• jimR8
  • Bronze Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2008-06-11
  • Posts: 44

Topic: Ceriatone and Metro

I saw a thread on this a while back in the Poor Person's Joe Rig.

I would like to hear a bit more from this very knowledeable crowd.

I am seriously considering a Ceriatone Plexi 50 or JTM 45.  Does anyone have any experience with these 2 models?  I've heard great things about both companies.

I apologize if this does not fit the Joe's Equipment title, but it is about the ultimate quest for tone (on my budget).

Any good / horror stories we might share?

Thank you good Bonamaniacs!!!

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Ceriatone and Metro

I cannot comment directly on the Marshall/Plexi style Ceriatone's, but I have the most complicated circuit Nik makes, the HRM 100 watt.  The wiring is very clean and professional and all point to point.  Of course the amp sounds fantastic, comparable to similar brands (Two Rock, Fuchs, ect).  I have heard even better things about the plexi amps, I am very interested in the Plexi100 model myself.  From what I understand the Ceriatone 18watt Marshall clone won a magazine shootout against other very respected boutique makers.  I expect no less out of the higher wattage models...IMO you can't go wrong with Ceriatone.   They have great customer service and Nik always answers emails quickly.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2009-01-01
  • Posts: 665

Re: Ceriatone and Metro

I have both a JTM45 Bluesbreaker (combo) and an Overtone Special. They're both excellent amps (although the OTS takes longer to get to know and dial in the tone you want).
I've never played a genuine 60s Marshall JTM45 or the Metro clone, so I'm not in a position to compare. But I can say that the Ceriatone JTM45 (Bluesbreaker version) is awesome. It is closer to the original than the Marshall reissue (KT66 tubes and all handwired). Get the right speakers (I have Silver Alnico clones) and you're right there. You might want to go for Greenbacks.
I also heard good things about Metro but I don't know how much they cost. If you're based in the US it may be cheaper for you because of the shipping costs.