My recent purchase of the Marshall MG100DFX has revived my interest in Marshall amps. I am a big fan of Laney amps (also a British amplifier maker), but have always respected the Marshall legacy of being the most popular amp among most rock/metal musicians. However, it is difficult to find Laney dealers in my area, so I decided to look into what Marshall had to offer.

Since I don't play professionally at this time, I wasn't looking for a stack. A nice combo is what I needed. I read some reports about the MG series, which is a group of solid states amps, and decided I would try one out.

My local Marshall dealer had most of the models, including the 50 watt MG50DFX, and the 100 watt MG100DFX. Both have similiar features, and even though I thought the 50 watt would suffice, I decided to check out the 100 watt because I figured if I ever do play out again, I'd want to make sure I have enough power.

There are plenty of controls on the MG100DFX, and a number of ways to shape your sound. From left to right, the controls start with a clean channel, which oddly enough can be switched from a totally clean sound to a crunch setting through the clean channel. This allows for a warm, slightly distorted sound, ala AC-DC's power blues sound.

Next, you move toward the center, where you have the overdrive settings. Again, this channel has 2 options - OD1 and OD2. Both are powerful, distorted rock sounds, but the OD2 really screams. The controls are gain, bass, mid, treble, contour, and channel volume. The contour knob allows you to shape the sound of the distortion, which allows for a nice variety.

To the right of those knobs, you have the MG's unique effects knobs. There is one knob that is split into quarter turns, allowing you to choose from chorus, delay, flange, and chorus/delay. Most of the MG models also have a reverb control. Then there is a control which sets how present the chosen effects are.

After the effects controls, you have the master volume, which is plenty loud enough between 1 and 2 for practice sessions. (I have tried the volume at about 5 -6, and trust me, this amp could also cut it in a live situation!)

There is an input for headphones, and one for a CD player so you can play along to your CDs when you're practicing.

There is also a button marked FDD, which means Frequency Dependent Dampening. I don't exactly know what that means, but it's supposed to give the amp more of a tube driven feeling. I basically switched it on, and have left it that way.

The unit contains an enclosed 12" celestion speaker that sounds incredible. It also comes with a footswitch, which lets you switch between clean and overdrive, and DFX on or off.

Once I was convinced I liked the sound and features of the MG100DFX I checked the price of it, as well as that of the MG50. The 50 watt ran for $349, while the 100 was $429. So for less than $100, I was able to get the 100 watt and be comfortable in the knowledge that it has the power to be used for practice and live situations.

The only negatives I can think of with regard to this versatile little amp would be that there are actually 4 different sound settings (2 in clean and 2 in OD), but you can only footswitch between 2 of them. Also, the master power cord could be longer. I'd also like it if each effect had it's own knob, rather than sharing one (even though this isn't really a problem, and the effects really do sound great).

In closing, I think the MG100DFX is a nice compact sized amp that really delivers the traditional Marshall sound. I don't have room for, or need of, a half or whole stack, so the MG100 is the perfect solution. Beginners and pros should find it a useful, affordable amplifier.

Recommended: Yes