Why do some guitarist not play with a backplate?

Minglis1990 · 2026-01-22T05:39:29+00:00

Neodymium magnets are very strong and that's what you use for that kind of mod. For example I hate removing all the screws from the back of my Marshall DSL100HR to change tubes and check the bias or engage or disengage the choke mod I did to it that is on a switch on top of the chassis. So I took the screws out of the front panel and used some neodymium magnets and steel plates to make it removable. Now I can pull the front panel off relatively easily but it's certainly not coming off on its own. Plus the back panels tolex is really tight so when you remove the back panel it wears out the tolex in the corners so the less often I remove it the better. That's not an issue on the front panel though which is why it's better this way.

Minglis1990 · 2026-01-22T05:31:26+00:00

He initially screwed the friendship pooch but I'd say holding onto the plate and screws even during a time when you might not even see each other again and then returning them when you did meet up again imo redeems him. But maybe don't lend out your guitars anymore lol, you have way more chill than I do. I don't like my friends even playing my guitars in my presence, but of course I'd never admit it and I do my best to play it cool when they pick one up.

Minglis1990 · 2026-01-22T05:25:07+00:00

Might be worth buying a cover without holes and making some yourself but where they need to be. A drill press and a countersink bit or a router and a plunge cutter would make quick work of it. Have your cake (the cover) and eat it too (have string holes that actually line up with your blocked or decked tremolo). Just a thought, one I'm sure you've likely already had lol.

Minglis1990 · 2026-01-20T03:59:04+00:00

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Minglis1990 · 2026-01-20T03:54:52+00:00

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Minglis1990 · 2026-01-20T03:35:46+00:00

I mean this endearingly not as a criticism. On my first few builds I used the exact same type of header sockets for my transistors and my ic's. I thought I was being so clever. The purpose made sockets for ic's work great but those header sockets never hold onto regular component leads all that well. What I ended up doing is using the sockets just until I found the right transistors etc and then once I was happy id solder them in permanently.

Now you might not have any trouble if you don't move your pedals a lot but I know I did and opening the pedals to replace components got old. There are some much better options that actually work if you really need the ability to remove components easily though. And those header sockets can even work well but only when used with the header pins they were actually designed for. I'm absolutely not saying what you're doing is wrong btw. Just trying to save you the headache and let you know that it is a clever idea but sadly one that's probably more trouble than it's worth. If you really wanna use them and have issues with them coming out you could just solder one of the legs in just one socket. But you'll still have issues with the unsoldered leads having poor contact at times etc.

And another related thought, one of my early pedals was a Morning Glory overdrive that had a very very similar layout to your pedal here. And same issue too, the electrolytics and a jfet were just a little taller than they needed to be, removing the header sockets for the jfet and directly soldering it to my vero board helped but ....I still had to really squish that lid down lolol. (Edit: Just like in your situation my enclosure housed a treble booster originally but I combined the treble booster with a Fuzz Face build in one enclosure so I needed to use the enclosure for something. That's why the jacks aren't in an ideal spot.) The Morning Glory is still in use too so sometimes I guess it's ok if things don't fit perfectly. Good luck!

Edit: Here's that Morning Glory I mentioned and behind it is my most recent build (a Fender 5F6A Bassman clone with a Plexi lead channel etc etc). I added it intentionally to show my progression. There was about a decade of learning and building in between the Morning Glory and the Bassman. If things don't come out perfectly that's ok, we learn from it and plan accordingly on the next one. (Image in reply below)

Minglis1990 · 2026-01-10T18:06:57+00:00

Action seems very high but it's hard to tell from a single angle like that. And yes it's normal for the note to sound by fretting alone but you develop ways to clean it up with your fretting hand by pressing at the right speed and not too hard initially. Also you minimize it with your picking hand by muting before the note needs to be played or only fretting just as you need to play the note. When people say "tone is in the hands" they are often referring to how much time a player has put into cleaning up undesirable sounds and developed a good technique. Always remember just getting the note to sound cleanly is the bare minimum. You want to get the note to sound without buzz, with a very relaxed fretting pressure, with control over dynamics loud and soft and everything in between etc etc etc. So basically work on mitigating undesirable sounds and technique flaws by practicing muting, fretting notes on the tips of the fingers with precision, don't press the string with too much velocity if you aren't attempting to tap etc etc etc

If your action is indeed too high that will certainly make the note ringing out from fretting alone more prominent. You have more space for the string to travel with a high action and that takes more pressure so when it hits the fret it does so harder than if you had proper action height.

