• From: New York
  • Registered: 2011-02-13
  • Posts: 444

Topic: Marshall Class 5 Mark II

Hey everyone. I got a brand new Marshall Class 5 a few weeks ago and started off loving it. Since then, it has developed a rattle when I hold certain notes. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to have to send it back to MF because it's driving me nuts when I play! I've been searching with Google and it looks like Marshall is going to be releasing the second version of the C5 in the near future. Anyone know any details? I'm unsure whether I want to go the route of the Mark II or look for something else.

Gibson Custom Joe Bonamassa Ltd Signature Les Paul VOS # 31
  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Marshall Class 5 Mark II

Jimmy wrote:

Hey everyone. I got a brand new Marshall Class 5 a few weeks ago and started off loving it. Since then, it has developed a rattle when I hold certain notes. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to have to send it back to MF because it's driving me nuts when I play! I've been searching with Google and it looks like Marshall is going to be releasing the second version of the C5 in the near future. Anyone know any details? I'm unsure whether I want to go the route of the Mark II or look for something else.

I remember seeing a youtube video of a guy that fixed the rattle with a piece of foam weather stripping.  I looked, but I can't find it, sorry.  It was an easy fix..so he said.  Have you tried to fix it yourself?  If you send it back for another, you might have the same problem again.

  • From: New York
  • Registered: 2011-02-13
  • Posts: 444

Re: Marshall Class 5 Mark II

helrazr84 wrote:
Jimmy wrote:

Hey everyone. I got a brand new Marshall Class 5 a few weeks ago and started off loving it. Since then, it has developed a rattle when I hold certain notes. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to have to send it back to MF because it's driving me nuts when I play! I've been searching with Google and it looks like Marshall is going to be releasing the second version of the C5 in the near future. Anyone know any details? I'm unsure whether I want to go the route of the Mark II or look for something else.

I remember seeing a youtube video of a guy that fixed the rattle with a piece of foam weather stripping.  I looked, but I can't find it, sorry.  It was an easy fix..so he said.  Have you tried to fix it yourself?  If you send it back for another, you might have the same problem again.

I haven't tried to fix it myself particularly because I fear I won't be able to put it back together! LOL I used to love taking things apart as a kid, but I'm hesitant to do that with a $400 adult toy. I've been looking at various things online and what I've learned is that the rattle could come from a couple of different things within the amp. I already wrote MF for a shipping label and RMA. I would think the Fender Blues Junior would be a cool alternative amp. I have 3 Strats and Joe's Bonamassa Burst Les Paul. Any idea how the Junior would sound with the Humbuckers and Joe's Fuzzface? I know Fender amps are known particularly for their cleans, but I would think the Junior could get down and dirty.

Gibson Custom Joe Bonamassa Ltd Signature Les Paul VOS # 31
  • From: Ireland
  • Registered: 2010-10-25
  • Posts: 57

Re: Marshall Class 5 Mark II

The mark 2 class 5 will be the same as the mark 1 apart from the chassis has been changed to prevent rattle, theres a low power mode and it might have a 12 inch speaker instead of 10. It will also be available in head form.

Guitars: Epiphone JBLP, Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Amps: Marshall Vintage Modern, 18 watt clone
  • rpic
  • Titanium
  • Offline
  • From: Sonoma, Ca.
  • Registered: 2006-08-16
  • Posts: 852

Re: Marshall Class 5 Mark II

The C5 rattle problems been around since they came out a few years ago. I thought they already fixed it, guess not.

Nothing like buying something brand new and haveing to fix it.

  • Registered: 2006-05-31
  • Posts: 184

Re: Marshall Class 5 Mark II

Bought a Class 5 a little over a week ago. So far no issues at all and particularly no rattle. My understanding was that Marshall fixed that issue part way throught the production run, when it became very apparent as a real problem.

These little guys just came out last summer (there is youtube vid of our hero Joe introducing the amp in the UK).

It has that great Marshall sound and my Joe B Epi sounds glorious through it staight into the amp.

Jimmy, you may have received an old stock one from MF. I don't believe Marshall did any kind of a recall, but were "fixing" units returned to them. At least that was my understanding.

Mine was in the Marshall box and untouched by human hands when I got it. I have also heard that you need to run them awhile for the speaker to break in and they sound even better. Works great with pedals BTW.  smile

Nothin' but the Blues

7 Reply by Coach305 (edited by Coach305 2011-02-28 19:09:40)

  • From: New Castle, DE USA
  • Registered: 2011-01-03
  • Posts: 1,256

Re: Marshall Class 5 Mark II

I've been interested in the Class 5 for awhile, as it would appear to be the ideal way for a non-professional player like myself to get some vintage Marshall sound without breaking the bank.  The rattle issue has been discussed extensively online (Google  "Marshall Class 5" + "rattle").  Some have said that the problem was limited to the early version with the one-piece back, and that the three-piece-back model solved the issue.  Some have claimed to find the rattle even in the three-piece-back model.  If you're thinking about buying one of these online, it would certainly pay to ask the vendor which design you're getting, and avoid the one-piece model.  I would also be leery of getting a refurb, or a "factory reseal," etc., for the same reason:  they are likely items that were returned due to the rattle.

