Looks like Marshall has hit a new low since the sale of Marshall

[67plexi]

I have built a lot of amps the first thing to source is the best transformers you can acquire
I have a supply of transformers in stock for repairs Mesa Marshall Fender if I add component parts my guess around $200,000 invested in stock
try to do same day service around 30+ years ago I ordered a 1968 Marshall 1959 Super Lead and it did not work when I got it
my friend Roger worked on my amps since 1971 Roger moved out of country and I got a box full of parts that was my start
then servicing private amp collections and the local music store repairs once in awhile would service a great sounding vintage amp
I have a descent collection the past five or so years most new amps sound fair at best Chinese Vietnamese transformers now the UK
made Marshall's switched to Vietnamese transformers every Vietnamese made Marshall I have repaired I told the customer to sell it ASAP.

 

[Clockworkmike]

Every Marshall I have was both built directly in the Milton Keynes facility and all used Drake transformers, which are still working in them today some 25 years later. But that being said, I'm aware of the Vietnam built amps ( namely the Origin 20/50, DSL100/100R/100HR/40C/40CR and the MG and Code series amplifiers) but when judging them on their sound, its still Marshall to me in every way.

Do I like the fact they build them outside of England? Admittedly, no because that's always been the home base. But, in keeping with market and keeping them remotely affordable, I guess I understand why they do it: competition. It's sort of like how Gibson makes their models more affordable by branding them Epiphone and building them outside of the US, the same as Fender does with certain models including the entire Squier line.

John Q Public isn't going to be able to buy a reissue JCM800 2230X or JVM ( which are made in Milton Keynes) but they CAN get their hands on a DSL100HR or Origin ( made in Vietnam) and it'll still have that distinctive Marshall mid-range roar either way. So, plug away and make some music!

 

[Jethro Rocker]

Every Marshall I have was both built directly in the Milton Keynes facility and all used Drake transformers, which are still working in them today some 25 years later. But that being said, I'm aware of the Vietnam built amps ( namely the Origin 20/50, DSL100/100R/100HR/40C/40CR and the MG and Code series amplifiers) but when judging them on their sound, its still Marshall to me in every way.

Do I like the fact they build them outside of England? Admittedly, no because that's always been the home base. But, in keeping with market and keeping them remotely affordable, I guess I understand why they do it: competition. It's sort of like how Gibson makes their models more affordable by branding them Epiphone and building them outside of the US, the same as Fender does with certain models including the entire Squier line.

John Q Public isn't going to be able to buy a reissue JCM800 2230X or JVM ( which are made in Milton Keynes) but they CAN get their hands on a DSL100HR ( made in Vietnam) and it'll still have that distinctive Marshall mid-range roar either way. So, plug away and make some music!

Yeah people complain about the $3k UK made Marshalls, well, then look at the alternative. You get what you pay for in some ways but unless those transformers start to fail at a regular and alarming rate it doesn't bother me.

 

[Sapient]

Marshall is and has always been my one and only. I would have rather not played than to not play through one. That said, they are an item that represents an era of time. They will slope down until they are just ....gone. I don't think there will be a market for Marshall amps in the future and I think there is barely one now aside from us old folks. They will "go" as we ...."go", unfortunately in my opinion.

 

[67plexi]

I'm happy with the new Marshall 2 x 12" cabinet it was a deal miss priced $699.00 real price other dealers $1399.00
made my Express amp sing it has the same metal handles as my vintage Marshall cabinets.
The 1969 early metal face was formally owned by Eric Johnson it is one of the best sounding Marshall's I have ever played
I have the red and white but never got the purple factory custom colors.

 

[SG John]

Except for my JTM45 reissue, all of my Marshall’s are from the 70s. Even if they do have the ST-1 PCB, they are all easily serviceable because they still used the same Piher resistors, Philips and Lemgo capacitors, and other parts used on the turret board amps from early ‘73 and prior. And they sound great. When the JTM45 was released again in ‘89, it had the ST-1 PCB along with Drake transformers and a GZ34 rectifier tube. That year, they got it right, then they changed it to cheaper components. Now that everything is PCB with microprocessor components and PCB mounted control pots, I don’t think I could ever buy a newer Marshall. Some of the stuff is swappable and upgradable, but carries a higher failure rate.

I do like my Fawn custom color JMP.

