PSA Marshall Origin 20 dropped again

paulnb57

ICBM said:

paulnb57 said:

Is it possible to get a smidge more gain from a valve swap? O 20 H...

Not more gain really, but slightly more distortion. If the amp comes stock with a JJ in V1 and Chinese 12AX7s in V2 and V3 (the SV20H does), the first thing to do is swap V1 and V3 - that will give a little more bite and harmonics.

(The Marshall labelled JJ has red lettering and the Chinese ones white.)

If you want to try new valves, old-production RFTs seem to have slightly more gain - as well as a really good bright but rich crunchy sound that suits Marshalls better than anything.

Thanks!

simonhpieman

Twinfan said:

Read my post above yours 

Sorry, that's what happens when I start a post then get distracted by a work email and don't actually finish it for half an hour!

Thanks for the deets.

Twinfan

Ha ha - we've all been there!

Barnezy

Arrived today and on the first strum I realised it's far too loud for any home use, even at 0.5w. If it's not cranked, it sounds quite thin and lifeless. 

I've only just started doing gigs so was hoping this would be a good amp for at home practice and small venue gigs/rehersal. Unfortunately it seems it's only good for the latter really. Shame as I love the vintage Marshall sound. 

Might have to return it, but will wait a few days to decide. Wish I had a sound proofed garage I could use for practice, instead of a top floor flat with leaded windows, so the neighbours can hear every strum. Just need to convince the Mrs to move out of London..... for the "kids" sake of course! 

If I was any good it might not be so bad  

Philtre

I tame my 20w with a Jettenuator or most times by turning it down and putting a dirt pedal in front of it. Still sounds good.

Barnezy

Actually I do have a swart light jr. If I set the amp at 5w or 0.5w that should be ok I assume? Had in my head 20w as the jr is only rated to 15w and didn't want to pay another £100 for a cheap attenuator just to use the thing at home. 

clarkefan

Try a volume pedal, or a pedal with a volume control, or a "volume box", like Danny1969 makes, in the loop.

Barnezy

Yes I've seen that trick before, volume pedal through the fx loop

Philtre

I tried the volume pedal in the loop on the head and it's not really such a great sound, as you lose the master drive.

ICBM

Philtre said:

I tried the volume pedal in the loop on the head and it's not really such a great sound, as you lose the master drive.

Yes, you'll need an attenuator with this since the power stage distortion is the major part of it.

Barnezy

Been playing the amp for a while today and really coming around to it.

Mostly been using it clean with pedals, but have been using it with an attenuator in 5w mode to drive the amps OD which is very nice, especially with my LP. 

Just wondering what settings people have found work well with a strat, for a good clean? I've always used Fender amps, so this is a little different for me.

monquixote

You can pull the mids back and push the bass for a more fendery sound.

You can get some amazing home sounds with a jettenuator and a boost like a klon or a rangemaster type.

simonhpieman

Gigged with mine yesterday and managed to really dial it in as I wanted. Great rhythm sound, add RAT for occasional extra gain as required, hit boost for solos.

Absolutely in love with it.

Barnezy

Just incase you haven't seen this. Official series of Marshall videos for tone settings on the Origin. 

theimageofall

Have used this at a few rehearsals now and am mightily impressed. We are a 3 piece but it gives a huge sound when used a pedal platform (I go from mid to fairly high gain).

For the price I paid from Peach, I’m extremely happy.

simonhpieman

Anyone know of a decent non-Marshall replacement footswitch for these? Maybe something that lets you use your own lead?

Either way, the boost switch on mine keeps getting stuck on, drove me nuts last two gigs.

monquixote

Bright onion?

simonhpieman

monquixote said:

Bright onion?

Thanks, quite a complex list of products but I'll do a bit more digging and see if one will work! They seem reasonably priced, at least.

roberty

simonhpieman said:

monquixote said:

Bright onion?

Thanks, quite a complex list of products but I'll do a bit more digging and see if one will work! They seem reasonably priced, at least.

Send them an email describing what you want. James is super helpful. He can probs do you one with an indicator light too

Evildurka

Must resist buying one of these but its cheaper than buying a victory v4 sheriff