Does this 6v6 Plexi actually sound like a Marshall? - Trinity Amps Custom Plexi

[@alexo5861]

The Gold Top Les Paul and that Amp make an amazing sound together.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Agreed. Something about a Les Paul and Marshall

[@GuitarJawn]

A couple hours ago you had 6.99K subs now you are over 7.05K, the work is paying off.

[@lauratanner8475]

There's kind of two sounds of any given amp. There's the sound of the actual amp and then there's the sound of the amp as heard on recordings of players who used that particular amp. Most of the time it's the latter that we are thinking of when we talk about a certain amp tone. Like Hendrix and his clean Marshall tone or AC earlier Marshall tone or their later tone. Both great btw! But different. Anyway sometimes these smaller amps like these can nail those tones on those records even better than the actual thing. You can crank up a set 6v6 easier than el34 or 6550 and get that crunch. I did a little 5 watt amp with basically a jcm 800 preamp with a bit more flexibility. It wasn't near as loud of course but man I could absolutely nail anything from Kiss, ACDC, pretty much any distorted marshall tone from mid 70s to late 80s it was right there!!

[@JasonWright-mc6dz]

That’s a pretty fair point! And you’re not even taking into consideration how much vintage Plexi’s could vary sonically between identical models built in the same month or even week.. There were some “holy grail’s” and there were also a great deal of noisy problematic duds! Also I think vintage Plexi’s are largely misunderstood as being these high gain, fire-breathing beasts. When in reality they were really wonderful clean and bright.

[@KingGodson316]

The Les Paul into that amp is everything

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Absolutely

[@searing7549]

It’s a nice tone for sure.

[@Teleman76]

Dr Z proved 6V6 power tubes will yield Plexi tones in their Remedy amp. This sounds great, Michael!

[@JazzBear]

Love the tone of that amp!

[@ebathurst9216]

Found ur channel after u filled in for Rhett, and I can’t commend u enough on the videos sir. Same energy, music, and production level as Rhett, at a small percentage of viewers compared to him. Although u guys have similar interests, u hardly ever have video topics that intersect which really impresses me. I’ve watched about 5-10 of ur vids in the past few days and I sure am a fan. Love the channel man!🤘🏻

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thank you! I really appreciate it!

[@noakwesterberg]

Sounds great, congrats on another successful build! Keep us posted on mods that you may do!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! Absolutely

[@277southtombob]

I’ve been wanting to do a 6V6 jtm45/Bassman for a few years now. This one definitely sounds great and just makes me want to build one more. The the biggest difference between this and what I have been thinking about is the tube rectifier, I’ve been using a tube rec for a few years now and have gotten hooked on that sag and natural compression.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, I think prefer the tube rec but it’s nice to have the option!

[@ZelosPhotizo]

Man I’m becoming more and more interested in trying an amp build myself, thanks.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I’ve had a blast building and using the amps. Check out 5e3 build video as well if you haven’t seen it!

[@searing7549]

Absolutely loved building the Trinity Amps ODS. It sounds incredible as well!

[@judih.8754]

Michael your playing is awesome! I love the interplay of the three guitars at the beginning.

[@dldavidmusic]

Wow Michael - you've done it again - fantastic tune at the beginning! I love the creativity and originality you put into this - ANND the amp sounds great too. 😂

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! Truly, I appreciate the kind words

[@sonikku997]

I mean... It sounds great.

[@mark5150ty]

The GZ34 rectifier tube is the correct rectifier although it will sound different matched with different output tubes. This amplifier has much less Headroom and your solid state rectifier helps get it closer to the original because it's more efficient..

[@curtisprice9806]

SOUNDS SUPER GOLDEN!!! JUST LIKE A PLEXI OR BLACKFACE FENDER DELUXE!!! WHICH, I MEAN IS SUPER RICH TONE!!!

