Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Matt77 on January 20, 2012, 08:28:34 AM

Title: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Matt77 on January 20, 2012, 08:28:34 AM
http://www.marshallamps.com/product_range.asp?productCode=JTM1%20Overview

Some of these look quite tasty

There is an official video demo that uses bareknuckles as well
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Matt77 on January 20, 2012, 08:34:26 AM
Just seen the price
Ģ480 for a 1 watt head
Wtf!!!
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Twinfan on January 20, 2012, 09:09:08 AM
Limited editions, and you don't pay per watt any more.

Bit pricey though, are they UK made?
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Dmoney on January 20, 2012, 09:22:34 AM
Actually, In the case of amps that are hand built at least, it takes pretty much the same amount of time and effort to build a 1watt head than i does to build a 100watt heads.

The JTM1 has a 12AU7 as it's output valve, which could be running single ended or in push-pull. If  remember right the 12AU7's when used as an output valve need an output transformer with a pretty high impedance primary. Maybe you're probably paying towards development as well as a new batch of transformers? Maybe even new tooling needed to produce them?
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: shobet on January 20, 2012, 09:45:33 AM
I quite like the look of the 60s, 70s and at a pinch the 80s one. However for the same kind of money you can have one of Martin's MJW Cub amps.  http://www.martamp.com/amps.html

(http://www.martamp.com/images/_gallery/CubHead2_L.jpg)
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Matt77 on January 20, 2012, 09:50:31 AM
I'm off to see martin later to see if your champ is able to be fixed.
Will let you know
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Twinfan on January 20, 2012, 09:51:43 AM
True re. the Cub, but I'd have a Orange Dual Terror over all of them for that kind of cash.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: gwEm on January 20, 2012, 10:21:58 AM
They are a bit too much coin.. but I think they all look really cool, and I'm sure I'll get GAS at some stage
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Frank on January 20, 2012, 10:44:04 AM
They're all doing it ... these look a lot nicer though

http://www.fender.com/en-GB/products/pawnshopamps/
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on January 20, 2012, 12:17:01 PM
I asked Marshall about doing this like 20+ years ago - they confessed that 90% of 50w and 100w amps never leave people's bedrooms and are way too loud to be used at home and that a lower wattage version would be far better

Looks like they finally found the desire to do it

 I like the 80s,VM and DSL versions from the look of it.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Dmoney on January 20, 2012, 12:28:52 PM
well, finally found the desire after loads of people have cottoned on the idea and a multitude of boutique and otherwise manufacturers have got amps like that into the market. It's easy to find the desire to do something once there is a proven market trend I guess. Who can blame them.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Philly Q on January 20, 2012, 12:30:04 PM
I asked Marshall about doing this like 20+ years ago - they confessed that 90% of 50w and 100w amps never leave people's bedrooms and are way too loud to be used at home and that a lower wattage version would be far better

Looks like they finally found the desire to do it

Isn't it incredible how long it's taken the industry to realise most people don't need big amps?!

I suppose for most of that time there would also have been consumer resistance, because everyone aspired to a Fender Twin or 50/100w Marshall, and "practice" amps were regarded with contempt.

But at last, small amps are cool!  :D



I really like the 1960s Marshall - two knobs, Tone and Loudness!  What else do you need?   :lol:
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Twinfan on January 20, 2012, 12:52:16 PM
^ gain would be nice!
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Ian Price on January 20, 2012, 12:55:41 PM
Isn't it incredible how long it's taken the industry to realise most people don't need big amps?!

This has me wondering how long it will take the motor industry to realise that most (maybe even all) people don't need cars that go very fast.  :?
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Philly Q on January 20, 2012, 12:56:19 PM
^ gain would be nice!

Now you're just over-complicating things....
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Philly Q on January 20, 2012, 12:59:24 PM
Isn't it incredible how long it's taken the industry to realise most people don't need big amps?!

This has me wondering how long it will take the motor industry to realise that most (maybe even all) people don't need cars that go very fast.  :?

I have always been vaguely puzzled watching Top Gear when Clarkson and his comedy sidekicks have orgasms about cars which do 0-60 in three seconds and have a top speed of 180mph....

