The MOD 102+ amp kit’s design starts with a version of the American circuit used in the Gibson GA-5 amp from the ‘50s combined with a British style Class-A output section. But the MOD 102+ goes further with “+” features that include a three-position power off/standby/on toggle switch, and push-pull switches on the bass (mid-range boost), treble (top boost) and volume (turbo boost) controls.
I received a MOD 102+ for review and set upon building it myself. I found the parts’ quality top-notch and the instructions very clear with plenty of pictures and helpful construction hints along the way. I found that all you need is a good set of hand tools and a few hours to methodically read the instructions and construct it step-by-step. Once finished and checked over, it worked the first time I plugged it in.
I first tested the MOD 102+ using the 12-inch speaker in my Fender Blues Ju- nior. I loved the sound of that EL84 in saturation very much like a VOX amp. This amp/ speaker combination is my new recording setup when the guitar part calls for an overdriven sound. Visiting guitar players love it and this combo also makes the best practice amp ever.
The MOD Kits DIY MOD 102+ Guitar Amp Kit sells through their Web site for $265.
Barry Rudolph is a recording engineer/mixer who has worked on over 30 gold and platinum records. He has recorded and/or mixed Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, the Corrs, and more. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facility and loves teaching audio engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA. He is a lifetime Grammy-voting member of NARAS and a contributing editor for Mix Magazine. barryrudolph.com