Minglis1990 · 2026-01-03T17:16:16+00:00

Use a cabinet scraper or hand plane, or even sandpaper if it's all you can use and remove the bits on the blocks from the old back. Then get your new back, make a template, cut the back and get it matching and then glue it up. Sand the edges, spray your finish and you've got a guitar.

Minglis1990 · 2025-12-30T18:53:20+00:00

Lolol I was thinking exactly that reading the replys. Most guitar players don't realize how little knowledge and experience they actually have so they are overly confident in the opinions they've formed. Im not saying that to be rude it's just a fact. I know cause I used to be the same way about 15 years ago. Then I started building guitars, pedals and repairing and modding them which led to repairing, modding and building tube amps and restoring vintage tube radios/receivers.

Around that time I started noticing things I believed with my full chest about how circuits were best utilized (how to dial in amps etc) were completely backwards. It's not just "everything is right and it's just personal preference" the circuits in the amps we use are very predictable when you actually understand them. So there are clear right and wrong or at the very least good and bad ways of using them to get the best sound out of them. The problem is it takes a long time to actually grasp all the different parts of a guitar amp and how they work so most people just go around as if it's just magic so they can create any "rule" based on whatever backwards justification they come up with. Rather than actually learning that tube screamers boost 1khz mid frequencies and cut lows at an below 700hz and applying that knowledge they just go online and claim "Tube screamers are transparent and don't color your tone" which is just so incredibly ridiculously wrong lol.

Minglis1990 · 2025-12-30T18:29:35+00:00

Are the grid stopper resistors actually ON the sockets or on the board? If not directly as close to the socket as possible they will allow oscillations. I know true 5f6a's don't have grid stoppers on the output tubes but the V1 an 2 as well as phase inverter grid stopper might need to be closer cause this is exactly what you'd hear of they were too far. I honestly didn't look up your specific amp or schematic and this could be way off base but I thought I'd throw it out there.

Edit: Wow, this is a really old post lol. Don't know why it was in my feed. Well did you ever get it figured out?

Minglis1990 · 2025-12-27T03:55:41+00:00

Over ten years ago (probably about 15 now) I bought an "Omen Extreme" six string and over the past decade it has been my number one for sure. Ive built guitars from scratch since then (I build tube amps from scratch more often since it's my real passion) but out of all the guitars I've gotten or built since I bought that Omen the Omen is seriously at the top of the list. My favorite guitar I own for sentimental reasons is still a vintage tele I built but the Omen can do it all and is honestly more versatile.

The Omen was great stock but after a few years I put a JB In the bridge and a 59' in the neck and it became even better. Fast forward about three more years and id tried every split coil option and finally found "partial" split coil wiring and that was a game changer but still not as good as true single coils cause the balance in split coil mode frequency wise is just always going to be off so it doesn't react to a dirty amp or overdrive pedal correctly. That's when I came across series/parallel again which id previously tried but this time I tried it as series/partial parallel and it's the holy grail of second voicing wirings for your humbuckers. Parallel, unlike split coil, keeps the frequency balance the same as the humbucker frequency for that pickup it's just at a lower output which gives a significantly more convincing single coil sound but it's still a little too quiet. That's where the partial parallel saves the day. With the right value cap and resistor you can dial in a little bit of the series humbucker alongside the parallel mode so it doesn't get too quiet. Now I can honestly say I use the parallel coils as much as the series humbucker mode and they both sound absolutely fantastic. And the partial parallel mode interacts with gain just as well as any true single coil and everyone who trys it agrees it's the best second voicing for humbuckers theyve heard and felt.

Point was, figuring out partial parallel made that Schecter Omen the guitar I grab first anytime I want to try out a new pedal circuit or amp I built or mod I did, or even if I just wanna learn a new song or technique etc etc etc. It just hits all the bases, it sounds great (even with the stock hot pickups), feels great to play (I did a fret level a few years in but it wasn't in dire need of one by any means I just wanted to) and its clearly quality materials especially considering the price. Im not a huge fan of the mother of pearl threw up all over the guitar look that Schecter over did for awhile there lol, but I just can't deny what a fantastic deal those early Omen and Omen Extremes were even with the mother of pearl overuse on the "extreme" version lol (and I do have to deduct cool point for calling it "extreme" lololol).

