Marshall: AFD100 Will be a limited run of 2300 Units :(

[Herbvis]

It sounds Fucking KILLER so far!! I can't wait to crank it up! Ive got a little 8 track sorta thing, I will try to record it and post some samples soon!

[mike buffery]

i might be able to afford one when it comes out, i have a friend with endorsement deals :), the main things that are selling it for me are the self biasing and the built in wattage changer from 0.1W to 100W output

and of course AMZING tone

[Lavox]

the main things that are selling it for me are the self biasing and the built in wattage changer from 0.1W to 100W output

Where did you get that info from? First I've heard!

Is anyone from Britain actually going to buy one of these? I can't wait to get them in. Thinking of getting one for myself. Two months to save.

[Richard_H]

What i know is that The #39 was the one that Slash used for the rehearsals (the one that he tried to steal)

At a later stage (when he was about to record the overdubs for the album with the Derrig) he again requested the #39 , but it wasn't available at the time, so S.I.R gave him the #36 modded by Frank Levi, thinking that Slash hopefully notice the difference (he didn't) .. So as far as i know, the majority of Slash's parts on AFD was recorded with the #36. (I guess he didn't try to steal it a 2nd time.)

And also, the #39 mod was basically adding a 2nd gain stage to a stock JCM800 with 6550's.
(The 1959's & 2203's etc, were shipped to the US without output tubes, as the EL34's were in short supply.. So the American's equipped them with 6550's instead, it had nothing to do with the EL34's being unreliable for shipment across the pond..(As Santiago stated in one of the videos) This started in 1976 or so.)

[SteveD]

EL34s were not in short supply at that time.

On a visit to Marshall about 30 years ago I asked about the different bias chain resistor value in the USA export models. I was told that the States claimed to be having issues with EL34s and had put it down to abusive handling during shipping. Thereafter they insisted they wanted to fit 6550s in their stock, hence the bias range modification.

On reflection, two things spring to mind now -

1. The rest of the world had no problems with EL34s.
2. Did they have an excess stock of 6550s they needed to use up?

I guess there's only a handful of people know the real reason.

[OdgeUK]

I think all 2,300 will be sold eventually but I doubt very much if the AFD100 becomes an unobtainable bit of gear within a year. If we walked into a music shop that had one right now, we'd all have a shot on one if we had the time or we'd at least hang around and listen to someone putting it through it's paces, but how many of us would actually buy one?

I know that might not sit well with you Slashwannabe, but honestly, 2,300 is PLENTY for those who would actually buy one.

Start saving or selling gear NOW. You'll get one. Don't worry.

Totally agree. I bought a new Slash Signature 2555SL in 2000 which was a limited run of 3,000. By then the amp had been in the shop in a busy UK City for four years with no interest. Even 15 years after the amp came out, you can still find them on ebay and they are still not 'silly' money considering the 'rareness' of this model.

Similarly, the Randy Rhoads head, limited to 400 units. There's one about 15 miles from me sitting in the Guitar Shop, it's been there for months.

The Zakk Wylde head was a similarly limited run and I remember being able to get one of those from several stores for months after it was released.

I think 2,300 will be plenty. I wouldn't recommend buying as an investment though. I paid £580 for the 2555SL in 2000, sold it for £900 in 2007 and now it's prob worth £1000. That's not a great return over 14 years really is it? Maybe in 2025, when a few units have been lost or abused and there is some retro movement for the amp (like the fuss over the original Jubilee model), it will then become some sort of Holy Grail?

Having said that, if you could afford one, it's worth buying to keep for a while. You'll definitely get your money back eventually.

[Mats A]

Has it like a built in attenuator? How does it work?

[surfnorthwest]

Has it like a built in attenuator? How does it work?

I don't think so, that would ruin the tone. If it does have this option (and I have not seen that information anywhere) I would bet it is done using power scaling.

http://marshallvintagemodern.com/viewto ... f=2&t=5613

[Lavox]

Now available (certainly in the UK) for pre-order. £1,199 with free delivery from all GOOD Marshall dealers.

