Two Rock Traditional Clean VS John Mayer Signature Amplifier Tone Comparison and Analysis

[@ClaudioMartella]

it makes sense that the signature sounds less trebly, as it was designed to be paired with a SSS, which is very bright.

[@TheToneGeek]

Definitely!

[@melonfarmersounds]

Awesome video!! Been waiting for this one. It really shows how much the original JM sig was (probably) designed to complement brighter amps (Sterling Signature and later the real SSS's). I think the TC is a much better stand-alone amp. Would be great to see a similar comparison between your JM sig and the Ceriatone JM100 (which I actually prefer over the TC) some day, I'll be patient ;-)

[@TheToneGeek]

Absolutely! I think I'll do a similar video with SSS #002 and the JM Sig since those were so often paired together

[@joshscus]

@@TheToneGeek I cannot wait for that video!!

[@melonfarmersounds]

@@TheToneGeek Awesome!

[@codygoins8832]

What makes you prefer the ceriatone over the trad clean. I get it and I might be where your at on this. The jm100 is almost a blended mix between a two rock and sss.

[@codygoins8832]

I've also seen your videos on the jm100 and the trad clean. Even in your videos I actually preferred the jm

[@JonathanPierceBand]

I love that you captured the darkness of the Mayer amp

[@stryguy]

As always, phenomenal content! Incredibly informative and a ton of fun! I appreciate both but also "In the shoes of JM" I'd definitely choose his signature for it's better qualities. The TC is an undeniably solid stand-alone but considering what JM has at his disposal this video truly demonstrates how it fits in the mix. Well done, Thank you!!

[@TheToneGeek]

Thank you for the very thoughtful review!! 🙌🏻

[@iancarlson8445]

What builder is the SRV #1 in the background from? Thanks!

[@TheToneGeek]

That's one I did a while back using a Monster Relic nitro body (I think they are out of business now) but I relic'd it and the USACG neck on there. I tried to get it close to an '85 style SRV

[@ParkerDeBaryshe]

Awesome video!! Super interesting hearing the TC against the JM Sig and I definitely agree with a lot of folks here in the comments that the TC seems like a much better standalone amp. I have a Ceriatone JM100 and have found that I don’t really like it by itself all that much, it has this darker tone that I find is sometimes hard to get around. However, it pairs really nicely with my Bandmaster for example, which I typically set fairly bright. Was really interesting to hear just how dark the JM Sig was for the example settings, and it sort of validated a lot of my feelings with my own JM100 that I built, which is a great amp, but much like the actual JM Sig, is very dark and much softer than something like a Fender or a Dumble, much less attack and a bit more spongey in tone! Great vids and I really enjoyed the spectrum analysis comparisons 🙌🏻 awesome to see visual data that can’t be changed by my ears or own bias!

[@bryangarcia662]

It speaks to how dark the JM Sig really is, that even the Ceriatone which brightens the original circuit by a bit is STILL so dark. I have a JM50 on order but I'm having Nik make some mods to it that push it a little closer to the SSS sound if I want it, so between the lower wattage and the mods, I'll be able to liven it up quite a bit if I'm not pairing it with something.

[@ParkerDeBaryshe]

@@bryangarcia662 exactly!! I’ve been favoring my V40 Deluxe over my JM100 since when I record I’ve going through my OX, so I can’t pair the JM100 with anything. However, I like to use it for different parts, since that dark tone can be perfect sometimes, but I think playing it as your sole amp is a bit difficult at times for my tone at least. Can’t wait to see how yours turns out!!

[@SixStringHarmonies]

The scoop on the Sig is what gives it that character. Really emphasizes the "throatiness" of single coils. Especially on the neck pickup. The Sig almost sounds like it has higher low-mids but it doesn't. I suppose that's the scoop accentuating the "high-lows" Anyway you slice it, Mayer's tone is almost second to none.

[@TheToneGeek]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@MorganBrady]

I have a TC and I’m glad to hear that I liked it better in every single comparison in this video

[@TheToneGeek]

It definitely seems like a better single-amp 🙌🏻

[@MorganBrady]

@@TheToneGeek absolutely well put! Btw… I got your ts10. It blows my mind. You rock dude!

[@TheToneGeek]

@@MorganBrady aww thanks pal!! I appreciate that ⚡

[@drewbarries]

Did you do one of these but comparing the your clone to the Ceriatone JM100?

[@jamesorr1200]

Such a helpful video. Thanks for putting it together! Is there some kind of source like a layout or forum discussion or something that gets into the circuit differences between the two?

[@TheToneGeek]

Thanks! There is some discussion on AmpGarage.com

[@yvant7082]

Really cool video. I think they are inherently different aren’t the components and transformers different e.g. pacific/classic tone? Nice to see a side by side comparison!

[@TheToneGeek]

Thank you! I agree with you that the TC is really its own thing. Different parts and stuff is definitely part of the equation. Thanks for watching!

[@captainbackfirejr]

Great Content as always! In terms of feel, is there much difference in the attack?

[@TheToneGeek]

Yes, that's a really big difference in my opinion. The TC seems tighter and the JM is bouncy. Per the official JM manual, I biased the JM cold too which seems to hold the power tubes from overdriving too much

[@captainbackfirejr]

@@TheToneGeek Interesting!

[@joshscus]

I loved this video!! Really eye opening!

[@TheToneGeek]

You need to live closer and be available at 4:30am when I'm geeking lol ⚡

[@bryangarcia662]

Great video! If I had to choose a standalone amp it would definitely be the TC. Would be curious to see how another amp that has roots in the JM Sig but a few tweaks (ala Ceriatone) would fair and compare against the real deal.

[@TheToneGeek]

Great idea! I think I'll compare with SSS #002 and see about the joyful music soon after

[@ClaudioMartella]

@@TheToneGeek looking forward to that one :)

[@roni1934]

Super

[@nicolasrivera5310]

So its a USA vs China clones of a Dumble comparison?

[@TheToneGeek]

@@nicolasrivera5310 no. On is made by me 🇺🇸 and the other is a real two rock traditional clean🇺🇸

[@baruchdor]

Great work!and phenomenal content...I personally prefer the softness of the jm sound...for me there is to much 1-3k in the Traditional Clean...im thinking about ask Ceriatone JM100 to make me one closer to the original jm what do you think?

[@TheToneGeek]

Yeah! Nik has my circuit board and layout to make a true JM Sig using his joyful music chassis. You can definitely ask him to make you a true JM! Tell him I sent ya!

[@baruchdor]

@@TheToneGeek I really appreciate it thanks!!!

[@ClaudioMartella]

I thought from your other video that the difference was the jumper on the bass. What significant changes are there more in the jm100?

[@rcanderson4328]

All this did was make me even more thankful for my Vibroverb and Princeton. I don’t get the Two Rock hype.