Crate V5 Tube Amp Mod

I recently picked up a Crate V5 tube amp combo for $40. I bought it because I am willing to tinker, and I figured I could tear out everything but the tubes and then create my own basic circuit.
There are several posts available telling how to modify these amps. I tried one which says to open R27 and short out R15. That killed the volume control and created a steady low-level distortion backed with hum. Not recommended.
Before tearing the whole thing up, I opened R18. In fact I removed it (see photo).
This has made the amp just what I was looking for.
When I got it, the only distortion available was at full volume, and it was harsh.
Now, the distortion starts about 1/3 up, and gets more saturated as the volume increases.

It's worth a try. If you're careful you can desolder one end of R18 without having to remove the circuit board.

I'm guessing that I have cheated the op-amp of some of its power, forcing it to overload early.
So, this may not be pure tube tone, but it is what I was looking for.