MGL100 "1979-2203" 2-Channel Amp

MGL100 “1979-2203” 2-channel amp, we built a one-off of this amp for an overseas customer and it came out so nice that we’ve decided to make it an available model to order. The component values and voltages throughout the circuit are based on a great sounding 1979 JMP 2203 that we have. So, a faithful 2203 circuit, and then add most of the features from the Limited Run MGL100, 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 along with other features detailed in the switches layout and descriptions below. Amp can be ordered with 2 dirty channels or channel 1 clean & channel 2 dirty. The dirty channel is the stock High input 2203 voicing and the clean channel will be the same as plugging into the Low input.

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.

BUILD SPECS:

• All amps are hand wired turret board construction

• Custom .090" aluminum chassis w/ welded corners, gloss black powder coating and screened with metallic silver ink for the text

• Mallory M150 capacitors used throughout the circuit

• Heyboer MGL spec paper layer wound power & output transformers

• Heyboer MGL spec filter choke

• Black Phenolic power tube sockets

• Belton preamp tube sockets w/  gloss black shields

• 18 AWG mil spec Teflon insulated wire 

• 1 watt carbon film resistors

• Real UK Cliff jacks

• Brass shaft CTS pots

• NOS military grade dimmable indicator lamp

• ARS filter caps

• Metropoulos “Zero Loss” effects loop w/ true bypass switch

• Matched quad of EH EL34 power tubes, NOS RFT Siemens EL34’s upgrade available @ $300.00 up-charge 

• 3 NOS square foil getter Chinese 12AX7 preamp tubes

• Swanson Cabinets Baltic Birch plywood late ‘70’s JMP or Plexi style head cab, many tolex color choices at no extra charge. 

  Mini Switches, Front Panel

  There are 5 mini switches along the lower part of the front panel and here's what they do: The 1st switch chooses between 2 different types of caps for the Treble circuit voicing. In the VIN (vintage) position it’s a ceramic disc capacitor which is stock on a 2203, in the up MOD (modern) position it’s a silver mica cap that is more glassy & open sounding, the 2nd switch is for gain level: in the down VIN position you get the stock 2203 gain and in the up MOD position you get a boost of some added gain, the 3rd switch chooses between 2 different preamp tube bias values for the 1st stage of gain, In the down VIN position it’s the stock 2203 value and in the up position it’s hotter bias which produces a little more gain and smoother tone, the 4th switch “FS” Is the foot switch jack for changing channels. When foot switch is plugged in, switch has no effect, 5th switch is a 3-way bright switch that can be assigned to one of the channels: in the down VIN position you get the stock 2203 bright cap, in the middle position there is no bright cap and in the up position it’s a value between the two.

  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 warmer, browner tone & feel.  In the up "Modern" setting you get less negative feedback for a tighter, brighter and more aggressive stock 2203 tone.

  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