’59 Deluxe Gain Mod
Headrush Amplifiers

’59 Deluxe Gain Mod

Inspired by Fender Tweed Deluxe (Gain Mod)

The model '59 Deluxe Gain Mod It is based on an amplifier modified vintage tweed (1959 Fender Deluxe style), featuring:

  • Early breakup (saturates easily)
  • Warm, compressed and dynamic overdrive
  • Very sensitive response to touch
  • Pronounced midrange

The version Gain Mod offers:

  • Greater amount of gain
  • Sound more suitable for modern contexts
  • Greater saturation than the original
ModernBluesRockHard RockHeavy MetalPopCountryAcousticBassJazz

Controls

Gain

Controls the distortion level of the preamp.

  • Low → clean / light breakup
  • Medium → vintage crunch
  • High → saturated and compressed overdrive
Master Volume

Controls the level of the power amp.

Affects the dynamics and openness of the sound.

It does not directly change the amount of distortion

Output Level

Control of the final volume of the amplifier.

  • Negative values ​​→ attenuation 0 d
  • B → neutral volume
  • Positive values ​​→ boost Does not alter the timbre or saturation
Bass

Adjusts the low frequencies.

  • High values ​​→ full but potentially “muddy” sound

Low values ​​→ more defined and controlled sound Recommended:

30–50%

Middle

Adjusts the mid frequencies.

  • Low → hollow sound
  • High → full and present sound Fundamental for the vintage character
Treble

Adjusts the high frequencies.

  • Low → warm sound
  • High → bright and aggressive sound

Be careful with high values ​​with a lot of gain (can become harsh)

Presence

High frequency control in the power amp.

Adds definition and “air”.

Softer than the Treble

Bright

Activates a high frequency boost.

  • ON → greater brilliance and attack
  • OFF → softer sound

More noticeable at low Gain levels

Tremolo

Enable/disable the tremolo effect.

Speed

Controls the speed of the tremolo (in Hertz).

1 Hz = 1 pulse per second

Typical values:

  • 0.5 – 1 Hz → slow and “swampy”
  • 1 – 3 Hz → classic tremolo
  • 3 – 6 Hz → fast and rhythmic
  • 6 Hz → very fast effect / intense tremolo
Depth

Controls the intensity of the modulation.

  • Low → light effect
  • High → strong and pulsating effect
Sync

Synchronizes the tremolo speed to the tempo (BPM).

  • ON → synchronized to the preset tempo
  • OFF → free adjustment in Hz

Pro Tips

BEHAVIOR OF THE AMPLIFIER

  • Gain + EQ influence the character of the distortion
  • Bass high → softer and less defined sound
  • Treble + Bright → significant increase in high frequencies
  • Master Volume → influences the dynamic sensation
  • Tremolo → it affects the final volume, not the timbre
  • Gain → amount of distortion
  • EQ → forms the character of the sound
  • Master → dynamic response
  • Output Level → final volume
  • Tremolo → volume modulation

Setup Examples

DYNAMIC CLASSIC BLUES

Gain30–40%
Master Volume55–65%
Bass35–45%
Middle60–75%
Treble50–60%
Presence45–55%
BrightHon
Output Level0 dB (adjust by ear)

TREMOLO (optional – vintage blues)

  • Tremolo: Hon
  • Speed: 1.5 – 2.2 Hz
  • Depth: 25–40%
  • Sync: OFF

Light effect, "breathes" under the sound without disturbing

BOOST (recommended in front of the amp)

USA S1 Drive to push the amp:

  • Drive: 10–20%
  • Level: 60–75%
  • Tone: 50–60%

It is used for:

  • more sustain
  • more response to touch
  • more musical breakup

HOW IT SOUNDS

  • Clean → warm and round
  • Strong pick → natural crunch
  • Guitar volume lowered → becomes clean again

Super dynamic (traditional blues type)

  • Pickup at handle → soft blues
  • Pickup at bridge → more scratching
  • Guitar volume:
  • 6–7 → clean
  • 8–10 → crunch
  • Gain: 40–50%
  • Middle: 70–85%
  • Treble: 60–70%
  • S1 Tone: 60–70%

More attack and presence (SRV style)

Quick summary

  • Little gain on the amp
  • Fairly high mids
  • Bass controlled
  • Light boost up front

The secret: dynamics, not distortion

GARY MOORE STYLE (BLUES LEAD)

Gain50–65%
Master Volume60–70%
Bass30–40%
Middle70–85%
Treble60–70%
Presence55–65%
BrightOFF
Output Level0 dB (adjusts to band volume)

Focus: high mids + medium-high gain

OVERDRIVE (fundamental)

USA S1 Drive in front of the amp:

  • Drive: 20–35%
  • Level: 70–85%
  • Tone: 55–65%

This is the “secret”:

  • drives the amp
  • adds sustain
  • makes the sound more “singing”

TREMOLO

OFF (Gary Moore doesn't use it for this type of sound)

HOW IT SOUNDS

  • Sound big, warm, lots of sustain
  • Notes that “sing”
  • Strong response to vibrato

HOW TO PLAY IT (very important)

Pick-up:

  • Neck → main sound

Guitar Tone:

  • slightly closed (≈ 7–8)

Technique:

  • wide vibrato
  • expressive bending
  • decisive attack

More aggressive variant (live / rock)

  • Gain: 65–75%
  • Presence: 65–75%
  • S1 Level: 80–90%

More thrust, more “Marshall-like”

Common problems + fixes

  • Sound too thin → increases Middle
  • Sound too muddy → lower Bass + raise Presence
  • Doesn't sustain enough → increases S1 Level, not Gain

Sound Formula Gary Moore

  • High mids + pushing overdrive + neck pickup