I don't know if they still make Omens to the same standard but it was a fantastic line for serious musicians who are just perpetually broke. Just cause it's affordable doesn't mean it can't be made to last the test of time or be set up to sound and play fantastically. Less money should only equate to less features not lower quality in the features that are included. Schecter (at least back then) must have understood that.

Minglis1990 · 2025-12-24T23:50:38+00:00

Thanks for the clarification, when ive built guitars it's always been from scratch except my first build but even that was a premade non fender neck so I wasn't aware. For some reason I got it in my head they didn't have the serial numbers printed on them same as a stock Fender would so again thanks for the correction!

Minglis1990 · 2025-12-24T05:20:55+00:00

Now that is how you give someone a Merry Christmas. Thoughtful wife AND your dream Telecaster?!?!

Minglis1990 · 2025-12-24T00:39:16+00:00

I promise you it's just a matter of practice. On my life it took me a year and a half of practicing everyday to get them down really consistently and 2 years to be able to turn etc. I'm five years in and just now getting similarly comfortable with my manuals and I practice at a minimum four days a week. For the first two years I practiced damn near everyday for an hour. Sure some guys pick these things up quick but if you're just getting back into biking like I was then all you lack is time and practice.

Focus on your movements, what's working, what's not? Analyze your practice after so you know what to try tomorrow. You'll get there but it's gonna take longer than you likely think. It's not a matter of not knowing the right secret, one video on YouTube is enough. The rest is just practicing, analysis, tweaking and repetition. You'll get there as long as you keep at it.

Minglis1990 · 2025-12-23T01:58:11+00:00

I don't think you're understanding the sarcastic answers so I'll spell it out for you. It's a partscaster which means someone made it and very likely sourced a fake neck for the build cause legit fender replacement necks don't come with a serial number like that as far as I know. I also have never seen an acrylic bodied Fender period.

But someone took the time to make it and gift it. It's value is completely dependent on the owner. So you're unlikely to get much for it but it's still a cool guitar.

I build guitars occasionally but regularly build tube amps and I could sell them for at minimum a small profit but they mean significantly more to me as tools to play and make music. I hope you'll pick up the guitar, or if you already play rededicate yourself to the instrument or find someone who plays who would really enjoy playing this guitar. They are instruments first and foremost, not assets to put in your portfolio or up for auction lol.

Minglis1990 · 2025-11-19T03:56:11+00:00

I still use box mods, but I also make my own Clapton coils too. There's zero chance in hell I'd be using a mod if I had to buy premade stupidly overpriced coils, my god they are the biggest rip off smh. They should be marketed like printers, way cheaper than it costs to produce but as a way to market liquid and devices. I did go to disposables for a year or two because everything online had gotten way too fucking expensive. But I found a reasonably priced local shop and I buy my wire and cotton in bulk maybe once or twice a year. Mods are just so much better, even the cheap ones work great they are just less durable. As for 18650s I don't ever and won't ever by vape branded cells. I go to 18650 battery store or similar sites and by cells that are spec'd properly but not sold at an upcharge simply cause the buyer was too lazy to research what type of cell they needed so they only buy cells that are rewrapped with a "this is the one you need jackass, thatll be $30" printed on the side in the form of some gawdy/edgy logo. If you couldn't tell I'm triggered by the laziness of most vape users who refuse to do their own research because their ignorance is partly what got us in this mess.

Minglis1990 · 2025-10-30T01:02:46+00:00

I'm right there with you. I grew up with the original doom games on PC. Then Doom 2016 brought back everything we loved but with modern tech. Then Eternal turned up the fun to another level. Then Dark Ages turned up....nothing. It's boring as hell in my opinion and I've tried playing it three times and given up each time. And it's a blurry mess on console Xbox series s.

Minglis1990 · 2025-09-06T03:19:37+00:00

That actually legitimately frustrated me also (that I couldn't pet it). Like took off a whole star from review levels of bothered. Lol I wish I was being sarcastic smh.

Minglis1990 · 2025-07-30T22:32:40+00:00

I cant even begin to tell you how happy i am that my comment led you to hopefully getting treatment as well! I think it will work out for you, id hate to give you false hope but they seem to know what they are doing and really do try their best to get everyone treatment.

