If you’re chasing high-gain guitar tones, the LegendaryTones Hot Mod V2 Evo, Mr. Scary Mod, and 1987 Mod each offer unique flavors of firepower. The key differences lie in their design philosophy: the Hot Mod V2 Evo is about simplicity and plug‑and‑play gain, the Mr. Scary Mod is George Lynch’s custom‑voiced beast, and the 1987 Mod is inspired by the iconic Caswell #39 circuit that defined late‑80s rock.

Hot Mod V2 Evo

• Purpose: Adds an extra gain stage to classic Marshall and many other amps without permanent modification.
• Design: Handmade in the USA. Plug‑in dual tube module that replaces the V2 cathode follower position.
• Features:
  • 2‑stage gain switch for clarity or max compression.
  • Bass boost/cut switch for tighter low end or added resonance.
• Tone: Flexible, from sweet sustain to full‑on metal, with reduced noise compared to pedal boosts.

Mr. Scary Mod

• Purpose: A collaboration with George Lynch of Dokken and Lynch Mob fame, based on the Hot Mod V2 but tuned to his specs.
• Design: Handmade in the USA, using a tube mix of 12AT7/12AX7 for dynamic response.
• Features:
  • Gain knob (instead of fixed switch) for fine control from unity gain to scorching hot.
  • Deep switch for more modest bass boost vs. Hot Mod V2 Evo.
• Tone: Extremely touch‑responsive, capable of shifting from clean articulation to aggressive sustain simply by adjusting guitar volume. Lynch himself describes it as “old‑school but expressive.”

1987 Mod

• Purpose: Tim’s Caswell’s custom voicing inspired by his legendary S.I.R. #39 Marshall mod from the mid ’80s, most famously used by Slash of Guns ‘N Roses.
• Design: Handmade in the USA. A pure tube modification circuit that transformed the Marshall 1987/JCM 800 into a harmonically rich monster.
• Features: Aggressively voiced Drive control, Thump switch for strongest-low end push of all three mods, and Bite switch for harmonically rich upper mids and presence enhancement.
• Tone: Open, cuts through the mix with aggressive drive voicing, and dripping with attitude. This is the sound that fueled Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction era.

Each mod represents a different philosophy: the Hot Mod V2 Evo is the modern all‑rounder, the Mr. Scary Mod is a personalized artist signature, and the 1987 Mod is pure vintage attitude. Choosing between them depends on whether you want easy plug-and-play, Lynch’s dynamic voice, or the snarling bite of ’80s rock history. Be sure to also check out our compatibility page for various amp applications and more information!