Marshall MA50C: Preliminary report

I've managed to get my hands on Marshall's MA series, first & foremost, thanks to the very good people at Davis GMC for making this happen.

This is the most affordable tube unit the manufacturer has to offer which promises no concession when it comes to the typical Marshall bark. The cleans here are very enjoyable, please do not expect Fender's bells & chimes, it's a MARSHALL for goodness' sake. If you like how Hendrix sounded like, the MA won't disappoint.

I think the more pertinent anxiety would be the drive- make or break? First & foremost, it won't do metal by default. However you tweak it, how much inherent boost you dial in, it won't scream metal. In fact, I'd advise those hard rocking lads to hear if the MA has the intensity you are looking for, chances are, you'd be needing more.

So what's the MA good for? It serves players looking for a rounded single note definition, absolutely immaculate for the blues mongers out there. Think Dumble, not an exceptional reproduction but along this line of tonal manifestation, definitely. You'd love how the drive reacts with the amount of attack you put in your picking; anything in store for the shredders? If your life depends on the default drive- not quite.

The MA series isn't a utilitarian Marshall, it won't serve the aggressive music peddlers out there. But if you are in need of warmth with every note you churn out, this is perhaps what you've been looking for. In fact, it's not too far off from the discontinued DSL401. Why is it relatively affordable? It's Made in Vietnam but the overall QC (at least what my eyes could scrutinize) is above average, very Marshall in its strict, physical standards.

Marshall MA50C
List: $675
Availability: Davis GMC