Legendary Tones Mr. Scary George Lynch Tube Amp Mod | Can this amp mod REALLY add Lynch tone?

George Lynch Mr. Scary Tube amp mod - can this tube unit really give you Legendary Lynch tones. Find out in this close up review using Marshall JTM and JCM800 amps.
Contents:
0:00 Start
0:17 Intro & Preamble
3:00 Mr. Scary info
3:53 What no simulator?
5:09 Closeup of Mr. Scary
7:06 Gain & deep control
7:32 Tubes used
8:28 5881 or not?
9:40 Hot Mod 2 Overview
10:49 Tube closeup Mr. Scary
12:02 Summing up so far
12:30 Marshall JTM Studio
15:05 Fitting Mr. Scary
17:25 Summing up again
19:20 My website
19:35 10 Million views..
21:18 A REAL review..
22:11 Playing Ex1 JTM
23:18 Ex2 JTM and TS
25:32 Ex3 SC20H JCM800
Related links:
Legendary Tones Website: legendarytones.com
Marshall website: www.marshall.com
Marshall JTM Studio Review: • Unlock the Truth: Is M...
Marshall SC20H JCM800 Review: • Marshall STEALTH JCM80...
Hot Mod 2 Review: • Legendary Tones Hot Mo...
Marshall Factory Tour PT 1: • Marshall Factory Tour ...
Marshall Factory Tour PT 2: • Marshall Factory Tour ...
My website: tonymckenzie.com
For those who say 'He can't play': • Rock & Metal Guitar Pl...
Now on to the review:
Ah George Lynch... what a brilliant guitarist, and he has some of the best tones of any guitarist out there he really IS a tone hound. And George has linked up with David of Legendary Tones (makers of the Hot Mod 2) to create something very scary... that's right - it's Mr. Scary! This is an add-on for tube amplifiers that can boost or change tone to varying levels.
It is said often by many that the tone of an amp changes when you drive the amp in a different way, and maybe even with less on the gain knob on the amp - and use the Mr. Scary gain control set to 1:00 (o'clock) that will enhance the actual tones coming from the tube amp. Well, its an intriguing thought to simply fit the device and all of a sudden you're George Lynch! But sadly, that won't be the case and you (like me) will likely be relegated to being in the sort of tone field after much work.
Of course though, the Mr. Scary amp mod from Legendary Tones WILL help, but not maybe in the way you might assume. I'm STILL me!
So I bought the Mr. Scary unit from David at Legendary Tones and jumped in with both feet (at least I try don't I) to see if it would change the tone on a Marshall JTM Studio - an amp no one else seems to have tried this tube amplifier modification out on. It certainly does affect the tone of that amp, and while some of it can be subtle depending on what YOU want, it still was worth taking a closer look in that Marshall JTM Studio that no one else did. Then I use an Marshall SC20H JCM800 Studio Stealth amp and check that device out also. For my playing I like the SC20H more but it's really down to the individual.
In the video, I look close at the Mr. Scary tube mod unit, how to fit it, the tubes and brands etc. and ultimately play both of those amps in simple ways (no detuning!) so that you can get an idea of the tones I got from those guitar amplifiers. I Used an Ibanez RG550LTD on the SC20H and a Tokai SC80 fitted with active pickups on the JTM Marshall.
I have spent considerable time creating this video entirely as I said and at my own expense and it is unsponsored in ANY way and is a genuine review without input form other people.
PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, RING THE BELL, AND THUMBS UP to give my channel a boost and thank you for watching - I hope the video is enjoyable for you and that it makes you look further in to the Mr. Scary mod unit from Legendary Tones.
(c) A B McKenzie and www.tonymckenzie.com 2009-2023
All Rights Reserved. All Trade Marks Acknowledged
Visit tonymckenzie.com for more incredible reviews or my KZbin channel
#legendarytones #hotmod2 #ampmod #mrscary #marshall #studio #tonymckenzie #tubeampmods #tubeamp #5881 #12AX7

[@user-wz3or1yl4e]

Another well thought out and informative video. Excellent work Tony 👍

[@tonymckenziecom]

Glad it was helpful! and thanks for watching....

[@Twobarpsi]

Been waiting for this review! Loved your Hot Mod review, and loved this one too! Lynch is my favorite guitarist, and to see this product is exciting! Great jam at the end with that Ibanez 🤘!!

[@tonymckenziecom]

Well the playing was not that great but hopefully it did get some of the tones across... Yes I like these devices too and they can change the tone and the 'feel' when playing and many guys don't always pick up on the 'feel' aspect, but it can be noticable in a good way dependning on the amp I think. Thanks for watching.