[@pharmerdavid1432]

YES it sounds like a Marshall, and a damn good one with your playing MWW! I've been watching guitar channels for many years (decades), and this channel strikes me as one of the best yet (fwiw imho). Kudos and props to Rhett Shull for turning us on to this channel yesterday, he has self-confidence to support the "competition", although you have different styles. I'm a new fan here in Portland, although hopefully not for much longer (staying here I mean). Michael is the newest star on the internet guitar scene, deserving (destined?) to have millions of subscribers. When I learned Michael is a multi-instrumentalist, who began with pedal steel, and watched a few more videos, I was hooked, and in love...in a brotherly musical way. Probably see me lurking here in the future Michael - I much appreciate your content and talents. Cheers!!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks, I really appreciate the kind words! Glad you’re here!

[@afarrar3]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Pedal steel?? if thats true id love to see content incorporating that! ive been trying to figure out how to get into PSG for the last year, its a seemingly very daunting instrument, and definitely a smaller world than the world of the typical 6 string guitar. Such a haunting sound!

[@RalphMercuroMusic]

I have a Suhr PT15 which is very much a Marshall with a 15 watt 6V6 power section. Compared to an older 1959 JCM800 I have the Suhr is a bit looser but everything else is there. Crank that little 15 watt amp and the dynamics and response of an old cranked Marshall are in it. I'd love to compare it to a Suhr SL68 Plexi clone...

[@tff1293]

I'm 6v6 all day long personally but I'm curious why they wouldn't have gone with EL84s for a closer approximation. Either way, sounds perfect to me.. love your videos!! The clean sound by itself is fantastic

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

They did offer that at the time… this is something different than the standard 18 watt Marshall

[@mickkraviz]

Awesome video, amp sounds great! Btw, these type of videos really seem professional. :D

[@foxyjmusic]

I see that Sugar Guitar! Badass

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yes sir!!

[@KleyDeJong]

Great video Michael. I believe there is some differences in tubes, but circuit is king!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks! It does seem that for sure

[@liv2praz]

that sounds killer, dude. really good!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!!

[@scotthowe1972]

I subbed your channel after watching your vid on filling in for Rhett, glad i did. I love the fact that you build amps in your quest for chasing tone, I'm a nerd for that kind of stuff. Looking forward to future video's and i think you may just have a better slide tone...😂😂

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks for the sub and glad you enjoy the content!

[@JagStar]

I'm in the same boat as you, never owned a Plexi but have played a few in the studio over the years. I think your Trinity Plexi definitely has the Plexi flavour. Like you say, it might not be an exact match, but it's in the Marshall wheelhouse for sure. I like what the 6V6 does for the Marshall style tone. A bit less mid forward and rounder bottom end. I also like how it softens the highs a bit. The real Plexis can get a bit harsh. I also think the SS rectifier is a good choice. Tube rectifiers don't sound right to me in a Marshall style amp. I like the tighter tone.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Agreed on the 6v6’s in the Plexi. I think does a very musical thing in the highs. It almost sweetens the chime in a way.

[@billedwards2657]

Sounds alright to me. Power tubes in-family don’t have that much of an impact other than headroom. Preamp kind of dominates. Most Marshall’s benefit from jumping channels, but depending on how they input stages are assigned to triode halves that may not work for you.

[@geraldponce8336]

Sounds really tight and quiet. Hardly any 60 cycle hum. Great job. Yes it is an unusual marriage. Am like hearing Marshall and fender. Sounds good.

[@lvrocker6281]

The 1974 18 watters, the JTM45's, etc., were tube rectified so when you said you're used to Plexi's being faster and punchy, that's interesting to me because in my experience the character (and allure) of those classic amps is having that natural tube rectified compression and sag, the opposite of punchy and fast to me, anyway, just an observation. Keep up the great videos btw, one of these days I'd like to build a 5E3 like that one from Trinity. I built a 52FA a few years ago, super simple circuit and a lot of fun.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, I’m more so talking about the 50/100 watt Plexi’s. They are more stiff and punchy than the vintage JTM45 I’ve played. Glad you are enjoying the videos!

