, the SLP seems to sound a little more spikey and hard compared to the slightly smoother HW.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has played all the above, and from those who own and play any of them. What do you like about one more than the other? What do you use to rein it in for stage use?

Final thought: what about a hotrodded version such as those created by @NewReligion? That's an intriguing concept.

The hand wired version has a lay down power transformer as where the vintage reissue does not. This will give different voltages therefore affecting the dropping resistors and the overall voltage going to the B+ templates of the power tubes. Pandora number 007 completed was built upon a hand wired base. Sounded great. I’ll see if I can find the video and post it here. I can be reached at [email protected]

David

 

[NewReligion]

I'm in the early stages of a hunt for a suitable 1959 head. I've never owned one, and it's been a long time since I let go my 1987x (which I never bonded with).

I've read that the HW is modeled after the 1969 year model, and that the SLP is based on the 1972 version.

I've noticed that both the reissues have a tighter and faster sound and feel than the vintage examples I've listened to, most likely due to aging components, for good or bad, affecting the mojo of the older examples in subtle-to-obvious ways from one to the next.

I'm leaning hard toward the 1959HW at this point. I figure if I'm gonna shell out the big $$ for one of these bad boys it makes sense to throw in the few extra hundred for the HW. Also, from what I'm hearing, the SLP seems to sound a little more spikey and hard compared to the slightly smoother HW.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has played all the above, and from those who own and play any of them. What do you like about one more than the other? What do you use to rein it in for stage use?

Final thought: what about a hotrodded version such as those created by @NewReligion? That's an intriguing concept.

Well I do not have the HW lay down PT 007 Pandora YouTube video. The sonic difference is not likely noticeable when I finish. If you like give me your info and I will contact the owner if HW 007 Pandora in California so that he may answer any questions you may have.

David aka New Religion

 

[Trelwheen]

David, thanks for posting. I appreciate the info.

And that 006 sounds freaking great. Seriously.

I can be reached at:
[email protected]

And I'll be reaching out to you when I find the right amp.

 

[NewReligion]

David, thanks for posting. I appreciate the info.

And that 006 sounds freaking great. Seriously.

I can be reached at:
[email protected]

And I'll be reaching out to you when I find the right amp.

Okay sounds good.

David...♫

 

[Trelwheen]

Anyone else? I know a few of y'all must have owned or played an SLP and a HW!

Gimme some harmonic feedback here....

 

[LyseFar]

Well - I have never played two 1959's that sounded similar. I've had a SLP 1959 RI and now I own a 1980 jmp 1959 metalface. Played through several late 60's - none of them even close to each other soundwise. So my best adwise would be to try a few and pick the one that sounds the best. And its always a possibility to change the bright cap values and the cap values in general to find the sound that you find perfect. My 1980 is now very close to pre 1968 specs and I like that it isn't hysterical bright as some of these 70's can be.

 

[Trelwheen]

Well - I have never played two 1959's that sounded similar. I've had a SLP 1959 RI and now I own a 1980 jmp 1959 metalface. Played through several late 60's - none of them even close to each other soundwise. So my best adwise would be to try a few and pick the one that sounds the best. And its always a possibility to change the bright cap values and the cap values in general to find the sound that you find perfect. My 1980 is now very close to pre 1968 specs and I like that it isn't hysterical bright as some of these 70's can be.

Good info, I suspected as much. Thank you for sharing

 

[Mitchell Pearrow]

I have had the pleasure of playing one of these beasts, but not 2 back to back, and this was a early 70’s head, in the early 80’s, yes it’s loud, and you are going down the correct path with New Religion!

 

[neikeel]

The 1959 circuit changed over the years to get a brighter and tighter sound.
The early ones had shared cathode, lower filtering, were basically uprated JTM45s. Late 60s got more aggressive in terms of gain (split cathode) but still had low filtering which gave a smooth gainy amp when turned right up. Late 68/early 69 was the transition to the filtering and tone that was replicated by the SLP in the late 80s and latterly in the 90s with the HW. The circuit is essentially a 69 Superlead. The component choice (transformers, caps, resistors and of course the speakers) all contribute. There is variation and one amp might be well balanced and another spiky and thin.
The HW was supposed to be a way of being more consistent.
If you are going the modded route it probably does not make much difference what you get as it is just a platform.

