Jule Amps Monique Part 2.

[SactoBass]

Originally Posted by SactoBass

I've only had my rackmount Monique for a week or so, and I am already planning to do some tube rolling (not because Monique is lacking in tone, but because I am a diseased tube roller from way back when, and I just can't help being addicted to NOS tubes, no matter what bass amp rig I'm using). Here is what I am planning to do:

V1 (gain): replace stock current issue Shuguang 6N9P (6SL7) with a 1951 brownbase NOS/NIB JAN Tung Sol 6SU7GTY (6SL7 equivalent), round black plates, black glass.

V2 (EQ): replace stock current issue Tung Sol 6SL7GT with brownbase NOS JAN CHS Sylvania 6SL7WGT, black plates.

V3 (buffer): replace stock chinese current issue 12AU7 with NOS RCA 12AU7WA/6189 blackplates.

V4 (rectifier): replace stock current issue Electro-Harmonix 6CA4EH (EZ81) with NOS/NIB RCA 6CA4 (EZ81).

At the time of this writing, I already have the first three NOS tubes in my possession, but not installed yet. The fourth (V4 rectifier) is being shipped to me right now. Once I receive that fourth tube, I will open up Monique and swap out all four tubes at the same time. I will then post up with my comments.

Well, I finally got around to installing the NOS tubes into Monique today (as described in my Nov 25 post above), and I fired up the rig.

I would say that the tone sounds a bit more authoritative. Was there a huge difference between the stock tubes and the NOS tubes? I would say no, not a huge difference. That's a testament to Jule's excellent circuit design. But I will say that I do like the NOS tubes slightly better.

Monique rocks!

[chadds]

I concur.

Wait!

Weren't we talking about Studio Lingerie?

No thread derails please!

[juledude]

Originally Posted by donnercruz

I was wondering how long it would be before you ended up with a Monique. I recently did some studio work with Monique running your old MB2 through it. Nothing more gratifying than having the producer and engineer tell you how awesome your tone is!

Btw- I have the two prototype studioslips for Monique from Susan. it's a great case and she is a pleasure to work with!

Wonderful to hear. I admit that after all these years, being in a studio still makes me feel like I'm a kid in a barbershop and everyone else is an adult. I respect the magic that happens.

So it is great to hear that we are keeping those engineers happy. They need the love too.

[Oldtimer]

Looks a bit like Jule Jr., except about 3 feet shorter! Nice hat though.

[Kreken]

My Monique arrived yesterday!

I had time to try it just for a short while at home, with a '63 P-bass with flats through the power section of a GK MB800 into a Warwick Hellborg Club Cab. Sounded so sweet! At one point I almost got frustrated because it became too hard to remember all my favorite settings. It's all just different kinds of GREAT...



Today I'm at my first gig with Mon, playing double bass through the same amp setup. The eq-section of Monique helped me get a very nice sound out of the rented double bass. I prefer a low sensitivity setting for DB.

[juledude]

Originally Posted by Kreken

My Monique arrived yesterday!

I had time to try it just for a short while at home, with a '63 P-bass with flats through the power section of a GK MB800 into a Warwick Hellborg Club Cab. Sounded so sweet! At one point I almost got frustrated because it became too hard to remember all my favorite settings. It's all just different kinds of GREAT...



Today I'm at my first gig with Mon, playing double bass through the same amp setup. The eq-section of Monique helped me get a very nice sound out of the rented double bass. I prefer a low sensitivity setting for DB.

Thank you for sharing these pictures. Now I know I should have delivered.

[chadds]

Originally Posted by juledude

Thank you for sharing these pictures. Now I know I should have delivered.

Well the Gravlax...

[Kreken]

Today we did a daytime radio show. Double bass into Monique, and then direct out to the board. Again it sounded sweet!

First gig with electric bass is this Friday. Can't wait!

[Baird6869]

Over 3 months with Monique.... And I am still genuinely excited each time i play it!

[nostatic]

Per Jule, my birdcage is on the bench, should see it next week. Just in time for tracking

[bassdoubler]

Just got my birdcage back today with all the newest upgrades!! Jule is the best!

[SactoBass]

Originally Posted by nostatic

Per Jule, my birdcage is on the bench, should see it next week. Just in time for tracking

Congrats Nostatic!

[SactoBass]

Btw, for anyone interested, I found what I consider to be the perfect two-space rack for the rackmount Monique (which is the version I have). The rack is a Pearson simple rack "short" (12" deep) version. No front or back lids, just a simple rack. $28. P2sr.

http://www.pearsoncases.com/simple_racks.htm

I have no affiliation with Pearson racks.

