Added: 2 years ago
From: MRJSTUDIOS
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  • -Buy Marshall Valvestate combo

    - Not realize there's a preamp tube inside

    all of my wat

  • ive had this amp for like 15 years and its been a great bedroom amp, the preamp helps mimic the tube sound but its not anything amazing, definitely reliable tho

  • i have one of these too and it's a nice amp and would recommend one of these :) really great if you want to play some good rock n roll XD

  • I'm thinking of buying this amp but i'm not quite sure about it yet so if you could tell me if: it's lound enough to performe in like clubs and stuff like that AND how much does it cost in your country ? Thanks, and great video.

  • @TheMitko97 It is loud enough to play in most clubs. You'd have to be playing some really big place with a massive sound system before this would be too quiet. I think these generally go around $130-200 used in the USA.

  • @MRJSTUDIOS Thanks for the reply. I was really sceptical about this amp being so cheap and at the same time loud, BIG and with many FX.

  • @MRJSTUDIOS this was my first bigger amp and its fuckin great!i got mine for about 350€ and its quite loud!

  • I'm thinking of buying this amp but i'm not quite sure about it yet so if you could tell me if: it's lound enough to performe in like clubs and stuff like that AND how much does it cost in your country ? Thanks, and great vid :)

  • best amp ever

  • PUt the translator on lol!

  • @TheSideEffectsBand Haha, I just tried it... that's hilarious!

  • @MRJSTUDIOS

    How loud is this amp? My drummer is really, REALLY loud, so would I be able to hear myself over him?

  • @ChickenFaeces Probably, ya. I mean, it's not probably as loud as a 100 watt tube amp, but this thing can get REALLY loud.

  • @MRJSTUDIOS

    Very cool.  Ebay, here I come!

  • What guitar and pick-up did you use? =)

  • @Perseoermagno90 For the first part of the video, I used a custom-rebuilt strat copy, with a generic single coil neck pickup. Then I switched to one of my custom guitars with a Tone Zone in the bridge.

  • What guitar did you use??

  • thank you i found one!  thanks for ur help awesome demo by the way

  • @snomu6 No problem!

  • i know they discontinued this model but i found one and i bought it but it didnt come with a footswitch so will any random marshall footswitch work?

  • @snomu6 See if you can download the manual, and if the channel switch jack is just a TRS plug, any 2-button Marshall Footswitch should work with it.

  • great review cheers bud

  • @thekingofshred Thanks man!

  • Thanks for the video, may I ask what was wrong with the amp?

  • @hetfield2x4 This one had some loose parts on the PCB -- including the main filter capacitors which had come almost completely unsoldered. I just took it apart, checked all the connections, resoldered the bad ones, and it fired right back up.

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  • @hetfield2x4 Ya, something like that. The one in the video didn't work most of the time though -- but punching it could make it cut in and out a little. I bet you some of the components are loose on the board of your amp. I'd take it in to be serviced unless you have experience working on amps.

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  • @hetfield2x4 It's hard to say -- there could be a lot of loose connections, that could take a while to track down and repair, so labor costs could be small or large. I'd estimate a repair like I did to this one should run under $100 for sure.

  • @MRJSTUDIOS for some odd reason, the problem went away. i think it just required me to warm up the amp for a minute or two

  • @hetfield2x4 I'd try replacing the tube. Sounds like yours might just be going bad.

  • thinking of buying one of these. Does it get loud enough to jam with friends and drums. Im not gona be playing gigs or anything but just jamin out and maybe a house party or two. Is it loud enough for that kind of thing. I've used a 100w 2x12 and it gets plenty loud for what Im talkin about, but can the 1 speaker cut it you think?

  • @1SteelToeJoe1 Ya, it's plenty loud for jamming with drums. It's a pretty bright sounding amp so it's gonna cut really well too.

  • @MRJSTUDIOS Thanks for the quick feedback, I just sealed the deal. Only 200 bucks, think I lucked out on this one!

