And now for something different... Swart using the 6BQ5? Well, they wanted to shift the paradigm and leave their favorite 6V6 for the the veritable EL-84, actually an early favorite of theirs and still one today(especially now). Indeed, everything has a beginning and these hail to the EL-84 started years ago as a one of a kind, über cool suitcase amp, an amp they still power up with a grin to this day, and an amp in use BEFORE the seminal Space Tone 6V6se.
Michael loved that suitcase enough to make it live on in sonic suitcase heaven, socks replaced with hand laid wire, irons, and tubes. While finding a suitcase for every tone junkie seemed daunting, a cool pine cab combo covered in vintage style tolex seemed a logical way out. Enter the all-new MOD 84.... While the MOD 84 had its beginnings within that cool, yet humble, suitcase, it's morphed into something far more. This is the new shop favorite and just such a blast to play!
The MOD 84 is a strong 15wpc, powered by two EL-84 with 12AX7 first stage and Swart's favorite 12DW7 for that great Swart reverb. Once again, Michael employs a very simple tone cut that follows our less is more for lower wattage amplifiers. And the new 3 way interactive EQ switch gives the user subtle yet defined control with three settings that actually interacts with the volume and attack. Add in the excellent Swart tube tremolo stage along with their favorite tube rectification, and you have a legitimate rival to the AST but with that bit of EL-84 take.