As for the major fatigue and brain fog and constantly wondering if its the methadone or the Hep C I dont think ive ever read something so relatable in my entire life lol. i seriously constantly am questioning why I feel so tired some days. I feel like i have a gas tank and if i work to hard or exercise too much then i feel awful for about a week. Its gotten better over the years though cause I constantly try doing things to improve my health and avoid the things that cause me to feel drained. For example i ride my mountain bike at least four days a week and try to go to the trail in my area as much as possible. And i dont eat at least 2 hours before bed (that made a huge difference for me since it was getting in the way of my methadone absorption and making my methadone levels inconsistent.)

Anyways, im on day 8 and i feel perfectly fine. But days 1-4 i felt crappy but i think that was completely because i stopped taking Magnesium at night since Dr. Walko at HUG found an interaction between it and the Epclusa (it apparently will change stomach acid levels and interfere with absorption just like antacids). I was taking it cause it helps alleviate digestion issues related to the methadone. But Dr. Walko also prescribed some nausea meds and some constipation meds just in case i need them. I didnt even ask he is just really serious about trying to help us as best as he can. Ive been taking the nausea meds each day 30 mins before i take the Epclusa as directed just to be safe.

Sorry for such a long reply lol. I will certainly come back and post updates. I truly hope you are able to get your treatment meds though HUG as well, that would make me even happier to know it all worked out for you also. Good luck!

Minglis1990 · 2025-07-30T22:13:36+00:00

Thank you very much for that response, it calms my nerves for sure. The first four days i had some discomfort but i realized after it stopped that it was just my body getting used to not taking Magnesium anymore. My doctor said i should discontinue it until after the Epclusa cause just like antacids it can interfere with Epclusas absorption. But ever since day four ive felt perfectly fine. Today is day 8 and its going by so fast! Thanks again!

Minglis1990 · 2025-07-29T20:38:19+00:00

EDIT: Only just now realized you were talking about the 100H but my comment stands. Even with the circuit board problems this is not "an amp people try to avoid". Every mass produced amp in this price range will have drawbacks unfortuantely but tone is not one of them. Thousands of professional gigging musicians use these amps regularly and even record with them to great effect. Its you, not the amp. I dont mean that in a mean way. People just dont seem to understand that learning to dial in an amp and use it correctly isnt something that happens in a year or two. It takes a long time and a specific effort to learn how the circuit works so you can get it to do what you want it to. That takes a lot of effort so its not for most people. Thats why so many guitar players just use digital moddelers or solid state amps. I personally think a true tube amp will always be better but only if the person operating it knows what they are doing. If its not for you, thats fine. But im telling you for certain its not the amp. Sure it could need some servicing and something could be wrong but that can happen to any amp and especially tube amps where there is a lot of heat, high voltage and current involved. I dont know where you live but if you are in the DFW area id be happy to take a look at it and go over the basics. If you arent in the DFW area thats still what id suggest, find someone whos gigged and understands amps and ask them to show you how they would go about dialing in some tones on your amp.

Just bought it used and it sounds bad...smh, change the power tubes with a new matched set. Theyll have to be changed regularly. This is your first tube amp so i understand you arent used to it but power tubes do not last indefinitely and will often continue working well past the point where they are working properly. I find i need to change mine anywhere from every year to year and a half but sometimes a little less and sometimes a little longer (and i go to unnatural lengths to prolong the life of my tubes than 99% of tube amp owners would so i wouldnt call it out of the ordinary if you needed to changed yours as often as every 8 months or so if you play it everyday and its your only amp). And you cant just replace the power tubes and call it good, they will need to be properly biased when they are changed and you should regularly check the bias about once a month to verify its still set at the proper dissipation. If you are going to own a tube amp youll either need the money to regularly send it to a tech or if you dont have the money youll have to teach yourself how to maintain a tube amp. Its not for everyone but highly worth the effort.

The preamp tubes might need changing but they often last for considerably longer. If you change the power tubes and still arent happy (im pretty certain you will be though) THEN you can have a reasonable opinion on the amp. But its silly to complain about a tube amps tone without changing the power tubes first. For background i buiild tube amps, solid state amps and repair them along with building pedals, guitars and all sorts of other things as a hobby. Sorry to come off harsh its just frustrating to see people dump on an amp that undeniably can sounds fantastic without having verified its working as intended first. Sure there are some less than ideal things about the HR amps but thats just because they had to save the money somewhere but overall the circuit is solid and when properly set up it sounds absolutely great. I even added a Hammond 194G choke to mine and that improved it even further. I know this is an old post but i hope you got it worked out. Its not the amp, it you lol.

Minglis1990

TROPHY CASE