[@riders.oregon4474]

6v6 is a great tube. Good Headphones are the way to listen to your videos.

[@romannumeral5547]

I've been looking at building a Plexi 6V6 for a while now and have looked at several versions from different places. A few years back I built a Trinity Tramp and it's a great little amp with lots of versatility because you can switch between an EL34, 6V6, 6L6, KT88. Trinitys kits use really good components and the instructions are top notch. I would like to add an FX Loop in a Plexi 6V6 build which I'm still researching. The problem right now is that Trinity is still having sourcing problems and are way behind in getting some of the components. The great thing about this build is you can make it more versatile by choosing a more powerful transformer to run 6L6's if you want but can still run 6V6's if you choose. Maybe it's not a trye Plexi but it's close enough fir my ears. 😁

[@wabwabb8798]

Wow, sound really great

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@druwk]

Like the solid state rectifier better. Dig the clean, and near clean sounds a lot! Almost Vox’y? Les Paul in channel two IS the classic rock thing. So much great music recorded with this Tone, hard not to smile 😊 BTW Looks fantastic

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, it has sparkly thing for sure. Can’t not love the Les Paul into this thing 🤘🏼

[@amalgamaudioLV]

To me it doesn't sound like any other Marshall i've heard, but it sounds fantastic in its own right. Nothing to shy away from a 18w Marshall or a JMP50.

[@markhendrixson7670]

Sounds like a winner to me. 👍👍

[@MrGibsn1960]

Sounds better than the Germino Masonette I had a few years back. Brighter and punchier.

[@anthonybennici8748]

Are you familiar with the Carr Mercury V? It sounds kind of similar in concept to your build. I got to demo one in a shop and really enjoyed playing through it! Your Trinity sounds great, particularly paired with the Les Paul!

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Haven’t played that one but I’ve heard great things about the Carr stuff!

[@rockcrusade]

Yeah, I have the Mercury V, it’s the best amp I’ve ever played or recorded.

[@rdfindley56]

Hey Michael, I'm a little late to the party but you.did a killer job on the build! Curious, was the cabinet sourced from Trinity too? It looks amazing. I have one of their OSD kits coming that I'm really looking forward to building.

[@ATreeForFive]

Would love that exact same amp but in a 2x10 configuration (creamback and green back)

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I love 10’s. So punchy

[@hungariantankman4607]

Hey man, very cool video.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks!

[@joaoaugustofreire6701]

Man, it sounds absolutely INCREDIBLE!! What is your signal chain?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

For the solo examples Shure Sm57/Royer 121 into Seventh Circle Audio N72 pres (Neve clones) > Focusrite Clarett 8preX. No Eq, compression, verb except a high pass at 60 on both mics.

[@joaoaugustofreire6701]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Thank you!!

[@vautrain]

I think it sounds like something in between a JTM and a Superlead. Sounds great! Although I prefer closed back cabinets with Marshall amps.

[@irishRocker1]

I built an amp with a single ended 6V6 power stage and a 1959 preamp. I can't imagine how loud an 18watt, a 50watt, or a 100watt is cos even at 5watt it feels way too loud. I can cut the volume with an attenuator but tried it one time fully dimed with no attenuator and my gf said it felt like a rock concert. I had a VM2466 and could get great tones at low mastervolume levels but unfortunately this one needs to be cranked and I dont feel like it gets the "1959" plexi sound. I think I need to make some tweaks. I tried cascading the input stages instead of parallel for more gain but the eq is way off. it doesnt sound like a full balanced sound. Need to check I cascaded in the right order or something. It doesn't have a lot of body but has fizz. I had to remove a bright cap. As it is single ended, it does not have a phase inverter, so that could be part of the problem too. Phase inverter would contribute some breakup which I am not getting but I feel like gain is a secondary issue, the main issue is the eq is all wrong. It has a hammond 125E output transformer as far as I remember but I don't think that should be the problem. It might not be the best output transformer but I think it would be more subtle symptoms than what I hear.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

