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Post subject: BJr BillM basic mod kit.
Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 1:06 pm
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What comes with the basic mods kits for the bjr? I'm wondering if it'd be cheaper to just buy all the junk at the hardware store. Anyone know what exactly is in the basic mod kits? Thanks!


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Post subject: Re: BJr BillM basic mod kit.
Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 1:22 pm
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Hi benlewis08,

From the Billm site:

Basic kit, cream board: $22

Everything you need to eliminate that boxy sound, take the harsh edge off the distortion tones, add back the “missing” lowest octave of bass and sweeten the clean tones: Orange drop tone stack and coupling capacitors, adjustable bias trimpot, power supply stiffening capacitor, even a #55 high speed steel drill for a professional job installing the adjustable bias and power supply stiffening cap. (It’s just a couple of small holes; a fresh, sharp drill makes it easy.) The adjustable bias is a high-rel, precision, sealed, 25-turn trimpot for setting your bias accurately. The power supply stiffening capacitor doubles the size of the main filter stage, halves the ripple going to the output tubes, and provides solid bass tones that you’ll notice right away.

http://billmaudio.com/wp/?page_id=65

You can look at the BJr schematic for the above described parts to find out what to order. Bill tells about the values that he uses on his site, but you can choose your own value for the caps if you order them elsewhere. The only thing that you'll find at a hardware store is the drill bit. The capacitors and the pot can be ordered from Mouser or similar electronics store, but for $22 plus shipping, the Billm kit is a great deal, especially considering the instructions with pictures. You will only save a couple of bucks getting the parts yourself, and have no instructions. Get the standby switch while you are at it, nice addition. :idea:

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Post subject: Re: BJr BillM basic mod kit.
Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2011 1:29 pm
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Yeah haha Looks like I'm going to have to get all this shipped over to me. That presence control would also be a nice touch.. :o


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Post subject: Re: BJr BillM basic mod kit.
Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 10:51 am
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I did the Bill M mods to my Blues Junior.
It did make some improvement.
I am still not satisfied with the amp even after the mods.

My 2 cents

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Post subject: Re: BJr BillM basic mod kit.
Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 11:48 am
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The only mod that will take care of the boxy sound is a larger cabinet. An extension cabinet does wonders for the Blues Jr and for the Champion 600 too. It won't void your warranty either. The adjustable bias is a good idea. Personally, I wouldn't own an amp that needs that much work. Billm is a nice guy, but there are thousands of happy Blues Jr owners out there. Don't mod an amp because someone tells you you need to. Do it because you're unhappy with the amp.
There are plenty of amps out there that don't need to be modded that sound great.

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Post subject: Re: BJr BillM basic mod kit.
Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 12:08 pm
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63supro wrote:
The only mod that will take care of the boxy sound is a larger cabinet. An extension cabinet does wonders for the Blues Jr and for the Champion 600 too. It won't void your warranty either.


+1!

Portability does exact a sonic toll on these small amps. A larger extension cab with more robust speakers allows them to "breathe".

JMO

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Post subject: Re: BJr BillM basic mod kit.
Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 1:09 pm
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63supro wrote:
Don't mod an amp because someone tells you you need to. Do it because you're unhappy with the amp.


+1000.

What are you trying to solve with a mod? Start there and then people can offer suggestions.

You may also find that while a mod solves one problem, it can also create other problems, and then becomes a moneypit.

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Post subject: Re: BJr BillM basic mod kit.
Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2011 1:11 pm
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63supro wrote:
The only mod that will take care of the boxy sound is a larger cabinet. An extension cabinet does wonders for the Blues Jr and for the Champion 600 too. It won't void your warranty either. The adjustable bias is a good idea. Personally, I wouldn't own an amp that needs that much work. Billm is a nice guy, but there are thousands of happy Blues Jr owners out there. Don't mod an amp because someone tells you you need to. Do it because you're unhappy with the amp.
There are plenty of amps out there that don't need to be modded that sound great.
Yes,I have one that I take to local blues jams when I go.I play my les paul thru it and I like the sound.Dont really care for the strat thru it though.For gigging its the drri with any guitar, but a cabinet is the only cure for the boxy sound.Its a pretty small cabinet.


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