Egnater MOD 50 Head

Egnater Mod 55 Head=OUTSTANDING FEATURES!! Interchangeable modules, external bias ports, accepts multiple power tubes, normal and low power switch, series and paralell fx loop (more about that jem later), ohms selector--16,8 and 4 ohm operation. Master density and presence controls. Killer looks and most of all GREAT TONE. The features you get in this amp are incredible--especially for working musicians. I do alot of gigging but i am not a studio session player, however, I would think this amp would be the perfect tool for studio session players looking to get authentic, great tone.

I have been playing nearly 20 years now and have gone through many styles and equipment changes. Done the metal bands, rock bands, top 40 bands but for the past 8 years have been doing the typical blues/blues rock stuff like SRV, Hendrix, the Kings, Clapton, ZZ Top, KWS etc. I play a Fender '62 Re-Issue Hot Rod Strat with Van Zandt vintage plus pickups into a Budda Bud Wah > Keeley Katana Boost > MJM Phantom OD > MJM London Fuzz > MJM Sixties Vibe. I am running it through a MOJO 212 open back cab (egnater style black and tan with salt and pepper grill) with MOJO BV-30s. (although I have a pair of weber 12f150 on order) Honestly, with this amp you DO NOT NEED any of the effects to sound good. I just use the effects for slightly different variations of the basic sound. However, I have played many places where my pedal board stays home and I just take the amp--and it sounds incredible.

With the Mod 50 and it's 4 channels you can set up the modules for rythym and lead sounds or you can set up four great tones for rythym and use a boost or a TS type pedal to juice up the leads. I do both depending on my mood but both ways sound great. There really are not any tonal compromises with this amp.

Alot of reviews and Youtube clips of this amp center around high gain metal type sounds. For me, I was looking for an amp that can provide a great clean and great lite to med drive sounds for blues.
This amp delivers that and more. THIS IS A GREAT AMP FOR CLEAN AND OVERDRIVE TONES WITH A STRAT. Great dynamics, feel and TONE.

The two modules I started off with are the T/D and the COD.

T/D Module

I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about a non fender amp pulling off fender clean but this module does. The Twin side is pristine Fender clean. I plugged the head into my super reverb ri cabinet and it sounded better than the super reverb ri. It has that blackface tone but with alot of harmonic complexity in it. Also, with the EQ and gain knob you can make it sound the same but only more muscular (if that makes sense). The Deluxe side sounds incredible as well. I can finally get that broke up, crunchy but smooth on the edge of breakup sound--SRV tone!!! Can sound just like Little Wing and Lenny if you want it to. This module is also very touch sensitive and dynamic. You can get alot out of it by picking hard or soft etc. I have never achieved a tone like this and you can get it at any volume! Great on the edge of breakup tone with no artificial sounding pedals or extreme volume.

COD Module-

This module is great as well. On the Egnater website it recommends pairing up a T/D with the COD to get the ultimate alternate fender blues rock tone. That's what I did and could not be happier. This module is supposed to be similar to a Dumble ODS and a Mesa Mark IIc. I haven't played either of those but the tone from this module is really nice. Smooth gain that can be nice and tame or pretty wild. Very articulate and rich sounding again with great feel and feedback.

Overall, the tone of the Mod 50 fits me perfectly. Prior to this I had a RI Bassman LTD and a RI Super Reverb. I sold the bassman and the super is for sale. This amp is THAT GOOD for vintage bluesy tone which I want to stress because I think alot of people out there assume that this amp is mainly for high gain applications.

Also, the parallell fx loop is really nice but I don't use any effects through it. I tried some reverb but to be honest, this amp sounds so good that the reverb I had just took a little away from the sound. BUT, I plugged in a patch cord on a parallell loop from the send to the return and noticed that the effects knob, when turned, adds a little bit more upper harmonic complexity to the tone! It really difficult to describe but it just adds a little bit of punch and gain that enhances the feel and tone.

No problems yet. It looks like it was built to last. The head Cabinet is beautifully tolexed and all the electronics look very well made. I will buy another Mod 50 because I like this one so much.

As another reviewer said, try calling the owner of Marshall or Fender and ask them about their products. Bruce and Jeff are very helpfull and always quickly answer emails and phone calls. Egnater is a top notch amp builder. I know they have the Chineese made line of amps but I hope they keep the USA made line just as is. Egnater has a GREAT thing going with their US made amps.

Overall, this amp should be an 11. If lost or stolen I would buy another. Actually, I am going to get another one anyway and the next mods on my list are the bassman and the sl modules. This amp does what Bruce says it will and more. It does the blackface tone better than the Fender re-issues and the COD mod sounds great. One thing I like about this amp is you can tailor it to what you want. You can swap power tubes, play through different cabinets and speakers, etc. My only advice would be if you are looking at a Mod 50, definately have an idea of the tone you are going for and match the modules, tubes, cab and speakers to what you want. Speakers do have a HUGE impact on your tone. Also, MOJOTONE makes great cabs and will match the egnater style. I am going to order a 4x10 cab as well for the mod 50 and I am thinking about a 1x15 just for fun.