Personally, I've been very tempted by a red Class 5 with the three-piece back at a local guitar shop, but I'm trying to hold off long enough to see the new, improved version (which will be available as a combo or as a head)...

Terrance Shuman
New Castle, DE
  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Marshall Class 5 Mark II

Jimmy wrote:
helrazr84 wrote:
Jimmy wrote:

Hey everyone. I got a brand new Marshall Class 5 a few weeks ago and started off loving it. Since then, it has developed a rattle when I hold certain notes. Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to have to send it back to MF because it's driving me nuts when I play! I've been searching with Google and it looks like Marshall is going to be releasing the second version of the C5 in the near future. Anyone know any details? I'm unsure whether I want to go the route of the Mark II or look for something else.

I remember seeing a youtube video of a guy that fixed the rattle with a piece of foam weather stripping.  I looked, but I can't find it, sorry.  It was an easy fix..so he said.  Have you tried to fix it yourself?  If you send it back for another, you might have the same problem again.

I haven't tried to fix it myself particularly because I fear I won't be able to put it back together! LOL I used to love taking things apart as a kid, but I'm hesitant to do that with a $400 adult toy. I've been looking at various things online and what I've learned is that the rattle could come from a couple of different things within the amp. I already wrote MF for a shipping label and RMA. I would think the Fender Blues Junior would be a cool alternative amp. I have 3 Strats and Joe's Bonamassa Burst Les Paul. Any idea how the Junior would sound with the Humbuckers and Joe's Fuzzface? I know Fender amps are known particularly for their cleans, but I would think the Junior could get down and dirty.

I'm pretty sure the JB fuzz face is voiced more for humbuckers, so I would say yes it will sound good.  Some fuzz's are a little flubby with humbuckers.  But if the rumors of a 12" speaker are true, I'd send it back and hold out for one of them.  Don't know why they didn't just make it with that in the first place??  I have no experience with fender amps, other than they always sound rather bright which doesn't appeal to me..  I would take a rattling marshall class 5 over a blues junior any day, but that me! -Seth

9 Reply by Jimmy (edited by Jimmy 2011-02-28 21:20:29)

  • From: New York
  • Registered: 2011-02-13
  • Posts: 444

Re: Marshall Class 5 Mark II

Thanks everyone! I received my shipping label from MF today and I'll be shipping it out tomorrow. It sounded killer before the rattling... I think I'll just hold out for the Mark II. It seems like a definite improvement over the original design since I'm sure Marshall has probably fixed the rattle. Anyone know when they'll be releasing it? I'm just wondering how long I'll be ampless.  hmm

Gibson Custom Joe Bonamassa Ltd Signature Les Paul VOS # 31

10 Reply by lvbluesboy (edited by lvbluesboy 2011-03-02 08:41:17)

  • Registered: 2006-05-31
  • Posts: 184

Re: Marshall Class 5 Mark II

Little update here.

I took a better look and my new Class 5 has the three piece back. No rattle at all and IMHO great sound. As stated before it is quite loud (at least it has that capability) for 5 watts.

Sometimes waiting may not be a good thing. I missed out on one of the 5 Candy Apple Blue JB LP's due to hesitation. Regrets, but time to move on.

Not regreting that Class 5. They make it in green now too, but I prefer my original Marshall colors.

Nothin' but the Blues
  • From: New York
  • Registered: 2011-02-13
  • Posts: 444

Re: Marshall Class 5 Mark II

Would anyone be able to recommend a few alternatives to the Class 5 that I should demo? I'm going into Manhattan next week and checking out a bunch of shops with my friend/teacher. I'm looking for a combo tube amp that can unlock the potential of my Deluxe Strat and JB Paul... I'm really a one amp kind of guy and want to find one that I'll be happy with in the long term. I'm considering the Orange Tiny Terror (I read somewhere on the forum that Joe approves) and Fender Blues Junior. I want something small, but loud enough to play a small gig at a bar with great cleans and decent crunch. I guess what I'm asking is what is the best

Gibson Custom Joe Bonamassa Ltd Signature Les Paul VOS # 31
  • Registered: 2006-05-31
  • Posts: 184

Re: Marshall Class 5 Mark II

Check out the Class 5 again, but make sure it is a 3 piece back. The Fender Blues Junior is a good one too. You also might want to look at the Jet City amps.

Wow, I am sure our fellow forum members have plenty of suggestions besides those.

Play through as many as you can stand and that the stores will let you. Of course, how much cash you want to part with plays a big factor too!  big_smile

Nothin' but the Blues
  • From: New York
  • Registered: 2011-02-13
  • Posts: 444

Re: Marshall Class 5 Mark II

lvbluesboy wrote:

Check out the Class 5 again, but make sure it is a 3 piece back. The Fender Blues Junior is a good one too. You also might want to look at the Jet City amps.

Wow, I am sure our fellow forum members have plenty of suggestions besides those.

Play through as many as you can stand and that the stores will let you. Of course, how much cash you want to part with plays a big factor too!  big_smile

Thanks for the tips! I'm hesitant to go back to the Class 5 because the one I returned had the 3 piece back. I would hate to get another one that sounds really good from the start, but develops the rattle later on.

Gibson Custom Joe Bonamassa Ltd Signature Les Paul VOS # 31