MGL50 "1981-2204"

Now built on our new layout 50w chassis with an updated look & added tone shaping options. The MGL50 “1981-2204” is sonically dead on to my original 1981 Marshall JMP 50w master volume head that I’ve owned for over 30 years. Many customers over the years and myself think this is the best sounding original example they’ve heard. We’ve matched all the components in values and tones along with accurate voltages throughout the amp circuit. So, a faithful 2204 circuit, and then add all of the features of the other MGL50 amps, including: 2 foot switchable channels with 2 Masters & 2 Gain controls, Gain boost switch, Metropoulos “Zero Loss” effects loop w/ true bypass switch, negative feedback “Voicing” switch, Saturation – diode clipping circuit on a switch, and NOS tubes along with hand wire turret board construction. To keep the classic 2204 vibe going, Swanson Cabinets is making late ‘70’s JMP replica head cabs covered in real Marshall black Elephant tolex for this amp that are available in 26” and 29” versions. (Plexi style head cabs are also available in 26” and 24” sizes)

Our amps incorporate an exclusive silent channel switching circuit designed by Evan Cantor, MGL engineer & builder. So, no noisy pops when switching channels, but even more important, this switching circuit has zero effect on tone. Many new amps incorporate switching circuits with solid state components that DO affect the tone.

Channel 1: Is the stock 2204 circuit w/ a Master & Gain control and you get all of the classic tones.

Channel 2: Also has a Master & Gain control and you can choose it to be clean or a 2nd 2204 channel.

PRICE $2,795.00 (High voltage version using our 100w transformer, $25.00 up-charge)

BUILD SPECS: 

• Custom.090" aluminum chassis w/ welded corners, gloss black powder coating and screened with metallic gold ink for the text
• Dagnall MGL spec power transformer and filter choke
• MGL custom Heyboer 784-139 output transformer 
• Mallory M150 capacitors used throughout the circuit 
• Belton power tube sockets
• Belton preamp tube sockets w/ gold anodized shields
• 18 AWG mil spec Teflon insulated wire
• 1 watt carbon film resistors
• Real UK Cliff jacks
• Brass shaft CTS pots
• ARS filter caps
• Metropoulos “Zero Loss” effects loop w/ true bypass switch
• Over $300.00 in NOS tubes including a pair of RFT Siemens EL34 power tubes & 3 square foil getter Chinese 12AX7 preamp tubes
• Swanson Cabinets Plexi style cab available in 24" or 26" w/ many tolex color choices at no up-charge). Optional late '70's JMP replica head cab in 26" or 29" covered in real Marshall black Elephant tolex or many or colors also available, the 26" is a $50.00 up-charge and 29" is $75.00

  Mini Switches, Front Panel 

  The mini switch on the front panel between the Master & Pre-Amp knobs that’s labeled MOD & VIN, allows you to switch between 2 different levels of gain. In the down - VIN(vintage) position, it’s stock 2204. With the switch in the up MOD(modern) position, you get a noticeable increase in gain. 

The mini switch to the left of the “FS” footswitch jack labeled HI & LO can be used to switch between the HI & LO Master Volumes when no footswitch is plugged in. 

  Mini Switches, Back Panel

  The mini switch on the back panel labeled “Voicing” determines the amount of negative feedback in the circuit. When in the up “Modern” position you get the stock JMP-JCM800 setting. In the “Classic” position (switch down), you get more negative feedback which will be a little darker, sweeter and more compressed(more plexi like in tone & feel). 

The mini switch to the left of the FX loop is a true bypass, so in the off position, the loop has no effect on the amp circuit.

Customer Amp Build Info

  By choice, we keep our amp production numbers low, so each customer gets a custom build. We spend as much time needed in detailed phone conversations and or emails to get you into the right model amp and the choice of aesthetic looks & appointments we offer. By building a lower number of amps, each build gets more detailed attention and we have the luxury of incorporating better components, including NOS parts & tubes in each build. The foundation, tonally for all our amp models is authentic Marshall voicings. And nothing has more Marshall DNA than real NOS mustard caps! All amps other than the 2204 model include 5-10 real mustard caps throughout the circuit. Larger production amp builders really can’t include these build appointments due to the difficulty locating and buying larger quantities of NOS parts. I’m constantly searching the world for NOS parts & tubes.