Pedro Leónidas Guitar Blog

Nashville Power Tele(Tweaking) + 300STER

2012-02-13T13:33:00.001Z

Yes, The power bridge is a botch. Was reapired 3 times, and replaced one...besides, it kills the tone in many ways... no good.
I removed all the power bridge circuit and saddles, but kept the bridge...

With a little effort I was able to tightly fit the vintage saddles on the bridge. Ant there it was - instant sustain and clarity! I couldnt believe how bad the fishman saddles sounded.
Now this guitar sounds great... but there is allways more...
So while I was at it I decided I'd do a little more tweaking, and built my 300STER OD into the guitar... tight, but doable, and I used the battery compartment already offered.Afther removing the powerbridge circuit, Redid all the guitar wiring, and built the overdrive PTP on prefboard. Also added a treble bleed on the volume pot.
A switch fully bypasses the OD circuit, another one connects the bridge pickup with the 5 position switch, giving both the Tele classic switching or strat 5 way switching. The tone pot position is a level control for the drive, and the treble bleed lets me control the drive amount from the volume pot.
Now I don't have to carry an overdrive pedal anymore....

Leonidas Amplification - Cabinets

2012-02-10T13:52:00.000Z

Our cabinets are artisanal hand made in Portugal, using the finest solid wood available, and handcrafting techniques that portuguese wood craftsman are known for.

Mr Casual (Blackheart - tweaking)

2012-02-09T13:21:00.000Z

Decided to take a new approach on the drive circuit of this amp. So changed the path a bit, and lowered the grid stopper resisance, discarded the bleeding cap, but introduced a 10k grid leak variable resistor for the second drive stage.
In my oppinion, the circuit tone has improved, with adjustable grid control for diferent stages. Including the previous mod for the phase inverter stage.
Now It can get a "matchless-like" vibe going with an alnico speaker... Nice!

Guitar Tweaking (bridge saddles)

2012-02-08T13:34:00.000Z

This is a very simple mod, that in my opinion has a great diference in sustain, clarity and high frequency response on an american strat guitar.
Usualy they come with cast, block saddles like the ones bellow:

Afther replacing them with vintage style, bent stainless steel saddles, I tested with the same (old) strings, and have to say it was very diferent tonewise. Almost like as if I replaced with fresh strings. In fact block saddles tend to dull out the sound.. So I have to say that it is not a myth that quality vintage saddles sound better than modern block type. Also another simple trick I use, is to remove the cover of the back cavity, I realised it also dappens the sound a bit. Replacing the tremolo block may also help with sustain, has I noticed the original apears to be lame on design and material quality...It is a shame that this kind of attention was lost down the production line...
Here is a picture with the vintage saddles insataled.

EQD - Dispatch Master (2 in 1)- Review

2012-02-07T13:22:00.000Z

One of the main problems of a large effects chain, is the loss of tone that happens, and even if the chain,even if mostly true bypass, the tone dulls out, with each additional pedal. buffers may help but even so, the best is to have the shortest path possible, from the guitar to amp...
In the effort of reducing the signal path before the amp, I was looking to repalce my AD9 and reverb, on the pedal board, this little pedal came up very handy, it has both warm sounding anlogue-like delay, and a dark sounding plate reverb.
Whne off, its true-bypass, when on, the direct sound is analogue, and the buffer seems quite transparent, so the dyanmics keep its the natural smoothness, and avoid digital conversion.
Altough it is a digital effect, the algorithm is quite warm, and has a vintage vibe. Both effect blends with the dry, without loosing presence. The reverb sounds has a dark, warm plate, with a little modulation on higher settings, the delay is in the analogue sound domain, and has a slight degrade along the repeats.
Even tough I belive this pedal was made focused on ambience effects, it sounds great has a short delay and slap-back echo, or even standalone reverb plate sounds. But the true magic happens from the combination of both.

Champ 600 - (Second Upgrade)

2012-02-06T14:18:00.000Z

Afther the other mods, I decided to have a little more tweaking in order to improve this fellow a little bit more.
One of the upgrades was a VMP output transformer, the exact same model we are using on our Valliant 5.

The tone of this transformer is smoother, louder and has a tad more bottom, and resulted from an extended research made for Leonidas Amps.

The other was an old Oxford AlNiCo 6" Speaker, that showed up to be a very nice addition to this little combo. A big difference from the ceramic speaker.
Even tough it still has a few issues compared to the Valliant 5(like hum, harsher tone...) , with a few mods it is a nice portable practice amp.

Let's Jazz - Casino Estoril

2011-11-29T13:18:00.001Z

D lounge de 3 a 9 Dezembro - entrada livre!

FACEBOOK
http://www.myspace.com/lets.jazz

Leonidas Amplification!

2011-11-25T15:58:00.001Z

Amplificadores de guitarra 100% artesanais, feitos á mão com os melhores componentes vintage para o timbre mais orgânico e puro possível. Circuitos inspirados em clássicos que fizeram história nos anos 50 e 60, mas que continuam a ser desejados.

Artisanal Top Quality Guitar Amps, Hand-build with the best available vintage components to provide the Greatest Purity & Organic Tone possible. Inspired in classic historical circuits from the 50's and 60's, that are still in great demand.