[@user-wt2tu7mt6p]

Very good video sir and love your owl in the background. Thanks.

[@tonymckenziecom]

So nice of you - and thanks for watching.

[@Lenny_Melzer]

Great video, and really great riffs at the end! Good stuff as always Tony… errr, I mean, Mr. Scary. 😅

[@tonymckenziecom]

Thank you kindly! and thanks for watching...

[@JR15A2]

I have the Hot Mod V2 in a JCM 800 2203 reissue, and it's a ripper. I love it.

[@tonymckenziecom]

That is IMO a VERY good match indeed... thanks for watching.

[@rickycompton2610]

Great video Tony.

[@tonymckenziecom]

I was scared to make it :)... thanks for watching...

[@M27USMC]

Your the all time UK man with a Ph.D in amps and gear Tony. Your the best. I love listening to your long videos while I sleep. Your voice is so soothing to me and I appreciate your humor and knowldedge my friend.

[@tonymckenziecom]

Have you seen a Psychiatrist :) (just joking of course)... I at least TRY to be different as best I can as life really is too short to be miserable... many will learn that as they get older. But hey, thanks for watching and making me smile as I read the post... now wake up... come on...

[@blackcroworchestra8824]

Great Sound Master

[@tonymckenziecom]

It certainly was interesting.... especially in the room. Thanks for watching

[@blackcroworchestra8824]

Wow…Great playing.

[@tonymckenziecom]

Not really... but I tried to show the tones and differences and hopefully that was OK. Thanks for watching.

[@bronzesnake7004]

Sounds sweet Tony!! SMOLY HOKES!! Look at the studio you have going!! It's been a while since I've been online visiting your channel, I've got some catching up to do!! That recorded piece is killer diller with it's jackboots n kilt!!!! Take care rock Gawd!!! "( Jack O. Lantern ~ Ladys' man and man about town!! ~'()'~

[@tonymckenziecom]

Studio was updated about 12-15 months ago... we did the lot and it has a 'media' section that you see, and sometimes you might see the old part and control room. I updated everything and flipped to Presonus gear at the time and that has proved to be not bad gear. I have completed very many reviews some interesting equipment in general. In any case Bronze Snake good to see you here.... you're always welcome my friend... regards... and thanks for watching.

[@bronzesnake7004]

@@tonymckenziecom I picked up presonus audiobox usb 96 with about $500 of software and promptly got ill!! LOL! I'm set to get at it now! I'm gonna go through as many as I can!! In the immortal words of foolhardy numbskull Emperor Commodus, who fancied himself a gladiator, until a lion was glad he ate him! - "you've been a busy bea"!! Take care Tony!! Jack ~'()'~

[@M27USMC]

Happy Halloween to you Mr. Scarry Tony 👻🎃🍁🥃🎸🧨 No doubt that studio 800 has a sweet spot with the Mr. Scarry Tony.

[@tonymckenziecom]

It really does come in to its own on the SC20H JCM800 Studio (and the full sized one too) and it does offer a variance on what you get without the unit installed. David at Legendary Tones is a very clever guy and man they know how to make good stuff. I bougt mine and really don't regret it at all. Thanks for watching.

[@hayabusa1300100]

I’m looking for another JCM 800 2203 100 watt or 2204 50 watt used late 80’s or 90 US voltage and I would definitely buy another Mod to the arsenal from David over at Legendary tones for sure great dude even though i like modding tube amps it’s definitely a pleasure using someone else’s technology to push my amps to another level of feel and tone and wouldn’t have it any other way I’m a tube guy for sure but don’t get me wrong I have a few nice SS amps I still love getting out and playing through that’s the fun of it all enjoy what your doing that’s what we our all here for learning what’s the best for your setup and it’s to each to there own what you chase for your sound i am glad that there folks like this that makes such devices for our pleasure of seeking because in the end it’s not what your buddy thinks it’s what you think it’s your money and what you hear thats the final judgment peace ☮️ 🤘

[@tonymckenziecom]

Exactly! I agree.... and thanks...

[@gtrpls7300]

So, can you put more than one in the amp at a time? Have a Laney Cub, and I’m just curious if I could push it into a triple rectifier lol

[@tonymckenziecom]

Ha you know what - a great question and one I honestly have never tried. If you speak to the maker David on legendary tones site he will tell you instantly. And hey if you do, just post that answer here :) Honestly thats a great question... and thanks for watching.

[@pakujewpiwnicy6701]

hello :) make a video about Harley Benton TUBE5 Head

[@tonymckenziecom]

I did here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYCaqnZnmpJlopYsi=VMa112T5PF2eJtbe Thanks.

