marshall help

[wade63]

Easy on me guys, after 40 years of acoustics expanding to electrics. I don't have easy access to guitar shops so I research the best I can. Bought a MG30cfx for an inexpensive home/small venue amp. My fender vibro champ is pretty muddy but this thing is very brite and harsh. I like a little distortion on a clean sound but this marshall seems tinny to me. May have bought the wrong amp for me, any suggestions? Playing a Tele with a neck hum and s/c bridge pu. Trial and error can be expensive, how many acoustics have I gone through before I found my acoustic sound? 15 years and more than 50. I like bluesy rock like Gary Louris electric, I don't have 5 grand for a Matchless DC 30. Love some of Gary Moore and of course Bonamossa.

[Steve DeRosa]

Got your amp right here:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/V22InfiCombo

Since you mention the Matchless DC-30, the sound you're after is characteristic of EL84-powered tube amps in general - that hint of grit and edge when you lay into them, without sounding fizzy or thin like the aforementioned solid-state Marshall (BTW I'm in 100% agreement); in my book the only way you're really going to achieve it is with an all-tube amp - and considering this one is competitively priced with many solid-state/modeling combos IMO it's a no-brainer...

In case you're not aware, one of the ways many pros achieve their signature sound is by carefully selecting specific brands/vintages of tubes for their equipment; believe it or not, supposedly electronically "identical" tubes are far from that in practice, and depending on their characteristics/position in the circuit can have a major impact on tone. The good part here is that you don't need to go through 15 amps trying to find your own voice: a simple tube swap - no longer requiring a trip to your tech thanks to the new Infinium circuitry - can get you anything from classic British grind to vintage Ampeg fat/clean; FYI I've owned one of the first-series models since 2010, tweaked it to my liking (full tube swap/Eminence Swamp Thang speaker) and it's my all-around go-to amp: tone for days, enough power to handle a 600-700 seat auditorium, and I can kick it down to 15W for home practice or added crunch at higher volume - hard to beat for under $400...

[wade63]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Got your amp right here:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/V22InfiCombo

Since you mention the Matchless DC-30, the sound you're after is characteristic of EL84-powered tube amps in general - that hint of grit and edge when you lay into them, without sounding fizzy or thin like the aforementioned solid-state Marshall (BTW I'm in 100% agreement); in my book the only way you're really going to achieve it is with an all-tube amp - and considering this one is competitively priced with many solid-state/modeling combos IMO it's a no-brainer...

In case you're not aware, one of the ways many pros achieve their signature sound is by carefully selecting specific brands/vintages of tubes for their equipment; believe it or not, supposedly electronically "identical" tubes are far from that in practice, and depending on their characteristics/position in the circuit can have a major impact on tone. The good part here is that you don't need to go through 15 amps trying to find your own voice: a simple tube swap - no longer requiring a trip to your tech thanks to the new Infinium circuitry - can get you anything from classic British grind to vintage Ampeg fat/clean; FYI I've owned one of the first-series models since 2010, tweaked it to my liking (full tube swap/Eminence Swamp Thang speaker) and it's my all-around go-to amp: tone for days, enough power to handle a 600-700 seat auditorium, and I can kick it down to 15W for home practice or added crunch at higher volume - hard to beat for under $400...

Been looking hard at Bugera because they cloned the dc 30 but the bc 30 seems to be scarce or discontinued. Perhaps a v22. Not really looking for a fender tweed sound. This guys got a sound I like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbhgeByaNnk but when I hear other carvin vintage 16 reviews doesn't sound like Wolfs, like you say, let me look at that v22, thanks.

[wade63]

Okay, I boxed up the marshall and pulled the trigger on the v 22. I found it for $320 shipped on amazon and price matched it with MF. I had to change an epi lp back order with them so worked it all out. I think I'll be happy in this price range. Thanks for the help.

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by wade63

Okay, I boxed up the marshall and pulled the trigger on the v 22. I found it for $320 shipped on amazon and price matched it with MF. I had to change an epi lp back order with them so worked it all out. I think I'll be happy in this price range. Thanks for the help.

I think you'll find a big difference between those two amps. I was never a fan of the Marshall MG series, especially when comparing to their all tube brothers. Let us know how the v22 goes.

[Davis Webb]

Very helpful thread. I too, am looking for a Marshall sound without the 2K+ cost of entry into the pack!

Thanks so much.

[Davis Webb]

Sounds amazing. Check this clip!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyouhbecMEQ

[Davis Webb]

And here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GkSQdZGYVU

[Sombras]

Originally Posted by Davis Webb

Very helpful thread. I too, am looking for a Marshall sound without the 2K+ cost of entry into the pack!

Thanks so much.

For the Marshall(esque) sound on a budget, I'd strongly recommend the Blackstar HT/Venue line. Apparently, Blackstar was founded by former Marshall employees who left to develop ideas that they couldn't pursue at their former company. British designed, but made in China to keep down costs.

I am the very happy owner of a (to me) used Blackstar HT Club 40 and I LOVE it. I've been sniffing around an early-80s JCM 800 because of the mystique, but have not yet pulled the trigger because, after a session with the Blackstar, I just can't justify it. Great Marshall-type sound for a fraction of the price.

[wade63]

I was tossed between Bugera and Carvin vintage 16. Living on a island I cant check em out, some say I"d be happier with the Carvin, I dunno.