The British Steelies Society

Hi would anyone have any information on a Ken Fox modification for a Nashville 112 amplifier please. Many thanks Alan

It's a few years since I did this on my N112, I recall there being 4 or five chips to replace, an easy job, use a static wristband. The chips are an upgrade to the chips in the original run of amps, I'm not sure they would be required for later Nashville 112's. The tonal difference is subtle but noticeable. The biggest difference was in the reverb which I think sounded better. I think there was a slight hit to the overall volume of the amp. I would describe it as a slightly rounder more lush tone. I ended up reverting to the original chips at some point to see what difference it really made and I haven't felt the need to go back - mainly because I use outboard reverb and delay. And with the band I play in I don't think the difference came through.

Who knows, with a different guitar, cables, VP, FX and ears...?

Jonathan

Thank you Jonathan for your help. Can you let me know if chips are the only things to change. I have tried to get some information from Ken Fox ie diagrams, and capacitor changes. Once again thank you for your quick response.
Alan

Alan, yes, the chips are the only thing to change, nothing difficult if you're careful, no soldering, just get them the right way round (same way the old ones come out), and you need to disconnect the speaker to get the chassis out. If you have a later model I believe the chips will be soldered in (and probably don't need upgrading) but you may want to check that info. I'd be surprised if you need new capacitors.

I believe Ken Fox is retired. You can get the chips off ebay for very little. I've got the instructions somewhere and will dig them out if you like.

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... 900d4f3665
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... afe1286a6b
Jonathan

Are those replacement chips low-noise op-amps, Jon? Wonder if there's such a thing for the Cube 80? It has a steady low-level hiss of digital noise, although possibly from the amp modelling section.

Top ones on this page Will with specs, I have no idea if they meet your requirements and I'm afraid I can't remember if they made the amp any quieter.
http://www.mouser.co.uk/_/?Keyword=2134pa&FS=True%2f

Is it really necessary? Johnathan says the difference is pretty subtle. Are you really going to notice anything at a gig? Unless you really enjoy tinkering around with gear, I say spend the time at your steel practicing. Then you might hear a dramatic difference in sound.

Fair comment of course, Paul. The hiss is annoying at home in the practice environment, but completely inaudible at a gig. I doubt I'd ever do it, just interested.... And my wife will say I already spend too much time practicing. Whether it's on the right things, who knows!!?

I got them from RS years ago
https://uk.rs-online.com/mobile/search. ... erm=2134PA

I fitted them in my 112. Like its been said,difference is subtle. I used Burr-Brown low noise op amp chips.