Marshall MG100HDFX: does cheap + solid state = crap?

The rehearsal studios I practise in have a load of them - you get what you pay for, they sound very digital and the high-end is really harsh. Most of the ones I've used (probably 5 or 6, though I don't know for sure) have really quiet crunch channels too; in a 3-piece band I struggled to get heard. The effects aren't even worth bothering about, they sound awful and there's virtually no control over them.

Best thing is to try one - it's a Marshall, there must be somewhere near you that has one of the MG series in stock. Personally I wouldn't get one, but that is a pretty good deal on a half stack - you're other option would be to look for a valve combo; you can pick up 5150's for a couple of hundred bucks more.

Steve
 
Just try it out man, let your ears decide and not other peoples' opinions.

One word of warning though, I highly doubt it'll be able to hang with a full band; not enough power.

In a good loud metal band I think 50 watts of TUBE power is the minimum. Anything less than that and you're getting too much power tube saturation which isn't good for modern metal tones where all the gain comes from the preamp.
 
It actually sounds great recorded with a good cab, but it will sound like utter garbage if you're playing live levels. It will get devoured by another guitar player playing a tube amp.
 
Jammed with a guitarist last week who has one of these rigs. It's surprisingly decent sounding with EMGs and a tube screamer in front. Compares favorably with Randalls and other solid state amps.

My 6505+ absolutely slays it though... save your money and get a tube amp! For that price you could probably get a used Peavey XXX and have way better tone.
 
Completely agree with Kazrog there. I have a Mershall AVT 100. Bottom line: it sucks for metal if you want to record. I think live it COULD hold up pretty well, if it goes through a PA too, but recorded it just lacks everything: clarity, balls, sweet highs, character.... just keep saving.
 
I'd say if you're gonna get a cheap solid state rig, get a Randall instead, it's going to have a lot more balls to it. Or even better, get a Randall tube combo.
 
cobhc said:
I'd say if you're gonna get a cheap solid state rig, get a Randall instead, it's going to have a lot more balls to it. Or even better, get a Randall tube combo.
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Second the randall,
I looked after a friends mg100 for the last month...
The low-dist crunch tone wasn't bad but i dont really know my low-distortion sounds all that well.
When the distortion is cranked, metal style, it sounds like utter crap. I was able to get a decent sound when i used pedals for the most part of the distortion but yer...
The new valvestate randall rg**3-series looks pretty cool.
 
STOP DUDE

They're totally cack... the crate g1200 stack totally owns it, and whats more, its cheaper. Its the ultimate amp in shrill and fizziness and has the low end balls of a choir boy.

If you buy this head, you'll regret it :heh:
 
lol He's definetly right here!
I've worked in a guitar shop for 10 years and sell these things they really are that bad!!

Go for a Randall combo like its been mentioned on here if you're after a cheap solid state combo. Those Laney Tube Fusions are also a lot better than any Valvestate or MG.
 
HeadCrusher said:
Wayne Static of Static-X uses that head - his tone isn't too bad imo.

What about the Line 6 Spider II?
Click to expand...

I read that it's his live amp, but I do not know what he records with. I've never heard him live. Seeing a pro use it with the low cost is what made me think it might be a decent purchase. I have not checked out the Line 6 stuff.

I appreciate all the input so far. I should've said what my needs are, though, as it might affect recommendations.

I don't play live. That might change someday, but I have no plans to at this point. I also don't record via amp & mic, I'm using Line 6's amp modeling stuff. That might also change, assuming I go whole hog one day, & is more likely than me ever gigging.

My10 year old (give or take a year) Peavey Bandit 112 combo amp sucks. The distortion channel sounds like crap. I have a DigiTech RP300, I'm using it for distortion on the Peavey's clean channel. It's so-so at best. Basically, once I got some cool sounding amp models with my Guitar Port, I realized how much ass my old stuff sucks.

So, I'm essentially looking for a good bedroom-level amp. It won't happen right away, but I want to start educating myself on what is & isn't a good choice, & staying under the thousand dollar mark is important.
 
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