I also bought the deep (18") version for my Crest CA9 power amp. Perfect fit!

Here's a pic (click on the pic to enlarge):

[Baird6869]

Originally Posted by bassdoubler

Just got my birdcage back today with all the newest upgrades!! Jule is the best!

What upgrades?

[juledude]

Originally Posted by Baird6869

What upgrades?

I am proud to say that BassDoubler and I have been working together for a long time. And he is a very busy world traveling player.

His Monique got to him long before the improved output buffering (the additional 12A*7) and before the recently added option for more level via the push/pull switch built into the Line Out knob.

We were both happy before the upgrades, but happier is better.

[liam_g]

Originally Posted by SactoBass

Btw, for anyone interested, I found what I consider to be the perfect two-space rack for the rackmount Monique (which is the version I have). The rack is a Pearson simple rack "short" (12" deep) version. No front or back lids, just a simple rack. $28. P2sr.

http://www.pearsoncases.com/simple_racks.htm

I have no affiliation with Pearson racks.

I also bought the deep (18") version for my Crest CA9 power amp. Perfect fit!

Here's a pic (click on the pic to enlarge):

Another rack option is the Carvin SV2, in black tolex with chrome corners ...

http://www.carvinguitars.com/products/SV2

It's 10.5" deep, so should just clear the Monique at 10.25" if I recall the dimensions correctly.

Cheers,
Liam

[Baird6869]

Originally Posted by juledude

I am proud to say that BassDoubler and I have been working together for a long time. And he is a very busy world traveling player.

His Monique got to him long before the improved output buffering (the additional 12A*7) and before the recently added option for more level via the push/pull switch built into the Line Out knob.

We were both happy before the upgrades, but happier is better.

Thanks Jule.

I like to try different tubes generally and always keep up on the latest and greatest, but with my Monique.... It sounds too good to bugger with as is.

In any case, the only upgrade i would even be faintly interested in is a standby or mute switch/button. That would be very helpful. Also, the dove cage format isn't the most practical footprint for me. I should have bought the rack version..... But the dove cage looks so damned cool! Oh, a serial # would be great as my insurance company wasn't impressed that my Monique didn't have one.

Beyond that, I am amazed that I am still totally stoked about the Monique. First time in years I have gone 3+ months without even thinking about looking at the TB amp classifieds. I have no interest or need for another amp. In fact, my next amp will be a rackmount Monique. I will be shocked if I am not playing thru Monique a year or two from now.

Every time I play Monique, I get a complement from a band member or someone in the crowd. Crazy!

[juledude]

Originally Posted by Baird6869

Thanks Jule.

I like to try different tubes generally and always keep up on the latest and greatest, but with my Monique.... It sounds too good to bugger with as is.

In any case, the only upgrade i would even be faintly interested in is a standby or mute switch/button. That would be very helpful. Also, the dove cage format isn't the most practical footprint for me. I should have bought the rack version..... But the dove cage looks so damned cool! Oh, a serial # would be great as my insurance company wasn't impressed that my Monique didn't have one.

Beyond that, I am amazed that I am still totally stoked about the Monique. First time in years I have gone 3+ months without even thinking about looking at the TB amp classifieds. I have no interest or need for another amp. In fact, my next amp will be a rackmount Monique. I will be shocked if I am not playing thru Monique a year or two from now.

Every time I play Monique, I get a complement from a band member or someone in the crowd. Crazy!

Maybe I could live with a serial number inside. Insurance companies are usually OK with descriptions and photos, but police need numbers. Good idea.

[bassdoubler]

Originally Posted by juledude

I am proud to say that BassDoubler and I have been working together for a long time. And he is a very busy world traveling player.

His Monique got to him long before the improved output buffering (the additional 12A*7) and before the recently added option for more level via the push/pull switch built into the Line Out knob.

We were both happy before the upgrades, but happier is better.

+1! Happier sure is better!

[Kreken]

Monique has been with me for close to a week, and I've used her on two gigs with upright bass and three gigs with electric bass. I must say I am extremely happy with this preamp! So far I've dialled in a different tone each night, just because I can. Mon sounds good no matter what, and it's such a joy to discover how she responds to different settings. Like many have said before me, she's the perferct combination of tubey sweetness, punch and clarity.

I would like to thank Jule for creating this materpiece, and all the great folks in this thread for answering my PM's and sharing their experiences. You all steered me in the right direction, and for that I am grateful!