In today’s review, we’re going to take a close look on one of the most popular budget solid state amps of all time – the legendary Marshall MG10. I personally own that amp and I feel like I’m in a good spot to share all of my thoughts with you after a few years of using it. It’s definitely cheap, but is it a good practice amp?
Absolutely! Marshall MG10 combo is a reliable and affordable guitar amp suitable for all-level players. It offers two channels and a really nice, balanced tone. Although it’s not the best amp in the world, it’s definitely more than enough for home use and practice.
Let’s dive deeper with research and find out what makes this amp so special. Firstly, I’ll start with some of my thoughts about that amp and then we’ll move into my video review, detailed specifications and pricing information. Also, we’ll see if there are any better alternatives within that price range.
Specs & Pricing
Marshall MG10 is a solid-state guitar amp which features 10-Watts of power and two separate channels: clean and overdrive. The manufacturer decided to equip this combo with a 6.5″ speaker. In addition, there’s a headphone output and a line input that allows you to jam with your favorite backing tracks.
What’s interesting, Marshall decided to add a Contour knob to this model which boosts the mids. This is a really useful feature which significantly impacts the final tone, especially on the overdrive channel.
When it comes to pricing, it’s really low. In fact, it’s one of the best and most affordable compact amps available in the market. Considering how low the pricing is, it’s definitely worth checking it out.
My Experience With Marshall MG10
I’ve been using this amp for a while and honestly, it’s a really solid piece of gear. Of course, at this price level you can’t expect any wonders. There are better options out there if you’re willing to spend more. But at this price level, it’s really tough to find something as good and reliable as the Marshall MG10.
The MG10 features a classic Marshall design – it’s black with a few golden parts and a classic white Marshall logo in the middle. Overall, the construction of this amplifier is really durable and it’s not that easy to damage it. My model is a few years old and apart from a few scratches, it works completely fine.
When it comes to tone, it is surprisingly good. The company decided to equip this amp with two channels, so you can easily switch between clean and overdrive channels with just one switch. In addition, the overdrive channel offers the classic Marshall tone. If you’re not familiar with that sound, think of AC/DC – they mostly used these amps.
I have no hesitation with recommending this amp to anyone who’s looking for a solid and reliable guitar combo to practice with. It may not be ideal for recordings or live gigs, but it’s more than enough for home use. And since it’s so durable, there’s a high chance that you’re going to keep it for years to come!
I recorded a quick video review of that amp – feel free to check it out. Also, if you enjoy this type of content, make sure to click the subscribe button. There are a lot more gear reviews in there!
Who Is It For?
Marshall MG10 is mainly recommended for beginners, although it will also work well for a lot of more advanced players. It’s a particularly good choice as a first guitar amplifier. So if you’re just starting out, you can definitely trust this manufacturer!
In addition, the MG10 model offers a lot of versatility when it comes to tone, so it will be suitable for a wide range of music genres. Whether you’re into blues, rock or metal, you won’t be disappointed.
Lastly, it’s also a great option for people on a tight budget. It’s one of the cheapest Marshall amps on the market and it’s definitely within reach of any guitarist.
Disadvantages
As you can imagine, Marshall MG10 has a few disadvantages as well. Of course, this is a low-level guitar combo, so it doesn’t sound like a tube amp worth thousands of dollars. There’s no EQ, so the range of tonal possibilities is pretty limited.
In addition, although it’s loud, it’s not loud enough for live performances with a band. This amp is not designed for gigs and it will be difficult for you to sound louder than a drummer. So the only way to use it for larger performances is to use with an additional mic.
Also, some people may complain about the hum, especially while using the overdrive channel. Nevertheless, for me, it wasn’t even noticeable, so it wasn’t a problem.
Are There Any Alternatives?
Yes! If you don’t like the Marshall MG10, there’s a few good alternatives out there and they’re also really cheap.
I definitely recommend checking out Bugera BC15 – it’s a small hybrid tube amp which features an amazing quality and it’s also available at a reasonable price.
The BC15 model may not offer the same overdrive as Marshall, but it’s still a really good and affordable option for a lot of guitarists of all levels.
Other compact amps at this price level include such guitar combos as Orange Crush 12, Vox Pathfinder, BOSS Katana Mini and Fender Frontman 10G. Reviews of a few of these amps are available on my YouTube channel, so if you’re interested – feel free to check them out.
Alternatively, here’s a really good demo that highlights the differences between some of these amps. I highly recommend checking it out.
FAQ
Where is Marshall MG10 made?
Marshall MG10 is manufactured in Vietnam.
Does Marshall MG10 have reverb?
No, Marshall MG10 doesn’t have a built-in reverb.
Where can I find a manual to Marshall MG10?
You can find the manual on the official website of Marshall.
Are Marshall amps solid-state?
Marshall offers all types of amps: solid-state, hybrid and tube amps. The solid-state amps, just like the MG10 model, are usually least expensive. On the other hand, their tube amps can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Should a guitar amp hiss?
Yes, it’s totally normal, especially when the volume and gain is really high. Nevertheless, if you’re hearing too much noise and it significantly affects your playing, you should definitely return it to the seller or if your warranty is longer valid, you should find someone who can fix it.
Summary
As you can see, Marshall MG10 is a really cool guitar amp. Considering its low price, it’s definitely one of the best and most affordable solid state amps out there. If you’re looking for a classic Marshall tone and you’re planning to use the new amp mostly at home, the MG10 will be an excellent choice.
What do you think about that amp? Do you think that there are any better amps at that price level? Leave a comment below, I’m really interested to hear what you think!
Thanks for checking out today’s review, I hope that it was helpful. If you enjoyed it, you may also like: