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 $2,695.00 (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
• 3 NOS square foil getter Chinese 12AX7 preamp tubes & matched pair of EH EL34 power tubes
• Matched pair of NOS Siemens EL34 power tubes upgrade available for $150.00
• 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 w/ black plastic corners 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 $100.00

  Mini Switches, Front Panel 

  There are 4 mini switches along the lower part of the front panel. The first 3 from left to right are all labeled MOD/ VIN (modern/vintage), and here's what they do: The 1st switch chooses between 2 different types of caps for the Treble circuit voicing. In the VIN position, it's a ceramic disc cap that produces treble that is more aggressive w/ more sizzle & "hair" as in the JMP - JCM800 amps. In MOD position, it’s a silver Mica cap that has a bit less mids and is more glassy & transparent. The 2nd switch from the left chooses between 2 different tone caps for the first position in the circuit. In the VIN position it's an NOS mustard cap and in the MOD position it's a SoZo. Mustard cap keeps with the traditional Marshall voice, the SoZo has a little more gain and is a little more hollow in the mids for a more modern flavor. 3rd switch from the left allows you to switch between 2 different levels of gain. In the down - VIN position, it’s stock 2204. With the switch in the up MOD position, you get a noticeable increase in gain. The 4th switch from the left labeled 1 & 2 will switch between channels when no foot switch is plugged in.  

  Mini Switches, Back Panel

There are 3 mini switches on the back panel. The first switch from left to right is the ON/OFF true bypass switch for the FX loop. The 2nd switch labeled "SAT" engages the Saturation circuit when in the up "ON" position, in the down "OFF" position the Saturation is completely out of the circuit. The 3rd switch labeled "Voicing" has to do with the amount of negative feedback in the circuit. In the down "Vintage" setting you get more negative feedback for a more Plexi tone and feel that's warmer and has a smoother feel. The up, "Modern" position is the stock 2204 setting .

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.