ADA MP-1 Dukanator Mod

The Dukanator Mod by Hairston at adadepot.com adds some really great features to the MP-1 that help out a ton in a guitar player's search for tone. This mod includes the gain mod, changed EQ points, an adjustable bass frequency trim pot (extremely useful), the noise, the new EPROM version, and the rear jack conversion mod. All of these features make the MP-1 a ton more versatile and a lot better sounding.

I am using this preamp with an ADA B500S power amp. I then plug that into a Rhino Slant 4x12. Sometimes, I will plug it into a Genz Benz G-Flex 2x12 that I usually use with my Dual Recto. The Dukanator is run in conjunction with a Mesa Dual Rectifier for an unbelieveably huge tone. I use three different guitars with this set up. A BC Rich Warlock Neck-Thru with a DiMarzio Tone Zone in the bridge and an Air Norton in the neck, a stock Dean Flying V (an import model), and an Epiphone Les Paul. When I first received the power amp and the Dukanator, I thought the Dukanator was a little bit flubby in the bass. So, I opened up the chassis and adjusted the bass frequency with the bass trim pot that came with the mod and the sound became a ton better. It sounds like your typical MP-1 with a lot more gain and a little bit more Marshally. Its kind of hard to describe, but an MP-1 with a tubescreamer in front of it would be fitting. The amount of gain available on this MP-1 is just insane. I have the overdrive turned up half way on OD1 and OD2 and its almost too much gain for even the most extreme metal. The SS clean was relatively unaffected by this mod and sounds very similar to a stock MP-1. The tube channels all have a lot more gain on tap. The tube clean channel is capable of some really cool classic rock-ish kinds of tones that are pretty fun to mess around with for a while. Where this unit really shines, however, is when it is played in conjunction with a Mesa Dual Recto. The tone is astounding. The Dukanator covers the upper mid range while the Dual Recto covers to lower mid range and they combine to form a wonderful wall of great guitar tone. I give this unit a 9 only due to the fact that there is no amp in the world that I could give a 10 (unless this and the Dual Recto combined came in amp form, then I would give it a 10).

Seems like it will last a while without a hitch, but I haven't played a gig with it yet, but I will definitely give Hairston the benefit of the doubt. I have opened up the MP-1 and the work is top notch. I doubt I will have many problems with it.

Hairston was very quick to reply with e-mails and was more than happy to help with any problems that could have arose. A top notch individual that makes a top notch product.

While I didn't give the sound portion of this preamp a 10, I will give the overall a 10. The value of this preamp is great for what you get. All of Hairston's work is A+ as is his personality and customer service. I would reccomend an ADA Depot mod performed by Hairston to anyone searching for great hard rock/metal tones at a very affordable price. Thank you very much for this excellent piece of gear.