• Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Topic: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

Hi!
I've tried both Metro JTM45 and plexi 50W. They are awesome in their own right and I was particularly impressed with the 50W head. Great clean and great crunch.

Now I'd like to try a 100W head and I've got four options to choose from at MetroAmp:
1. 2203 circuit (JCM800) Master Volume kit.
2. 100W Non Master Volume kit 10XXX series (1967)
3. 100W Non Master Volume kit 12XXX series (1968)
4. 100W Non Master Volume kit (1969-1972)

Then of course for the three plexis Superlead specs or Super bass.
I want to add that volume is not an issue since I have the Alex's attenuator and that it is the best piece of gear I have ever bought! ANd don't even think about recommending Ceriatone. I won't buy anything alse besides MetroAmp!  tongue

So which one would you get to get closer to Joe's tones?
Thanks!  big_smile

  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

I own and play a Metropolous 12XXX SuperLead...I can't recommend it highly enough. I got the FX loop and PPIMV added. It is one of the best sounding amps I have ever played or heard. Most people think about the roar of a SuperLead, but the cleans these amps put out are also magical in my opinion.

I can't recommend George M. highly enough.

  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

Thanks wharris. Yeah, G. Metropoulos is great. I have built several of his amps myself and the were all awesome.

But now's the time to move on to the 100W world, I can't wait...  cool

Stratpaul, I know you have a 100 Metro head. Are you happy with it? What series is it (10XXX, 12XXX...)? Would you add an fx loop to it or not?

Thanks!

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

twistingcrow wrote:

Thanks wharris. Yeah, G. Metropoulos is great. I have built several of his amps myself and the were all awesome.

But now's the time to move on to the 100W world, I can't wait...  cool

Stratpaul, I know you have a 100 Metro head. Are you happy with it? What series is it (10XXX, 12XXX...)? Would you add an fx loop to it or not?

Thanks!


My 100w Metro is '69 specs, I was really after that Eric Johnson plexi tone.  I think Joe likes all old plexis and has even used some early '70s ones that were the most aggressive and gainy.  For JB stuff I would go with a '68 Superbass build with an FX loop.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

Well, I've just seen that the Metro store has changed and now offers a 100W plexi head (1969 specs) so I guess I'll go with that. Now I need to decide whether to add an fx loop or not, and most of all if I get superlead or superbass specs... Wonder what would our master do...  tongue

Is the Superlead really too bright for blues/rock stuff? Superbass is better for that???

  • Registered: 2010-07-09
  • Posts: 122

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

Super Lead vs. Super Bass - only a minor difference (IIRC - one or two caps is all).  You might see if there is a way to add a push-pull pot on one of the vols. that would allow you to switch between the two.

One of the key changes from a plexi to metal panel (early '70s) is shared vs. split cathode in the preamp section.  Plexi's use a shared cathode that gives it a warmer, less edgy tone.  Here's a thread on Metro forum.  The links don't seem to work, but you used to be able to hear the difference btw. the two - http://forum.metroamp.com/viewtopic.php?t=8093.

Guitars: '79 LP Custom, '01 Dickey Betts Goldie - 80 of 114, '00 Chandler Lectraslide
Amps: '00 Marshall 1987x, '70 Marshall 1959 SL, 4x12 JBL D120s
'64 Vibroverb - JBL D130, '66 Super Reverb - CTS Alnicos
'77 Peavey Deuce (great for melting stubborn ear wax)
  • Registered: 2010-07-09
  • Posts: 122

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

twistingcrow wrote:

Is the Superlead really too bright for blues/rock stuff? Superbass is better for that???

No.  Blend the two channels.  My '70 has a BRIGHT lead channel and a thick normal channel.  Mix the two (y-cable or jumper) and you get the perfect blend for blues - IMHO.

Guitars: '79 LP Custom, '01 Dickey Betts Goldie - 80 of 114, '00 Chandler Lectraslide
Amps: '00 Marshall 1987x, '70 Marshall 1959 SL, 4x12 JBL D120s
'64 Vibroverb - JBL D130, '66 Super Reverb - CTS Alnicos
'77 Peavey Deuce (great for melting stubborn ear wax)
  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

Sonicboom wrote:
twistingcrow wrote:

Is the Superlead really too bright for blues/rock stuff? Superbass is better for that???

No.  Blend the two channels.  My '70 has a BRIGHT lead channel and a thick normal channel.  Mix the two (y-cable or jumper) and you get the perfect blend for blues - IMHO.

+1  The differences between Superlead and Superbass specs did not become that great until 1969 onward. Using a Y cable (ala Eric Johnson) gives a great range of usable tones. I don't think of 60's era Plexis as bright amps. Now LOUD, that's a whole different story.

  • Registered: 2010-07-09
  • Posts: 122

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

OT - Sweet collection of amps wharris!  I've really taken a liking to Silver Jubilees lately.

Hmm, I wonder why? smile  Thanks, Joe.

Guitars: '79 LP Custom, '01 Dickey Betts Goldie - 80 of 114, '00 Chandler Lectraslide
Amps: '00 Marshall 1987x, '70 Marshall 1959 SL, 4x12 JBL D120s
'64 Vibroverb - JBL D130, '66 Super Reverb - CTS Alnicos
'77 Peavey Deuce (great for melting stubborn ear wax)
  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

Your little pile of toys doesn't look to shabby either, Sonicboom. Unfortunately, I'm a hoarder!

  • Registered: 2010-07-09
  • Posts: 122

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

Me, too.  Just can't get enough.   cool

Guitars: '79 LP Custom, '01 Dickey Betts Goldie - 80 of 114, '00 Chandler Lectraslide
Amps: '00 Marshall 1987x, '70 Marshall 1959 SL, 4x12 JBL D120s
'64 Vibroverb - JBL D130, '66 Super Reverb - CTS Alnicos
'77 Peavey Deuce (great for melting stubborn ear wax)
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 176

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

Thank you guys. I think I'm gonna order the stock 1969 Superlead kit and add the Zero Loss FX Loop. I'll take the PPIMV as well in case I want to install it...  big_smile Can you ever lose with Metro anyway...?

13 Reply by wharris (edited by wharris 2010-12-17 07:26:16)

  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

Good choice. Order a Y cable as well. George also makes high quality speaker and guitar cables (Mogami) for far less money than you can buy them elsewhere.

  • From: Canterbury
  • Registered: 2010-05-27
  • Posts: 310

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

twistingcrow,

I suggest you order very quickly.

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topi … oing-away/

  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 2,183

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

DAMMIT!

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

WOW this is terrible news.  George is a 100% awesome dude to do business with.  You can literally call the shop up and the man will talk to you if you want.  He's extrememly laid back and personable.  It's sad to hear that he's having personal issues and undoubtably that's what is putting the extra stress on his business.  His kits were the very best you could buy.  Hopefully he will offer them again when he gets back on his feet better.  sad

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • From: Canterbury
  • Registered: 2010-05-27
  • Posts: 310

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

At least you can still buy the completed amplifiers.

  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: Which 100W MetroAmp head???

That is terrible news. If you can get the bucks saved up, his Plexi Replica amps are amazing.