100% Made in Portugal!
By Pedro Leónidas &
Vintage Music Parts

Fabrica da Pólvora | By Photo Pro

2011-10-19T13:05:00.000+01:00

Casual Attraction - 14 de Outubro, 23:00 , Fábrica da Pólvora

2011-10-06T13:35:00.001+01:00

Casual Attraction
14 de Outubro, 23:00 , Fábrica da Pólvora

“Não São só músicas, são também pequenas histórias. Fragmentos do dia-

a-dia de uma relação, fazendo lembrar sonoridades

perdidas nos anos 70. É pop-rock moderno. Mas com blues e gospel.(...)
A receita parece funcionar: há alguma dificuldade em desviar o olhar e o
ouvido pede mais (...)

in Semanário

Tiago Barbosa - voz
Pedro Leónidas - Guitarra eléctrica
Diogo Leónidas - bateria
Pedro Soares - Baixo e voz
Alessio Velloti - Teclas

All Blues (MD)

2011-10-04T15:15:00.000+01:00

Home recorded for fun!

(All arrangements/instruments by Pedro Leónidas )

Mr Casual (blackheart) more mods

2011-09-29T13:26:00.000+01:00

I became used to favour power amp saturation over pre amp distortion... Power amp saturation is where the best tone is. This amp had a drive pot that was giving too much pre amp drive, and by the time the power tube overdrive started, there was way too much pre amp distortion over it. Maybe suited for some styles... but not for me...
I decided to improve the tone a bit, so the amp had more power amp saturation and less pre-amp distortion.
Removed the drive pot altogether and replaced it for a fixed filter that did not overload the second stage too much, keeping it clean and punchy. Also changed the resistance from the second stage to the phase inverter, alowing 3 switchable positions(including stock value), allowing me to drive the phase inverter harder, and pushing the power tubes into sweet organic and punchy tone... Great blues tone!
Also upgraded the ceramic tone caps with silver mica, for sweeter highs.
Another easy to do improovement was to use NOS pre and power tubes... its really a big change in tone... I am more and more convinced that new production tubes, even JJ's (wich are the best tone IMO), cannot get close to any NOS tube... I mean those things where meant to be reliable, and new production tubes lack both in the durability, strenght, and tone department... The amp became alive afther I swapped the power tubes from JJ to german made NOS... Great tone with an alnico speaker or greenbacks.

Feedback Alunos - Jorge Courela

2011-09-20T15:43:00.002+01:00

"Foram uma ajuda muito grande a organizar muitas ideias soltas que eu já tinha acerca do que era tocar guitarra.
Esclareceu-me e ajudou-me a construir sólidas bases acerca do estudo dos modos, das escalas, da formação dos acordes e das suas inversões. Apesar de saber que ainda tenho um longo estudo para ser feito a longo prazo, tenho consciência de que sou melhor músico, arranjador, executante e compositor desde que tive aulas com o P.Leónidas."

Jorge Courela (Guitarrista freelancer, Ex: Susana Felix, Gimba, diversos musicais)
http://www.myspace.com/jorgecourelamusic

Feedback alunos - Ricardo Lopes

2011-09-19T12:50:00.000+01:00

"Sendo apenas um mero curioso da guitarra daqueles que gostaria de evoluir mais mas acha que nunca tem tempo para nada, é com alguma frequência que me prometo a mim próprio voltar às aulas de guitarra com o Pedro.

A viver actualmente fora do País, não seria possível, mas espero um dia voltar a tocar nas aulas do professor Pedro Leónidas, pois era sempre com grande prazer que me deslocava aos estúdios da Audium duas vezes por semana, onde a aprendizagem, a amizade e a boa disposição tocavam todas juntas numa excelente harmonia. Analogias musicais àparte, o Pedro foi o melhor professor de guitarra com quem já tive oportunidade de conviver."

Abraço

Ricardo Lopes (Guitarrista por hobbie, Engenheiro electrotécnico)

Feedback Alunos - Vasco Martins

2011-09-16T15:00:00.000+01:00

"Depois de 20 anos a tocar guitarra intuitivamente, álbuns difundidos pelo mundo fora, conduzido apenas pela paixão musical e pela força jedi, achei que tinha chegado a hora de aprender qualquer coisa.... Por vontade do universo tive a oportunidade de conhecer o Pedro, que imediatamente me transmitiu uma sensação de serenidade e humildade, um pouco fora do vulgar dentro do panorama musical. Depois de um par de longas conversas, cheguei à conclusão que seria com ele que perderia a virgindade académico-musical... coisa que - do alto da minha arrogância metálica - nunca tinha pensado fazer.

Depois de um par de meses a ter aulas cheguei à conclusão que, de facto, não estava enganado. O Pedro, de facto, sabe o que faz, transmite e diz. Uma pessoa com vontade de ensinar, com paciência e paixão. Obrigado, Pedro."