[@mazklassa9338]

Can this fit the JCM 800 "2203" model?

[@tonymckenziecom]

I believe it can...

[@mazklassa9338]

@@tonymckenziecom sorry Tony do you believe or know?

[@wabisabi7399]

Hello Tony! Boss has just released the IR-2 pedal. GT-level amp and cab sim and Celestion IRs in a stompbox-sized pedal. Please open it up! Cheers! 🍻

[@tonymckenziecom]

Yes I saw it, and I'll get to it in due course.... thanks for watching.

[@Thirdgen83]

Makes me wish I had kept my Marshall head...

[@tonymckenziecom]

Works most likely in a number of heads and David of Legendary Tones can advise you... thanks fore watching.

[@a-nus]

5:00 Savage The comment section is gonna be filled with alot of seethe after that one lmao

[@tonymckenziecom]

Well, even Line6 designer said that simulators CANNOT be the same as a real tube amp being played particularly in overall sound or the 'feel'. It was an interview with Sweetwater some while back (a year or so I think) so let them go and argue with Line6... :) Thanks for watching.

[@bronzesnake7004]

Hey, look everyone, it's unkie Tony!! Sorry I haven't been round I've been seriously ill!! Then, as I'm starting to recover and gain back my strength, the wife decides to drive to the store but doesn't look behind as she's backing out of the closet and almost blinds me!! It took hours to get all that straw out of my eyes! Then, my eyes are finally back to normal and she almost put one out with her pointy hat!! I stumbled backwards and fell into her coldron!! Do you have any idea how hard it is to get the stench of frog noses, pink eye of newt and skunk's stink sack out? Pointy hats are all fun and games until someone loses their virginity!! Good to see you brother Tony!! My wife Hagatha, had her tubes tied!! She almost lost her alleged mind when I used her favorite broom to sweep up the glass!!! OH!! Hey, thanks for coming out, I'm here all week!!! Jack ~'()'~

[@tonymckenziecom]

Sincerely... I hope you're better now... being ill is no joke and like you I know also... best...

[@bronzesnake7004]

@@tonymckenziecom Thankee!

[@rg2550zgw]

a 5881 wouldn't fit it's an alternative for 6l6 power tubes an ecc82 would as that is a preamp tube

[@tonymckenziecom]

My mistake I meant different tube… thanks

[@montag4516]

I think that Tony meant to say a 5751 preamp tube.

[@Hellseeker1]

It sad to say that I stopped watching so much of a certain person's Channel because they got rid of all the tube amps. It just means that I came for tube amp related content. Personally I can't stand sims, I never can get them to sound right. I already wasted time and money in building an Iso cab, why the fuck would I care about a stupid sim? I came to learn for real, not take shortcuts.

[@tonymckenziecom]

PLEASE edit the profanity, its not necessary on a channel that also has younger guys coming on here. But hey I agree. I have looked at so many simulators and none of them are 'the same' as the tube amps I own through a decent 4x12 setup. I get it! They might have a place for guys that never used real tube amps but if I had a choice it would be the tube amp and cab any time. Thanks and please sort out that post for me. Appreciated.

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

You are scary mate lol 😂

[@tonymckenziecom]

Indeed... :)

[@Barbarapape]

If you you are looking for that sort of sound then this device will give it. But to my ears it sadly lacked any top end as though the guitars had muddy pickups and you had put a blanket over the speaker. I know just how good the Ibanez can sound, but this device just muffled it. Sorry Tony, but i want a smooth clean clear sound, so it is not for me. I hope you have not upset your wife!

[@tonymckenziecom]

Oh well... I tried :).. and I know you're a tone guy also. Me I'm sort of somewhere in the middle somehow. Did you think either amp was better sounding than the other? That might be a good question... and as always thanks for watching.

[@paulkreeft2091]

Sounds like you’re strangling a cat

[@tonymckenziecom]

I like cats... and a bit subjective really... it could have been a squirrel.

[@RegalEagle1979]

Respectfully, your statement about modelers being "junk" is a bit misguided. It depends entirely on the context. If you're talking about standing in a room and playing a cranked tube amp - then no, a modeler is not going to capture the sag, speaker response, feel, and the way the sound fills the room. That is true. HOWEVER, most modelers are designed to capture how a tube amp sounds when it has been mic'd and recorded. Modern amp sims do that very convincingly. So well that in blind tests, not even lifelong musicians who have played tube amps for 50 years can tell the difference. Again - in a recording. Yeah if you were to plug into both you could pretty easily tell the difference in feel and response. But if you think modern sims are simply "junk", respectfully, you just aren't informed about what they do well.

