• Registered: 2013-02-07
  • Posts: 4

Topic: Marshall Class 5 Paired with.....?..

Hello, everyone. I'm new to the forum. Quick question for the tone tweakers... I currently have a Marshall Class 5 and a Vox AC15. Because of Master Bonamassa's influence, I'm tempted to unload the Vox for a Fender. However, Pro Juniors and Blues Juniors are el84 amps like the Vox (and the Marshall) so I don't know that I'd be gaining anything. A Princeton Reverb or Deluxe would be ideal, I guess, but they're so darned expensive. A Champ would be different tubes but I worry about the small speaker. So, I submit to your expert advice... Keep the Vox? Get a Champ? Get something else? I should point out that I'm not unhappy with the Vox but figured it fails the two amp setup since both amps are el84. Suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Marshall Class 5 Paired with.....?..

I'm a Fender kind of guy...  Champ is nice but I would avoid the Champ 600 unless you want to mod it.  Princeton would be ideal like you said...  Why don't you check out this $800 ready to ship Princeton clone by www.Ceriatone.com
http://ceriatone.com/productSubPages/Pr … ng_new.htm

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: Pasadena, CA
  • Registered: 2013-01-28
  • Posts: 141

Re: Marshall Class 5 Paired with.....?..

Depending on how adventurous you are, you could bring your amp to a local music store and try out the different combos to see what works. I don't know if that's something you feel like doing, but it is an option. I agree with the above post about the Champ 600.

Gibson Joe Bonamassa ES335
Gibson 2013 Les Paul Standard Plus - Tea Burst
Gibson 2009 Songwriter - Acoustic
  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Marshall Class 5 Paired with.....?..

Just cause different amps share the same type of tubes doesn't mean they will sound the same. You can even pair 2 of the same amps together and set them slightly differently. I did a few low key recording demos of my Class 5s a few months ago, all in stereo. I paired 2 of the heads, 2 of the combos, and a Class 5 with an Egnater. Egnater has el34s in. This will maybe give you some idea of what you can do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOGtJCuDa38

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfgrbI5SZq4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7j4cy34ja0

5 Reply by Acts28 (edited by Acts28 2013-02-08 08:59:26)

  • Registered: 2013-02-07
  • Posts: 4

Re: Marshall Class 5 Paired with.....?..

Helrazr84, I enjoyed the demos, thanks for sharing. That gives me more to consider.

Steve & AD3, I completely agree about the new Champ600. I should have been clearer in my post (sorry about that). When I mentioned a Champ, I meant a silverface Champ or Vibro Champ. Fender tone, small package, but will it pair nicely with the Class5 or be outmatched? I play with a drummer and can barely turn the Class5 up to three without people telling us to turn down the guitar. Can I get a Champ/Vibro Champ to match that volume without reaching unpleasant breakup (i.e. collapse) or is that too much to ask considering the small speaker (even with a mic on it)?

  • Registered: 2006-06-30
  • Posts: 2,835

Re: Marshall Class 5 Paired with.....?..

Welcome to the group.......Older Champs-Silverface and Blackface ones are dependable and built like a tank....yes avoid the Champ 600 as well.

And so castles made of sand melts into the sea, eventually.........