  • @1SteelToeJoe1 Nice!

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  • what amp settings did you have to get that sound? tell me please :)

  • @dmohr7 I don't know! I just did this demo, then returned the amp.

  • How's that mighty mite neck? I'm really considering getting one. Did it take a lot of work to install?

  • @MitchRulzWorld Mighty Mite necks are fantastic, but if you don't buy them from a good dealer, they may require an initial (and major) setup. I'd recommend buying from a guy called "kmaguitars" on ebay.

  • I love these old Valvestate amps. THE best sounding SS/Hybrid amps ever made. I like the first series Valvestates a little better than these second series because they sound almost exactly like a hot rodded JCM 800. The clean channel is much better on the second series though because the 12ax7 is active on both channels, not just the OD channel like the first generation. :)

  • @hellboundTX333 Ya, these sound great for what they are. The only solid state amps I've heard that compare to these are an obscure product line of little Crate combo amps.

  • does it work well with pedals?

  • @enthnd03  Yep.

  • does it work well with pedals?

  • Got my VS100 off Ebay yesterday. In absolutely pristine condition. My Epi Sg & Fender Tele 72 re-issue love it! And so do i.

  • Wonder what they're doing with the tube? They've got two stages to play with so they could be doing all their clipping there and get a pretty authentic tube preamp sound. Knowing Marshall though, I'll bet they've got some clipping diodes involved. But even those can sound darn good (think Jubilee series).

  • @1Doz I was told recently by someone who actually worked on these a lot (possibly for Marshall) that the tube isn't really doing much -- it's just acting as a buffer (not surprising). I recall looking at the schematic for these and seeing diodes in the signal path for distortion. So the tube is gonna effect the sound a LITTLE, but not shape the distortion or anything drastic.

  • @MRJSTUDIOS

    I just googled the schematic and they're actually using the tube in a pretty cool way. One of the drive channels is pure solid state with nothing but op-amps and clipping diodes. But the other channel is more interesting. It's just a 2203/2204 master volume circuit with op-amps for the first two stages, then they've got the tube set up as the third stage plus cathode. That's where all the clipping happens so that's the right place for the tube.

  • @MRJSTUDIOS

    There are two clipping diodes just ahead of the tube stages though. I wonder which clip first? If it's really the tube that's clipping, then I would expect that channel to sound *very* similar to a 2203/2204. It may be that the diodes don't come in until the gain control is really cranked and that before that it's all tube OD. If instead the diodes clip early and dominate the sound, then it would be interesting to snip them out of the circuit.

  • @1Doz Oh, that's cool. I never really dug into the design of this amp -- I just fixed real fast and returned it, but it's good to know. I would bet you the diodes clip first, and clip more. It's probably the tried and true "tubescreamer" like design, and the diodes are often set to clip at least a little starting right at 0 on the gain knob. I don't have this amp anymore to test it, but it would fun to see how much clipping is the diode and if the tube really does much at all distortion wise

  • @MRJSTUDIOS

    Yeah, I always thought these were cool sounding amps but now I'm really intrigued after checking out the circuit. The clippers are LEDs which have an on voltage of something like 1.5 volts, so there will be a little bit of swing before they clip. This might be insignificant though depending on how big the signal is after two gain stages. I'm tempted to buy one of these amps just to see what's going on there. BTW, I typoed earlier..meant to say "third stage plus cathode follower".

  • @1Doz Definitely a cool little amp design. If you can get one for sub $100, go for it. The circuit board is kinda flimsy though....

  • @MRJSTUDIOS

    I saw a clean VS8100 (same amp, head version) on eBay the other day for $300 and was tempted. I probably would have snapped it up if it had been $150. Is the circuit board flimsy? Doesn't surprise me. And I'll bet the pots are all board mounted rather than flying leads. It was stuff like that that let me fight off the temptation.