Vasco Martins (Guitarista & Designer, Guitars from Nowhere, , Evidence, Metal, Hard-rock)

Feedback alunos - Nuno Mar

2011-09-15T16:20:00.002+01:00

"Foi uma honra ser teu aluno, e sei que contigo posso aprender muito. Ficarei sempre atento às tuas explorações musicais. Um abraço"

http://www.myspace.com/innomar

Nuno Mar (Guitarrista - Green Echo, Experimental, Dub, Rock, outros)

Champ 600 (Upgraded)

2011-09-15T15:48:00.000+01:00

Found this cheap amp by fender to be a nice bedroom amp, afther a few mods. I did a shoot out between small 5 watt amps, and this was the best potential (and probably the cheapest).
The first issue to be corrected was the baffle and grill cloth (the original was pure crap and was flapping with vibration). So I had to take the baffle out, made a thin frame to sit on top of the baffle and raise the cloth a little, and replaced the "cheap couch" fabic with some brown diamond grill cloth left over I had arround. Nice look, and great tone improvement (by itself this was a tone mod!).
I realised that the speaker was really bad, but I didnt want to spend a lot of money on a new one, so I got a 6" modern Jensen for 15€, and that made quite a change. Same tone signature, with a bit more volume and smoother tone. I belive that an alnico would be best...but I'll leave it like that for now....still have to break in the speaker a little more.
Tubes where chinese crap, really, really bad. Replaced them with JJ's wich was an improvment, but NOS is defenatelly best. So I was lucky and got a nice NOS Brimar 12ax7 really cheap on ebay, and a nice NOS american 6v6gt also really cheap. This made a big change from the JJ's.
The circuit was good for a few tweaks. I replaced the Negative feedback resistor with a pot under the chassis (the stock value is a bit too stiff and closed for my taste) so I can change value according to situation or guitar. I realised that 100k was the best range for a pot in this position.
Replaced the treble cap (wich was ceramic) with a switchable 100pf polystyrene or 500pf silver mica. sweeter treble, and the 500pf pushes a bit of high mids.
Replaced the cathode bypass cap on v1a with switchable 10uf or 3.3uf. that attenuated the bass a bit and gave me an additional position for less bass.
At the end a bit of work and little cash, it became a nice sounding bedroom and practice amp, and is very light to carry arround, that also sounds good with a 1x12 cab if I need extra punch, without being too loud.

Feedback Alunos - Tiago Valente

2011-09-15T14:14:00.001+01:00

"Tocar guitarra é uma das formas com que gosto de ocupar os meus tempos livres e o prazer que sinto ao ouvir um bom blues, um bom solo de guitarra ou o inigualável Jimi Hendrix está no topo das sensações que gosto de ter. Comecei a dar os primeiros “toques” na guitarra por volta dos 13/14 anos e ao longo de vários anos fui-me entretendo a tocar com o que aprendia com amigos e sozinho. Aos 28 tive as minhas primeiras aulas à seria, com o prof. Pedro Leónidas que com o seu método único e de aprendizagem fácil e rápida, fez com que em pouco mais de um ano tivesse aprendido mais do que nos 15 anos anteriores. Além de ser um óptimo professor, “dá-lhe” muito bem na guitarra e é sempre um prazer enorme ouvi-lo. "

Tiago Valente (Empresário, Guitarrista por hobbie, Blues, Rock clássico)
http://www.float-in.pt/
float in - entrevista sic

Feedback Alunos - Jorge Amaro

2011-09-15T12:29:00.000+01:00

"Destaco o seu profundo nível de conhecimentos musicais, o seu virtuosismo na guitarra, o seu ecletismo quanto aos vários géneros musicais. É de apreciar igualmente o seu ensino centrado nas motivações e nos interesses específicos do próprio aluno. Obrigado Pedro!"

Jorge Amaro (Guitarrista e Songwriter e cantor, musica portuguesa, rock clássico, folk)

Feedback Alunos - Rafael Fernandes

2011-09-14T16:34:00.000+01:00

"Aquilo que destaco das aulas de guitarra:

- São aulas orientadas para o aluno (estilo, preferências musicais, objectivos de aprendizagem)

- Estimulação da intuição musical (desde o início compreender e criar música, e não apenas treinar/copiar musicas já existentes)

- Bom ambiente."

Rafael Fernandes. (Médico)

Feedback Alunos - Maria Monteiro

2011-09-14T14:22:00.000+01:00

"Aprendi bastante , gostei de aprender consigo, bastante claro na explicação , simpático, bem e um excelente professor."

Maria Monteiro (Guitarrista por hobby, rock, indie)

Feedback Alunos - Henrique Carvalhal

2011-09-14T12:00:00.000+01:00

"Aprecio bastante a forma como dá as aulas pois, a meu entender, adapta a sua forma de ensinar às necessidades, dificuldades e à própria personalidade do aluno, dando espaço ao mesmo para colocar as suas dúvidas acerca dos conteúdos dados.
Acho que tanto os aspectos teóricos como os aspectos mais técnicos ensina de uma forma clara e perceptível, porque para além de exemplificar e explicar, dá exercícios e dicas para assimilar melhor a matéria dada. Para além disso, gosto bastante das aulas pelo facto de abordar diferentes estilos musicais e pela importância que dá tanto à improvisação como aos acordes, explicando quais são as minhas dificuldades e o que posso fazer para melhorar, o que facilitou a minha aprendizagem e consequente evolução."

Henrique Carvalhal (Guitarrista, fusão, blues, rock, jazz)

300STER II

2011-08-29T12:00:00.003+01:00

I built this circuit, based on the the first 300STER, but with a second drive circuit instead of the Fet boost, for a secondary and diferent overdrive flavour. Also handwired point to point, features NOS germanium diodes, and an oil cap for warmer tone. This circuit is also capable of a clean boost, that can be bright or fat. Great with a vintage style amp.