 

[Ghostman]

Maybe it's just the social circles I frequent, but the stock Marshall JCM circuit just doesn't cut it anymore. People are modding the crap out of those circuits so they buy used and save money, or they buy some other high-gain monster for $3000+ that gives them way more options. With all the other amp options out on the market, you can get the "Marshall roar" and a thousand more options with amps that are less expensive.

 

[BFT Gibson]

I love my Marshall Origin 20 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! maybe i will open it up & tell myself to stop playing & quit music all together..lol

 

[C-Grin]

I love my Marshall Origin 20 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! maybe i will open it up & tell myself to stop playing & quit music all together..lol

I use mine all the time, for what it is it’s terrific. I knew what I was buying, call it an entry level amp or whatever. But for the big Flagship amps to be going on the cheap and still charging premium coin, that’s probably not good. But I will never buy one of those anyway.

 

[BFT Gibson]

I use mine all the time, for what it is it’s terrific. I knew what I was buying, call it an entry level amp or whatever. But for the big Flagship amps to be going on the cheap and still charging premium coin, that’s probably not good. But I will never buy one of those anyway.

All this madness did not make me a better player than the Origin 20 & Bug v22 i have now

 

[syscokid]

… now the UK made Marshall's switched to Vietnamese transformers…

Thanks for posting Jason’s video.

After reading the current replies on this thread, I think some are missing the point or did not watch the video. The new Marshall Amp company is trying to capitalize on their history and/or nostalgia by deceiving the customer with questionable parts, but still charging a pretty penny for it. In the example of the “vintage reissue” 2203 for $3500+, this is a joke! Let me rephrase… This is a SCAM! At this price I would expect authentic homegrown trannies. Notice Marshall’s marketing never says: “Hey boys and girls! One of the greatest rock n roll amps ever built, the tried and true Marshall JCM800 2203 of England, can be yours for way more money than it’s worth, and we’ve added an fx loop and exotic transformers from Vietnam!”

 

[Session 5]

Thanks for posting Jason’s video.

After reading the current replies on this thread, I think some are missing the point or did not watch the video. The new Marshall Amp company is trying to capitalize on their history and/or nostalgia by deceiving the customer with questionable parts, but still charging a pretty penny for it. In the example of the “vintage reissue” 2203 for $3500+, this is a joke! Let me rephrase… This is a SCAM! At this price I would expect authentic homegrown trannies. Notice Marshall’s marketing never says: “Hey boys and girls! One of the greatest rock n roll amps ever built, the tried and true Marshall JCM800 2203 of England, can be yours for way more money than it’s worth, and we’ve added an fx loop and exotic transformers from Vietnam!”

I agree with you Greg..


After reading the current replies on this thread, I think some are missing the point or did not watch the video

 

[BFT Gibson]

Thanks for posting Jason’s video.

After reading the current replies on this thread, I think some are missing the point or did not watch the video. The new Marshall Amp company is trying to capitalize on their history and/or nostalgia by deceiving the customer with questionable parts, but still charging a pretty penny for it. In the example of the “vintage reissue” 2203 for $3500+, this is a joke! Let me rephrase… This is a SCAM! At this price I would expect authentic homegrown trannies. Notice Marshall’s marketing never says: “Hey boys and girls! One of the greatest rock n roll amps ever built, the tried and true Marshall JCM800 2203 of England, can be yours for way more money than it’s worth, and we’ve added an fx loop and exotic transformers from Vietnam!”

Watched the whole video last night actually. I get it and used go think that way. All my amps went strait to a tech & mods & trannies ect. Looking back it made such a minimal tone dif. Marshall isn't Marshall anymore BTW so it will spec to most effective means to an end all at the consumers expense. Sure they should fix the advertising properly. But if ya want a proper jcm 800, buy used...

My bad for commenting but also why its time to go disappear again & make music vs looking inside amps...

 

[Ghostman]

Transformers are a huge impact on an amp design, but what about the other components that these amps have been built with over the last 20+ years? Can't tell me that the resistors, caps, and other components are "nostalgic" as the Dagnall transformers. I feel that the Dagnall's and the metal chassis are the only parts that these amps still share with the original's of the 80's.

 

[Clockworkmike]

Well I did watch it and I still hold my stance. Let's face some reality here: Marshall, Fender, Peavey, Orange and yes and the beloved all-dancing $hit of the world Mesa Boogie are using cheap Asian components. That's just a sad fact we have got accept and expect now. They are going to cut the costs anywhere they can to maximize their profit and components will certainly be an area they'll shave costs at.

