Hi there,the tone controls work different in the red knob versions.The silver ones are a tone stack network,like a Fender,the red knob ones use a Baxandall network.Think of it like an Ampeg where the mid position is flat and you can cut and boost,so flat would be your tone controls all at 5.I think the preamp has less gain also.Check the forum for previous threads on this,esp.the ones from Joe Arthur,he has conversion mods,etc.,good luck Mel.