I bought this in 2007 equipped with 5881 power tubes, reverb, 4 button footswitch, SL2 and T/D modules. This amp is the perfect gigging rig, giving me the ability to have clean and crunch rhythm and lead tones available with a touch of the footswitch. No more do I need a volume pedal or any adjustments in the guitars volume. I can dial in 2 rhythm and 2 solo tones...set it and forget it and I sacrifice absolutely nothing. I have owned several other boutique amps and have had to sacrifice something...no more. Also, If I want a different tonal character I can buy another preamp module. The SL2 is like a hot rodded JCM 800, reminicent of the blue and red channels of the Bogner XTC. The T/D sounds like the Blackface Twin on channel A and a cranked Deluxe on channel B. The VX module sounds like a Vox AC30. Channel A sounds like early Beatles clean tones, and the B channel gives me Brian May's Bohemian Rapshody solo tone. If I want death metal I can get the Erecto or MHG modules. If I want Dumble tones, Egnater has the COD Module. Basically, almost any amp tone I want I can have. This is the most versatile high quality amp made today. More versatile than the Bogner XTC or Diezel VH4.

Each module sounds as the amp it emulates. The amp is clear, punchy, tight bass, outstanding cleans. The reverb is lush and the overdrive of the SL2 is the perfect amount of gain. I can go from 60's Marshall Plexi tones to Bogner blue and red channels. Outstanding tones!!

I have only had it for 8 months so I can't say for sure. I have built a couple amps before myself and from the looks of it is built extremely well. The wiring is very neat and the soldering is impeccable. I am sure it will be very reliable. The reverb had to be replaced about 2 months ago. Other than that it has been flawless.

First rate. When my reverb went out they sent me a new one that week. They also provided me with their FedEx number so that I could ship the old one back at no charge to me. Bruce Egnater and his team are consumate professionals and just very nice people. I will allways do business with them. I plan on buying their other products in the future.

Fantastic value!

The Egnater MOD 50 is a two module amp with a choice of modules voiced after a variety of sounds that have become popular over the years. Each module has two channels in it, so the two module setup gives you four channels. The channels are footswitchable or switchable on the face of the amp. I am using the SL2, Vox, and T/D modules. For both modules Channel A in offers a purist tone which tends to be pretty clean to dirty. And channel B provides a hotter version of the purist tone, from dirty to more overdriven. Of course, a module designed to sound like a hot-rodded marshall will start in dirtier territory than a vox.

Egnater has done a fantastic job of creating some tones that sound like or or in some cases better than the originals in my opinion. I have owned a number of JCM 800's that sounded great with chords but thinned out with soloing, which is why people often modded these amps or threw pedals infront of them with varying degrees of success.

The SL2 really nails the modded JCM 800 sound and goes beyond in terms of versatility because the two channel design allows you to access the whole range of original JCM 800 tones plus hot rodded ones for the over the top. The lead tone in really fantastic and is probably my favorite aspect of this module because it performs where my JCM 800's could not. And the overall tone is better as well.

Interestingly, I am able to get a great tone at a much lower volume than the old amps. Each module has a pre-amp and master volume--in addition to the power amp section of the MOD 50 having it's own master volume. By diming the master volume on the Power Amp section, you can generate some power amp distortion, while keeping the preamp volume down and pre-amp gain to the desired amount of preamp distortion. These settings allow you to mix the two types of distortion which you normally would only have on tap at higher volumes.

The Fender stuff compares wonderfully to the originals, which I do own some of (65 Bassman, 68 Deluxe Reverb) as does the Vox, which I do not own but have heard a ton of. This is the area where the Egnater stuff really shines as compared to the Randall MTS stuff. While I do think some of the Randall MTS stuff sounds great, they tweak it to sound appealing to kids, adding way more distortion to all their modules seemingly in hopes of appealing to a wider audience.

In contrast, the Egnater spent a lot of time getting these modules to really sound authentic and then expands their capability by offering more distortion on tap in the hotter B channel, so you end up with the authentic original tones, and the hot rod version of the original tones.

Since every amp design is a series of compromises and trade-offs, the only thing the MOD 50 amp compromises is that it depends more on the preamp channel than the power amp to deliver cranked or driven distorted tones from old school amps that sometimes but not always depended on power tube distortion for their signature tone. Can a Vox module preamp match the tone of cranked EL84's for example? This is debatable and I believe purists would argue the point. But you'd be shocked how good the Egnater is able to pull it off. That's probably why Egnater set this amp up to be able to use 6L6's EL34's 5881's and 6v6's to closer suit the tastes of a particular user's preferences.

