Category: Electric Guitar

EXEF PSE 1000 M

Exef was a German manufacturer of electronic music equipment. This is a preamp with a programable effects foot controller, the EXEF PSE 1000 M. Three dedicated programable, pan-able effects options A,B & C. They can be saved in any combination as recallable, each with a send & return. There are 3 additional send & returns controllable as inserts. The Sidekick foot controller has a large floor display and can manage easily.

I dug this up from an auction sellers description and AI translated it.


World famous and good quality such as Bogner and Diesel
Germany is also known for its many guitar amplifier brands.
This is the famous machine "PSE 1000 M MK2 by EXEF" from Germany. This product integrates a programmable preamplifier and switching system. It's unique, and I don't think I've ever seen a product with this kind of concept. It was released in the early 1990s, and at that time it was expensive at about 400,000 yen, and it had a strong image of being a professional device. I don't think there are many people who know this brand because it disappeared without being popular with general users. It is also known that Mr. Hiroshi Shibasaki of WANDS at that time used the 1000 M MK2 during the WANDS era. In addition, Mr. Tomoyasu Hotei used the company's switching system LOOPER in the early 90's. ... apparently ...

If I find a manual or get a peek inside I will post additional information. I found this option, the mk2 exchange module in the gallery below. This would be nice to hook it up to a stereo tube amp. A long cable can send the controller front stage and back stage you have your rack.

Below is a list of products by Exef.

  • PSE 1000 M (preamp effects controller)
  • B300PR (300w bass amp)
  • VP-42 (guitar preamp)
  • VPA-260 (stereo tube amp 2x60w)
  • Concrete 260 (solid state amp)
  • 6 Shot (midi programmable guitar preamp)
  • Triton (3 channel tube guitar preamp)
  • 4 Tune (4 channel tube guitar preamp)
  • Jambird (guitar amp)
  • Looper (loop programmer for preamp effects)
  • MSW4 (midi programmable switching system)
  • Switcher (function audio combi switcher)
  • Micro Switcher

4 Tune

Sidekick, Switcher, Microswitcher, VP-42, Jambird & PSE 1000M

Looper, Mapper Plus, 4 Tune, & Additional Photos

Palmer Macht 402 Guitar Power Amp

Specially Designed for Guitar Applications

For my guitar rack build I wanted to add a power amp that was small but powerful & tuned for guitar. I have been searching around for a while and the only models I liked were overseas manufacturers. This particular model is great because it can run 110 or 220 with a standard rack plug cord. It offers stereo channels and two outputs per channel. I found this to be a great 1u solid state amplifier. I wanted to have that option in my rack since I sometimes blend tube and solid state outputs. Below is some commercial information you can read about it. I bought my unit at Gear 4 Music and it arrived quickly and hassle free. Here are some pics of the inside of the unit, very nice.

The MACHT 402 offers many features that have been tailored towards the electric guitar, allowing for incredible amplification with ease. Offering 200 watts of power per channel, with 400 watts available when bridged, the power amp can be used with virtually any speaker cabinet, allowing you to use an array of cabinets without needing extra equipment. The hi and low controls featured on the MACHT 402 have been tailored for guitar signals, providing extensive EQ facilities to create a wide variety of sounds.

The Ultimate Power Amplifier

Designed with a compact shell, the MACHT 402 offers a range of features to enhance your sound and deliver the ultimate amplification. An efficient switch mode makes the power amp and excellent source of power, while special circuits protect it against overvoltage, DC, short circuits, and overheating. The low noise fan keeps the unit cool, allowing the MACHT 402 to deliver authentic tube power stage characteristics that make it an ideal power station for guitar preamps, small amp, modelers, and some effect pedals. The power amp also provides a rumble feature with an on/off function, allowing you to suppress the low frequencies to let the low end sound great at high volume levels. A limiter restricts the power amp’s max output, preventing clipping distortion and protects your speakers.

Specifications

  • Rated Output Power (1kHz @ 4 Ohms): 2 x 200 W
  • Rated Output Power (1kHz @ 8 Ohms): 2 x 100 W
  • Rated Output Power (1kHz @ 8 Ohms, bridged): 400 W
  • Output Circuitry: Class D
  • Frequency Response: 20 – 20000 Hz
  • THD: Less than 0.1
  • Gain: 32 dB / 26 dB / 28 dB
  • Input Sensitivity: 0,68 V / 1,4 V / 1,2 V
  • Protection Circuits:
    • DC
    • Short Circuit
    • Soft Start
    • Thermal Overload
    • Over-Current
  • Controls:
    • Sensitivity
    • Volume
    • On / Off
    • Mode
    • Low
    • Limiter
    • High
    • Ground Lift
  • Indicators:
    • Protect (Protection Circuit Engaged)
    • Signal
    • Power
    • Mode
    • Clip
  • Line Inputs: 2
  • Line Input Connectors: RCA, 6.3 mm Jack
  • Loudspeaker Outputs: 2
  • Speaker Output Connections: 6.3 mm Jack, Speakon Compatible
  • Cooling: Low-Noise Fan
  • Operating Voltage: Switching Power Supply
  • Power Consumption @ Full Load: 470 W
  • Operating Voltage: 115 V AC / 230 V AC (Switchable)

Dimensions

  • Width: 482mm
  • Height: 44mm
  • Depth: 244mm
  • Weight: 3.8kg

This unit fit nicely in my power section of my rack.