  • @1Doz Yes, the board is REALLY flimsy -- as are the factory solder joints in a lot of places. And yes, I believe the pots are semi-board mounted -- can't remember for sure though. Either way, don't buy one in not-working condition unless you can visually inspect the board and make sure it's not cracked. "Patching" a cracked PCB is a massive waste of time one something like that...

  • @MRJSTUDIOS

    Yeah, I'll probably hold out for a good clean one for peanuts. I know they're out there...

  • @1Doz I do know that the tube does color the sound though -- a different brand 12AX7 changed the tone noticeably, but I really don't know if it was just shaping the tone, or actually creating a lot of signal distortion/compression.

  • AC DC

  • Wait no I ddint mean that last comment, Is it good for metallica, pantera, satch, vai ?

  • @ravenshield56 Ya, but you might wanna use an overdrive or distortion pedal with it for the higher gain stuff.

  • these amps good?

  • @ravenshield56 Ya, they're pretty good little amps.

  • @ravenshield56  As a practice amp, or if you need a solid main amp/gigging amp on a tight budget, these are pretty nice. Of course, if you can put $1000-$2000 into your your next amp purchase, you can do way better that one of these... but there's nothing wrong with these for the price range and what they do.

  • what is your settings for the first overdrive??

  • @Mrbulva96 Sorry, I don't remember exactly where I had everything set. I had the amp fairly loud in a good sized room, and I did have the gain most of the way up a lot of the time.  The EQ was set pretty standard -- start with everything half way and tweak it from there.

  • what is your settings for the first overdrive ??? souds like AC/DC :)

  • what is your settings for 2:54 ??? it is nice tone

  • what is your settings for 2:54 ?? it is nice tone .

  • Pretty informative demo. I was checking out one of these bad boys in a local pawn shop, they have it listed at about 199.00 (of course open to negotiate I'm sure). In your opinion is this amp worth that or even 150? Cheers!

  • @einaroneeye I'd offer them $150. These are pretty nice amps even for about $200.... I wouldn't pay that unless it was in perfect condition though.

  • You said, this would be a good practice amp - but would it stand its ground on a rehearsal kind of environment? Is it powerful enough to be heard over a strong drummer?

  • @SomethinWild Oh ya, this thing's a pretty loud amp. It should have no problem keeping up in a band rehearsal setting.

  • Awesome thanks for uploading - going to get me one now!

  • I have a used 100-watt head amp version of the valvestate VS100. Absolutely fantastic (And was cheap- $350, incredible value). The OD2 channel has a great lead sound (Was able to mimic Carlos Santana's rig from the song Europa). Clean is very receptive to pedals!

    Enjoy that VS-100!

  • is this good for playing metallica?? thinking of songs like master of puppets or creeping death... thx

  • @Wallyx200 Ya, but you might wanna add a distortion pedal in front of it for that kinda stuff.

  • @Wallyx200 im with him i use the boss metal zone that has the eq built into the pedal and it rocks if u dont like boss try out the mxr fullbore metal its a sweet pedal as well

  • @Wallyx200 I've got the VS102 (with orange tolex) There's a real nice roar on these amps, especially since they are solid state circuitry (with one A7X preamp valve). When you see "Marshall" on an amp, it can do most kinds of rock and metal to what you'd call a "good" standard. However, if you are specifically looking for Metallica's tone within the same power and price range, try looking at the Randall KH75E combo.

  • sexy sound but way too much distortion on back in black

  • @TheM3talGuy Haha, thanks man!

  • i really love Marshall amps but they are fucking overpriced Peavy and Line 6 are as good but not as expensivee

  • Would this amp be good for Van Halen??

  • @nosmoking099 Yep, it sounds pretty good for old school VH type stuff.

  • @MRJSTUDIOS awesome thanks for that info :)

  • Is there a difference between a Valvestate amp

    and a Marshall mg 100dfx ???

  • @Artelzam Yes, I like the sound of the Valvestate series a lot better.

  • Is there a difference between a Valvestate amp

    and a Marshall mg 100dfx ???