So in conclusion, you gain massive flexibility in tones and you give up perhaps some of the cranked power amp characteristics of some classic amps. Interestingly, the MOD 50 has a half power switch on the front to perhaps address this issue. The sounds I have been going for have not benefited from this switch, but there are likely some applications that would.

The Egnater build quality is top notch and will make any craftsman who takes pride in good work smile. Every single detail is perfectly crafted. No corner is cut, no cheap decisions to save money. Every part is of highest quality. The tolex is absolutely perfectly cut, glued, and installed. And for a picky SOB like myself, it's a joy to see.

EGNATER MOD 50 VERSUS RANDALL MTS 50 WATT HEAD: THE SHORT VERSION:

EGNATER BUILD QUALITY IS PREMIUM AND SECOND TO NONE. RANDALL BUILD QUALITY IS BELOW AVERAGE TO POOR.

NOW-THE LONG VERSION

In this next section, I will compare the Egnater MOD 50 to the Randall MTS 50 watt head from a reliability standpoint for those interested. If a rant unsupportive of Randall will annoy you, you may wish to skip the rest of this section because I admittedly will rant a bit here.

I got interested in the Egnater stuff because the Randall MTS gear I liked suffered from reliability issues. Five breakdowns between two 50 watt Randalls in first year and a half qualifies as a bad record in my book (I had two so I could switch one out when the other broke). And I won't even discuss the hour plus drives on Saturdays to the nearest LA Randall factory authorized service centers. To Randall's credit, they covered everything under a decent warranty.

The Randall MTS stuff suffers from some build quality issues that I believe stem mainly from the overseas assembly folks they are using. I say this because Randall assembles their modules in the USA and overseas, and their heads overseas. The overseas MTS modules are covered in excessive sloppy blue glue strings while the American built are sharp and precise and glued carefully. I bought a new Randall module from a dealer, overseas version, whose circuitry was flawed and sounded awful and was missing hardware parts that secure the volume pots the chassis-just crazy. It's replacement worked well but the screws that allow access to take off the plate to access the preamp module tubes were glued in place--a careless oversight by a glue crazy worker-- and are now nearly impossible to unscrew without stripping the screws itself--again careless work.

What's more, in my Randall combo, a transformer is installed lopsided, clearly from being dropped and bent prior to installation. Finally, all of the tolex on my now three or so year old Randall's is peeling off and in some cases has bubbles under it where it was improperly installed.

To be fair, I must say it is possible that Randall has addressed these issues since I purchased my amps a few years ago. I have not done any research into their current production quality, so I do not know if they have or have not.

A final note of comparison, when comparing the Egnater modules to Randall modules, you can see the decent but cheaper component selection of the Randalls compared to the Egnater, which one would expect.

The guys at Egnater have been amazingly helpful and accomodating. The only down side is that they are sometimes unavailable. Their message says that they can't take the call because they are busy building your amp. They have been pretty good about getting back when messages are left, but a couple of times they didn't.

I don't hold it against them, however, because they are very busy and back-ordered (I waited 8 months to get my amp) and are a small operation where craftsmen build things carefully and do things the right way.

One of the best amps I've ever owned. Definitely the most versatile. Egnater is brilliant and builds premium stuff. Enough said.

Deluxe and SL2 modules, reverb option which uses the parallel loop (series still available). Each module has a 3 way toggle for adding bass or treble, as well as a gain and volume knob for each of the the two channels to each module. Master volume, global presence and bass. Can be changed from 50 wats to 10 watts right on he front of the amp. Modules can be swapped at will, and EGanter will mod any module for you to tailer the sound.

For me, having 4 channels with killer tone is everything I need, but I will try a bnch of different modules out too. Maybe pop in a Recto module at the end of the gig for more modern rock.

Power tubes can be swapped and biased with simple test points on the back, and different types can also be used (6V6, 6L6, KT66, EL34, etc..) It takes about 2 mintues to put new tubes in and set the bias using their system. As easy as THDs amps, although you can't split tube types.. they must both be 6L6 or EL34 etc..

This is a tremendous amp as far as modern features go, and the shocker is the tone is excellent too. In fact I prefer the Deluxe module of the Egnater to a real Fender Deluxe, since I have more control and 2 channels.

This is only for the Deluxe and SL2 preamps.

The Deluxe module makes me smile everytime I play it. I have played Deluxes for 30 plus years, but always thought they needed something. The wide range of tone control offered by the Egnater makes me a Deluxe fan all over again.

