Used 18w TMB, too middy, where to start...
Posted: Fri 03/13/26 9:08 am
So, I picked up a used TMB this week, all seems to work quite well, with a few caveats:
1. Overall too strong mids/low mids, lacks clarity (tried with Strat and LPjr P90). I do like brighter sounds, so this may be subjective, but would like to fix this. Not sure if the mids are too strong, or the treble too weak.
2. MV works on both channels, which I would like to undo, as this seems unnecessary for how I'd like to use the amp. I was planning on an ABY pedal, with clean on channel 1
3. All the tone controls have little impact upon the tone, they do work, but seem limited in their "power" to sculpt the tone. I would like to make them more effective.
The amp seems in good condition, and quite well made (by Eli Abbott in the UK). I have tried swapping out the preamp and power tubes, but this made little difference. I'm running it through a 1x12 with a G12H-30 70th Anniversary speaker
So, where to start? Initially, I thought I would choose a schematic/layout, and check component values, and look for failed resistors/caps. But then I realised there are many variations, so not sure which schematic to use as a base. Overall, I'm a lower/mid gain player, if that helps choosing a design.
Any recommendations? TIA
1. Overall too strong mids/low mids, lacks clarity (tried with Strat and LPjr P90). I do like brighter sounds, so this may be subjective, but would like to fix this. Not sure if the mids are too strong, or the treble too weak.
2. MV works on both channels, which I would like to undo, as this seems unnecessary for how I'd like to use the amp. I was planning on an ABY pedal, with clean on channel 1
3. All the tone controls have little impact upon the tone, they do work, but seem limited in their "power" to sculpt the tone. I would like to make them more effective.
The amp seems in good condition, and quite well made (by Eli Abbott in the UK). I have tried swapping out the preamp and power tubes, but this made little difference. I'm running it through a 1x12 with a G12H-30 70th Anniversary speaker
So, where to start? Initially, I thought I would choose a schematic/layout, and check component values, and look for failed resistors/caps. But then I realised there are many variations, so not sure which schematic to use as a base. Overall, I'm a lower/mid gain player, if that helps choosing a design.
Any recommendations? TIA