What speaker are you running? Changing it will make a big difference as well. Sometimes even more than a “mod”

[@jameseberhard7457]

The phase inverter has a huge effect on that circuit I feel. I built a single ended 2204 preamp with a el84 power and it's in the right ballpark as my old 800 at low volumes and has enough gain on tap for a thin lizzy vibe. Plus it's much more practical for home use. Good luck with yours man

[@SeemoreDunkan]

Hey great video! Can u put EL84's in that JTM45? I think it might make it sound more British

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

if you like a darker tone than a vintage mullard i63 at v1 would do you good.

[@Skman22]

Interesting that you used a rectifier tube in this build, I had thought that Plexis traditionally used diode rectification.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

The earliest ones used tube but generally you are correct. Solid state rec is most typically used

[@chokkan7]

Check out Rob Rob's site to make a 6V6 Soldano-type amp, or for other great tips in your quest for tone. You mentioned the 18W Marshall's circuit; I wouldn't be surprised if your amp wouldn't benefit (in terms of grind) if you were to substitute that amp's PI circuit for what you're currently using. You'd probably lose some nuance (it might be in OD by the time the volume is on 3)...just a thought. I have a '59 tweed Deluxe that I rescued decades ago, and despite the simple circuit, it roars like a beast, so there's no reason it can't be done in another type of amp...

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I used Rob Rob’s site for my 5e3 a ton! So much great info. Haven’t thought about it for this one. I’ll check it out

[@stratjed]

Michael . new to your channel . So far cool any sign of politics or Tubescreamer hate and I'm gone ! lol . But seriously my suggestion is a discussion of rig levels . I call it Rig A Rig B etc. etc. What is your Game plan ?.Also I don't bring my prized possessions were I gotta keep my eye on em all night( like a dive bar ) . YOU ?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I used to have a big board and small board but since quarantine I’ve put it all on one board. Usually I’m just taking whatever suits the gig the best. No sacred gear for me currently… if somethings not getting used it usually gets sold unfortunately.

[@timburle4980]

Les Paul and Marshall 👍👍

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Can’t go wrong

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

will sound a lot better with mullard nos tubes(i61,i63) in the preamp section and if you want to really go crazy then some brimar 6v6 gt's(or rca) .i have the 1974x+cx cab.

[@islander4986]

Trinity's Custom Plexi Kit link isn't current. I guess the kit's been discontinued?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Thanks for letting me know. I think they’ve had a hard time keeping parts in stock but are looking to relaunch something this year

[@leftymike5625]

Do you use a thumb pick in this vid? I find it very interesting how you hold the pick.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

No, I have a hitchhiker’s thumb. 😂 It bends way back naturally

[@Earlvis]

You may try a 5U4 rectifier or if you really want some sag, a 5Y3. The 5AR4 is almost as punchy as a bridge rectifier.

[@davidwolfe9391]

Amp sounds great... I've not seen the schematic on the trinity, but from what I am seeing and hearing in your video, it's more a 6v6 version of a 1974 - 18 watt... I have sold and built what they call a TMB which is pretty much what I think I am seeing in your video... If that's the case it is definitly NOT the same preamp circuit as a 4 hole Plexi 1959 Superlead or the later 1987 JMP - 4 input lead amps... The gain structure and tone stack are completely voiced different... the TMB 1974 based amps are really a thing all their own, not saying that's bad or good, it's just not the same preamp... The first thing that gives it away is there's no "gain" knob on 1959 or 1987 circuits... And plexi amps always have adjustable presence... I am suprised Trinity markets that amp as a plexi...

[@jeale778]

Have you Checked out the powercab PC212+ with Helix??