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  • How is the bass in this amp.....Ive tried many marshalls lately, some quite expensive and the bass was just too weak.....they all had the marshall tone which I love but they all had a serious lack of bass......

  • @stevoe1000 This amp has some bass to it, but not a ton of it. That's just kinda how Marshalls are.

  • have you tried the Marshall Vs102r? which one is better? ...i found the VS100 and the VS102R, both used, and for the same price, so I don't know which one to buy...help please!!!

  • @vitriol81 Sorry, but I've never played the VS102R. It looks like it's pretty much the same amp though.

  • have you tried the Marshall Vs102r? which one is better? ...i found the VS100 and the VS102R, both used, and for the same price, so I don't know which one to buy...help please!!!

  • Were can i bye a marshall valvestate cant find them anywere

  • @Kickb12 Try pawn shops and local guitar stores -- anywhere that sells used gear. Ebay works too.

  • Were can i bye a valvestate i cant find them anywere 

  • I have this amp with a schecter c-1plus, sounds awesome and LOUD! You forgot to talk about and demo the power demension switch, really gives more saturation. Anyway this amp gives you all the tone you could want I find

  • can pick one up for 100 euros like....140 dollars.....sounds amazing for the price....also got a distortion pedal with tubes in it....i guess i should just pick it up xD

  • They do not make this amp anymore, do not be fooled when he says that there isn't a lot of gain on this amp. There is plenty enough gain, I just purchased one yesterday it can play almost any style perfectly. The OD1 channel is very vintage voiced and the OD2 channel is enough gain for years. Its a great amp, I would recommend changing the preamp tube to a better one...it will really affect your tone for the better.

  • marshall doesn't make this amp anymore?

  • @69chrger Nope.

  • so what was the difference between the Valvestate apms and the AVT series? anyone know which was "better"?

  • @luvz2sploogeify Hard to know... I've heard the AVT's (not played them) and of course I've played the Valve States. I know the I was impressed with this VS as a nice mid-level amp or practice amp. The AVT's seem to sound very similar.

  • ok, thanks friend !!!!

  • Marshall don't make this amplifier ( Sorry, i'm brasilian, i don't know english )

  • @MrFelipgnr That's ok. No, Marshall doesn't make this exact amp anymore, but they are pretty easy to find if you want one.

  • this amp is out of line ???

  • @MrFelipgnr What do you mean?

  • @MrFelipgnr yse it is

  • ok, but i can let the distortion weak, or is allways heavy ??

  • @MrFelipgnr It can go from clean to heavy -- so you can use it how ever you want.

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  • ths amp is better than the 8080 to play classic rock

  • Este amplificador é melhor que o VS 8080 para jogar clássicos do rock ? ?

  • and, if i buy this amp, is not necessary i buy a pedal (marshall gv 2, jackhammer) for classic rock ???,

  • @MrFelipgnr This amp has enough gain to use without a pedal for vintage rock.

  • @MrFelipgnr Ya, this amp is pretty good for classic rock.

  • I can let the distortion weak ??? i like to play guns n' roses, acdc, aerosmith, led Zeppelin, this amplifier is good for this ????

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  • I can let the distortion weak ??? i like to play guns n' roses, acdc, aerosmith led Zeppelin, this amplifier is good for this ????

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  • i can let the drive weak ? (i'm brasilian, i don't know english rsrsr)

  • Could you tell me the settings of overdrive 2 Eq settings? Becouse it sound delicious :)

  • @KaszankaZone93 Sorry, I don't remember them!

  • How can you better de distortion ? only chance de tube ?

  • @alejandrocribeiro I doubt changing the tube in this one does much. You could get a nice distortion or overdrive pedal to put in front of the amp though.

  • Thanks for the video... what was the problem with this amp ?

    Asking because a friend is selling a VS102R but dont know how much to offer him, the amp turn on but no sound at all and havent find a trustly tech around my city... how do you spot a dead tube ?

