Non-Master Volume Amps

As most of you know, many old school American and British amps pre 1970 had just one volume. So how did players get great crunch tones? Well the answer is simple, push the volume towards “10”. With a non-master Marshall or many tweed designs there are a couple of ways to increase your gain content. If you have a two channel, four input head or combo, try running a jumper cable between the two channels. As you pass halfway on each of the channels volumes you’ll notice the low end begin to kick in from the power tubes. This will make it easier to dial back the bass and push the treble and mids giving more gain, zip, and tightness without being shrill. I’ve found from touring over the last 35 years that nothing beats plugging straight from the guitar into an amp. Don’t be afraid that you’ll hurt your amp, it’s made to go to “10”. And most importantly, don’t forget to use your guitars volume knob. There are lots of cool tones between zero and ten. -Glenn

Non-Master Volume Amps