What do you think of Marshall's Today ???

[moff40]

Originally Posted by lp59aholicDon

... But when I am going to go for Good OLD Marshall tone , I am going to Ceriatone Niks amps are far closer to original Marshall wiring...

I have a Ceriatone Plexi 50, and it sounds killer! I A/B'ed it against a new Vintage Modern 50 watt, and the Plexi 50 blew the VM into the rhubarb.

The Ceriatone is hand wired, turret board construction, built like a tank, clean assembly, and good quality parts. More like a vintage Marshall than anything Marshall has built in 30 years.

On the downside, it IS a tad loud for some gigs. Even though I had Nik install a PPIMV, it really wants the master wide open, or close to it. Attenuators are OK, but they still "inhibit" the amp to varying degrees.

I wonder if Nik could build something that was essentially the same as the Plexi 50, but with lower power - maybe only one EL34....

I think for small gigs, I'm gonna look at a Tiny Terror, or maybe even a Dual Terror when it comes out.

To answer the OP's question: The original Plexis and the later steel fronts (models 1959 and 1987) up to about 1978 are my favourites. Next are the JCM800s, especially the original JCMs, and the model 2210 from the mid-'80s. Other than that, Marshall hasn't built anything decent in years. The new ones are fizzy and without any character.

[Splattle101]

Originally Posted by moff40

...

I wonder if Nik could build something that was essentially the same as the Plexi 50, but with lower power - maybe only one EL34....

...

I was wondering precisely that today as I munched my sandwiches. I thought, 'What about an amp with a Plexi style preamp, but with a single EL34 in the power section, running in single-ended Class A, with a solid-state rectifier to maintain the Plexi attack to some extent? I wonder if Nik could build me one like that? Sort of a Marshall Champ.'

Then I had to go back to work.

[dork5002002]

I haven't tried many high end amps, or even many tube amps. I have tried a few marshalls, a few mesa boogies, and just a couple of fender amps.

In the end I kinda favored the jcm2000 tsl, but that is also the amp that I got to spend the most time with.

[The_Sentry]

Originally Posted by BOBBO

What do you guys think of the products Marshall has been putting out in the last decade compared to Marshall's past ???

YouTube - Evil Dead II - Laughing scene

YouTube - Evil Dead II - Laughing scene

[jo07]

[coldsteal2]

Originally Posted by kernelofwisdom

I've got a Vintage Modern and think it is pretty damn cool that the designer posts on the vintage modern forum. I almost couldn't believe it. Usually the people behind these things are hidden from the customers, by choice I suppose. But he takes time to answer all sorts of questions about the amp, with patience and without dissing other amps. Makes me appreciate the VM a lot more.

absolutely, its one of the things people claim
when they buy boutique amps, well you got that
with the VM.
He believes in his product enough to put himself out
there

[coldsteal2]

Originally Posted by Splattle101

I dunno. I haven't been blown away by the sound of any Marshall since the JCM 800. A guy I used to gig with (he was in the support band) back in the early 90s had a 900, and it just didn't sound as good as the 800s. There was something kind of fizzy about it. Marshall seems to have gone more and more in that direction ever since, with the notable exception of the VM.

But to be honest, there are better heads out there. My ancient Laney AOR slaughters Marshalls. Monstrous bass that no Marshall ever matched, with the tight mid range of a cranked JMP, but with the gain structure of the 800 series. I switched from my Laney to a Marshall JMP in the early 90s (92, I think) because the Marshall must be better (right?). Lots of people commented on exactly the opposite. It was really rather odd. I had people telling me the Laney sounded better (which I really didn't want to hear, having just bought my dream amp), whereas before I'd had people coming up to me after gigs and asking me how I got 'that' tone when I was playing the Laney.

I am slow, but I got the message eventually...

