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Posted by: Bara2 Apr 18 2012, 11:10 PM

Hello GMC!!

I’m a intermediate-skill player and want to change my first amp (a little one) and buy a decent and bigger amp in a price range of $400 - $600 . I went to the guitar shop and saw the Marshall MG series amps, they really caught my attention. So I was thinking of buying the MG50fx but first I decided to do some research on the Internet. I read some reviews that said it was a pretty good amp for its price. But in some guitar forums people said it was a really poor amp and recommended to stay away from the MG series. But before buying anything i want your opinion guys.

I don’t have much experience with amps and after reading the bad reputation people gave to the Marshall MG amps I had my doubts, so here are my questions:

What do you think of the Marshall MG amps?

Are they worth buying? I cant afford the best amp but i know there can be good amps for that price range.

What amps would you recommend? I play mainly Rock , Blues and starting to play Jazz!!

Please help!




Thank you

Posted by: The Uncreator Apr 18 2012, 11:57 PM

I'd stay away. For that price you could get something miles better. What are you looking to play?

You could also consider something like the POD HD500

Posted by: Guitar1969 Apr 19 2012, 12:13 AM

I've heard the newer MGs are not very good.

There are tons of options out there but, if you want a good sized versitile amp(I am assuming you are not looking for a tiny little amp, which can be good as well), but don't have a lot of money, check out the Peavey Valveking 212. Its a true 100 watt tube amp with 2 12"s in it, and 2 channels. Its a lot of bang for the buck (tube amps of that size usually cost a lot more). Its very versatile - kind of like a Fender Twin reverb. It can handle all the styles you mentioned - Its got a dirty channel, but if you want to go hard rock, you would need a Tubescreamer type pedal in front of it (I have a Digitech Bad Mokey which orks well with it and is common combination for this amp).

Cool thing is there are also a lot of mods out there for it and because its a true tube amp with 3 preamp tubes and 3 power tubes, sound is hard to beat for that price But be aware, like a twin reverb, this thing weighs like 80lbs.

Posted by: SpaseMoonkey Apr 19 2012, 12:14 AM

Hmmm POD HD500 is an amp? Sorry had to bust your balls a bit!




Personally I believe the MG series is the lowest quality you could get from Marshall.

Hmmm in that price range.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Peavey-6505-112-60W-1x12--Tube-Combo-Guitar-Amp-105612089-i1445921.gc
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Vox-Valvetronix-VT120--120W-2x12-Guitar-Combo-Amp-106337850-i1636994.gc

I think those would be 2 I'd give a listen to see if they work for you. The music style you list I'd look more at the 2nd one which is Vox. Both use tube preamps to help give warmth and take away from the sold state sound. I actually owned a Vox but it was a 30w amp if I remember correctly.

Posted by: rokchik Apr 19 2012, 12:31 AM

Have you looked at the Fender G-Dec series?

I have the Metal model and it's not a bad little practice amp. You can also download the modelings from the other amps in the series on to a SD card so you can play any style. I got mine for around $300. The Vox Valvetronic series are nice as well.

rok

Posted by: Bara2 Apr 19 2012, 05:10 PM

Thanks guys!

im looking mainly an amp to practice at home. But I use to jam with 2 friends, a drummer and another guitarrist (he has a fender frontman212r) and well the problem is that I can´t hear what im playing... because my amp is not loud enough so they have to play quietly.

So I was thinking of a 30 or 50 watt amp.

Posted by: Bara2 Apr 19 2012, 08:27 PM

Hey guys just one more question!

i've already checked the vox valvetronix, really cool indeed.

but what do you guys think of the vox AC15/AC30??

Please let me know your opinion.

Posted by: David.C.Bond Apr 19 2012, 09:28 PM

Yes definitely stay away from the Marshall MG, or any modern cheaper Marshalls for that matter. In that price range, check out the Peavey Valveking series, or perhaps a smaller Orange combo?

Posted by: derper Apr 19 2012, 10:17 PM

For Blues/Rock/Jazz/ I'd suggest a tube amp, and more specifically a Fender Deluxe or even just a Blues Jr. The Jr is only 15 watts, but it's totally loud enough to rock with a band AND quiet enough to practice at home. Tube watts are way louder.

The Vox AC's are alright.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 19 2012, 10:38 PM

Those VOX AMPS have a nice vintage sound to them and are good for a variety of styles including the ones you mentioned. Give them a shot and see if you like the way they sound. Take your guitar with you and give each a try out!

Todd

Posted by: Fran Apr 20 2012, 11:09 AM

+1 on vox and peavey.

Keep in mind that if you get a tube amp you'll have a TON of power to be heard in rehearsals, but it will be TOO LOUD to break the natural distortion at home, hence you'll need a stomp if you don't want to disturb the neighbours. Although maybe that's not an issue

Posted by: Bara2 Apr 20 2012, 06:30 PM

Thank you guys!

you've all been very helpful! I really apreciate your opinion. The best I can do now is to take my guitar to the shop and try some amps. Vox are my first choice now.

Posted by: Fran Apr 21 2012, 05:26 PM

Nothing like your ears and a few amps at the store can beat what you read at any boards man, hope you find what you seek.