The SL2 module can get a raw, low gain Plexi sound if you want, all the way up through shred. I am used to a bit more mids, but I have to say the amp cuts at a gig, and sounds phenominal. My leads never sounded so good ... or loud. But there are a ton of tones here, don't be locked into cranking the gain. I had it sounding like very early AC/DC with hardly any gain. Almost a karang with a bit of hair on it. Wicked cool.

Too soon to know.

Very friendly guys, talked to both Frank and Bruce on the phone. As good as it gets.

Just what the doctor ordered. The reverb option is also perfect for what I do, it lets notes hang in the air for an almost echo effect. This amp is really a gigging guitarsist dream.

This head comes loaded with two modules at the price specified below. It's $1,200.00 U.S. dollars without the modules. Frank LaMarra built this head for me in 2005. Being all tube, it is heavy, but it is much more portable than the Mod 100 (which is really heavy!). Accepts two of the newer two channel modules. Includes a four button footswitch that selects between each iof the four channels that can be individually set in terms of preamp and master volume. The bass and bright switches are individually set for each module. It has an effects loop and an analog reverb (costs extra). A power selection switch can starve the tubes to go down from 50 watts to about 18, with presence and other tone knobs to adjust for the loss of tone. I only wish that another module or tow could be slipped in the back, but Frank said he can rig an M4 preamp to add 4 more modules with footswitching between all of the channels, resulting in a 12 channel head. The color scheme is really attractive, and I'm planning on ordering one or two matching, ported 2x12's from Egnater as well.

I went to Bruce Egnater's house and tried out all the modules in a demo model of the head before placing my order. All of the preamps sound perfectly as advertised in my opinion. The vox module actually sounds more like an AC30 than the modern AC30's that vox is putting out in my opinion. The power stage yeilds succulent liquid distortion when cranked to about 7. I am currently using a hot plate to save my ears to get the liquid distortion sound by cranking the power stage. Frank and Bruce said they frequently mod modules for people by backing off the highs, etc. All you have to do is send the module in by mail. I cannot imagine a better solution to the problem of obtaining the exact tones you want (unless you don't want liquid distortion), as many as you want, and having them all available at the press of a footswitch.

I've had it almost a year and have experienced no problems yet. This amp is hand built by experts putting their reputations on the line. I'm sure that things happen, but if there is an amp I would depend on to gig with no backup, it would be this one.

No problems yet, but if there ever were any, I imagine I would have to deliver the amp to Bruce Egnator for repairs (which is no problem for me because I live down the steet, but could be a problem for others). Moreover, Bruce and Frank are both dedicated, but they are only two people, and events sometimes cause delays. For example, my amp was delivered behind schedule because I ordered it right after a NAMM. A big order from overseas had to be filled first, and caused weeks of delay, but I am given to understand that this is an unusaul occurrence. Also, when there is a NAMM, both Bruce and Frank are likely to be unavailable. Moreover, these guys have lives to live. There is no 24 hour call center or large staff at your beck and call, so this category is where there can be a tradeoff, but only occasionally. Most of the time, Bruce and Frank are reasonably available and quick to respond.

I've been playing 25 years. I am currently using it with the Fender Deluxe and Egnater modules, and also own a Dual Rec module that I switch out for the Egnater when the mood suits me. I prefer the high gain channel for the Fender Deluxe, and am planning on adding Bassman, Vox, and Marshall modules soon. If this rig were lost, I can only imagine I'd replace it with the same rig, or maybe a rack-mounted M4 with the matching Randall 50 watt power amp (although I think I prefer having the handbuilt power amp in the mod 50). The Egnater solution is the perfect solution, at least until the digital amp modelers improve a lot (if ever). I compared the Mod 50 (with its tonal pallette of available modules) to genuine Marshall, Fender, Vox, Bassman, Mesaboogie, and Soldano amps, the POD xt (which I own and might use as a backup), and the newer Guytron amp (a company which Frank co-founded) before buying. While the Guytron does a great job of obtaining a few excellent and recognizable tones, it was unable to footswitch between more than the two available channels, and the new tone selector switches (for american versus british tone, for example) were not footswitchable (so you can't switch between fender and vox without fiddling with a bunch of knobs). Moreover, certain tones of the Guytron can only be achieved on one channel, and the other tones on the other. Thus, you can't combine bassman, for example, with fender in a footswitchable configuration on the Guytron. (Plus, the Guytron was $3,000)In contrast, the Mod 50 with any two modifiable, 2-channel modules was $2,000.00, with an upgrade to four more footswitchable slots being available. Therefore the Egnater rig was the only one with the variety, upgradeability, genuine tube sound, and easy on-the-fly operation I craved. Moreover, every time I think of something else I might want (like a way to blend preamps on-the-fly), Frank is able to tell me how it can be done already, and that he can add the gear for me anytime I want (at an addtional fee of course).