Edward Van Halen used a Variac (a variable transformer) to lower voltage to the amplifier and, thus, attenuate the volume level necessary to get that crankin' Marshall sound at less than earsplitting, brain-damage levels, as well as to save wear & tear on those pricey EL34s. A byproduct of lowering the voltage is the "browning" effect on the sound as he describes. As any qualified electronics engineer, amp tech etc., which I am definitely not (simply a humble guitar player), will attest, using a variable transformer to increase the voltage will cause not only egregious harm to the amplifier but also potentially fatal harm to the operator. There are better, safer ways to get the same effect without the safety hazard. The late Edward Van Halen's irresponsible comments to an audience of thousands, just to throw the legion of tone chasers "off the scent" are unconscionable. I do hope that you post some kind of advisory as to the danger of using any variable transformer and certainly in the manner described. Otherwise, outstanding interview. Great to hear the audio after reading it, as well as the first one, so long ago! Long time admirer of yours and Edward's.
Edward Van Halen used a Variac (a variable transformer) to lower voltage to the amplifier and, thus, attenuate the volume level necessary to get that crankin' Marshall sound at less than earsplitting, brain-damage levels, as well as to save wear & tear on those pricey EL34s. A byproduct of lowering the voltage is the "browning" effect on the sound as he describes. As any qualified electronics engineer, amp tech etc., which I am definitely not (simply a humble guitar player), will attest, using a variable transformer to increase the voltage will cause not only egregious harm to the amplifier but also potentially fatal harm to the operator. There are better, safer ways to get the same effect without the safety hazard. The late Edward Van Halen's irresponsible comments to an audience of thousands, just to throw the legion of tone chasers "off the scent" are unconscionable. I do hope that you post some kind of advisory as to the danger of using any variable transformer and certainly in the manner described. Otherwise, outstanding interview. Great to hear the audio after reading it, as well as the first one, so long ago! Long time admirer of yours and Edward's.
Bil
Long Beach, CA