[@tonymckenziecom]

Played 50 years huh? You mean like me! The real difference today is quite simple. When I play a simulator (I have owned and used nearly every one...) is the 'feel - it's pretty instantly picked up if you play tube amps. I'm not saying that a simulator is entirely 'junk'... but the difference IMO is an important omission with simulators. What I find is that the tube amp with that 'feel' difference can inspire the player especially the guitarist - I know that all the best stuff I have ever written has been on tube amps. Now scarily, I own Kemper, Line6 Helix, have owned most simulators (and still have many here in the studio) but no matter how I try they just don't quite have the same feel that the tube amps have. As for musicians who 'can't tell' the difference, well who knows but what I often see in 'reviews' are guys that are given equipment, they 'review' it (usually with playing only as they have limited skills in other respects) and then you get the result that tends to 'side' with what they were reviewing. Let's face it, here in 2023/24 you won't find many tube amps being reviewed, and that's because of the sales being diminished by simulators. Don't assume that the simulators are somehow 'better' because its usually something else that drives them to buy the simulator. It's often the cheap pricing compared to the tube amp and speakers etc. Ha not informed is quite funny and clearly you have not seen my reviews of simulators all the way back to 2011 which are genuine reviews and not 'sponsored' in some way that can affect the review as seen time and time again. If they are all so 'great' please do, go and get yourself a Axe FX III (I have - and then sold it) and spend the next 3 to 6 months messing about trying to achieve something that some people tell me they can't get... a decent tube amp tone. This discussion could go on and on, but I stand by every single review of simulators that I have ever created since 2011 - so sadly, my guess is that I have far more experience with those devices than many. I get it of course, if you love simulators that's great, and they are priced accordingly... generally made in China, and nothing wrong with that either, except that it puts guys out of a job in the west. But hey who cares about that? Your point IS noted and in many ways you created a good post which actually I do appreciate but to assume that 'Tony is ill informed' is really the biggest mistake. But thanks for the post, and hopefully my reply offers other thoughts that maybe were not quite obvious but still important... and thanks for watching too.

[@RegalEagle1979]

@tonymckenziecom I think you're arguing against a point that I wasn't making. I absolutely agree about the difference in feel, and I tried to make that clear in my first post. I have owned many tube amps and I love real amps. My point was that modelers capture what amps sound like once they have been recorded. And if you listen to a recording of a real amp vs a well designed model of that amp, it is very hard to tell the difference or decide which sounds better. I'm not talking about the experience of playing them. Any one who has played a live amp will instantly recognize the difference in feel and response. I'm talking about the sound of an amp played back through studio monitors after it was recorded with a microphone. Modern amp sims are very capable of achieving results that are virtually indistinguishable in that context. I never said sims were better or sound better than tube amps. They can't sound better than what they're simulating...otherwise they wouldn't be an accurate simulation. I also certainly never said that they're all great. Some are very much better than others. I'd definitely rather jam on a tube amp than a model of one. But in a studio setting, modeling plug-ins sure are convenient and in the right hands can absolutely yield some very impressive results. I wouldn't show up to a gig with a modeling amp, but I'd definitely record with one.

[@tonymckenziecom]

Just a thing... I'm not arguing anything? We all have opinions and I always say mine in reviews. Honestly, I expect some to have their own opinions... if not, you might have stolen my girlfriend :) But the tube amps do 'feel' different. It's an opinion, many guys tell me 'it's virtually indistinguishable' and I get that. But I can tell you that there are so many that tell me 'those simulators don't compare'... its all subjective and really I do believe we hear maybe what we want to hear? Everyone... no exceptions :). You do make some great points of course, but all points are equally valid really. If I felt that the simulators that I have used were 'virtually indistinguishable' then I honestly would say so. The Kemper works, as does the Line6 Helix, but hey are not perfect, and as for the rest, there is a bigger difference between them and the sound/feel of real tube amps. Make no mistake, the second I find one that is the same I'll be shouting it loud and clear. I come from technology, so its not just a case of 'some old dodger' with an 'old' opinion. The simulators have a place of course, but many of the ones I have owned, reviewed and used I have sold. I don't sell gear that works for me. Great points and thanks.

[@RegalEagle1979]

@tonymckenziecom You're making a strawman out of my "virtually indistinguishable" statement without acknowledging the context. I didn't say that modeling amps are virtually indistinguishable from real amps, period. I spoke of ONE VERY SPECIFIC application. A well engineered model of an amp can sound virtually indistinguishable from the real thing after it has been recorded. That's really not even an opinion. Blind listening tests have been conducted where well trained ears struggled to consistently pick which was the model and which was the real amp. Again, in the context of that one very specific application. Feel, playing dynamics, sag, and how it sounds in a room - none of that factors into the application I'm referring to. Not one bit. I'm talking about pre-recorded samples.