Casual Attraction - Festas de Stªa Isabel

2011-07-15T14:08:00.000+01:00

Photos by Mónica Guerra Leiria

300STER III

2011-07-13T12:58:00.000+01:00

300STER III ads a new od channel (germanium diodes) at the end of the circuit, allowing the user to switch between the Boost (also featured in the first 300STER) or the new germanium overdrive sound that is closer to old marshall's crunch. Handwired point to point, true bypass, and also allows a 9v. battery.

Samples:
(home-recorded with an sm57, 20cm away off-axis. the amp is the Spartan30 w/gain set low)

Stratocaster (w/ SCN pickups) - Overdrive 2 - (guitar volume on 10)

Stratocaster (w/ SCN pickups) - Overdrive - smooth mode, (guitar volume on 10 part was played clean, then with overdrive)

Stratocaster (w/ fat 50's) - Overdrive - bright mode, (guitar volume on 10)

Stratocaster (w/ humbucker) - Overdrive 2 - (guitar volume on 10)

LET’S JAZZ - Praça da República - Cadaval - 9 de Julho ás 22h00

2011-07-06T13:17:00.004+01:00

VIII Tocatas de Verão – Cadaval
Ciclo de concertos ao ar livre - entrada livre!

http://www.myspace.com/lets.jazz
Apoio: Junta de Freguesia do Cadaval

Casual Attraction - 21:30 | Sex Jul 1 | Festas da Juventude | Largo de Stªa Isabel Lisboa

2011-06-30T14:00:00.003+01:00

Entrada Livre!
Há "comes e bebes" para os mais famintos;)
Facebook Event

Localização

300STER (update)

2011-06-24T16:45:00.003+01:00

Working on the prototype, I modified the tone possibilities of the overdrive, adding a 3 way switch keeping the bright stock sound, a smooth overdrive mode and sooth with added sparckle. The smooth overdrive keeps the amplike feel, with more bass and a little less sparkle. The effect works with the amp tone and doesnt sound like a pedal was added, sounds more like a cranked amp bluesy tone, also very "Santana-like" with humbuckers or darker single coils. Also works very well pushing other pedals, (like a tubescreamer) into high gain.
A sample of the smooth od was added bellow:

Sample:
(home-recorded with an sm57, 20cm away off-axis. the amp is the Spartan30 w/gain set low)

Stratocaster (w/ SCN pickups) - Overdrive - smooth mode, (guitar volume on 10 part was played clean, then with overdrive, and in the end using only the neck pickup)

Casual Attraction | Festas da Juventude

2011-06-21T14:06:00.000+01:00

21:30 | Jul 1 | Festas da Juventude | Largo de Stªa Isabel Lisboa

300STER

2011-06-02T16:40:00.006+01:00

I decided to build an overdrive and a booster combined in a small package. This pedal was designed for use with the Spartan, and built handwired, hand wired, using quality components, and its true-bypass. It works great with vintage styled and other amps, and its gain and tone are perfectly controled with the guitar volume and tone knobs, without loosing punch and keeping natural dynamics and brightness. the circuit on both the booster and overdrive are very touch sensitive and amplike. fine tune switches are used to change some of the cap values, for tuning the frequency response

Samples:
(home-recorded with an sm57, 20cm away off-axis. the amp is the Spartan30 w/gain set low)

Stratocaster (w/ fat 50's) - booster mode, (guitar vol. on 7, 10 and 4)

Stratocaster (w/ fat 50's) - overdrive mode (guitar vol. on 8, guitar tone on 6)

( I apologise for the cliping at the end, but it was a quick setup and I forgot to check the mixer for clipping).

Stratocaster (w/ fat 50's) - both modes stacked (guitar vol. on 6)

Spartan 30 (w/ samples)

2011-05-25T16:53:00.006+01:00

Spartan 30 is a custom designed amp model, based on vintage british circuits.
This is a vintage style amp, and from coupling caps to transformers, uses the exact same methods
The amp is hand wiered with top components, and features vintage style UK hand-made transformers, vintage oil caps, carbon resistors, and NOS tubes, wich all make the tone vintage style smooth, organic and natural.
The chassis was custom designed and made of 1mm (non magnetic) staineless steel. Both the head and matching cab are custom built from top quality solid wood.
The amp has two distinct channel modes, wich are switchable on the top of the chassis. One mode works like an 1960 AC30 (channels sum out-of-phase), the other "stock" mode is a juicier, more muscular sound, with plenty of gain and articulation.
It features 3 channels, being the first an Ef86 pre, the second a linkable (with channel3) 12ax7 pre, the third is a 12ax7 1960 top-boost-like channel, with the diference that in this channel (in "stock" mode) you can bring the Eq all the way up and still have a very balanced response.
All the 3 channels can be blended, using patch cable method, for mixing diferent flavours of the three.
The bias adjust pot, can be accessed from the top of the chassis, and adjusted within safe values. Also there is the option for working the power section in Pentode or Triode operation (for diferent sounds and dynamics).
The head cabinet offers an improved ventilation, while protecting the amp, and displaying vintage style look's. The matching 212 cabinet has 2 alnico blues series-wired for 16ohms. But the amp also excells with Alnico gold, G12H, and g12M speakers, all with different tastes.

