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MGL AmpWorks 2-Channel MGL50 "1981 - 2204" Amp
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. Amps are hand wired 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) The first 2 pictures show the amp in the optional 29” JMP replica cab, the others are 26” Plexi style cabs. These amps use a lower voltage power transformer like the late ‘70’s thru ‘81 Marshall 2204’s which makes for a warmer, fatter and more woody tone. We can also use our higher voltage 100w power transformer for a tighter, faster and more aggressive tone to match the higher voltage change that Marshall made in 1982.
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.
NOTE: Since each amp is built to order, you can choose to configure your amp with a dirty & clean channel or 2 dirty channels. The effects loop can also be assigned to only one of the channels if preferred.
There is also a Saturation (diode clipping) circuit that works on both channels and is engaged with a mini switch on the back panel.
30 day circuit change offer:
After you purchase one of our 2204 circuit based amps, “1981-2204”, Purple Circuit or Red Circuit, you can play it for 30 days and if for any reason you feel that you should have chosen one of the other 2 circuits, we will change the circuit in your amp for free. You will be responsible for the shipping both ways. This is a one time only offer.
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 lower voltage power transformer, higher voltage Heyboer power transformer is a $25.00 up-charge
MGL custom Heyboer 784-139 output transformer & filter choke
Mallory M150 capacitors used throughout the circuit
Belton power tube sockets
Belton preamp tube sockets w/ tube 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, NOS RFT Siemens EL34 power tubes at a $150.00 up-charge
Swanson Cabinets Plexi style cab available in 24" or 26" w/ many tolex color choices at no up-charge). Optional late '70's JMP style cab w/ black plastic corners in 26" or 29", 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. The 3rd switch allows you to switch between 2 different levels of gain. In the down - VIN position, it’s stock 2204, 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. In the up "Modern" setting you get less negative feedback for a more metal panel-JCM feel that's tighter, brighter and more aggressive.
Customer Amp Build Info
We only build to order and make around 30-50 amps a year. So each amp is built one at a time for each customer. When the amp build starts we order your head cab and or speaker cab with Swanson Cabinets who also builds to order. This allows you choices in the style and looks of the cab so you get what you want. Each amp is like a one-off Custom Shop build. To order an amp and reserve a build spot, we get a $500.00 non-refundable deposit. We try to stick to very accurate estimated build times and never take more deposits for more amps than we can build in a reasonable time frame of 2-8 weeks.
3% Discount for Check or Wire
Inquire About This Item or Call 603-868-9805
Video demos available here on this site or visit our YouTube Page
(The video demos were done with the older single channel version of the amp, so it looks different, but the circuit and sound is the same)
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. Amps are hand wired 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) The first 2 pictures show the amp in the optional 29” JMP replica cab, the others are 26” Plexi style cabs. These amps use a lower voltage power transformer like the late ‘70’s thru ‘81 Marshall 2204’s which makes for a warmer, fatter and more woody tone. We can also use our higher voltage 100w power transformer for a tighter, faster and more aggressive tone to match the higher voltage change that Marshall made in 1982.
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.
NOTE: Since each amp is built to order, you can choose to configure your amp with a dirty & clean channel or 2 dirty channels. The effects loop can also be assigned to only one of the channels if preferred.
There is also a Saturation (diode clipping) circuit that works on both channels and is engaged with a mini switch on the back panel.
30 day circuit change offer:
After you purchase one of our 2204 circuit based amps, “1981-2204”, Purple Circuit or Red Circuit, you can play it for 30 days and if for any reason you feel that you should have chosen one of the other 2 circuits, we will change the circuit in your amp for free. You will be responsible for the shipping both ways. This is a one time only offer.
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 lower voltage power transformer, higher voltage Heyboer power transformer is a $25.00 up-charge
MGL custom Heyboer 784-139 output transformer & filter choke
Mallory M150 capacitors used throughout the circuit
Belton power tube sockets
Belton preamp tube sockets w/ tube 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, NOS RFT Siemens EL34 power tubes at a $150.00 up-charge
Swanson Cabinets Plexi style cab available in 24" or 26" w/ many tolex color choices at no up-charge). Optional late '70's JMP style cab w/ black plastic corners in 26" or 29", 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. The 3rd switch allows you to switch between 2 different levels of gain. In the down - VIN position, it’s stock 2204, 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. In the up "Modern" setting you get less negative feedback for a more metal panel-JCM feel that's tighter, brighter and more aggressive.
Customer Amp Build Info
We only build to order and make around 30-50 amps a year. So each amp is built one at a time for each customer. When the amp build starts we order your head cab and or speaker cab with Swanson Cabinets who also builds to order. This allows you choices in the style and looks of the cab so you get what you want. Each amp is like a one-off Custom Shop build. To order an amp and reserve a build spot, we get a $500.00 non-refundable deposit. We try to stick to very accurate estimated build times and never take more deposits for more amps than we can build in a reasonable time frame of 2-8 weeks.
3% Discount for Check or Wire
Inquire About This Item or Call 603-868-9805
Video demos available here on this site or visit our YouTube Page
(The video demos were done with the older single channel version of the amp, so it looks different, but the circuit and sound is the same)