• Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 135

Topic: Marshall Class 5 recall??

Hey everyone,

Called Sam Ash today to ask about the Class 5 Amp.  They have them, but they were being recalled.  He wasn't sure why, because they've tested them and they sound great.  Even the one I played a few weeks ago sounded fantastic.  Now that I have the money to get one I can't find one!!!  UGHH!!!!!!  He is supposed to call me and let me know if and why they are being recalled.  I asked if I could still buy one and if they chose to still recall them if warranty would cover it, he is supposed to call me.  Anyone know why they are being recalled??

thanks!

  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2010-04-15
  • Posts: 1,373

Re: Marshall Class 5 recall??

I've heard some grumblings about the amp rattling a lot, but I don't know if that has anything to do with it.  I did play one at a local music store for a while and it was a great amp for the price.  Definitely on my want list...

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  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Marshall Class 5 recall??

I found this on a Marshall forum.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour … ioZ6jtaRjw

My bro has one, and I never saw, felt or heard any issues.

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  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 135

Re: Marshall Class 5 recall??

Ok,

got a call back from the rep at Sam Ash.  He said that this recall is appearantly from the "first run" of the amps and that the issue seems to be from the rattling that some people have metioned.  So, he said that the few they have in stock are first runs and have been recalled by Marshall, therefore, they cannot sell them.  He was quite nice in that he did some research and found that a Sam Ash in Connecticut has a "second run" amp that has no issues.  He is having that one sent here for me to purchase and it will be in next week.  I did get to play the amp about a week ago and I love it! So, I will wait and purchase one next week, instead of waiting for 6-8 weeks like other stores have qouted.  One store i called said that they wouldn't get any until mid May, and that there were 32 people already on a waiting list to buy one!  The rep at Sam Ash wrote my name down and has already started the process of the purchase until I can get there this weekend and make the actual purchase.  He also assured me that if there were any issues with the Amp when it got in that they would take it back.  So, I am very happy to be able to get one of these little amps that are so hard to find!

  • From: Burlington, Ont Canada
  • Registered: 2010-04-01
  • Posts: 365

Re: Marshall Class 5 recall??

I have a CLass 5 with the rattling issue. Log and McQuade (music store here in Canada) is awaiting it's "second run" units and will call me when they are in for an exchange. It is still playable, as the rattle only occurs during more bassy stuff (palm muting, tone turned down neck p/u, etc) and still sounds killer regardless. The speaker must be very sensitive as it is also the loudest 5 watts I have ever heard, which may not be best for latenight practicing. The darn thing would need a Hot Plate to not wake the kids up and still sound good!!

adamym wrote:

Ok,

got a call back from the rep at Sam Ash.  He said that this recall is appearantly from the "first run" of the amps and that the issue seems to be from the rattling that some people have metioned.  So, he said that the few they have in stock are first runs and have been recalled by Marshall, therefore, they cannot sell them.  He was quite nice in that he did some research and found that a Sam Ash in Connecticut has a "second run" amp that has no issues.  He is having that one sent here for me to purchase and it will be in next week.  I did get to play the amp about a week ago and I love it! So, I will wait and purchase one next week, instead of waiting for 6-8 weeks like other stores have qouted.  One store i called said that they wouldn't get any until mid May, and that there were 32 people already on a waiting list to buy one!  The rep at Sam Ash wrote my name down and has already started the process of the purchase until I can get there this weekend and make the actual purchase.  He also assured me that if there were any issues with the Amp when it got in that they would take it back.  So, I am very happy to be able to get one of these little amps that are so hard to find!

Gits: '03 Gibson Historic R7 Goldtop, '06 Gibson R8 Plaintop, MIJ '62 RI Strat,  and others...
Amps: '99 Marshall 1987x Plexi RI, 1969 Fender Super Reverb

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  • From: Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-02-11
  • Posts: 453

Re: Marshall Class 5 recall??

Thats the problem with these small cheap tube amps. I haven't tried one that doesn't rattle. I have a class 5 and a super champ xd. Both of which rattle. The easiest fix is running through an external speaker cab. Rattle fixed. I think they both benefit from a 12" speaker anyway so I won't be returning mine. Been thinking of setting both amps up at the same time and going for a mini eric johnson or bonamassa multi amp setup.

  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 135

Re: Marshall Class 5 recall??

The one that I played at Sam Ash a week or so ago had no rattle at all!  The guy even let me turn it up almost full.  WHich let me tell you, this is PLENTY loud for an Amp!!  This one was one of the first runs that they are returning to Marshall.  I've heard that the second runs have been fixed to eliminate the so-called rattle.  I don't play out anymore, I do however play lead guitar in the Worship Band for Church.  So this should be a great tube amp for that and for my bedroom at home to get close to the JB sound. 

Once again, they must be great amps because they are so hard to get ahold of one!  I can't wait for mine to come in next week.

  • From: Burlington, Ont Canada
  • Registered: 2010-04-01
  • Posts: 365

Re: Marshall Class 5 recall??

