subversion
Moderator
Marshall MG15MSII
List: $375
So the most memorable moment you had with your Marshall MG15 was when you sold it away- a familiar parting tale with many of us who find this amp lacking in tone & relegated it as a practice grade as we progress in our playing. Enter the MG15MSII.
This isn't a debut mini by Marshall, the Lead 12 of the 80s/ 90s was a serious tone contender, pity it was discontinued. The MSII here consists of a twin 1x10 closed back cab which dictate all the tonal differences. These are even tailored to mimic a slant & straight-faced combination which remain a visual pleasure albeit contributing zilch to tonal projection. One would expect a compromised upholstery standard in this price category but there is nothing amiss in this department as with other constructional aspects. Bravo.
As this is a 'shrunk' amp, the mass of each component is very haul-friendly, as such; it remains very portable to the user. However, this becomes a critical problem as the unit in its entirety is unable to anchor itself firmly to the floor to avoid being toppled over. It is very susceptible to cable tugs & unanticipated collisions, be warned.
In use
The MG15MSII isn’t about offering a novelty amp per se because the tone speaks. If you are currently embittered by your MG15, know that this stacked version provides a different voicing largely due to the closed back feature of the speaker cab, more bass is evidently heard from it, so the MG15MSII isn’t excessively trebly by any means. While the 3 EQ knobs provide familiar tonal manipulations, the ‘contour’ option is actually a midrange boost/ cut control in lieu a midrange trimming per se. Hence, this knob can seriously boost your bass responses in various circumstances. The FDD option has its way with clarity in the overdrive mode while the genuine spring reverb adds some pronounced depth to your cleans.
Do turn up the volume when you play this amp (past the midway mark at least) because that’s when the EQ section comes to life; a minor tweak could yield a wide return. The amp also becomes more pick sensitive at the aforementioned volume levels.
Verdict
This amp isn’t quite an upgrade if you are currently playing a practice unit. What the MG15MSII provide, is a substantial addition to depth; effectively turning it into a significant tone contender should you be looking for substantial drive in an adorable physique. In addition to that, it comes with a respectable clean response, arguably worth the money you are parting with.
I had a great time rearranging the cab positions & placing it in various locations in my room to obtain differentiated reverb responses, oblivious to the fact that it already has a reputable default reverb. Things get very stereo when you place them at the right/ left while playing. What you get with this mini stack is an extended tonal expedition, not an entirely new aural experience but it’s a delightful substitute for the practice amp which you are itching to replace. All in all, the MG15MSII is a deserving deputy to the Lead 12.
Likes:
• Price
• Tone
• User-friendly features
Dislikes:
• Light-weight, physically unstable
• No channel indicator light