[@TheCyberMantis]

These things seem like gimmicks to me.

[@LegendaryTones]

This is a tone tool that is the ONLY way to add an additional pure tube gain stage without needing to cut up or permanently alter your amp. Lots of pros and other players alike swear by them and I'm proud to have their support. I'm not interested in gimmicks.

[@TheCyberMantis]

@@LegendaryTones I'm curious, would Dave Friedman believe that his amps would sound "better" if someone just piggy-backed an extra preamp tube in there? If so, then why didn't he just add an extra preamp tube in his circuit design? I'm pretty sure you do not have the support or endorsement from actual amp designers/companies. I can't think of a single amp design that uses this idea. It's hard to have faith in this, when none of the top amp builders are doing this in their own amps. That's why it looks like "snake oil" to me. Don't be butt-hurt, I am not biased against anything. I am just looking at it from an engineering point-of-view. I wish you success, and your idea is clever. Get Dave Friedman on-board with it, and then I will believe it is legit. You need the endorsement of amp builders. Not players. Players will promote anything. If you disagree, that's perfectly okay. No hard feelings on my end. Best wishes to you.

[@tonymckenziecom]

@LegendaryTones Well said. Exactly correct and these devices can be very useful IMO. Mine was a quick review and I'm no GL, but the devices I like or I would not have bought them. They certainly do offer a useful option for many amps. And dare I say thanks for watching David. Appreciated.

[@tonymckenziecom]

@TheCyberMantis Well the device does work... of that there is no doubt. And remember Soldano did make something very similar some time back. In any case as always thanks for watching... appreciated

[@LegendaryTones]

@@TheCyberMantis Every Amp Designer tunes their amp to what they feel is the ideal setting and voicing. The classic Marshall 2203/2204 with which this was initially designed and built for is a common platform for adding gain. That’s where folks like Friedman and others have designed in their amps - more gain and additional tubes. But this has been going on for a long time. There are amps of course these days that have lots of preamp gain stages added. A manufacturer isn’t going to endorse it per se, but there are folks that have even wanted to re-voice their Friedman amps and Dave has been incredibly helpful with me sharing his knowledge about which mod goes into which amp, etc. In the case of the Friedman gear, it’s not even as much about having “more gain” as it is being able to add the mod (which is later downstream in the circuit) which enables you to then REDUCE the amp’s preamp gain at the front end - reducing the “bloat” that can occur when the preamp gain on an amp is run too high and getting a tighter more articulate sound and feel. THEN when you add the mod, you keep that but sustain is added back in, But that said, this wasn’t the initial idea and use of the mod, but something that came later as a result of player’s applications. The original use was the 2203/2204 type application. While I do not have an amp manufacturer marketing it saying “this will make our amp better” - which nobody would do of course! - I do have the support of manufacturers including Marshall behind the scenes who have helped with design/engineering support and compatibility as well as others. I respect your opinion and comments and have not been upset by them but do suggest checking out the LegendaryTones site as I even have some articles posted about some of the applications and background. The design itself is about adding a gain stage at the cathode follower, which is often done internally by folks that do the mods. Or even amp manufacturers of later designs post-Marshall 2203-era as they add gain stages. It’s just a non-invasive way to do that same thing but external. The idea is to preserve the original classic amps but be able to modernize them as well in some areas. And the feel and application is much different than just pushing the front with a pedal. Not trying to sell you; but just sharing.

[@TheAxe4Ever]

I’m going to open a can of worms because I know there are a ton of Lynch fans out there. But why would anyone want George Lynch’s tone? His tone has always sounded thin, buzzy and sort of like cats in a blender to me. The only tone I liked of his was on the album Back For The Attack. Other than that, his tone is trash. Just my opinion folks. Don’t get your knickers in a twist.

[@LegendaryTones]

We all have different tastes. I think Lynch’s tone on Under Lock and Key and his Lynch Mod stuff are fantastic.

[@TheGazza83]

Whose tone do you like?

[@nathanieldahman9268]

The rhythm guitar tone on "In my Dreams" is awesome.

[@tonymckenziecom]

Wicked Sensation....

[@TheAxe4Ever]

@@TheGazza83 A lit of different ones. Just not the majority of Lynch’s. But seriously, early EVH, Jake E Lee, Nuno Bettencourt, Audley Freed’s tone on the first Cry Of Love album is stellar, just to name a few. Just my personal tastes.