Are you chasing the iconic, high-gain guitar sound of Mr. Scary himself, George Lynch? The Legendary Tones Mr. Scary Mod is engineered to inject scorching, all-tube overdrive into your classic Marshall amplifier without any permanent modifications. Developed in collaboration with the guitar legend, this module takes your amp’s gain to the next level while preserving clarity and responsiveness. If you’re ready to explore a new dimension of high-gain possibilities, dive in and discover the Mr. Scary Guitar Mod.
What is the Mr. Scary Mod?
The Mr. Scary Mod is a meticulously crafted, handmade in the USA, 100% pure tube module designed to seamlessly integrate with your Marshall and other compatible amplifiers. This isn’t just another overdrive pedal; it’s an extra tube gain stage that slots into your amp’s tube socket, specifically the V2 cathode follower position. The result? A significant boost in gain, taking your amp from vintage crunch to modern high-gain territory, all while maintaining the core character of your amplifier. This module is the brainchild of Legendary Tones, working directly with George Lynch to voice and refine it to his exacting specifications.
Key Features and Benefits for Your Guitar Tone
The Mr. Scary Guitar Mod builds upon the foundation of the popular Hot Mod V2, but with significant enhancements tailored for discerning guitarists. One of the most notable upgrades is the adjustable gain knob. Unlike the Hot Mod V2’s fixed gain stages, the Mr. Scary Mod offers a continuous sweep from unity gain to searing high gain. This provides unparalleled control over your driven tones, allowing you to dial in everything from subtle boost to full-throttle saturation, all from this compact module.
Another key feature is the Deep switch. This adds a versatile bass boost, perfect for thickening up your tone, especially with brighter guitars or when you need extra low-end punch. Conversely, with the Deep switch off, the low frequencies are tightened, effectively acting as a subtle bass cut for enhanced clarity and definition, which is crucial for articulate high-gain playing.
At the heart of the Mr. Scary Guitar Mod is its tube mix of 12AT7 and 12AX7. This combination is specifically chosen to provide exceptional dynamics and touch sensitivity. The module cleans up beautifully when you roll back your guitar’s volume knob, offering a wide range of tones at your fingertips. Crank your guitar volume back up, and you’re instantly back in high-gain heaven. Despite the massive gain increase, the Mr. Scary Guitar Mod retains the low-noise performance and clarity that made the Hot Mod V2 so respected.
The George Lynch Signature Touch
This module isn’t just inspired by George Lynch; it’s a direct collaboration. Originally released as the Lynch Mod, the Mr. Scary Guitar Mod represents the evolution of that design, incorporating George’s preferred tube combination – the 12AT7 and 12AX7. Legendary Tones emphasizes that this gain stage has been “tuned and approved by the ears of the maestro George Lynch himself.” This endorsement speaks volumes about the quality and tone of the Mr. Scary Guitar Mod, ensuring it meets the demands of even the most critical high-gain players seeking that signature Mr. Scary guitar sound.
Compatibility: Is the Mr. Scary Guitar Mod Right for Your Amp?
Before you dive into the world of Mr. Scary guitar tones, it’s essential to confirm compatibility with your amplifier. The Mr. Scary Mod, specifically the Reverse Wired version detailed here, is designed for a range of popular Marshall amplifiers, including:
- JCM 800 2203X reissue (all years) and 2203ZW (Zakk Wylde signature)
- 1987X (model year 2003+ with factory effects loop)
- 1959SLP (with factory effects loop)
- 1959RR (Randy Rhoads Signature)
- JTM 45 reissue model 2245 and Bluesbreaker reissue combo 1962
The Reverse Wired Mr. Scary Guitar Mod is also compatible with certain Friedman Amplifiers:
- Runt 50 (V3)
- Runt 20** (V2)
- JEL-20**
- JJ Jr.** (V2)
** Important Note for Friedman Runt 20, JEL-20, and JJ Jr. owners: While sonically compatible, these amp heads may require temporary chassis removal for installation due to enclosure depth.
Amps NOT Compatible: It’s equally important to note that the Mr. Scary Guitar Mod is not compatible with the following amps:
- Marshall Silver Jubilee series
- Marshall Origin series
- Marshall Vintage Modern Series
- Mesa Boogie Mark series amps
- Bugera 1960
- Hiwatt DR series
Always double-check your amplifier model against the compatibility list to ensure proper and safe operation.
A Nod to History: The Original Hot Mod Inspiration
The Mr. Scary Guitar Mod and the Hot Mod V2 lineage trace back to the original Soldano Hot Mod from the late 1980s. Mike Soldano’s innovative design used now-rare 6C10 and 6K11 tubes to inject extra gain into amplifiers. While groundbreaking for its time, the original Hot Mod faced challenges due to the scarcity and microphonic issues of those specialized tubes.
The Legendary Tones Mr. Scary Guitar Mod and Hot Mod V2 are a modern evolution, learning from the past. They utilize readily available and reliable 12AX7 and 12AT7 tubes. Furthermore, they incorporate refined circuitry to enhance stability, clarity, and gain control, addressing the limitations of the original design. This ensures that the Mr. Scary Guitar Mod delivers not just massive gain, but also a refined, controllable, and dependable high-gain experience for today’s guitarists.
Conclusion: Unlock Legendary High-Gain
The Legendary Tones Mr. Scary Guitar Mod offers a powerful and versatile solution for guitarists seeking to push their Marshall or compatible amp into high-gain territory. With its George Lynch-approved tone, adjustable gain control, and hand-built quality, this module is more than just a boost – it’s a transformative upgrade for your amplifier. If you’re ready to capture that iconic Mr. Scary guitar sound and explore a world of searing, dynamic high-gain tones, the Mr. Scary Mod is your key. Ensure your amp is on the compatibility list, and prepare to unleash a new level of sonic intensity.
