Amp Alert is an understatement! John Suhr talks shop with us this month regarding the rebirth of the OD-100 amp; one of the most kick ass amps on the face of the planet. This amp first appeared in the 80's as John and partner Bob Bradshaw introduced the OD-100 to serious tone connoisseurs. The original 80's models are extremely rare and were limited in production, so good luck trying to find one. The demand for this amp outweighed the supply, so John Suhr has re-launched this legendary amp. Here is what John shared with us regarding the rebirth of the OD-100.

MH: John, as the industry patiently waits for your new amp, give us the lowdown on the new OD 100 amp.

JS: It is an all tube 3-channel amp with 2 EQ sections. 80W with the 5881 Power tubes. Very simple to dial in, no push/pull pots. It's designed to be a reliable workhorse. DC heaters make the preamp tube very low on the hum factor. The clean channel is very Fenderish but on steroids and the lead channels have as much tight overdrive as you need. Wide-open big tone is what I was going for. I wanted to make sure the overdrive didn't sound small in a band situation. The Effects loop really works. 3/32" PCB board but all the critical high heat components are hand wired and off the PCB. Power tubes are hand wired sockets.

MH: What do you feel is the most unique aspect of this amps design?

JS: It has the best of both worlds, a killer overdrive channel as well as the classic old Black Face tones.

MH: The amp has been in the works for a while; tell us what intrigued and motivated you to get back into building amplifiers.

JS: Basically the fact that it still is a great amp was very hard to get. I now have the Company that can do it.

MH: How does this amp differ (if any) from your earlier OD 100 model (circa early 90's)?

JS: Same basic amp, I am addressing some small issues in regards to cabinet design and improving some internal issues but nothing to change the tone unless we are talking about the SH model, that is a little different.

MH: As a kick off to launch the rebirth of the OD 100, you sponsored a concert with Scott Henderson in August. Tell us about that.

JS: You know I actually took my first vacation in 7 years when that happened, I wish I could have been there but I was on the beach. Tone Merchants one of my dealers in Southern CA hosted that party

MH: You have built and modded amps over the past many years for the industries elite players. Any endorsers that you feel will be using your amp?

JS: It all depends on how deep their pockets are! I know Mike Landau still uses his mostly for studio work, Scott Henderson of course; I'm working on some designs with Steve Stevens. Steve used my personal amp on some of the new Billy Idol record. I like to get Reb Beach using one. I'm sure a bunch of other guys will come to mind as we get going. If I build it they will come!

MH: The amps are just now shipping to dealers. How many amps do you think you will build each month?

JS: We are trying for 25 a month.

MH: The OD 100 is currently available in a "head" only version, any plans to build a combo?

JS: We can do it but they get costly to ship, it is a big amp. I also think it really shines when teamed up with a 4x12 cabinet and V25's.

MH: Can we expect the rebirth of the 3+ preamps you had built in the 90's?

JS: Well Bob Bradshaw has already organized that, I have no real plans for a preamp, and I'd rather work on a 3 channel 3 EQ head.

MH: What do you feel is the secret to the incredible tone of your amps, and what do you feel has contributed to your success in amp design?

JS: Really just the frustration of someone who comes from the players' side of the game. I was never happy with amps I purchased or their tone, reliability or construction. The amp work I do is dialed in with my ears more than on paper. I have ears from the player's world and the experience of knowing the need of an amp that is flexible, reliable and straight to the point. Same as the guitars functionality makes it easy for a repair tech, to make it sound huge and don't cut corners. Also working with Bob Bradshaw really introduced me to a whole class of players I would have never met otherwise. Working for these players really encouraged my work.
Information:
JS Technologies
18650 Collier Ave
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
909-471-2334
www.suhrguitars.com