We got the details through a few weeks ago and have been given the official OK from Marshall to take pre-orders. Many dealers (not mine) however fucked it all up and as soon as they got the order forms they made it live on their webpages which, as far as I'm aware, broke all rules that Marshall tried to impose.

Ah well. Not surprising really I suppose. Anyway, we're now allowed to take orders. Expected arrival date is end of October.

Anyone interested?

[surfnorthwest]

So what are the details of the amp then or have you even been made aware of them?

I assume the price you listed is for the head only which converts out to around $1867.60 USD. However I do not know what the price point will be for the USA after customs, taxes, and all the other bullshit government sticks their nose into not to mention what affect KORG may have on the price.

[Lavox]

Erm... can't really say anymore on the actual spec yet Surf until we get the nod from our rep. You're good at guessing though so far

That is a price for the head only. Was this cheaper than you had originally thought? At the moment we have no information on a matching cab. I've not seen anywhere even mention if there's going to be one.

From what I can tell (by browsing websites), most UK dealers have pre-ordered 3-5 amps each. There are a few who have stuck their neck out and got 10. Rumours that one has ordered 20! I'm not really sure that was the right decision. I fear they'll have them for a while.

Needless to say, they're the ones that shat themselves upon realising this and broke the rules by putting it up on their website immediately to try and get all the custom. Bastards! Very uncool.

[surfnorthwest]

Ok that's cool, I understand Marshall wanting to wait for the official roll out of the new product. If the head hit the US for around $1800 then yes that is a bit cheaper than I thought it would, but again we have not seen US prices yet. I figured the price point at $2200.00.

Going to have to give us a youtube clip or a review of it when you can, it is usally a bit longer before we will see on over here.

[Lavox]

Sure will Surf. In the meantime, here's a photo of it. This was easily found and taken off a popular UK music chain website (just covering my ass, so I don't get roasted for posting this).

[Mats A]

Well I´ve never been a big fan of Slash tone. But this output power control makes me almost wanting to buy it.

-- Wed Aug 18, 2010 5:21 pm --

What type power valves will the amp have? According to his guitar tech it looked like Slash used EL34´s for distortion and KT88´s for his clean sound on his signature Jubilees.

[surfnorthwest]

I think the amp looks fantastic, if the picture is true with the color, old JMP box, and silver face plate then they hit a home run with me on looks. Now if what they are calling attenuation is really power scaling and the 100watt head sounds like a old hot rod JMP 2203 I may be the first here to own it.

Definitely a amp I would want to try first, but I will talk to my guy over at Sweetwater and make sure he has no problem taking it back if I don't like it.

I am NOT real excited about the word "attenuation". Yes I know "attenuation" does not necessarily mean "attenuator" but if it is I would run from it.


These details are already published

Appetite For Detail
The AFD100 is offers inbuilt power attenuation. This technology has been developed in order to allow the output power to be modified without affecting the tone. Unlike external passive attenuators, this feature electronically modifies power amplifier parameters like HT, and feedback, working together with an auto-biasing circuitry. Providing attenuation inside the amplifier in this way enables the user to go from full 100W down to 0.1W just by turning a knob. This type of attention to attenuation guarantees not only full on Marshall tone but at any volume.

On top of this the Auto Biasing feature means that you can ensure your amp is tuned up whenever you start it. If there is aver a fault with a valve instead of having to test which one needs replacing the indicator light will illuminate showing you which valve to change.

100W adjustable down to 0.1W - I have to hear with my own ears if the amp keeps the tone at lower wattage.
5 x ECC83 - Why?? This could be good or bad
4 x 6550 - Not my favorite tube but those tubes can put out some serious gain - again have to try it.
2 input 2 channel vintage styled - Can you jumper the channels?
Marshall designed attenuation down to 0.1W - Will be a biggest deciding factor on owning this,
Automatic Self Bias with valve fault indicator. - Thank you Marshall
Speaker output 2x 4Ω 2x 8Ω 1x16Ω - Frickin two 4Ω outputs.... that is like connecting eight 4x12 cabinets right
Marshall sized head box with Mid Seventies vintage finish. Silver signature Slash panel. Lovely