This is a great re-creation of an already known fact, that the plexi is the foundation that built the rock ‘n’ roll tone.This unit has all the dynamic features of its predecessor the 1959 SLP. It’s ability to blend its channels to give you that dynamic plexi tone that is unmistakable and unmatched if you’re looking for that vintage rock ‘n’ roll tone that forged the sounds of Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy page and the likes of some of the greatest guitar gods in rock ‘n’ roll history.This plexi 20 watt head is no slouch, and can get loud fast just like it’s Pappa, But with this unit you get that same tone and sound just A little more tamed.I’ve owned plexi‘s and JCM‘s alike and Marshall has done an exceptional job on this faithful recreation both inside and out and you ... MoreThis is a great re-creation of an already known fact, that the plexi is the foundation that built the rock ‘n’ roll tone.This unit has all the dynamic features of its predecessor the 1959 SLP. It’s ability to blend its channels to give you that dynamic plexi tone that is unmistakable and unmatched if you’re looking for that vintage rock ‘n’ roll tone that forged the sounds of Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy page and the likes of some of the greatest guitar gods in rock ‘n’ roll history.This plexi 20 watt head is no slouch, and can get loud fast just like it’s Pappa, But with this unit you get that same tone and sound just A little more tamed.I’ve owned plexi‘s and JCM‘s alike and Marshall has done an exceptional job on this faithful recreation both inside and out and you can’t go wrong with this unit.There are a few OHM inputs for plenty of cab options along with an effects loop with on off button if you choose to run your pedals through the circuit.This unit sounds amazing!American musical supply and it’s 0% finance options have made purchasing a breeze and I would recommending them and this head to anyone.

I have been playing for almost 40 years and have been fortunate to own a Super Lead 100 and Plexi 50 watt for about the last 20 years. Both these amps have been perfect for me and just about everyone I’ve allowed to play over them. They handle any style I’ve played through them and have several times been applauded by audience members for their tone. The only problem with them is they are just so loud. I was a little skeptical upon seeing Marshall come out with these new Studio Vintage models. Could they actually be a Plexi? Would they be loud enough to gig with? Well, I finally pulled the trigger and have been glad I did the second I plugged in. I absolutely love this amp. Marshall nailed it on this. Very sweet sounding. Cleans are almost as good as the 50 watt. ... MoreI have been playing for almost 40 years and have been fortunate to own a Super Lead 100 and Plexi 50 watt for about the last 20 years. Both these amps have been perfect for me and just about everyone I’ve allowed to play over them. They handle any style I’ve played through them and have several times been applauded by audience members for their tone. The only problem with them is they are just so loud. I was a little skeptical upon seeing Marshall come out with these new Studio Vintage models. Could they actually be a Plexi? Would they be loud enough to gig with? Well, I finally pulled the trigger and have been glad I did the second I plugged in. I absolutely love this amp. Marshall nailed it on this. Very sweet sounding. Cleans are almost as good as the 50 watt. The amp definitely has what my other 2 have, great vintage rock vibe that sets well in the mix. The only issue I’ve encountered is these are definitely loud as well. Even at 5 watts. I’ve played a gig on the 5 watt setting. WOW! Never knew I could do that. This thing sounds awesome. I will eventually purchase a Universal Audio Ox load box for my 3. Just love playing with these dimed. I just don’t have to worry taking this one out on gigs any more.If your contemplating a new amp purchase, and you’ve never played a Plexi, do yourself a favor and play one before you purchase something looking for the “it” sound in your mind. This is the “IT’ sound you are searching for. They are it and this one delivers everything I’ve asked out of it. It sets well in the mix, has that “IT” sound and looks cool setting on top of the 2x12 cab on stage.