Features:

Power Output 30 Watts Pentode/ 15 Watts Triode
Output Tubes 4 - EL84
Preamp Tubes 1 - Ef86, 3 - 12ax7
Rectifier 1 - Gz34
Controls (Channel 1) Ef86 Pentode/Triode, Volume, Bright, (Channel 2) Volume, Link, (Channel 3) Volume, Treble, Bass,(All Channels) Cut, (Power section) Pentode/Triode.
Additional 2 distint modes of channel operation (Stock/AC30 style), acessible user friendly bias adjust pot, patch cable channel blending, 8 and 15 ohm outputs, Fx loop on channel 3.

Samples:
(home-recorded with an sm57, 20cm away off-axis)

Stratocaster soft blues - low volume in pentode mode

Stratocaster w/fat 50's single coils

Deluxe HSS Stratocaster w/scn single coils - country

Stratocaster rhythm - ef86(channel 1)

Stratocaster jazz - ef86(channel 1)

Stratocaster funky jazz impro - ef86(channel 1)

Deluxe HSS Stratocaster w/scn single coils - blend channel 1 & 3

Deluxe HSS Stratocaster w/scn single coils - bluesy funk

Deluxe HSS Stratocaster w/scn single coils - triode

Leonidas Spartan 212 cab

2011-05-19T16:00:00.001+01:00

This is a matching cab for the Leonidas Spartan 30, using two alnico blue speakers (series wired for 16ohm).
The cabinet is hand crafted solid wood and matching the Spartan design.
There are noticeable tone beneficts from running the amp with this configuration, that allows using the 16ohm tap of the output transformer.

Casual Attraction - Chapitô (fotos)

2011-05-10T13:22:00.000+01:00

Photos by Leonor Portijo

Carvin Nomad With Alnico Gold

2011-05-09T16:54:00.001+01:00

This speaker change, made the amp sound more detailed, and improved also the low end, and top end response, compared to the greenback, wich focused more on the midrange. Since the amp is a very small box, and the speaker is very efficient (100db), I had to use a cover to prevent feedback to the reverb tank. With this speaker, the amp is very loud, and I had to increase the negative feedback a bit (compared to when I was using a greenback) to smooth things out.
When used with a 1x12 extention, I like the G12h 55hz heritage speaker in open back cab, wich combines perfectly with the gold and improves the response of the combo.

212 Cabinet for "Mr Casual" (Modded Blackheart)

2011-05-05T15:30:00.001+01:00

Ideal for small gigs, this little amp sounds great with this 212 cab, wich I loaded with a pair of celestion g12m greenback speakers, series wired for 16ohm. I really like the greenback response with this amp, it is particularly warm and round, and with this setup has a good articulation and frequency response. Since the greenback has 98 db sensitivity, also makes it a good choice for pushing the tubes amp without being too loud.

Let's Jazz (festa privada)

2011-05-02T12:38:00.001+01:00

Boss DD3 "mod"

2011-04-29T13:40:00.000+01:00

Altough I didnt used it for long, I decided to try a mod to make the pedal sweeter sounding (less digital presence).
I Think the boss dd3 is a classic digital delay with good tone. Unlike many other digital delay pedals, the dd3 has a natural punch on the repeats, wich made me think on trying a simple mod.
It was quite simple to do and afther adding a DPDT switch and a couple of polyester caps, now it has two different analogue sounding repeat modes. I used a .47 and a .1 caps on the feedback pot for each mode. Both sound more organic and warmer than stock and the repeats degrade as in analogue pedal types. One of the modes (.47uf) is really dark sounding and the repeat volume drops a bit, but its great at "slapback" sounds. The other one is more present, but still warm sounding. I could have used a on/off/on switch and keep the stock sound. But since I didnt care for the stock sound too much, decided to leave it like that for now.

Casino Lisboa | Live (mobile pics)

2011-04-25T23:22:00.002+01:00

MXR GT OD "mod"

2011-04-18T14:35:00.001+01:00

I have been messing arround for a while with this one, for pure fun. Its a nice od pedal, with less mids, more bass and gain than a TS type. The stock touch is diferent and a little stiffer than a TS. And the diode type can take this pedal into fuzz zone. I Started to mess arround, and noticed a stock switch that connects one of the electrolits to a resistor, and decided to take that switch up to the chassis, for easy access. It toggles between a TS type crunch and a brighter overdrive.
Tested a few connections , and found one spot that made a drastic change to the tone/overdrive circuit. so I created a bridge and removed R4 and C2 and , and conected to a DPDT switch outside, with jumpers on the back of the pc board to try different values for the cap and resistor(stock was 4.7k + 47nf). Ended up using a 2.2k + 3.3uf (wich gave me a fuzz type of sound) and 1.2k + 0.1uf (wich gave me a sparkling overdrive tone) both modes sound very vivid, organic and amplike now and are afected by the other switch for a wide array of tones.