Mesa Boogie Tri-Axis

I am posting some internal photos from my Mesa Tri-Axis. I decided to acquire an earlier version of the guitar tube preamp. Basically, I wanted to have the unit as close to the original factory design, version 1. Not only does this mean there are less components to fail, but I do not require the continuous control feature. I actually like and use the tone character of this older preamp better than with the Phat mod and TX4 Recto board.

TriAxis_DatingDownload
TriAxis_ManualDownload
TriAxis_SchematicDownload

M80 Records Guitar & Bass Rack Rig

Recently I put together a few rack components to make a guitar/bass rack rig. I have the outputs running stereo to a pair of Ampeg SS-212 EC cabinets. See my Palmer Mach 402 post for a pic of the power amplifier rack used for this rig. These cabinets are stereo and the power amps have double outputs on each channel output. This could allow me to cross the speakers if I wanted, meaning running a true stereo on each cabinet. Currently I have them panned full left/right. This rig has the following items: Samson CR-3M wireless system, Korg DTR-2 Tuner, Samson S-Patch Bay, Mesa Tri-Axis Preamp (Tube), Carvin Quad X Preamp (Tube), Rocktron Prophesy II (Tube), Trace Elliot G-RP3 (Tube), Yamaha PG-1 Guitar Preamp (Solid State), Roland GS-6 Guitar Preamp (Solid State), BBE Model651SVC (Solid State), Hughes & Kettner Fortress (Tube), & Roland SIP-301 (Solid State).

The rack case I picked up on Ebay from Seismic Audio for cheap, new with casters, double mounting rails & covers. On the back I placed a Mo West Custom Custom Preamp and Rack Rider. For all the preamp units mounted in this rack I have the original footswitches.

Siegmund Midnight Special 5 Watt Octal Tube Amp

I was searching around for small tube amps to add to my collection. I came across this rackmount version which would have fit nicely in my guitar rack. The layout looks super clean and the sound is what I am looking for. Unfortunately, I just noticed their website www.seigmundguitars.com is down at the moment. Anyway check out the pics for reference and keep your eye out for this custom build in the used market.

The Midnight Special 5 Watt is an enhanced version of the tried-and-true Midnight Special Combo introduced in 2000 and the best known Siegmund amplifier.
The chassis is a 2U rackmount with removable brackets and a variety of features with ‘Live Amp Sound’ Line Out and Pentode/Triode switch.

Hand wired point to point cloth wiring
NOS vintage Octal tubes
Versatile, interactive tone controls
Optimized features for recording and live gigging
Transformer-less Reverb
True bypass Master Volume
Unique no-compromise Custom Output Transformer
by Mercury Magnetics
Highest quality NOS components

Class A single-ended 5 Watts
self-biasing output stage
Pentode and Triode switch
Tube Rectifier 5Y3
Octal base preamp tubes 2x 6SL7
Transformless tube reverb
LAS Line Out ™ with Level Control and XLR and TRS outputs
Series FX loop
Reverb On/Off jack
Sprague Vitamin Q paper/oil tone capacitors
Carbon composition resistors
F&F; and Sprague ATOM TVA filters
Point to point wiring
Powder coated Aluminum chassis

100,120,220,240VAC 50/60Hz
Handmade in USA

17 x 8 x 3.5 ; 10 lbs.

This compact version of the Midnight Special is designed for the player who desires a versatile tube amp for both recording and live gigging, making the speaker cabinet an option but not a requirement.
The LAS Line Out ™ mimics the response of a speaker voice coil and can be plugged into a mixer or PA, giving a big lively tube sound without the need of transporting a large and heavy tube amp and speaker cabinet.

Octal preamp tubes have a wider tonal spectrum and sound more relaxed and revealing with less compression than later 9 pin versions.
In combination with the harmonic richness of the custom wound extended range output transformer by Mercury Magnetics
the Midnight Special reveals the pure power & beauty of the vibrating string.

The Midnight Special is entirely hand-built, using the best-sounding NOS caps and resistors.
Point-point wiring is the same technique used by the military and in aviation construction for reliability.

The class A self-biasing output stage has musical even-order harmonic break-up.
The 6V6 power tube can be switched to give 5 Watts in Pentode or 1 Watt in Triode operation.
The LAS Line Out ™ with Level control has XLR and TRS outputs. When the speaker cable is unplugged an internal load takes over.