  • @zitosonic This amp had a blown preamp tube (the only tube in it) and some power filter caps were loose (causing blue lightening under the PCB.... eek) Anyway, it was a pretty simple and quick fix -- any decent shop could probably fix this amp.

  • Nice review. I own the 2x12 model and feel kinda the same way. The reverb sucks, I might just disconect it. Im gonna replace the tube even though I don't know how much it will affect it, but it's worth a shot I guess. Overall a good amp though. I've played shows and recorded with mine and it hasn't let me down... yet.

  • is the valvestate vs65r amp basically the same as this one? just with less watts?

  • @SmokingTophat Ya, I think so. I just looked it up and it looks like they were made around the same time and have the same controls, etc.

  • would you recommend this amp or the ac4tv?

  • @KsideHb I don't know because I haven't played the ac4tv. This is a decent amp though.

  • Contour Knob... what a waste. The worst knob ever.

    EVER.

  • I wish I hadn't sold mine.

  • a 12ax7 tube vs100r is being used as a unity-gain buffer in a preamp stage. it doesen't affect the tone in any particullar way, it's mainly a marketing trick. this is still a decent SS amp.

  • @madphattao Oh is it? ha, I kinda figured that. I'll have to look at the schematics... I never had to before because the amp had visible loose connections that completely fixed it. Either way, still a decent amp.

  • is this a good amp to record?

  • @FullmetalFan500 Ya, it's pretty decent for recording.  You can expect to get sounds like I got out of it (I didn't use any rack preamp or anything -- just straight into the A/D). I'm sure you could get a lot of different tones out of it too by layering tracks with it in the studio, or using pedals and outboard gear to record it with.

  • I,ve had one of these amps for about 6 years now from new, yes i love the sounds but since the warranty ran out ....nothing but trouble, its been in for repair 5 times and is still not workin right, power loss a rumbling popping type of sound then total cut out. any ideas?

  • @hayden233 It could be so many things.... I have no idea since I can't check it over in person.

  • @hayden233 mine did that and I had to have a new power amp! not cheap!

  • @hayden233 I have the 102 model ; I had to change the inputjack section twice

    maybe that's the problem

  • what do you think about valvestate 8040?? o.O

  • what do you think about marshal valvestate 8040?? o.O

  • @hoodiey I don't know -- I've never played one of those.

  • i have the same amp, no pedals, this fucking thing crackels like a bitch; is it the foil on the backplate or what?

  • @69chrger What foil are you talking about? The crackling could be a lot of things... bad cable, bad input jack, bad tube, a semi-broken connection anywhere in the amp, etc.

  • @MRJSTUDIOS it's not the cabels, ive tried two brand new ones, ive looked at the input jack on my guitar; nothing wrong, it comes and goes, i think it might be the pots or some shit

  • @69chrger It could be the pots -- but those shouldn't crackle unless you are moving them. It could also be the cables that go to the reverb swinging around and getting loose.

  • How does this amp sound with a distortion pedal? I have an Ibanez Tube Screamer that seems to sound alright with my Behringer V-Amp LX210. I'm thinking of buying a new amp that sounds more natural.

  • @dos195 I think that kind of pedal would sound great with this amp. It could use a little more gain/compression, so a good tube screamer should be perfect for it.

  • @MRJSTUDIOS

    Alright, sick. Thanks a lot!

  • Great demonstration dude, its a pretty cool sounding amp in my opinion, great value for money at the price they retailed for.

  • I have this amp, I love it man...the louder you crank it the better it gets!

  • @macuse2008 Well yeah typically the louder a tube gets the better its sounds. So if you are ever recording on a tube amp you will need to turn that up pretty loud to get the full sound of the amp.

  • really good demo man,thumbs up for you

  • @ndc7 Thanks!

  • Good review!

    Funny that the sound got really thin when you switched the camera sound off at 3:07

  • Good sound quality, thanks :)

  • i got a randall rg80es andmadison prophesy and the have hours of sustain seriously

  • sm 57's are for wankers