Kind of a "strange" question...

[Closed Eye]

I'm not sure if anybody knows this, or if they've even thought about it, but does anyone have any idea what higher-end tubed Marshall the MG Series (specifically the MG250DFX) was modeled after?

I'm really liking the sound I'm getting out of the MG250DFX, but would like to upgrade to something a tad more professional sometime in the near future (the summer, hopefully). So, if I knew what model the MG250 was in the tradition of it would be easier for me to find something pretty much the same, just with tubes and a little more quality.

Thanks.

 

[V-Spot]

Re: Kind of a "strange" question...

Traynor's are a good choice for a tube amp. If you can't find a Traynor with EL-34's, you can always swap out the stock tubes and put in EL-34's. I know there was a special limited edition Traynor 2x10 with EL-34's, and it sounded pretty close to a Marshall to me.

If you can, check some Traynor's out. They're well priced tube combos, and from an owner of one, they have amazing tones, and the reverb is definitely worth checking out.

 

[Closed Eye]

Re: Kind of a "strange" question...

I've considered the new Traynor Blue50, which is supposed to more very "British sounding", which is exactly what I'm looking for, but I was thinking of staying with Marshall and just going the next level up. That, my friend, is the reason I was asking which Marshall's the MG series was modeled after.

Thanks for the help.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Kind of a "strange" question...

I'd say it similar to a TSL or DSL, as far as variety of tones. Doesn't sound like them obviously, but...you've got clean, older style crunch, and high gain modern settings.

 

[Closed Eye]

Re: Kind of a "strange" question...

I was thinking it was closer to the TSL, since I haven't really tried any DSL models I really have no point of reference past that.
The JCM2000 TSL100 (combo) was essentially the same amp with an extra channel, but the lead channel didn't sound as saturated gain wise as the MG. I should mention I used the same settings I have on the MG, but with a few tweaks here and there...however, I didn't account for that thing where you overdrive the power tubes and they distort on their own (what's that called?). I also didn't really understand the dynamics of the tubes either...

Anyway, thanks for the help.

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: Kind of a "strange" question...

The MG series wasnt modeled specifically after a higher model Marshall. They have always tried to keep the lines all sharing the same bloodline but having their own individual personalities... Also a TSL is a bit different animal its takes a bit more tweaking than most Marshalls to unlock all its sounds. Though I havent set them side by side I wouldnt be surprised if the MG series did have more gain. That seems to be a trend with the SS Marshalls... The DSL's are generally regarded as the most aggressive of the current Marshall tube amps. My opinion is if you take the time with a TSL its just as nasty its just not as much a plug in and play amp.