What can I say about this little demon. It's 20w 2 el34 made in England. What is not to love. 5w mode is loud but manageable in the home. 20w mode will shake the house. Definitely will keep up with a loud drummer in a rock band setting. Playing through a lopoline 2/12 with et65 and reaper 30 it's thick and punchy. If you want that live Angus tone it's there. Zzrop it's there. Grab a strat and it's Jimi and Stevie all day. Roll the volume down for bell like cleans for an Albert Lee or Mark knopfler tone. Spike the high treble and cut the mid and it's Vanhalen 1. This little monster straight delivers. Mix the bass chanel and high treble get a thick southern rock tone think black foot. There is not a bad tone in this little terror. Will do clean to early 60's to early ... MoreWhat can I say about this little demon. It's 20w 2 el34 made in England. What is not to love. 5w mode is loud but manageable in the home. 20w mode will shake the house. Definitely will keep up with a loud drummer in a rock band setting. Playing through a lopoline 2/12 with et65 and reaper 30 it's thick and punchy. If you want that live Angus tone it's there. Zzrop it's there. Grab a strat and it's Jimi and Stevie all day. Roll the volume down for bell like cleans for an Albert Lee or Mark knopfler tone. Spike the high treble and cut the mid and it's Vanhalen 1. This little monster straight delivers. Mix the bass chanel and high treble get a thick southern rock tone think black foot. There is not a bad tone in this little terror. Will do clean to early 60's to early 80s Judas priest. It's the tone of generations in a manageable package. Simple lay out. Effects loop is great. I had a issue with a cracked tube when I first took delivery. American musical supply were awesome and hooked up with a credit on my bill and went above and beyond talking to a real person who cared. This is an awesome a.p from and awesome company. Will always do business with this place. No one better.

Marshall have hit the tube amplifier clone industry with a missile. Finally Marshall are making amps that sound like Marshall old school amps guitarists are searching for. You want a lower power tube amp that sounds like a 100 Watt Marshall Plexi Super Lead? Then buy this Marshall and forget the clones! Word of warning, these amps are not designed for a clean tone. You want cranked Marshall sound, you've got it!My suggestion is install some NOS preamp tubes and experiment with types. I found a Philips JAN 5751 in V1 works great to reduce the brightness and allow for the treble channel to be cranked up high enough to defeat the brightness cap in the circuit, without the volume ripping your head off. Chose a lower gain NOS with balanced sections for V3 also manages ... MoreMarshall have hit the tube amplifier clone industry with a missile. Finally Marshall are making amps that sound like Marshall old school amps guitarists are searching for. You want a lower power tube amp that sounds like a 100 Watt Marshall Plexi Super Lead? Then buy this Marshall and forget the clones! Word of warning, these amps are not designed for a clean tone. You want cranked Marshall sound, you've got it!My suggestion is install some NOS preamp tubes and experiment with types. I found a Philips JAN 5751 in V1 works great to reduce the brightness and allow for the treble channel to be cranked up high enough to defeat the brightness cap in the circuit, without the volume ripping your head off. Chose a lower gain NOS with balanced sections for V3 also manages the volume when on high power. Power tubes I'm using are EH EL34's. Not a fan of JJ tubes but they will do the job. Try with both inputs jumpered and have normal channel set to 6 and treble on 9. Warn your neighbours and enjoy. A noise gate in EFX loop works great to reduce hiss and noise when cranked.

Amazing amp!

Contrary to most Marshall amp lovers I do love the classic Plexi amps for their clean (Normal) tones. Thanks to the 5/20 Watt SV20H release I now also have come to appreciate the high gain tones of the Plexi amp. I played my first Marshall (1987x) in about 1980 thanks to a loaner from a good friend. But the insane loudness of even the 50 Watt Plexies never made me commit to finally purchase one for myself. The SV20H is still very loud, but a bit more manageable. As some mentioned before, the Bright Gain channel indeed is very bright, but only at low volumes. Once the volume is set to 12 o'clock and beyond, the brightness goes away and the amp delivers the gritty, well defined and balanced distortion that the Plexi is loved for by many. Even for the 5/20 Watt version ... MoreContrary to most Marshall amp lovers I do love the classic Plexi amps for their clean (Normal) tones. Thanks to the 5/20 Watt SV20H release I now also have come to appreciate the high gain tones of the Plexi amp. I played my first Marshall (1987x) in about 1980 thanks to a loaner from a good friend. But the insane loudness of even the 50 Watt Plexies never made me commit to finally purchase one for myself. The SV20H is still very loud, but a bit more manageable. As some mentioned before, the Bright Gain channel indeed is very bright, but only at low volumes. Once the volume is set to 12 o'clock and beyond, the brightness goes away and the amp delivers the gritty, well defined and balanced distortion that the Plexi is loved for by many. Even for the 5/20 Watt version I find it's true that Marshalls sound best when played loud. (Also consider that most Celestion speakers put out 100db at 1Wm.) To tame the beast one might still want to employ a speaker attenuator, or an attenuating effect in the effects loop. Yet, I always find that the classic, traditional non-master amps sound at their best without any of this. Guitar-cable-amp still delivers the tones that I love most.