So while I have nothing against Marshall, it's a long time since I was impressed by one. And I definitely like their old stuff better than the new. Unfortunately, the 'new' seems to date from about 1993.

nothing fizzy about the Vintage Modern
should test drive one

[moff40]

Originally Posted by Splattle101

I was wondering precisely that today as I munched my sandwiches. I thought, 'What about an amp with a Plexi style preamp, but with a single EL34 in the power section, running in single-ended Class A, with a solid-state rectifier to maintain the Plexi attack to some extent? I wonder if Nik could build me one like that? Sort of a Marshall Champ.'

Then I had to go back to work.

You know, it might be worth an email to him to find out...

[Texas07R8]

I looked at, listened to and played a bunch of amps. I found the Marshall Vintage Modern 50w combo to be exactly what I wanted from features to tone.

This puppy has KT66s in it with four tubes for the preamp and inverter. It's simply amazing the tone this thing is capable of, any old Marshall tone is there with ease and any high gain stuff is there if you want it too.

I believe the simplicity of a single channel amp and the dual range preamp controls give the VM something no other Marshall has as far as versatility. When I look and the bank of knobs on a TSL or JVM I'm like WTF... The VM has all that and more in a simple little single channel. I don't even think I need boost/distortion pedals as I can clean everything up by rolling back my volume and when I want vintage crunch add some volume and if I need to rip with serious gain I step on the high gain footswitch and the preamp cascades into an extra tube for serious gain... The are only two things lacking with the VM, that's MY ability to play it to it's capabilities and the other would be a Weber MASS attenuator to dail it down a bit for home studio use. Other than that it's the shit...

[Boleskinehouse]

I think the Vintage Modern is a fantastic amp. I really don't have an opinion on any other current Marshalls.

PURPLE POWER!!

[Belzeebub]

One word = overpriced. they're nice, but priced just way out of most anybody's budget for an amp.

[moff40]

The VM probably IS a good amp. It's just that when I compared it to the Plexi 50, the Plexi sounded sooooo much better. Of course, that's all subjective. The sound I'm looking for may not do it for you, and vice versa. I like old-school crunch, with maybe a little bit of extra muscle. I found that on the VM, the low range was just too clean (like a JTM45), and the "modern" voicing was just too nasty, more like a JCM900 than a 1987/1959. Maybe I could have spent more time with it, but it sure wasn't the instant gratification I get plugging into an old-school 4-input 1987 or 1959.

I really dig the fact that with my Plexi 50, every sound I want is there, just a pickup selection or volume knob turn away. I can go from very clean to crunch to "tear your face off", just by using the controls on the guitar - no channel switching, no OD pedals, no extra BS required (but add-able if desired).

I find that over the past couple of years, I've really cut down on the amount of distortion\saturation I use. Now I find my guitar is still good 'n' nasty, but it now has more definition, and it sits in the mix right; it doesn't compete for a place, and doesn't sound like a herd of bumblebees in combat boots.

[Boleskinehouse]

Originally Posted by Belzeebub

One word = overpriced. they're nice, but priced just way out of most anybody's budget for an amp.

1600 bucks is too expensive for a 100 watt head?!? You guys pay way more than that for Les Pauls.. I think the VM is worth every cent. You know, ya don't have to buy the matching cabs with it.

[GibsonSlash]

It's only CAD$1,150 for a 100Watt Vintage Modern up here.
That's freaking cheap!!

Originally Posted by Boleskinehouse

1600 bucks is too expensive for a 100 watt head?!? You guys pay way more than that for Les Pauls.. I think the VM is worth every cent. You know, ya don't have to buy the matching cabs with it.

[JamesD]

I just picked up a Vintage Modern 2266 50watt head and I could not be happier! The tone is freakin' amazing! I'm definitely inspired to play better with this amp. Now, here's possibly what makes this new acquisition so incredibly awesome - I WAS using a MG100HDFX through my 1960A & 1960B cabs. What a universe of difference!

I found this VM on clearance at the Seattle Guitar Center for $849.00. Good price, I thought.