So what, quite frankly, unless you have regular access to a F1 test circuit?
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Twinfan on January 20, 2012, 01:20:02 PM
Top speed to me is irrelevant, but the acceleration is VERY important.  Hence I usually buy quick cars, and it's why I like motorbikes.

It's the buzz you get from the power kicking in...
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: gwEm on January 20, 2012, 01:47:53 PM
Top speed to me is irrelevant, but the acceleration is VERY important.  Hence I usually buy quick cars, and it's why I like motorbikes.

It's the buzz you get from the power kicking in...

The acceleration could be seen as a safety feature also.

With amps, I know I don't need a 50w Marshall, but it works just about volume-wise in the house. It turns me on to know I'm playing through a vintage 1976 Marshall head :)

I think Jonathan and Phil are just being pussies (joke!)
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Ian Price on January 20, 2012, 01:51:56 PM
Top speed to me is irrelevant, but the acceleration is VERY important.  Hence I usually buy quick cars, and it's why I like motorbikes.

It's the buzz you get from the power kicking in...

Agreed on acceleration being important - good for getting out of trouble and keeping roads running more efficiently!
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: nfe on January 20, 2012, 01:58:00 PM
I do fancy the idea of the JCM1.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Mr. Air on January 20, 2012, 02:23:48 PM
^ gain would be nice!

Now you're just over-complicating things....

I too think that a gain control would be nice. Apart from that it sounds quite good, but the price tag seems a little steep.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Philly Q on January 20, 2012, 02:33:54 PM
I think Jonathan and Phil are just being pussies (joke!)

No offence taken, it's a fact in my case!  :lol:

Even when I was a kid I couldn't understand why manufacturers didn't make small (but quality) amps for low-volume applications. 

Actually, the Fender Champ used to get the odd mention in guitar mags - but more like it was a "studio secret" than something which should/could be widely available.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on January 20, 2012, 04:25:49 PM
My 10w class A SE MJW power amp has more than enough volume for the sake of my neighbours and I haven't really ever turned it up very much.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Alex on January 21, 2012, 10:01:41 AM
I may be overcritical here, but I think 1W is a bit of a joke. For me the perfect watt range is 10-20Watts, as that enables you to get a good sound both in the bedroom and in rehearsal. Just as the 100Watt amp is too loud for at home, the 1W is too weak for outside of the bedroom. Marshall could have made those amps a single-ended EL34 amp - that is a classic Marshall tube after all (except for the very early ones) and that would make those amps far more flexible.

Keep in mind that amps like Hughes& Kettners Tubemeister (?) or ENGL's Gigmaster both are 15 Watts and have a built-in power soak. That is what is needed nowadays.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: nfe on January 21, 2012, 10:46:58 AM
I may be overcritical here, but I think 1W is a bit of a joke. For me the perfect watt range is 10-20Watts, as that enables you to get a good sound both in the bedroom and in rehearsal. Just as the 100Watt amp is too loud for at home, the 1W is too weak for outside of the bedroom.

The majority of guitarists (or at least, people who own guitars and amps, they might not all consider themselves guitarists as such) never play outside the home. It's high time there were sensible (decent sounding) options widely available for them.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Transcend on January 21, 2012, 11:02:52 AM
See whilst i think these sound ok they dont sound very much like the real versions!

I personally find that a 50w is absolutely fine for bedroom use.

I find lower wattage amps dont have the oomph in the low end and dont really have any headroom and sound squashed and boxy.

I can see the appeal for these thought but at the price its utterly ridiculous. Id rather buy an amp that doesnt look like a toy and squash the hell out of it with an attenuator to get the same sound for less.

Edit: Or a PODHD as the models on them sound closer to the bigger amps than these do and its a load cheaper.
(i never thought i would find a case where id prefer a modeller :S)
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Kiichi on January 21, 2012, 12:15:02 PM
I personally find that a 50w is absolutely fine for bedroom use.
Dude, tell that to my neighbor. 15Watts is more than enough to easily get that guy fed up. I canīt usually even go where the speakers get working propperly.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Transcend on January 21, 2012, 12:17:10 PM
I personally find that a 50w is absolutely fine for bedroom use.
Dude, tell that to my neighbor. 15Watts is more than enough to easily get that guy fed up. I canīt usually even go where the speakers get working propperly.

i guess ive always been lucky with neighbours.