It's been this way for decades, not recent years. Want proof? Why do you think major amp brands began using PCBs vs hand wired boards? Why did most all rectifiers change from tube to solidstate? It's all cost costing measures and this has been going on forever now, including these beloved "classic" models.

Also, he mentioned Dagnalls being used for decades? Eh, better go check the 1990s because they were Drake exclusively ( I have 2 of them) in the 50watters like they did in ALL Marshalls pre 1967. Marshall switched to Dagnalls in the 100watters for what reason? Price! This only proves my point: yeah, they're slipping cheaper Vietnamese transformers in amps today that are reissues from the classic era like the 2203. But unless you're actually buying a hand wired Marshall reissue, don't expect any less.

I don't like it personally, especially at the price they're selling this stuff at but what's your alternatives? A boutique amp that will cost you nearly twice as much or build your own? Most folks can't afford a $4000-$6500 amplifier like a Diezel or Bogner, let alone a vintage amp and they wouldnt even know where to begin when it comes to amp building ( I sure as hell don't!) But, what I CAN do like a lot of people, is I can play the thing. Like a lot of folks, I am not be an expert or professional in any sense, but I can certainly conjure a sound out of these alleged cheaper and inferior amplifiers. And honestly, isn't that what's important? To be able to make a sound from one as opposed to the other side of the coin, in cork-sniffing, collecting and bragging about an expensive amp without making a single viable note with it? Kinda like the man who bids at Barrett Jackson for a classic car he will never drive vs the grease monkey who can turn a wrench and works with what hes got.

 

[Jethro Rocker]

Thanks for posting Jason’s video.

After reading the current replies on this thread, I think some are missing the point or did not watch the video. The new Marshall Amp company is trying to capitalize on their history and/or nostalgia by deceiving the customer with questionable parts, but still charging a pretty penny for it. In the example of the “vintage reissue” 2203 for $3500+, this is a joke! Let me rephrase… This is a SCAM! At this price I would expect authentic homegrown trannies. Notice Marshall’s marketing never says: “Hey boys and girls! One of the greatest rock n roll amps ever built, the tried and true Marshall JCM800 2203 of England, can be yours for way more money than it’s worth, and we’ve added an fx loop and exotic transformers from Vietnam!”

Yeah to be fair I didn't watch. It didn't interest me all too much, honestly, as it seemed like more Marshall doom n gloom.
Sell all your Marshalla and run away type of thing.
That said.
I can't care where they get the parts from but yes a reissue of an 80s amp for that kinds dough should be a reissue. Loop is an awesome touch but don't put cheap trannies in it.
Seems like that is the way they might be headed... also, trannies come down to wiring and construction I guess the jury is out till one actually sees how these ones are put together and compares them. ?

 

[67plexi]

Most won't know that during 1967 to 1972 Marshall made Park amps for their dealers that Rose Morris dropped
Park amps were reissued but had nothing to do with Marshall.
My 1969 Park Marshall 75 is a great sounding amp used GEC KT88 power tubes stock serial #A1048

 

[dmatthews]

One wonders how much it would have cost to keep using the original transformers. Not a whole helluva a lot considering the overall cost of the amp...

 

[67plexi]

Found a 1971 Park 75 for sale as far guitars and amps before I buy always look at the blue book price
15 years ago paid $650.00 for the 1969 Park 75 now their worth $5,000.00 to $6,000.00 range.

Park 75 1971 Black | Reverb

An all original 1971 Park 75 skilfully and sympathetically restored to its former glory by Dan Whitelock Jones in Liverpool - if you know about the history of the Park brand you’ll know its pedigree and why they were made to be a little hotter and some argue a little better than the standard prod...

reverb.com

Wish I had a time machine back to 2011

25 Most Valuable Amplifiers | Vintage Guitar® magazine

Text by Dave Hunter Data compiled by Alan Greenwood and Gil Hembree Vintage Guitar is marking 25 years of publication with a year full of features. Using data compiled for The Official Vintage Guitar Price Guide 2011, we continue the celebration with a list of the 25 most valuable amplifiers –...

www.vintageguitar.com

 

[C-Grin]

I had a buddy who had a 50 watt (I think ) Park and man did it sound great.