I'm such a happy guitar player now - hopefully I won't lose my sinister style! hahahaha

[coldsteal2]

Originally Posted by JamesD

I just picked up a Vintage Modern 2266 50watt head and I could not be happier! The tone is freakin' amazing! I'm definitely inspired to play better with this amp. Now, here's possibly what makes this new acquisition so incredibly awesome - I WAS using a MG100HDFX through my 1960A & 1960B cabs. What a universe of difference!

I found this VM on clearance at the Seattle Guitar Center for $849.00. Good price, I thought.

I'm such a happy guitar player now - hopefully I won't lose my sinister style! hahahaha

that is an insanly low price for a VM thats kick ass!!

there is a new 100 watt on eBay right now for $999

[coldsteal2]

Originally Posted by Boleskinehouse

1600 bucks is too expensive for a 100 watt head?!? You guys pay way more than that for Les Pauls.. I think the VM is worth every cent. You know, ya don't have to buy the matching cabs with it.

yea, i see alot of guys on here that have no problem
spending $3,000 for a LP but wont spend more
than $500 for an amp.......i just dont get that

[moff40]

Originally Posted by coldsteal2

that is an insanly low price for a VM thats kick ass!!

there is a new 100 watt on eBay right now for $999

L&M in Canada is selling the 2266 (50 watt VM) for $1099 CAD. When you consider the exchange rate, that's equivalent to about $850 USD.

[LPV]

I want to nominate 1987 as a great year for marshalls too

[moff40]

Originally Posted by LPV

I want to nominate 1987 as a great year for marshalls too

I was referring to the MODEL 1987 - the 50 watt, 4-input, no master JMP.

But that Silver Jubilee is pretty nice!

[coldsteal2]

Originally Posted by moff40

L&M in Canada is selling the 2266 (50 watt VM) for $1099 CAD. When you consider the exchange rate, that's equivalent to about $850 USD.

yea thats great!

[X–Ray]

Originally Posted by coldsteal2

everyone loves the sound of a cranked out Plexi, except
club owners and concert promoters that carry DB meters
with the cut off at 85dbs. A plexi puts out 115dbs
The only thing keeping me from buying one again is
i would never be able to play it without renting a garage in the
country to play it hahah

I own a DSL 100w with mods (see below).

I would highly recommend not changing your rig and using a Marshall PowerBrake.

This way you can retain maximum tone with variable volume – IMO (albeit not perfectly).

While I was very content with the DSL in its stock form, I made the following modifications:

Mercury Magnet "Axiom" Power and Output "SuperStack" Transformers, Choke, Hand matched JJ Tubes (high gain), Silver Mica 500pf @ 500v capacitors on the volume pots.

Based on playing Marshalls from about 1970 forward, the above mods have taken a great sounding amp, particularly the "Classic Gain" channel (IMO), and elevated it to “Dream Weaver” level – according to my ears. However, I must admit it was costly and shame on Marshall for making me upgrade based on MY standards. Don't start me on the plastic speaker cabinet handles - metal only IMO.

Marshalls, IMO, are the worst built, but most iconic sounding "Classic Rock" amp ever – especially with 25w Greenbacks (the only wattage I will use to keep that 60's "floppy" sound which is ear candy to me).

Having owned so many of them, overall, IMO, they have always been shitty on quality control, craftsmanship, and materials. However, THE SOUND was/is the best – if THAT is your sound...

For example, I have purchased brand new Marshall amps and cabinets over the years where I insist that I be the one to take them out of the unopened shipping box at the music store, and upon examination find dents, tears, and imperfections which had to be present when it left the factory! Yet, I still drove away with it and not look back.

But once again, IMO, "The Sound" is more often than not present.

Either I have been exceptionally lucky given the sheer number of Marshall amps and cabinets I have owned (once in a while a speaker cone would blow or tubes would start to sound weak) or by-in-large, despite themselves, Marshall somehow delivers where it counts the most.