I live in a block of flats currently and have only once had the guy come up asking if i could not play that particular day because he doesnt feel too well and thats in almost 2 years.

Or maybe i generally play so loud that i can thear them knocking on the door :P

But in all seriousness i can get a 100w SLO type amp to sound good at talking levels and those are damn loud amps.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Twinfan on January 21, 2012, 12:17:14 PM
You don't have to have the speakers flapping for a good tone.  I use 100w heads for practice all the time.

They all have volume controls  ;)
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Kiichi on January 21, 2012, 01:13:19 PM
I mean I am using a TT mostly and it is really not that I am playing load or that the speakers are flabbing or so.
I have to zoom in at about 1mm turn above sound coming out of the amp. I can sing louder than I turn my amp up ffs, but this guy....must be the bass or something, dunno.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Transcend on January 21, 2012, 01:15:16 PM
Get an auralex gramma.

I think this is the big factor in why i get no trouble.

It isolates your cab from the floor stopping about 90% of noise transferance and it also makes your cab sound tighter/punchier
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Kiichi on January 21, 2012, 01:46:15 PM
Get an auralex gramma.

I think this is the big factor in why i get no trouble.

It isolates your cab from the floor stopping about 90% of noise transferance and it also makes your cab sound tighter/punchier
I will look into that, sounds like a great and obvious idea.
I have actually done the same thing with me soundsystems subwoofer already which sits on a plate which is a big slice of some variety of styrofoam. Works a charm there. Somehow I did not think to do the same with my cab...

But I think Iīll try to build something myself now (budged and stuff). I got different kinds of foam stuff lying around, so I should be able to whip up something that will work.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on January 21, 2012, 01:54:53 PM
I personally find that a 50w is absolutely fine for bedroom use.
Dude, tell that to my neighbor. 15Watts is more than enough to easily get that guy fed up. I canīt usually even go where the speakers get working propperly.

My friend had a neighbour who got annoyed if you played an unplugged electric guitar, let alone one plugged in
Paper thin walls or something.....
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: PhilKing on January 21, 2012, 02:06:09 PM
Has anyone notice how the amps get more knobs as they get newer?  I don't have a problem with noise and the neighbours (every other Friday they have a live band play next door.  I don't bother them about that, and I can play as loud as I want anytime!).  However for my own hearing, I am now using my MJW with power scaling.  It's a Roadstar 36, which means enough power for large rooms, but with the power scaling, you can use it anywhere.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: HTH AMPS on January 21, 2012, 04:50:06 PM
The general feeling here is interesting and exactly why I don't make a 1w amp - people want them for next to nothing and compare them to Chinese offerings they can get for Ģ100-200. 

This range Marshall are doing is priced quite fairly imo for a hand-wired amp, however I'd have make these out in China - if Marshall could get these in the Ģ150-200 range they'd have a winner. 

Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Miracle Man on January 21, 2012, 06:21:50 PM
This range Marshall are doing is priced quite fairly imo for a hand-wired amp...

These aren't handwired though.  :|
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on January 21, 2012, 10:44:14 PM
The general feeling here is interesting and exactly why I don't make a 1w amp - people want them for next to nothing and compare them to Chinese offerings they can get for Ģ100-200. 

This range Marshall are doing is priced quite fairly imo for a hand-wired amp, however I'd have make these out in China - if Marshall could get these in the Ģ150-200 range they'd have a winner. 


Maybe I'm one of the odd ones out who feel that you don't measure amps by Watts per Ģ or whatever

I see these as much more usable amps for players that don't go out and gig
They will be ample for recording and certainly loud enough for home use.

The main thing I would look for is for them to have comparable features with the bigger amps
It always annoys me that a lower wattage amp always in the past had just a volume and tone control when I would want to see gain controls and a full tone stack like the bigger amp would have.