[@oxygen69able]

Might sound better with the early fender tone stack and el84's. I shall see.

[@mikejamieson419]

I have a marshall plexi but it is pcb. Is it still good?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

If it sounds good, it is good

[@andreaskoch792]

F* the Plexi Nerds - it sounds super cool. I have a 100W Plexi SLP Built year '67 and where to play that. Also in the Studio it is so loud and than recorded :-(. I like the Amp but it has just one sound. It is deffinitely not a pedal friendly (beside boost pedals, and some fuzzes) head and in my world has just this one sound. I love my JTM45 much more. The same as you mention much more sound possibilities in a more watt friendly package....

[@michaeltaylors2456]

Power tube sound “differences” are the most over hyped and oversold aspect of a tube amp.

[@middle_pickup]

I could be wrong, but if I remember correctly the celestions that have the "celestion international" printing on them are the Chinese made models. Idk if that matters, but just saying for correctness sake. Not a bad sounding amp.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yeah, I could be wrong but it says made in the UK on the side. Still experimenting with speakers. Might end up with a Creamback… I’m always changing out speakers

[@middle_pickup]

@@MichaelWWestbrook I dig those creambacks. They sound awesome with distortion.

[@joelsmith4816]

Pretty plexi.

[@6xcchamber971]

what year is the Les Paul?

[@roymontero4066]

What pickups you have on the black tele?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Fralin Blues Specials (basically their regular pickups 5% overwound)

[@roymontero4066]

@@MichaelWWestbrook thanks for sharing! Big fan of the channel bro. Greetings from Toronto 🇨🇦

[@axeslinger013]

Where did you get your SS rectifier device ?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

I bought it on Reverb. It’s a Yellow Jackets solid state rec.

[@axeslinger013]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Thank You !!

[@shawnjoe72]

Can you put kt66's in this?

[@oxygen69able]

Mucho bueno.

[@youknoweverything7643]

Sounds good but not as good as my marshall vintage modern full 100 watt stack that I got as a ass present back in 05 or 06 when they came out and was still sold new and my parents paid 750 dollars for it brand new and thanks m and dad what a great investment it has gone up in value alot and crazzy high especially with matching twin cabs that was made just for the vintage modern head. Crazzy thing is I can't find replacement speakers anywhere for this amp. They was special made just for the two 4x12 cabs. I have looked and looked and called marshall and they said if I ever need replacement speakers that their custom shop can hand build them for me any time but is gonna cost me 500 plus per speaker lol so I only play it at special gigs where I need the loud sound of chest thumping classic rock tone every where else I use Modeling software with pedel.board to switch between pedals on my digital pedal board on the software or I use a modeling p like my 100 watt boss katana

[@Andygee302]

Doesn’t appear Trinity has these available any longer

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Yes, I think they've had supply chain issues and are slowly releasing kits as parts become available.

[@Andygee302]

@@MichaelWWestbrook is there a waiting list?

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Not completely sure, I’d email the company!

[@Andygee302]

The link goes nowhere

[@christopher-miles]

kt88? anyone?

[@RickHill-go9yo]

The real plexi had a GZ34 rectifier. The real plexi also used KT66 or 5881 tubes not EL34's !!

[@owlytimbre9103]

Sounds like my supro.

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

Cool, which one do you have? I really want to try the Black Magik

[@owlytimbre9103]

@@MichaelWWestbrook Hi. Yeah, I have had the black magik and super for over a year now. I think zep 1 is programed into my DNA along with the supro.🤟

[@soundthealarm1622]

Sounds like a plexi to me.

[@alicendavid]

"Attackee-thing"......... WTF ???????????????????????

[@bustertrocine9124]

No way does not sound like anything !!

[@francescominicucci3669]

Sounds good. But is a tweed style

[@MichaelWWestbrook]

🤔

[@kennyh5083]

Too much babbling!