Leonidas "Spartan 30"

2011-04-15T13:10:00.000+01:00

After a series of gigs, the amp tested good for life on the road. Still some minor tweaks to be done, but the sound is "vintage awsome". Extremely responsive, and detailed on the clean and crunch sounds, and amazingly juicy overdrive.
Features an internal user-friendly bias control, pentode or triode operation for the power section, a two mode pre-selector to sum the 2 chanels out of phase (like 1960 AC30 design), or keep them stock (for juicier tone). Using NOS amperex ef86 (for chanel one), NOS 12ax7 valvo tubes for pre (chanel 1,2 and eq.), and NOS GE Jan for phase inverter, to get a very detailed sound. It was used in combination with a 1x12 open-back cabinet with an alnico gold.

"Modded" Carvin Nomad 112

2011-04-07T14:37:00.000+01:00

This moddifications intended to get a more natural, vintage sound from this amp. The mods included a gz34 rectifier, choke, and a negative feedback pot. Also a Pentode/Triode selector for the El84. Filtering alteration was made for the rectifier operation.
The internal speaker was swapped for a "greenback". the v1 tube was replaced by a 5751 NOS Jan (GE). Now this amp sounds great, and no need to mess too much with the design, even in the "infamous" chanel 2, in wich I am using a 12dw7 tube for a bit less pre- distortion.
As a combo I use it with a greenback in triode mode, and it cuts beautifully in a band situation. With an Alnico Gold the detail and natural compression are very pleasing, and the frequencies sound very well balanced for a small combo.

"Modded" Blackheart handsome devil

2011-04-05T17:27:00.001+01:00

A very nice sounding little amp, afther a few teaks. Besides changing stock for better tubes, This mod helped this amp to sound more natural. it features a GZ34 rectifier that operates in full or half wave. Half wave gives it a very natural sag.
The amp sounds good and deserves a NOS tube in V1 I like to use a Brimar 12ax7, for a round bluesy tone. Also a good phase inverter is nice. The amp "needs" a good speaker to play with, sounds great with alnicos or greenbacks compression. the tone stack can be improved, but for now, I kept it as is...

Mar 29 a Abr 4 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa

2011-03-30T14:51:00.002+01:00

Entrada Livre
Das 20,30-21,20 e das 22,50 -23,40. No Domingo e Segunda-Feira, os horários dos espectáculos serão das 22h-22,50 e das 23,10 à meia-noite.

Leonidas "Spartan 30" - Beta Testing!

2011-03-18T14:13:00.004Z

De Spartan 30

Leonidas "Spartan 30" - A Custom Build - Under Construction!

2011-03-17T00:40:00.014Z

Built from scratch. Turret board construction, vintage style hand wound transformers, vintage oil capacitors, carbon resistors and NOS tubes. Inox steel chassis, solid hard wood cabinet.

Let's Jazz!

2011-02-22T00:56:00.002Z

Calendário - Casual Attraction 2010 - 2011

2011-01-26T15:40:00.006Z

Mar 30 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa

Mar 31 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa

Abr 1 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa

Abr 2 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa

Abr 3 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa

Abr 4 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa

Bar Wallstreet, Oeiras | 14 Outubro | 22:30

2010-10-01T13:04:00.003+01:00

Facebook event!

Casual Attraction - Novo EP Promocional

2010-08-17T11:53:00.002+01:00

No passado dia 17 de Julho foram gravados quatro temas em formato "live".
Som puro, directo, real e sem "overdubs", com o objectivo de retratar uma actuação autentica.
O resultado já pode ser ouvido Aqui.
É como se estivéssemos a tocar na vossa sala.

Caldas da Rainha l Centro da Juventude l 24 Julho 10

2010-08-17T11:40:00.003+01:00

Concerto "Guitars on Tour", com outros membros do projecto "Guitars from Nowhere".
"Pedro Leónidas e Alexandre Domingos optaram por interpretar os seus temas em conjunto, usufruindo apenas das duas guitarras e um teclado tocado por Alessio Vellotti"

Ler mais

Guitars from Nowhere - Entrevista

2010-04-02T13:19:00.004+01:00

in www.tuguitarras.com

Lançamento do CD "Guitars From Nowhere"

2010-04-02T13:12:00.003+01:00

"Apesar do Rock como estilo predominante, foram notórias as influências e divergências de cada guitarrista: o rock progressivo aliado à experiência de Luiz Arantes ou o estilo descompassado dos "7/8 de Lua Num Pedaço de Infinito" do jovem promissor João Luzio, passando ainda pelo toque de jazz presente no som de Pedro Leónidas"

(por Martim Broa)

TuGuitarras

www.tuguitarras.com

Casual Attraction - Casual Live Tracks - U make Me Smile

2010-03-29T13:44:00.003+01:00

Casual Attraction - Casual Live Tracks - Funk & Relax

2010-03-22T13:17:00.003Z

Dapp Conspiracy

2010-03-19T13:02:00.006Z

Já se pode ouvir a versão definitiva o tema que saíu na compilação "Guitars from Nowhere", entre outras coisas ;)

Pedro Leónidas on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

Guitars from Nowhere - Live!

