Ripoff

kingster911 · Jun 7, 2007

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Marshall-JVM410-H-Tube-Amp-Head?sku=480774

The only cool thing about them ripping off the structure of Mesa preamps is that you can footswitch between the 3 diff. modes on each channel...Forgive me if I'm wrong but can't you do that with the Mark IV actually? Or is that just cueing up the EQ?

Russ · Jun 7, 2007

The Mark IV switches individually to one of it's 3 channel's, you can switch EQ on/off, Lead and EQ, or Loop on/off. The Mark IV doesn't have 3 modes per channel either.

People have been "ripping off" the same designs for years. Mesa just took the time to patent their technologies. It is kind of funny because Randall patented some things that were already being done by others but weren't patented. I wouldn't really call what Marshall is doing "ripping off" anyone. If anything they "ripped off" Leo Fender for his Bassman. Randall basically was doing the same thing when he started but was using a more modern (70's v. 60's) amp but that correlates to when they both started. Stepping back from things you find there are only so many ways to slice the bread. I think the only one being "ripped off" is the consumer in the end. Production amps are becoming more and more disposable with cheaper and cheaper parts and assembly but the cost of the amps is not getting any better. This holds true across the board regardless of manufacturer.

ylo · Jun 7, 2007

Hmmm, I dunno

I played through a Crate priced around $150, and the thing actually sounded good. I wouldn't put it in the same class as the Boogies, and I suppose pots and jacks would wear out and defy easy repair, but for cheap money the thing actually impressed me.

There is always a market at the low end geared toward parents of young teenagers. You see them in droves at GC. They spend all their time and money figuring out which guitar to buy their kid, then the salesman says, "Oh, and by the way you need an amp to go with that . . . and a cord, tuner, strap, etc. etc. . . . "

kingster911 · Jun 7, 2007

I just find this to be cheapish and tacky on marshall's part, trying to be so warm and tube-like.

RR · Jun 7, 2007

Remember "copying" is the best from of flattery.

Additional stuff what Russ mentioned Randall Smith did wonder if he patent his "cascading gain" how many guitar amp companies would be paying him royalties until the patent runs out. He did patent switching rectifiers diode / tube which a lot boutique amps uses like Matchless, Bad Catz ...

If you look at many of the high gain amps such as Carvin's, even 'this' Marshall how much they resemble a Road King.

A lot Guitar Amp manufacturers look at the success of MESA Boogie and do their own version of these models.

No surprise.