That is why I have in the past had to have custom amps built - both the 10w AFD style Super-Marshall that HTH made and a 10w power amp from Martamp/MJW that I use with my Egnater/Randall modular rack system

10w is more than adequate and I don't regret the cost at all as 10w is so much more usable to me than a 50w would be (1 or 2w would  be more than adequate though)
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Elliot on January 21, 2012, 11:00:21 PM
A 1w amp through a 12" speaker is way loud enough for the home - especially if you are using any OD pedals.  Personally I can't see why there aren't more on the market. 
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: XxpapertigerxX on January 22, 2012, 01:33:29 AM
Get an auralex gramma.

I think this is the big factor in why i get no trouble.

It isolates your cab from the floor stopping about 90% of noise transferance and it also makes your cab sound tighter/punchier

That thing looks amazing. I saw it once a while back but forgot about it, thanks for reminding me. Is it strong enough for a full sized (60 pound) head and orange 2x12 though, or do I need the Great GRAMMA for that?


As for the Marshall 1watt heads, I don't like how they use a 12au7 as the power tube instead of an EL34. EL34s are the backbone of the classic Marshall tones, and I'm not sure 12au7s will be able to provide the same sound and feel. They could have used a single EL34 and made it 5-10 watts instead, which wouldn't be too loud but retain more of the characteristics of the amps they're emulating. I guess I'll just have to wait for the more adventurous gearheads to buy one and give reviews.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Transcend on January 22, 2012, 01:36:47 AM
The most important thing to take into consideration with the Grammas is the actual width of your cab.

If that wont fit its a no go!

Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: XxpapertigerxX on January 22, 2012, 01:43:04 AM
Yeah you're right, I just looked more closely and both are rated for up to 300lbs. Just the size difference then.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Ian Price on January 22, 2012, 09:58:45 AM
A 1w amp through a 12" speaker is way loud enough for the home - especially if you are using any OD pedals.  Personally I can't see why there aren't more on the market. 

Me neither. I'd really like to see more of these. I remember really wanting to get a Zvex Nano Head a few years back but didn't due to thinking it was a bit gimmicky. I'd still like one but a more traditional looking head is better to look at IMO.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Philly Q on January 22, 2012, 10:30:56 AM
A 1w amp through a 12" speaker is way loud enough for the home - especially if you are using any OD pedals.  Personally I can't see why there aren't more on the market. 

Me neither. I'd really like to see more of these. I remember really wanting to get a Zvex Nano Head a few years back but didn't due to thinking it was a bit gimmicky. I'd still like one but a more traditional looking head is better to look at IMO.

To be fair, there have been a lot of tiny amps - or "small" amps with power scaling or lower-power settings - hitting the market in the last couple of years.  Loads of stuff in the 5-15w range, which maybe isn't quite "bedroom" levels, but it's a positive trend (IMO).

A couple of years ago I was GASing for a Suhr Badger or Fargen Miniplex, maybe a little Cornell or MJW, then we had the Tiny Terror.... now there are all sorts of mainstream offerings from Vox, Blackstar, Hughes & Kettner, Orange has a whole mini-range, even Mesa and Marshall are on board.

True, there are still very few dedicated 1w (or 0.5w!) models, but we're getting there.  I almost feel spoilt for choice!  :D
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Alex on January 22, 2012, 11:35:18 AM
Get an auralex gramma.

I think this is the big factor in why i get no trouble.

It isolates your cab from the floor stopping about 90% of noise transferance and it also makes your cab sound tighter/punchier

That thing looks amazing. I saw it once a while back but forgot about it, thanks for reminding me. Is it strong enough for a full sized (60 pound) head and orange 2x12 though, or do I need the Great GRAMMA for that?


Styrofoam and a board would be the DIY method.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Matt77 on January 25, 2012, 01:39:50 PM
Get an auralex gramma.

I think this is the big factor in why i get no trouble.

It isolates your cab from the floor stopping about 90% of noise transferance and it also makes your cab sound tighter/punchier

Good call. I thought i'd try one out. Does a great job of stopping the floorboards vibrating
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Twinfan on January 25, 2012, 02:04:49 PM
I keep wondering whether to get one of those - is it worth it, Matt?
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: juansolo on January 25, 2012, 02:07:48 PM
Isn't it incredible how long it's taken the industry to realise most people don't need big amps?!