2010-03-06T13:07:00.002Z

Concerto de Lançamento:
"Guitars from Nowhere"
Feat.:
Alexandre Caetano, Luis Moreno, Vasco Martins, Gonçalo Pereira, Luiz Arantes, João Lúzio, Luis Coelho, António Mardel, Marco de Ros, Nuno Fontes, Tarot, Alexandre Domingues, João Barbosa, Pedro Leónidas, Carlos Castro, Márcio Silvério, Carlos Pires, Francisco Abreu, Nuno Pinto

Guitars from Nowhere - Live

Time:11:30PM Thursday, March 11th

Location:Wallstreet

Guitars from Nowhere

2010-02-27T13:08:00.000Z

Pedro Leónidas foi convidado a participar na colectânea "Guitars from Nowhere"

GuitarsFromNowhere on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads

www.myspace.com

MySpace Music profile for GuitarsFromNowhere. Download GuitarsFromNowhere Rock / Progressive / Blues music singles, watch music videos, listen to free streaming mp3s, & read GuitarsFromNowhere's blog.

Gear

2010-02-23T13:36:00.001Z

Gtrs

Amps

Fx

Allessio Velotti Joins "The Casual Mob"

2010-01-09T00:39:00.003Z

Alessio Velotti junta as suas teclas "jazzy" aos sons dos Casual Attraction, adicionando mais um tom á palete do grupo.

Allessio Vellotti joins Casual Attraction, combining his keys with a Jazzy touch to the usual Casual Attraction palette of sounds.

Happy New Year! - Casual Live Tracks

2009-12-30T14:37:00.003Z

"Casual Live Tracks" é uma edição ao vivo com temas do primeiro album "At First Sight", no concerto que ocorreu na DI Box no dia 28 de Novembro, já com a nova formação... Stella, Tiago Barbosa, Pedro Leónidas, Diogo Leónidas e Pedro Soares.

"Casual Live Tracks" was recorded live at DI Box in November 28. Featuring the new band formation... Stella, Tiago Barbosa, Pedro Leónidas, Diogo Leónidas and Pedro Soares.

Still have a crush on you | Live @ DI Box

2009-12-03T18:24:00.003Z

DiBox | Live Tracks

2009-12-02T19:26:00.003Z

28 Novembro | 23h (alteração de horário)

2009-11-27T16:15:00.003Z

Por motivos de organização a hora de começo do espectáculo alterada para a partir das 23h

“Live Tracks” - Ao Vivo

DI Box, Arruda dos Vinhos | 28 Novembro, 23h

Entrada Livre
Ver Localização
http://www.diboxportugal.com

Facebook!
Twitter!
casualattraction.band@gmail.com
http://www.myspace.com/casualattraction

“Live Tracks” - Ao Vivo

2009-11-19T10:50:00.003Z

“Live Tracks” - Ao Vivo

DI Box, Arruda dos Vinhos | 28 Novembro, 23h

Entrada Livre
Ver Localização
http://www.diboxportugal.com

Facebook!
Twitter!
casualattraction.band@gmail.com
http://www.myspace.com/casualattraction

Casual Attraction | Back on tracks!

2009-11-04T21:15:00.003Z

De volta com nova formação, novas ideias e energia renovada, lançam mãos á obra no começo de novo trabalho.
Para os mais curiosos, podem ouvir (e adquirir) no "music-player", uma gravação de um ensaio de um dos anteriores temas, já com a nova formação. Brevemente também ao vivo...

Back on the tracks with new ideas for the next project.
Also, for your curiosity, it is available for listening (and downloading) on the music-player, a full reharsal version of "Still Have a Crush on You", now featuring the new band formation.

Pedro Soares is grooving

2009-10-07T13:03:00.003+01:00

Pedro Soares é o novo baixista dos Casual Attraction. Com um toque de "old school" no seu "groove", e o seu trabalho de composição para as canções novas do projecto, Pedro veio a impulsionar ainda mais a musicalidade da banda para novos caminhos.

Pedro Soares is grooving with Casual Attraction, adding his personal old school bassy feeling to the band's musicality. Also working as a composer in new songs for the project, he became the new boost after Stella, to take the band to a new level.

Stella by Spotlight

2009-09-28T10:01:00.003+01:00

Stella, é a nova voz feminina dos Casual Attraction a preencher a anterior saída de Ru. A presença da Stella como cantora/compositora/musico, impulsionou os Casual Attraction para novo caminhos e novas canções.

Stella is the new female singer for Casual Attraction, after the late departure of Ru from the band. As a Singer/Composer/Musician, Stella took the band to a new path, of new songs and new directions.

A despedida da Ru | Ru's farewell

2009-08-28T13:43:00.003+01:00

Após mais de um ano de colaboração, Ru deixou de ser a voz feminina dos Casual Attraction. A decisão foi tomada no final de Julho, por diversos motivos que nos levaram um encruzilhada e nos empurrou para direcções diferentes.
Esta mudança, foi um dos motivos que nos manteve longe dos palcos. Por um lado fica o peso da despedida, por outro a lembrança... mas o que importa é que mudança é sinónimo de crescimento.
Brevemente apresentaremos ao publico a nova voz que vai contracenar com Tiago Barbosa.

After more than a year working together, Ru will no longer be Casual Attraction's female voice. The decision was made in late July, for several reasons that made us take different paths...
It was this change that kept us away from the stages for the time being.
We shall soon be introducing the voice that will be singing with Tiago Barbosa.