They are amazing little amps. There are a lot of low-watt options out there but how many look like a baby Bluesbreaker and are made in England? Mine only rattles at certain frequencies but I too am looking forward to the replacement which should be in a couple of weeks. You could easily mic one of these at a gig and have killer tone all night (see JB's Class 5 launch).

adamym wrote:

The one that I played at Sam Ash a week or so ago had no rattle at all!  The guy even let me turn it up almost full.  WHich let me tell you, this is PLENTY loud for an Amp!!  This one was one of the first runs that they are returning to Marshall.  I've heard that the second runs have been fixed to eliminate the so-called rattle.  I don't play out anymore, I do however play lead guitar in the Worship Band for Church.  So this should be a great tube amp for that and for my bedroom at home to get close to the JB sound. 

Once again, they must be great amps because they are so hard to get ahold of one!  I can't wait for mine to come in next week.

Gits: '03 Gibson Historic R7 Goldtop, '06 Gibson R8 Plaintop, MIJ '62 RI Strat,  and others...
Amps: '99 Marshall 1987x Plexi RI, 1969 Fender Super Reverb

My band: www.meanbones.com
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 135

Re: Marshall Class 5 recall??

I agree that it could be miked and get a killer tone, which is what I am going to do.  Also, keep in mind, at the Class 5 launch Joe had about six of them linked together.

  • From: Burlington, Ont Canada
  • Registered: 2010-04-01
  • Posts: 365

Re: Marshall Class 5 recall??

Yeah I saw that he had a few lined up I thought I read somewhere that not all of them were on? or mic'ed?

Gits: '03 Gibson Historic R7 Goldtop, '06 Gibson R8 Plaintop, MIJ '62 RI Strat,  and others...
Amps: '99 Marshall 1987x Plexi RI, 1969 Fender Super Reverb

My band: www.meanbones.com
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 135

Re: Marshall Class 5 recall??

huh..well, he got some good stuff out of them!  I am going by the sound that he gets on the RAH DVD extras where he is going through stuff on the bus, and he is playing through one.  I mean, let's face it, not a lot of us are going to have a need for a set up like Joe's!  So, I think the Class 5 is a close way, along with maybe a Tube Screamer of some sort, to get close to Joe's tone.

I can't wait to get mine!

  • From: Burlington, Ont Canada
  • Registered: 2010-04-01
  • Posts: 365

Re: Marshall Class 5 recall??

Wow I just finished watching the tour bus interview on my RAH vid. I had never seen that before and I have to agree that is amazing tone Joe gets out of the Class 5. I can tell you - my Class 5 does NOT sound like that! I wonder if his is a handwired cutom job from Marshall?...

adamym wrote:

huh..well, he got some good stuff out of them!  I am going by the sound that he gets on the RAH DVD extras where he is going through stuff on the bus, and he is playing through one.  I mean, let's face it, not a lot of us are going to have a need for a set up like Joe's!  So, I think the Class 5 is a close way, along with maybe a Tube Screamer of some sort, to get close to Joe's tone.

I can't wait to get mine!

Gits: '03 Gibson Historic R7 Goldtop, '06 Gibson R8 Plaintop, MIJ '62 RI Strat,  and others...
Amps: '99 Marshall 1987x Plexi RI, 1969 Fender Super Reverb

My band: www.meanbones.com
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Marshall Class 5 recall??

I think it's just Joe.  He doesn't have it very loud or gainey but it's just dripping with sustain.  His fingers account for at least 90% of that.

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14 Reply by adamym (edited by adamym 2010-05-01 20:23:30)

  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 135

Re: Marshall Class 5 recall??

I agree, 95 % is Joe and the other is the Amp.  It sounds like he has some sort of reverb or a little delay on it too.

So, here is the deal on the amp.  Went to Sam Ash to order the Class 5 that they said would come in next week.  The guy tells me, "Oh, well, Marshall recalled the ones that we were going to order."

So, out of a fluke, I went over to guitar center.  I walk in the door, walk over to the amp section and what do I see....THE CLASS 5!!  I asked the guy when they got it in, he said just like 2 days ago.  Asked him about the recall, he said Marshall hadn't told him about it.  So, I played it and cranked it and palyed it for about 20 min, no rattle.  I said "I'll take it!!"  He said, that's the only one we have.  So I said, then how much of a discount do I get?  They gave me 5% which is better than nothing!  So, I picked up the amp, an Ibanez tube screamer, and I'm off and ready to go!

  • From: Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-02-11
  • Posts: 453

Re: Marshall Class 5 recall??

stratpaulguy86 wrote:

I think it's just Joe.  He doesn't have it very loud or gainey but it's just dripping with sustain.  His fingers account for at least 90% of that.

I agree with stratpaulguy. We've all seen joe play though various bits and bobs and he always sounds like joe I experienced this first hand in a guitar shop in glasgow on the sloe gin tour. I was in glasgows guitar guitar and looking for a specific pedal. They have a basement area with all the expensive stuff. I could hear someone playing down there and they sounded amazing. They sounded very britsh blues so I went down to check them out. As luck would have it it was joe and one of his road crew. Joe was playing a les paul off the shelf through a bogner (can;t recall the model). I felt like a bit of a twat just standing there in awe. Once he was done I approached to see if he would sign my ticket for the show that night (got some joe bonamassa jazz III picks too).

Anyway the point is, the gear is important but it won't get you all they way. It really is in your fingers. Not that that has stopped me chopping and changing gear. It's just fun!