Author Topic: Matamp 1224 MkII opinions? (Read 15744 times)

math2014 · « **on:** April 27, 2006, 06:52:41 PM »

Hi all,

After a long amp search i think that theoretically the 1224mkII should be the ideal "bedroom to band-practice" amp for me. PtP turret board, loads of valve options etc etc.

I got 2 main questions , or 3 actually.

1. Is the master volume that good (as an Orange RV50) for low volume practicing? (the RV50 is ace at this)

2. The build quality, is it really as good as it looks? Tank built for years of trouble free roadworthy operation and easy servicing with a solder iron and good knowledge? (comparatively to PCB amps)

3. Will it cover Zeppelin, Who, Cream, GnR, Sabbath etc?

I heard the following clips

http://www.matamp.co.uk/Matamp_Clean.mp3
http://www.matamp.co.uk/Matamp_OD2.mp3
http://www.matamp.co.uk/Matamp_OD3.mp3
http://www.matamp.co.uk/Matamp_OD5.mp3

Now if the amp can do the above tones at conversation level, i ll "walk" from Devon to W.Yorkshire to buy one...

I am looking forward to your advice.

PS. Is the customer service good?

_tom_ · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2006, 08:03:56 PM »

No idea about the volume thing, but that thing sounds awesome to my ears, I'd go for it, and get a hotplate if it doesnt sound that great with the master down.

willo · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2006, 08:09:08 PM »

whereabouts are those soundclips on the actual webpage? I had a look around and couldn't find them!

math2014 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2006, 08:35:18 PM »

http://www.matamp.co.uk/MATAMP1224.htm

:) more clips of the 1224 on this page, i had to fish it out traditionally through google.

I already have an 8ohm hotplate.

What do you think about long term reliability user serviceablity and customer service?

Underground_Player · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2006, 09:35:09 PM »

I think you should listen to the guys on the Matamp forum!! :D

PS get it it's a great amp, with a hotplate you'll have no problems whatsoever, plus as you know it's switchable wattage. You'll love it, and it should be reliable - they're a work of art inside!

willo · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2006, 09:57:51 PM »

thanks for the link! :D

indysmith · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2006, 10:23:01 PM »

why are yu worried about bedroom level sounds if yu already have the hotplate? i don't like the clips much - it sounds harsh and sorta fuzzy...

Skybone · « **Reply #7 on:** April 27, 2006, 11:29:57 PM »

I know I WANT ONE.....! :(

math2014 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 28, 2006, 07:16:28 AM »

Well i am worried about the master volume because i want to use just a couple of clicks with the hotplate if needed. With the Laney LC30 i have to use -12db of attenuation to get it down where i want it (and its still loud), whereas the Orange RV50 for example was more "silent" even without the hotplate.

HJM · « **Reply #9 on:** April 28, 2006, 07:43:44 AM »

Those clips aren't great - sounds much better in the flesh. Come to LGS and try one for yourself!

hunter · « **Reply #10 on:** April 28, 2006, 08:13:44 AM »

Man, I like the second clip. Not so bad at all.
Agree that the recording might not bring across the real thing, but how could I tell, never experienced it?

I just thought I'd be cured and now I have GAS again :(

hunter · « **Reply #11 on:** April 28, 2006, 08:25:00 AM »

Have they increased the price by 80% since 2003?

Here it says GBP 649,- on the guitarist review
http://www.matamp.co.uk/history1.htm

And now it's >1,000 GBP !!

math2014 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 28, 2006, 08:39:01 AM »

Well compare the price of Steel, wood, plastic and oil since 2003...

Hayden, is the MV good? ie can i get the tone of the clips at low volumes?

The amazing Phil · « **Reply #13 on:** April 28, 2006, 09:44:44 AM »

Quote from: hunter

Have they increased the price by 80% since 2003?

Here it says GBP 649,- on the guitarist review
http://www.matamp.co.uk/history1.htm

And now it's >1,000 GBP !!

I think that's for the combo version.

As for the customer service at Matamp, there's none better. They're practically the BKP of amp making. I heard Ralph jamming on one of those amps while I was picking up the C7 combo they had, and it sounded brilliant. It's really worth taking a trip to the factory if you can manage it since you're really treated well and'll be given a great idea of exactly how the amp sounds, all the options you can have for it, etc, etc etc.

I doubt I'll own another companys amps after dealing with Matamp.

math2014 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 28, 2006, 09:51:06 AM »

Well i ll try to find sometime to visit the factory. I hope i could try one in Devon to get an idea before hand.

Any impressions on low vol performance?

If Matamp is the BKP of amps, then i thing it settles all concerns with respect to build quality and customer service...