 

[NewReligion]

If memory serves me correctly the HW Laydown PT produced a little higher voltages.

Not to mention variables in the entire NFB (resistance value) circuit to incude ohm tap 4/8/16 selection. Even the type of cap (.1uf) used on the 5kL pot can matter to some ears.

But as said above if planning to mod I would get what I call a rescue amp (already been drilled or modded). Next a re-issue. But man I love those transformers from 77-79! Just something there. Of course in 20-30 years that will change just like the pickups did on my 1959 Stratocaster.

NOTE: I purchased a Rescue 1978 JMP 1987(50 watt) for $1025. Ships today. I hope it is as advertised.

David

 

[neikeel]

Transformer voltages on plexis were up and down.
The big RS were dual voltage (700 or 850 ac before rectification so high 500s the next Drakes were about 560v running KT66s. The EL34 Drakes and then Dagnalls were typically around 480-490v which is where the SLP and HW are aimed. The high voltage ones of more recent times were early 70s with consistently 500+ on the plate

 

[ampmadscientist]

Anyone else? I know a few of y'all must have owned or played an SLP and a HW!

Gimme some harmonic feedback here....

For most people, SLP is not a good choice, especially if you are not playing in stadiums.
It's just way too powerful for the majority of applications.
Most players will be far happier with a smaller power amp, less speakers, which is more realistic for small venues.

People buy overpowered amps like Plexi, then pull their hair out trying to adapt it to real world conditions.
This is why DSL has become so popular as opposed to the old school - less loudness, more controllable in smaller venues.

 

[Chris4189]

I recently purchased a early 90’s reissue 1959. I recently had it rebiased, nos Brimar in V1, JJ in V2 and Sovtek in V3 and changed the bright cap value and it sounds really good. One of the guys I play with has an unmolested 72 and I can’t tell any significant difference. I’m very pleased. I’m not a high gain or pedal player though.

I think often times with the reissues vs. the originals people put a lot stock and agrument into the 5% difference between the various super lead circuits.

 

[Chris4189]

For most people, SLP is not a good choice, especially if you are not playing in stadiums.
It's just way too powerful for the majority of applications.

Frankly, I don’t get that at all. Mine has a very usable master volume on it and I can play inside my house very comfortably with it. I used an Alex attenuator before the MV has added and had no issues at all playing inside.

 

[Trelwheen]

Thanks for the heads up. Lots of loud amps here, and we get to crank em here at the studio

 

[kingfredward]

.

 

[Trelwheen]

Another dead Trelly thread !!

People must love my fossils...

@NewReligion ...
David I still love my Pandora, so much that I quit looking for old 1959 heads.

 

[NewReligion]

Another dead Trelly thread !!

People must love my fossils...

@NewReligion ...
David I still love my Pandora, so much that I quit looking for old 1959 heads.

I am so glad you are bonding well with it.

I was playing one of my Pandora’s live when going on break another 50 something guitarist approached me to ask what I was playing over.

I told him (it was straight in four stage gain). He remarked it reminded him of Alex Lifeson’s tone on All the World’s a Stage. That hit home.

I explained just by using the guitar volume from clean to mean the circuit authentically will reproduce Hendrix Little Wing to Alice In Chains We Die Young.

If you have any issues just contact me. You pay shipping I’ll provide the tech.

Just sent out let’s just say a mile stone last week. Not many come up for sale.

I have enjoyed developing new circuits as well that get real analog nasty like the last “Divergent”.

I have been implementing a simple clean & a solo master but now am about to go into a full two channel lead guitarists amp.

David

 

[kingfredward]

Nice !! Anyone know what year the reaissues are based on? Are they the 1968/69 circuits?