Which Mod to Choose? Differences between Hot Mod V2 Evo, Mr. Scary and 1987 Mods

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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 optimal boost 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. Has a  highly dynamic feel that cleans up well when rolling back guitar’s volume, responds well to player’s touch.
  • Bottom Line: Choose the Hot Mod V2 Evo for a no-fuss, easy plug in and play option. Set your switches to taste and then just control your amp from the front. When bass switch is down, the Hot Mod V2 Evo has the tightest response of all the three mods, making it a great choice for metal players.

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.”
  • Bottom Line: The one to choose when you want to dial in exactly “how much more gain” as it goes from unity at fully counterclockwise to all-out-compression when drive control is maxed. The Mr. Scary is like your amp, but just more of it!.

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.
  • Bottom Line: You want a flexible mod with all the options, love the aggressive tones of the ’80s, and want the coloration details that will help you cut through the mix. The Caswell 1987 mod has the most gain available by design.

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!