"A atracção quase permanente dos Casual Attraction"

2009-07-17T15:27:00.003+01:00

Semanário 17/07/2009

Fotos Fnac | Colombo | Vasco da Gama | Almada

2009-07-13T11:21:00.003+01:00

Fnac Viseu | 12 Julho, 17h

2009-07-10T12:13:00.003+01:00

Fnac - "Ao Vivo"

Fnac Viseu | 12 Julho, 17h

Entrada Livre

Fnac - Agenda

Fnac - "Ao Vivo"

2009-07-01T10:22:00.003+01:00

Fnac - "Ao Vivo"

Fnac Chiado | 9 Julho, 18.30h
Fnac Viseu | 12 Julho, 17h

Entrada Livre

Fnac - Agenda

Fnac Algarve | 21 Junho | photos

2009-06-23T17:52:00.003+01:00

Lx Factory | 16 Junho | photos

2009-06-19T13:16:00.003+01:00

Próximos showcases na Fnac

2009-06-18T09:27:00.003+01:00

Fnac Algarve | 21 Junho, 17h
Fnac Viseu | 12 Julho, 17h

Lx Factory | 16 Junho, 22.30h

2009-06-14T20:32:00.003+01:00

Lx Factory | 16 Junho, 22.30h

"Um concerto Invulgar
para o décimo aniversário
da Ler Devagar..."

Entrada Livre

www.lerdevagar.com

Fnac - "Ao Vivo"

2009-06-07T05:07:00.003+01:00

Casual Attraction na RTP1

2009-06-04T10:48:00.003+01:00

Pedro Leónidas Guitar Blog

Nashville Power Tele(Tweaking) + 300STER

Leonidas Amplification - Cabinets

Mr Casual (Blackheart - tweaking)

Guitar Tweaking (bridge saddles)

EQD - Dispatch Master (2 in 1)- Review

Champ 600 - (Second Upgrade)

Let's Jazz - Casino Estoril

Leonidas Amplification!

Fabrica da Pólvora | By Photo Pro

Casual Attraction - 14 de Outubro, 23:00 , Fábrica da Pólvora

All Blues (MD)

Mr Casual (blackheart) more mods

Feedback Alunos - Jorge Courela

Feedback alunos - Ricardo Lopes

Feedback Alunos - Vasco Martins

Feedback alunos - Nuno Mar

Champ 600 (Upgraded)

Feedback Alunos - Tiago Valente

Feedback Alunos - Jorge Amaro

Feedback Alunos - Rafael Fernandes

Feedback Alunos - Maria Monteiro

Feedback Alunos - Henrique Carvalhal

300STER II

Casual Attraction - Festas de Stªa Isabel

300STER III

LET’S JAZZ - Praça da República - Cadaval - 9 de Julho ás 22h00

Casual Attraction - 21:30 | Sex Jul 1 | Festas da Juventude | Largo de Stªa Isabel Lisboa

300STER (update)

Casual Attraction | Festas da Juventude

21:30 | Jul 1 | Festas da Juventude | Largo de Stªa Isabel Lisboa

300STER

Spartan 30 (w/ samples)

Leonidas Spartan 212 cab

Casual Attraction - Chapitô (fotos)

Carvin Nomad With Alnico Gold

212 Cabinet for "Mr Casual" (Modded Blackheart)

Let's Jazz (festa privada)

Boss DD3 "mod"

Casino Lisboa | Live (mobile pics)

MXR GT OD "mod"

Leonidas "Spartan 30"

"Modded" Carvin Nomad 112

"Modded" Blackheart handsome devil

Mar 29 a Abr 4 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa

Leonidas "Spartan 30" - Beta Testing!

Leonidas "Spartan 30" - A Custom Build - Under Construction!

Let's Jazz!

Calendário - Casual Attraction 2010 - 2011

Mar 30 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | LisboaMar 31 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | LisboaAbr 1 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | LisboaAbr 2 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | LisboaAbr 3 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | LisboaAbr 4 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa

Bar Wallstreet, Oeiras | 14 Outubro | 22:30

Casual Attraction - Novo EP Promocional

Caldas da Rainha l Centro da Juventude l 24 Julho 10

Guitars from Nowhere - Entrevista

Lançamento do CD "Guitars From Nowhere"

Casual Attraction - Casual Live Tracks - U make Me Smile

Casual Attraction - Casual Live Tracks - Funk & Relax

Dapp Conspiracy

Guitars from Nowhere - Live!

Guitars from Nowhere

Gear

Gtrs

Amps

Fx

Allessio Velotti Joins "The Casual Mob"

Happy New Year! - Casual Live Tracks

Still have a crush on you | Live @ DI Box

DiBox | Live Tracks

28 Novembro | 23h (alteração de horário)

“Live Tracks” - Ao Vivo

Casual Attraction | Back on tracks!

Pedro Soares is grooving

Stella by Spotlight

A despedida da Ru | Ru's farewell

"A atracção quase permanente dos Casual Attraction"

Fotos Fnac | Colombo | Vasco da Gama | Almada

Fnac Viseu | 12 Julho, 17h

Fnac - "Ao Vivo"

Fnac Algarve | 21 Junho | photos

Lx Factory | 16 Junho | photos

Mar 30 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa

Mar 31 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa

Abr 1 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa

Abr 2 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa

Abr 3 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa

Abr 4 | Arena Lounge, Casino Lisboa | Lisboa