I have never been of the opinion Marshalls were well made, just to my "Dinosaur" ears, I keep coming back regardless of the Hiwatts, Oranges, Ampeg V4s, Mesa Boogies, Traynors, and Fenders, I have owned in the past as well.

It is my belief that generally speaking (of course some "urban legends" are true), people tend to sell you on their experience. That is, if you have had a positive experience (such as myself) with something, you will most likely talk it up, on the other hand (ha, ha), if you have had a negative experience you will talk it down. How many divorced people rave about marriage?

I know I am being redundant on top of my redundancy, however, IMO Marshall made a poor quality amp during the "Golden Age" of rock which had/has a distinctive voice, and, with their "Modern Age" voiced amps, continue to make a poorly made amp.

So the real question to me is not of quality but of tone preference.

Want Classic tone = buy vintage, re-issue, or a DSL 50 or 100w (then turbo charge it - although not everybody can as that I am very fortunate in that I could afford to drop another grand into it - without my wife knowing) and pair the head up with 25w Greenbacks (maybe 30w Greenbacks if you really push out a lot of air).

Want Modern Shred = buy Marshall's shredding machines and use 30, 70 or 100w speakers, and don't upgrade critical components such as, at minimum, the stock output transformers and power and pre-amp tubes, etc.

As usual, overstated my opinion/suggestion - :–)

Good luck...

[Boleskinehouse]

Want classic tone? Get an early '70s metal panel. Want it ALL in one package? Get a Vintage Modern. End of story.

[X–Ray]

Originally Posted by Boleskinehouse

Want classic tone? Get an early '70s metal panel. Want it ALL in one package? Get a Vintage Modern. End of story.

"End of story..."
Overlooked the Vintage Modern.
While you don't get Purple Haze with it, you do get Purple Vinyl.
Played one full-out for about an hour and was able to dial in a solid tone within the first couple of minutes...
Regarding craftmanship and quality control – I assume the worse and hope for the best – however, this just happens to be a non–issue for me since if I bought one I would be purchasing "The Sound."
I agree...

[randygt]

I've been eyeballing a VM but really want a Jtm 45....both will have to wait since I just bought a new SG standard

[moff40]

Originally Posted by Cosmic Ray

"End of story..."
Overlooked the Vintage Modern.

No he didn't

He said: "Want classic tone? Get an early '70s metal panel. Want it ALL in one package? Get a Vintage Modern. End of story."

Doesn't sound like overlooking it at all...

Or maybe I read it out of context...

[moff40]

Originally Posted by randygt

I've been eyeballing a VM but really want a Jtm 45....both will have to wait since I just bought a new SG standard

Check out the VM. The "low" dynamic range is very much like a JTM. Not crunchy like a JMP. It also has KT-66 power tubes which I think helps a lot getting the JTM-esque vibe...

[coldsteal2]

Originally Posted by randygt

I've been eyeballing a VM but really want a Jtm 45....both will have to wait since I just bought a new SG standard

if you like the JTM45 you will love the VM
its bassed on the original JTM45 on low dynamic
sounds just like a JTM45

punch in Mid boost, you have a later model
70's sound, punch in the high dynamic and
you have a modern marshall high gain sound

[randygt]

oh really, hmmmm...I finally gave in and bought an sg standard. I figured they weren't gonna get any cheaper. It's obvious I'm old school (sg w/marshalls) ...I'd like to find an amp that falls in with less gain than my 900 sl-x. Maybe the VM is it. The 50 watter seems interesting.

[moff40]

Originally Posted by randygt

oh really, hmmmm...I finally gave in and bought an sg standard. I figured they weren't gonna get any cheaper. It's obvious I'm old school (sg w/marshalls) ...I'd like to find an amp that falls in with less gain than my 900 sl-x. Maybe the VM is it. The 50 watter seems interesting.

And they're relatively inexpensive...