Marshall Guv'nor

[Supernautilus]

I've been wanting one of these for a while now. I'm not crazy about the (original/reissue) pedal format though. So I've started looking at alternatives.

As of right now I'm looking at either the JHS Angry Charlie or the Wilson Effects Sparkling Blue. The Wilson has a clipping switch option so I'm leaning towards that.

Anyone have any other recommendations, or any general thoughts on Guv'nor alternatives/clones? Feel free to share. Thanks.

 

[Chistopher]

If you're going to get an Angry Charlie you might as well get an Angry Driver.

 

[beaubrummels]

I have a Marshall Guv'nor, but it's like a second revision with a silver/goldish pedal enclosure and smaller than the original (more BOSS sized). It has the Deep control which simulates the cab. Great sounding pedal. Don't know what the alternatives are, or why that pedal enclosure is a problem. The only issues I've ever felt with it is the switch seems smaller than other pedals, but it's always worked when I hit it and there are ways to make the switch bigger.

 

[Mincer]

There was a great kit called the BYOC Chancellor that was out. I tried one before, and it sounded just like the original. BYOC is out of business now, but some retailers still have kits, and already-built ones are out there, too.

 

[Supernautilus]

If you're going to get an Angry Charlie you might as well get an Angry Driver.

I’ve definitely wanted one of those for a while. However, what I’m really after now is the “amp in a box” experience, so a 3 band tone stack is a minimum requirement.

 

[Supernautilus]

I have a Marshall Guv'nor, but it's like a second revision with a silver/goldish pedal enclosure and smaller than the original (more BOSS sized). It has the Deep control which simulates the cab. Great sounding pedal. Don't know what the alternatives are, or why that pedal enclosure is a problem. The only issues I've ever felt with it is the switch seems smaller than other pedals, but it's always worked when I hit it and there are ways to make the switch bigger.

Do you mean the GV-2? It’s funny you mention that because I’ve always wanted to try one of those too. But it seems to have a bad rep, with people saying it’s not like the original or that it just sounds bad. But used ones are pretty cheap. Maybe I should grab one to see for myself.

 

[RanchManSandy]

There was a great kit called the BYOC Chancellor that was out. I tried one before, and it sounded just like the original. BYOC is out of business now, but some retailers still have kits, and already-built ones are out there, too.

whoa, pour one out for a homey. I've built like 10 BYOC items over the years. Rest in spaghetti, never forgetti


Anywho, build an Aion Equinox. It's by far the best Guv'nor clone and give you clipping options

https://aionfx.com/project/equinox-amp-overdrive/

Aion boxes are stupid easy to build, too. Even easier than BYOC

 

[Supernautilus]

whoa, pour one out for a homey. I've built like 10 BYOC items over the years. Rest in spaghetti, never forgetti


Anywho, build an Aion Equinox. It's by far the best Guv'nor clone and give you clipping options

https://aionfx.com/project/equinox-amp-overdrive/

Aion boxes are stupid easy to build, too. Even easier than BYOC

I did briefly breeze over this one. All I need is a soldering iron? Instructions are easy to follow?

 

[beaubrummels]

Do you mean the GV-2? It’s funny you mention that because I’ve always wanted to try one of those too. But it seems to have a bad rep, with people saying it’s not like the original or that it just sounds bad. But used ones are pretty cheap. Maybe I should grab one to see for myself.

I think it's called a Guv'nor Plus? But yeah, the second version GV-2. It's not exactly like the first, I have played both. The original sounded like a JCM800 to me and was really responsive to the volume on the guitar, not fizzy at all. This sounds like a JCM900, which doesn't clean up as much with the guitar volume, can seem a bit fizzy/hissy maybe (but actually not as bad as the real thing; I have a fizzy JCM900 also) also it has the Deep control for cab girth, which really makes it life-like to me. Lotta gain though, it's sensitive trying to back it off to just edge/grit. I'm not using this one, I'd sell it to you if you want to try it. I bought it used from this forum, so no original box or anything.

 

[RanchManSandy]

I did briefly breeze over this one. All I need is a soldering iron? Instructions are easy to follow?

Yes, crazy easy. the build instructions pdf is right on the website, check it out. you don't even need to think about resistor colors--the value is printed right on the resistor! I have about a dozen AION builds and they're mostly fabulous.

 

[Supernautilus]

I think it's called a Guv'nor Plus? But yeah, the second version GV-2. It's not exactly like the first, I have played both. The original sounded like a JCM800 to me and was really responsive to the volume on the guitar, not fizzy at all. This sounds like a JCM900, which doesn't clean up as much with the guitar volume, can seem a bit fizzy/hissy maybe (but actually not as bad as the real thing; I have a fizzy JCM900 also) also it has the Deep control for cab girth, which really makes it life-like to me. Lotta gain though, it's sensitive trying to back it off to just edge/grit. I'm not using this one, I'd sell it to you if you want to try it. I bought it used from this forum, so no original box or anything.

Hmm, maybe. How much you want for it? Is it in good condition? Feel free to PM me if you prefer.

 

[beaubrummels]

Hmm, maybe. How much you want for it? Is it in good condition? Feel free to PM me if you prefer.

Let me know if you can see this link - https://imgur.com/a/NWRj3uY. I'll PM you the other particulars.

 

[ErikH]

The GV-2 sounds nothing like the original, as mentioned. I've been jonesing for one of the reissues of the original. From the innards shots I've seen, it's thru-hole components like the original too, not just the same enclosure. It's an honest reissue. Regardless of the footprint, get one.

I wish BYOC was still around. I was looking at doing their Phase 90 kit and possibly the Chancellor. Gonna have to see who has kits in stock of those still cause when they're gone, they're gone.

 

[beaubrummels]

The GV-2 sounds nothing like the original, as mentioned. I've been jonesing for one of the reissues of the original. From the innards shots I've seen, it's thru-hole components like the original too, not just the same enclosure. It's an honest reissue. Regardless of the footprint, get one.

I was BYOC was still around. I was looking at doing their Phase 90 kit and possibly the Chancellor. Gonna have to see who has kits in stock of those still cause when they're gone, they're gone.

True that, they are different. But IME both are really good, like having a JCM800 and a JCM900 in the stable, except on the pedal board, where you don't have to really "haul it" to the gig.

 

[Bill Dennis]

There was a great kit called the BYOC Chancellor that was out. I tried one before, and it sounded just like the original. BYOC is out of business now, but some retailers still have kits, and already-built ones are out there, too.

I believe Guitar Gadgets still makes one. I have had one of theirs for years. In fact, I liked it better than the Marshall.

 

[marcello252]

I have a Marshall Guv'nor, but it's like a second revision with a silver/goldish pedal enclosure and smaller than the original (more BOSS sized).

I have it too and I HAD an original guvnor 1st series (sold ), completely different beasts, the gold one is way too harsher and not that pleasant as the original, BUT if you are able with the solder you can convert the gold in the original, not the easiest mod ever but it definitely works , that's what I did, you can easily find the mod even on YT

 

[marcello252]

rumors say the BBE Crusher is a very close relative to the original Guvnor, never had one but in the electronic forums it's a common affirmation

 

[Supernautilus]

Turns out they were having a sale on this unit so I grabbed on at a discounted price. Bonus.

It’s supposed to be a pretty faithful copy of the Guv’nor, with an extra clipping mode. I read a ton of positive reviews so got my fingers crossed.

 

[jeremy]

looks cool!

 

[hamerfan]

I see two alternatives:

A refined version on the same basic circuit is the Red Rox https://dawnerprince.com/products/red-rox

and the earlier version AT (not the nowadays AT+) of JHS