Killer amp

Overall:Killer plexi tone in a (slightly) quieter package. The studio vintage is just about the perfect size for getting to the edge of breakup while playing with a drummer. The channels are seemingly voiced to be jumped as they are quite different from one another, but blended together are perfect (classic). While the amp is perfect for playing with a group, even on its 5 watt mode it may be a touch loud for home use if you can’t be loud. It’s still a useful mode though. zZounds shipping was wicked fast.

Marshall Studio Vintage Plexi 20

Overall:Just picked up a 2019 Marshall SV 20 used. It looks brand new, functioned and sounded ok.First thing I installed all new tubes. JJ ECC83S and Tung Sol. A BIG improvement over stock. This amp is self biasing, like Mesa. I am pushing 60 and have owned and played nearly everything there is. This is one sweetheart of a amp. It is a touch sensitive amp that is warm and full bodied with good headroom, yet very articulate, with excellent dynamics. Probably the best Marshall clean tone ever made by the boys across the pond. Chords have a breath and bloom quality. Sounds fantastic with my Gibson Les Paul Classic P-90. Its is the loudest 20 watts ever made. The 5 watt mode allows a little more drive on volume and is used at home, but it can get very loud with a lot ... MoreOverall:Just picked up a 2019 Marshall SV 20 used. It looks brand new, functioned and sounded ok.First thing I installed all new tubes. JJ ECC83S and Tung Sol. A BIG improvement over stock. This amp is self biasing, like Mesa. I am pushing 60 and have owned and played nearly everything there is. This is one sweetheart of a amp. It is a touch sensitive amp that is warm and full bodied with good headroom, yet very articulate, with excellent dynamics. Probably the best Marshall clean tone ever made by the boys across the pond. Chords have a breath and bloom quality. Sounds fantastic with my Gibson Les Paul Classic P-90. Its is the loudest 20 watts ever made. The 5 watt mode allows a little more drive on volume and is used at home, but it can get very loud with a lot of headroom if needed. I use the normal input on low gain and the EQ is around 12:00 on the knobs at home. If you rely on gain and distortion to play guitar, this is the wrong amp for you. At moderate levels it has almost none. You can play play fast on this amp straight in, hammers, pulls, etc, yet it is not even a overdriven sound. A quality overdrive in front and your in classic rock heaven. This where the amp shines and belongs. Only drawback to this entire amp is channel 1 is voiced too bright, not nice for sure, with all eq and presence down to 9:00 or less and bass up it can be done, but really....stay out of channel 1, PROBLEM SOLVED. Its a 1 channel amp anyway there is no footswith option. I never use effect loops on any amp because it ruins the amp tone, no comment on that. Forget all that jumping the channels BS, it's totally not needed and kills the tone. If playing in normal channel and jump it to the bright channel, it just gets brighter and louder, not better. it actually gets worse. Too much monkey see internet crap on that subject. BOTTOM LINE : This is a really nice sounding and playing amp that a professional will really enjoy owning. I am very happy with the SV 20 and this one is a keeper in my collection.

Perfect sound! Exactly what I wanted!

After owning a Marshall 2203 back in the 80's, I have been searching for that sound, again. I pulled the trigger on this amp. First thought was that it was too loud and couldn't achieve the sound I wanted without blowing out the eardrums. I have this particular amp and a 1960A cabinet for this setup. I purchased a used Marshall Power Brake to lower the volume. Lo and behold, the sound and tone was perfect without any pedals in the loop. This amp rocks when you can lower the volume out of the cabinet. It rocks!