This has me wondering how long it will take the motor industry to realise that most (maybe even all) people don't need cars that go very fast.  :?

I have always been vaguely puzzled watching Top Gear when Clarkson and his comedy sidekicks have orgasms about cars which do 0-60 in three seconds and have a top speed of 180mph....

So what, quite frankly, unless you have regular access to a F1 test circuit?

Oh a car analogy, someone called for a car freak/obsessive?

Power, IMO, is a drug. One that deminishes with familiarity. Indeed I think I had an impreza about 2 months before I was contemplating the PPP power kit for it and the Impreza is a bloody quick car to start off with. In chasing that hit you do find yourself driving WAY too quickly along with it. It becomes frustrating rather than fun. Which is why I chopped the impreza in for a Mazda MX-5...

Get over questioning my sexuality and wondering if I cut hair (having a friend who is a hairdresser I can guarentee you he got more action from that than any other career path you can think of. Indeed that's why he got into it!), the MX-5 has a sweetly balanced chassis, a revvy engine and not very much grip. All of which adds up to something you can play with at and over it's limit, while still staying on the right side of the law. A car that was fun all of the time rather than just when you had the space to wind it up. I never regretted selling the impreza for a minute.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Matt77 on January 25, 2012, 03:21:45 PM
I keep wondering whether to get one of those - is it worth it, Matt?
Probably not with the tiles you have on the floor at home.
If your crash pad in the week has flimsy flooring i'd say it's worth getting one. They are about 40 quid after delivery.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Twinfan on January 25, 2012, 03:29:06 PM
I'm thinking for pub gigs - again, not worth it?
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Matt77 on January 25, 2012, 04:04:46 PM
If you have a cr@ppy stage where the bass gets boomy. Yes, but it is yet another thing to carry
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Dmoney on January 25, 2012, 04:08:03 PM
if you're in a pub, try asking for a couple of beer crates?
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Matt77 on January 25, 2012, 04:42:14 PM
In dave's case, best not, he'd knock his amp off them on to his PRS.  :D
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Dmoney on January 25, 2012, 04:46:21 PM
then we'd have a thread containing dings in a PRS and dings in a Bogner... shortly followed by a NAD thread about a backup Bogner XTC along with a new PRS.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Twinfan on January 25, 2012, 04:47:37 PM
:lol:

You guys know me too well!
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Transcend on January 25, 2012, 04:53:57 PM
They are an excellent piece of kit.

They stop unwanted transferance and also really clean up the sound as it isnt being transfered through the floor too if you get what i mean.

Definitely worth it especially for a consistent sound between locations but as has already been said its an extra thing to carry
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Twinfan on February 04, 2012, 05:46:39 PM
Good clips of the 1w Marshalls here - I like the 70s JMP the best  :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo2TDwMN7Tg
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Matt77 on February 04, 2012, 10:34:13 PM
Excellent footage of rebecca dirks talking about a little head
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Ian Price on February 04, 2012, 11:25:51 PM
Excellent footage of rebecca dirks talking about a little head

 :D

Pretty much what I thought. I was hoping she was asking if it could get dirty.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Andrew W on February 05, 2012, 09:08:47 AM
I thought all those amps sounded great, I'm very impressed indeed. If they'd taken a more Cornell approach and gone the power switching route of 10W,1W,.25W and .125W I'd actually be pretty tempted, even at that price. 1W cranked is still too loud for my flat unfortunately.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Ian Price on February 05, 2012, 09:20:00 AM
He did mention about power scaling though - at least  think he did. Not sure if it was on all models or just one though.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Andrew W on February 05, 2012, 09:40:27 AM
He did mention about power scaling though - at least  think he did. Not sure if it was on all models or just one though.

True, but I'd want it to start higher than 1W and end up waaaay lower, which I don't think it does. Still sounds great to my ears though.
Title: Re: 1W MARSHALLS FOR 2012
Post by: Ian Price on February 05, 2012, 09:44:42 AM
Ah - I see. I thought that given that 1 watt was too loud for you 10 watts wouldn't really be on the list of things you'd like to see on this amp  :D