Marshall MG Series Beef?

[onedaycloser]

Not just here but on a few forums I've been on there always seems to be a beef with the MG series. Granted I've only had experience with my Lead 15 (G15MS), but for around the house/small jams it's been pretty good.

So what's the deal? Are the bigger models completely worthless or is there anyone that uses them that are happy? I wouldn't mind getting a bit bigger combo or 1/2 stack that was Marshall but I'd never drop the cash for a full tube setup (if I had the $ sure).

[lp_junkie]

I have tested all the different versions, I don't see why they are hated.

Granted they don't sound like the tube Marshalls at all, but they do sound good if you bother to twist the knobs and make it sound good. I generally don't use amps under 50-100 watts so I tend to compare the larger ones.

They are fine and do a good job at what they were designed for.

[needlespauls]

The new MG4 series is actually pretty nice for what it is. Analog distortion now apparently, with more digital effects. I've played the 30 watt, and I thought it would make a great grab n' go practice/jam amp. BUT for that purpose I'd prefer an AVT 20 for that purpose, from the Valvestate line....

[leftyguitarman]

I just love the natural break up of tube amps. I don't hate the MG series, but I don't care for them. They do what they were designed for. I prefer tube amps over any solid state amp.

[onedaycloser]

Didn't see the other thread talking about the MG 100 watt head/stack till just now. My main reason for asking (other than having the Lead 15) was that they often come up quite cheap on Craiglist usually around 400 for the head/cab. It would probably be a bit overkill for what I do anyway.

If all goes well I'll be in the amp market early in the new year. I like the idea of the Valve Senior, with it being tube and fairly low wattage with reverb. Also I've thought about the Fender Frontman 100w 2x12 or the 65w 1x12, it's about as close as I could get new to the Deluxe 90 I had a few years ago. I liked the pristine cleans on the Deluxe but didn't like the drive channel. When I traded it I was thinking I was going to get into heavier music and swapped it for a Vox Valvetronix.

A few trades later and I'm running a Boss ME-70 into the Marshall Lead 15 and rather like the overall tone. Without the Boss, not so much though. So my idea was to go back to the pristine clean of the Fender SS and then use the Boss/other pedals for OD or higher gain stuff.

[TeleDog]

This post is interesting. I have nothing against the MG amps. I saw another thread here showing a white MG for sale now, nice looking amp.

I don't own one, I don't like SS amps, but I gotta tell you, I feel good Marshall is actually taking care of the kids and those who can't afford a tube amp or don't want one. Those MGs come in nice looking cabinets and the same Marshall logo you find elsewhere.

Compare that to what Gibson and Fender do. They sure offer some affordable, enrty level stuff, but God forbid they'll put their logo on that.... You want the Gibson logo? Get ready to get a mortgage. At least with Marshall you get something more than just an entry level amp along with a different brand to let everybody know you can't afford the good ones.

Good for Marshall.

[Classicplayer]

Onedaycloser,

When you owned the Deluxe 90, what type of music were you using it for? I own the DSP version of it, and I agree, the drive channels leave something to be desired. I have not played mine in about a year as I have a couple of small
Roland cube type amps that I'm experimenting with. I did like the cleans of the Deluxe 90 DSP, and will go back to it again I'm sure. I was thinking about the MG series, especially the newer series, but decided that the Roland modeling amps provided more tones.

Classicplayer

[River]

I know you're asking about the big ones, but I have an MDFX15 that is not only great for practice, but with an EQ in front of it and the emulated line out driving a mini-PA with a 15" woofer and a horn, it sounds DAMNED good.

I rarely use it now in favor of the POD X3, but if that was all I had I wouldn't be crying in my beer.

[weirdotis]

I have an older MG50, was my first "real amp". I use it in church when I don't want to haul the 4x12 around, and run the Soldano through the speakers. The cleans are good for a SS amp, the distortion (as expected) sucks.

Matt

[onedaycloser]

I was just starting out, had just gotten my first good guitar/amp (a MIM Strat) and the D-90. I play a little of everything depending on my mood but it's usually blues, grunge type stuff or occasionally some "metal". I got the notion that I would get the Vox AD50VT, the first gen, and use all the different amp models. I pretty much kept it stuck on the Tweed/Blackface or the JCM 800 settings and never touched anything else. Same story with the effects, I used the reverb 90% of the time on the Tweed/Blackface and turned it off with the JCM setting.

Overall I like the my Lead 15, but the clean doesn't get that sparkle and spank like a Fender does. The reverb seems a little dull to me but that's more than likely due to short tank, it's maybe 1/3 to 1/2 that of a Fender combo. I've got somewhat limited amp experience but the 15 seems to get very reminiscent of the Marshall models on the Vox I had. With the Gains around 1/4-1/2 it sounds like the 70's setting (JTM 45-ish), punchy but clean. With the gains over 1/2 to 3/4s it seems more like the JCM 800 with a nice mild crunch. Anything over 3/4s and it gets too hairy for me, the notes don't seem to have much definition. I usually reach for my Digitech Grunge (forgive me but for some reason I like it) for the higher gain, plus is allows me to simulate a 2nd channel.

The D90's overdrive channel was ok, I remember liking my Bad Monkey on the clean better than the OD though. It's funny how we go full circle with our gear sometimes.

How do you like the DSP part of the amp? I don't think I'd specifically get one with it but if a decent deal came up with one that had it I could overlook it. I've got all the effects I could need with the ME-70.

[onedaycloser]

River - as far as I know the Lead 15 is pretty much the same circuit as the other 15 watters of the MG series, but I could be wrong. Mine is sans the FX models, I'm not sure what year it is but I know it's the previous Gen.

I think the 2x10 cabs help to thicken up the sound too as compared to a single speaker configuration, the micro stack doesn't seem quite a beamy as some practice amps I've used in the past.

[Classicplayer]

DSP of Deluxe 90 seems to have that digital "tail" heard at the end of some notes, especially on the delay. Not bad though.

Classicplayer

[MCSteeler]

I have the older version of the MG half-stack and I think they're alright. Not great, but not bad either. I also think they get unfairly bashed. My only gripe is that I think they're too expensive new. I bought mine used for $375 (they go for $650 new) and to me, that seems about right.

If you do decide to get one, just remember that these are nothing like their tubed big brothers. While they are plenty loud, they can't hold a candle to Marshall's better amps. Also, go high on the bass and lower on the mids and treble...for the overdrive channel is quite "tinny".

If you want a better Marshall solid state option, I'd recommend you look into the older Valvestate series. Much better sounding amps all around and can be had quite cheap. I have both the 8100 Model head and the VS100 head, they both blow away the MG.

[epilespaul2000]

Originally Posted by weirdotis

I have an older MG50, was my first "real amp". I use it in church when I don't want to haul the 4x12 around, and run the Soldano through the speakers. The cleans are good for a SS amp, the distortion (as expected) sucks.

Matt

I own an older one too and I think everything about it sucks.

[Boleskinehouse]

I wouldn't hit a hog in the rear with an MG. Yes, I've played through them.

[LPV]

It all depends on what you are comparing it to. Many, shall we say, less traveled among us claim they sound as good as x or y. Those of us who own x or y know different and choose to highlight the incredulity