Very , Good Job Marshall

This amp is addictive. And that is the clean sounds. The 1st few days playing , I concentrated on trying to get the best clean tones possible, since I knew the Plexi was going to easily cover all of the overdrive colors it is famous for having. Plug into the bottom # 1Treble input , patch the channels , and by keeping the Normal volume high and bringing up to taste the High treble volume , there is plenty of head room for amazingly touch sensitive clean tonesThe 2 early 70's era Plexi's I've owned, the clean sound was mesmerizing, but tough to turn more than ¾ way up, too loud . But on this 20 watt Plexi , plugging into the top # 1 channel and patching low 1 into top 2 ( this seems to be every ones go to setting ), place both volumes on 2 ½ , and there is your ... MoreThis amp is addictive. And that is the clean sounds. The 1st few days playing , I concentrated on trying to get the best clean tones possible, since I knew the Plexi was going to easily cover all of the overdrive colors it is famous for having. Plug into the bottom # 1Treble input , patch the channels , and by keeping the Normal volume high and bringing up to taste the High treble volume , there is plenty of head room for amazingly touch sensitive clean tonesThe 2 early 70's era Plexi's I've owned, the clean sound was mesmerizing, but tough to turn more than ¾ way up, too loud . But on this 20 watt Plexi , plugging into the top # 1 channel and patching low 1 into top 2 ( this seems to be every ones go to setting ), place both volumes on 2 ½ , and there is your crunch , for days.. The 4 input 2 channel has so many more possibilities. After playing a while, time will begin to fly by, and you'll find the amp is so loud and consuming with a big presence. Then you realize, it was set to the 5 watt selection. Yea, it is LOUD . You can sit on your sofa and play clean all night long while watching the Lightning in the NHL playoffs, but you will be rattling some walls if you induce some Plexi heat. On the overdriven tones, it is so nice to be able to record and play overdrive with the volume at a manageable level and still sound just like a 100 watt SLP. 5 and 20 watts sound the same to me, once you've had time for your hearing to adjust. The effects loop runs reverb and delays very well. So if you are thinking that at $1200 less than the 50 & 100 Plexi's , there is no way the Studio MKII will not sound as good or as authentic , it does , it will. My theory is that Marshall is willing to keep their profits lower on this production, because every amp manufacturer out there is and has been making bank on their low watt Plexi design, and they , for years have just watched the $$$ green go to someone else. Best amp since my TSL in mid 90's.

WHAT TOOK SO LONG?

If you are looking for that 67-69 plexiglass Marshall sound in a small package this is it. I own a 67 and 69 super lead 100 watt, a 1970 small box 50 watt, 2 1974 metal front 50 watts, a hand wired reissue 100 watt 1959slp, 2 reissue 50 watt 1987x, and 2 of the 20 watt 1974x hand wired combos. I am VERY particular regarding tone. That being said every one of the 100 and 50 watt heads are too loud for rehearsal or live performance and an attenuator kills the tone. Bought one of these about 6 weeks ago and was pretty impressed with the tone through a 4x12 marshall cab with 25 watt celestian greenbacks. I changed the preamp tubes to 2 nos ampirex 12 ax7's and the sound was perfect. i always use nos tubes because the sound difference is night and day compared to the ... MoreIf you are looking for that 67-69 plexiglass Marshall sound in a small package this is it. I own a 67 and 69 super lead 100 watt, a 1970 small box 50 watt, 2 1974 metal front 50 watts, a hand wired reissue 100 watt 1959slp, 2 reissue 50 watt 1987x, and 2 of the 20 watt 1974x hand wired combos. I am VERY particular regarding tone. That being said every one of the 100 and 50 watt heads are too loud for rehearsal or live performance and an attenuator kills the tone. Bought one of these about 6 weeks ago and was pretty impressed with the tone through a 4x12 marshall cab with 25 watt celestian greenbacks. I changed the preamp tubes to 2 nos ampirex 12 ax7's and the sound was perfect. i always use nos tubes because the sound difference is night and day compared to the tubes sold today.I have yet to change out the power tubes because the amp sounds so good with the cheap stock marshall tubes but I am sure an old set of Mullard el 34;s would make it sound even better. The problem with Marshall amps is generally there is 1 sweet spot and once you find it that's it. This amp is perfect for gigs and recording and loud enough to be heard over a loud drummer. I am basing this around using it with a Marshall 4x12. The cabinet which is paired with this head is loaded with 2- 70 watt celestials which is not a good match if you are looking for that AC DC, OLD Van Halen thing. I play through a Gibson Les Paul standard with Seymour Duncan PAF pickups. The effects loop is also very good compared with the loop on the 1987x. Effects sound much better. If 20 watts is too loud it also allows you to switch to 5 watts which also sounds pretty good. All this being said I think this is an excellent amp and I wonder why it took Marshall so long to figure this out. Just remember to change the preamp tubes, you will be glad you did.