ENGL Tube-Power Amp 2X100 E920

There are many all tube stereo power amplifiers out there for guitar rugs. This unit I usually don’t see too often so here are some pictures of it. I was tracking this one from an auction site I use called JAUCE The unit was labeled as non functioning so it seemed like a bargain project at $100 USD. They are a very reputable broker for Japanese gear. Be very careful about purchasing heavy objects since it can get costly to ship.

engl-e920-manualDownload

Casio PG-380 & MG-510 Synthesizer Guitars

Technology has developed quite a bit since these synth guitars made their debut some 30 yrs ago. Now there are interface boxes that convert your audio signal out to midi and allow you to use your standard guitar to control a synth. I certainly wish these concepts really developed further for guitars with onboard synth engines. There are two main concerns when seeking this type of equipment, polyphony and latency. Unfortunately if you were to acquire a guitar like this today you would probably end up replacing the sum of like 20 smt capacitors. Not the headache I want again but I’d like to share these cool guitar pics I had that were actually pretty advanced for their time.

When I had these guitars I changed out all the capacitors which really helped the performance. I do recall the PG-380 lets you blend the synth and guitar sounds. What I remember the most was how smooth this guitar played as an instrument, super smooth. What you really need to understand before seeking one, is that it doesn’t respond super well if you shred, bend notes past the set midi bend range or play a lot of rhythm. What is does well is add unique parts, solos or ambient parts to your live sound.

Casio-PG380-service-manualDownload
Casio-MG-500-MG-510-Service_ManualDownload
parts_list_casio_capsDownload

Deluxe Electric Mistress

Well, I’ve had and tried a few of these through the years. Hands down of my favorite pedal in terms of diversity. Be warned though not all versions perform the same. And yes that is the case with many component parts from different periods. High quality parts are still being manufactured today but some combinations seem to provide a unique magic. This post is just to be quick and tell you my favorite version, why and link to all the information I have in my folder. Below you will find some real useful guides and photos by Ralf Metzger. His site is www.metzgerralf.de and the links on deluxe electric mistress versions below are his, thanks Ralf.

 

Version Prod. Range Identifying Feature
V1 1978 – 1980 Two conductor power cord without earth ground*
V2 1980 – 1981 Two conductor power cord without earth ground *
V3 1981 – 1984 green printing
V4 2002 – 200? “Sandpaper” surface backplate, missing i-dot on most of the models, but not all
three conductor power cord with earth ground *
V5 200? – today 24 V adapter – no main power cord,
“Sandpaper” surface backplate

My favorite version is the V4 Deluxe Electric Mistress. While the older versions have a fatter tone on guitar I was looking for a strong mid-range to high tone. The V4 version offers a nice pocket of adjustment thus delivering an organic natural sound for guitar picking and rhythm. The V5 is too bright and tin sounding. I bet the older versions would be cool for synths.  Take the time to adjust the pots inside. You will be surprised to see how they react and give you what you need. Take a few photos before you do so.

Word Document EH Electric MistressDownload
Deluxe-Electric-MistressDownload

Vintage Wall of Sound (500W Tube + 260W Solid)

Here is a nice pic of my war machine. Believe it or not, in the center a Bloc 100G by Traynor/Yorkville and the Fender Stage 100 DSP head (same as the Fender DSP Stage 160…depending on the ohm load) has plenty to play a stage. Then you have the other tube monsters that were in other posts. All tube Peavey Mace, Peavey MX VTX, Ampeg V-7 & Ampeg VT-120. This is a general showcase pic of some other posts I had made. On the ground is the Ibanez soundtanks.

Carvin Quad X-Amp Guitar Preamp

I have now had a chance to dive into the Carvin Quad X. I have provided some photos I noticed that no one has been showing, that elusive bottom board. The unit I picked up had alot of scratchy pots. They are all coming from the cheap pots on the bottom board. I disassembled the entire unit and cleaned all the connections and pots. This helped dramatically but ultimately I would like to replace all the pots on the bottom board. After I do that the unit is ready for another 15 yrs. or so. From what I have read it is a common problem on this amp.
I connected this pre-amp into a Marshall stack right into it’s input. I kept all the setting on the amp neutral but ideally I wish I could have tested this on a plain stereo tube amp. So my first take was quite disastrous. I had a very hard time getting the sound to be fat crisp and properly distorted. I didn’t want to give up on this pre-amp. I removed the unit and tried just guitar and headphones plugged in. Actually this was a great move, it gave me a chance to tweak the knobs such that I can see where all the break points are for the tubes. I found that most of the best settings were when the main volume knobs were between 3-4 or 5-6 and the drives between 6-7 or 7-8. From there I adjusted the stereo out listening for bad distortion (like tonal loss) and lastly the cloaking if using those channels.

Overall I believe I may be able to coax so great sounds out of this preamp. Understanding the sweet spots is really key and not have any external sound influence other than the Quad X. Once dialed in then I would add effects. Please see below for additional documents.

quad-x-schematics-allDownload
quad_x-fx_mod_pre-to-postDownload
Year and Version