Recommend a Master Volume amp

[SlimGrady]

Let me start by saying that I love non master volume Marshall plexi type amps. My two amps tied for number one is a Germino Masonette 25 and an Echopark Vibratic 23 (admittedly more brownface fender). For sake of argument both are 25 watts and I like to play them crunchy. They work great in the more medium size clubs and get to sing outdoors. However, I am finding our band to pick up more small venue type gigs; VFW, local restaurant/bar type setups where I am having to be more conscious of my volume.

So, with knowing what I like what do you guys suggest for an amp with a Master volume(that works well) to get me in the crunchy Marshall territory. If you have real world experience you can share with the amp that is a plus, thanks.

 

[Peegoo]

@SlimGrady Check out the Fender Supersonic line. They do a pretty good crunch with no pedals necessary.

 

[Marc Morfei]

Marshall Origin. I have the 20. Tone verges toward tweed-like for a Marshall. Power scaling and a whole bunch of tone shaping options.

 

[rze99]

If you can find one a used Genz Benz Black Pearl 30 is a fabulous master volume amp and has volume options 30 / 15 / 7 watts as well as all tube voicing options fender / Matchless / Vox / Marshall tones all in there.

I will never sell mine.

 

[Killing Floor]

Bray

 

[Swirling Snow]

I recommend a Marshall SE-100 if you can find one, otherwise a Rivera Rock Crusher will do.

Face it, if you really wanted a master volume amp, you'd already own one.

 

[rze99]

Attenuator is perfect for the OP situation. Jat knocking back the excess while getting the tone and level of break up you want.

 

[VintageSG]

Budget?
Dirt cheap - Joyo British, a Marshall-inna-box type pedal. Leave your main amp running clean and flat, use the pedal. Your audience won't notice. Other amp-inna-box pedals are available.

Dirt cheap- Bugera PS1 power soak. Mock not the value of an attenuator for losing just a few dB

Inexpensive - Laney Cub12r/Monoprice 15W. The laney design is tried and tested. The Cub 12r will be second-hand, but none the worse for it. Mostly Marshall tone stack, effects loop, 12" speaker, reverb. Laney produced it as a head too, if you have a cab. 15 Watts, switchable down should the need arise.

Inexpensive - Orange Crush 35rt. Embrace the solid state.

Still fairly inexpensive - Laney Cub-Super 12. As above, family-wise. Has a footswitchable boost. also available as a head. Not personally familiar with it.

Not too spendy - Marshall Origin 20/DSL 20. Want Marshall?, buy Marshall. The previous DSL range can be had for not much as 'lightly used' second-hand.

 

[bigben55]

It's discontinued, but if you can find the MkII/last model of the Dr Z Remedy, it has a great PPIMV and sounds as plexi as all get out. I had the original model without the MV and often thought about sending it back to Dr Z for the upgrade. Probably should have.

 

[Wayne Alexander]

Marshall SC20C would work well.

 

[Mikecito]

MIAB pedals are so amazing these days. No reason to get another amp just for low volume gigs.
That said, I use a Mesa V 35 which gets the goods from the preamp section at any volume. So... get a Mesa lol.

 

[black_doug]

Marshall SC20C would work well.

And switch to 5 watts if need be.

 

[acstorfer]

.

 

[brookdalebill]

And switch to 5 watts if need be.

View attachment 1112647

My first thought, too!

 

[bullfrogblues]

Bogner Shiva EL34/reverb, best master volume amp I've ever had, and still have!

 

[KC]

Bad Cat has the best master volume I've run into but not cheap / heavy / more Vox than Marshall (though you can get some grind out of it, no sweat). Origin 20c is cheap, light, Marshall, even more Marshall if you drop a greenback 10 in there. Does not sound great on the lowest power setting but excellent from the middle up.

 

[Refugee]

I'd go Mesa. 5:25 Express or the + version.

Here's what they sound like. Solo starts around 3:50

 

[Liriodendron]

I'd go Mesa. 5:25 Express or the + version

Not a bad amp. I wound up buying the head and cab version of the 5:50. I liked the 5:25 but I thought the 5:50 sounded a bit better. I tried the combo but was getting a lot of baffle/chassis interference noise so I returned it and ordered the separate units. Good clean tone, good full lead tone, the in between crunch tones I didn’t love so much. Never much cared for either on the 5w setting either. Even cranked up they lacked good power tube distortion imo.

I sold it after less than a year of use though. I don’t regret it. Moved on to better stuff imo.

 

[Refugee]

The combo problem is probably because those don't have the shock mounted chassis. I sure miss my old Mark III blue stripe. Which do have the shock mounts. I loaned it to a buddy, and then I needed money and asked him to sell it. So, he had to pick it up and carry it a few times. He told me geesh, that thing is a real boat anchor. I told him my Dad's actual boat anchor that regularly holds a boat in position, is only 30lbs. That amp is like 65lbs. LOL

 

[gridlock]

And switch to 5 watts if need be.

View attachment 1112647

I have an ‘80s 50 watt version. Has a Master, but still a loud amp.