When everything is new to you as a guitarist, any amp or stack sounds better than nothing.
Since the Marshall MG100HDFX is an affordable half-stack that can produce noise, it feels like you’re taking a step toward being a rock star.
Marshall also uses its branding as a way to introduce people to the idea of having a half-stack.
It would be fair to say that this half-stack does try to deliver the classic Marshall sound.
It provides a one-two punch that offers digital effects access, line out, and headphone jacks. You can pair the straight-front cab with four speakers for a massive sound.
The only problem is that everyone doesn’t love the sound.
Why Is the Marshall MG100HDFX ½ Stack Hated so Much?
The issue with the Marshall MG100HDFX half-stack involves its volume and tone. Although it sounds acceptable to beginners who don’t need to gig a large venue, guitarists find that it presents flat sounds that create extra distortion. It provides the illusion of a premier item without delivering.
Why does the Marshall MG100HDFX half-stack struggle to get a fan base for its sound?
Part of the reason for this product’s dislike is that it comes underpowered for what most guitarists want to accomplish.
You only get 100 watts when using the equipment. “You get genuine Marshall tone with digital effects,” the manufacturer’s product description says, but anyone who has ever played it will beg to differ.
There is a significant difference when comparing the high-end Marshall amps and stacks to the MG100HDFX.
Although you get custom-voiced speakers, they’re a Marshall/Celestion set with 8-ohm capabilities.
The product comes with a five-year warranty, but that element only covers the parts. You’ll get three years on labor when purchasing this combination.
■ Specs of the Marshall MG100HDFX
| RMS Output: | 100W |
| Channels: | 2 |
| Dimensions: | 23.25 inches (height) x 10 inches (width) x 10.64 inches (depth) |
| Weight: | Approximately 30 pounds (without the cab) |
| Footswitch: | Depends on the seller, date of manufacturing, and other factors. It’s advertised with the PEDL-90004, PEDL-90008, and PEDL-90010. |
Since you can pair the head with multiple cabs, it’s up to you to determine the final outcome for the half stack.
What Is the History of Marshall Amps?
When you want an iconic sound for your guitar, a Marshall amplifier could be what you’re thinking about when you envision yourself playing.
If you think about Marshall, you are thinking about a signature sound that came out of 76 Uxbridge Road.
You can find over 800 blue plaques that celebrate famous spots in London, and you can find one of them at the original location where Marshall amps were first sold.
Jim Marshall started his musical journey by being a drummer for a dance band. He made some spare cash as a tutor. After saving his money for some time, he opened the store at 76 Uxbridge in July 1960.
His first products were drum kits. When his customers wanted something better, Marshall started importing expensive band equipment.
It wasn’t long before his place was selling out of Fender amps faster than they could get into the store.
That means there was a gap in the market that Marshall could exploit.
Homegrown alternatives in the amp world at the time, ranging from the Vox AC30 to the Dominator, weren’t holding up to what musicians required.
Marshall decided that he’d try to build cabinets with speakers that could deliver the results that British musicians wanted at the time.
Since his shop didn’t have any room, he did all of the development work in his garage.
What would happen next depends on who you ask. Some people say that some of Marshall’s partners suggested that they could build an independent brand.
Others say that musicians gave him the word-of-mouth boost he needed to create a positive reputation.
We know that it took less than three years from the time the store opened on 76 Uxbridge to the time they began making amps.
The sound is what attracted musicians to the amplifier. Marshall was using Mullard KT66 power valves to accentuate the British sound, while Fender was using 6L6s.
Combos vs. Stacks: Which Is Better?
Stacks give you more versatility with your setup. You can mix-and-match endless combinations with your gear, ensuring that you can have the best sound at the right time when you play.
That flexibility sometimes means that you end up paying more to get a similar sound specification.
Since you can select the cabs and heads you prefer, you’ll find that some items tend to sound the same, even if you’re using products from different manufacturers.
What makes the Marshall MG100HDFX unique is that it delivers the same amp features you can get throughout the entire series.
It offers the OD1, OD2, Crunch, and Clean channels, modern digital effects, and an onboard tuner to make your setup work simplified.
You’ll get the PEDL-90010 footswitch included when you purchase the amplifier head.
It uses an emulated headphone output and preset channel modes to help you rock whatever stage you’re playing.
If you’ve got a half stack, your setup will look visually appealing while projecting the band’s entire sound to the audience. The only thing that has more presence is a full stack.
When you’re playing on a combo, you have a convenient setup that travels well. Although the equipment isn’t light, it’s easier to move than a stack.
That means you can roll from town to town in your van, sometimes loading things on a single trip.
You don’t need to think about speaker cables, impedance, or the head to use with your cab.
Instead of worrying about your specs matching, you can focus on your playing. For the average guitarist, a combo is the better investment because you’re not playing a venue that requires a stack.
Even if you play in a club, you can hook your combo into the PA system to deliver a projected sound with relative consistency.
It’s also much easier to practice at home without disturbing others when you have a smaller amp to connect to your guitar.
Alternatives to Consider beyond the Marshall MG100HDFX
If you want to get fantastic sounds when playing, you don’t need to settle for the Marshall MG100HDFX as your half-stack preference.
Marshall provides several different options for you to consider.
1. Marshall JCM800 2203X Vintage and 1960A Half Stack
When you select this half-stack with the JCM800, you’ll receive a true bypass series effects loop.
It comes with a three-band EQ, presence control, and 300 RMS for a powerful listening experience.
You’ll be using one of the industry’s most respected heads while playing on one of the manufacturer’s first amps to offer a master volume control.
The 280W Marshall cabs come with Celestion speakers that deliver a vintage sound.
This combination ensures the original tone never gets compromised in shape or form, ensuring that you get the playing experience you want each time.
2. Marshall JTM45 and 1960AX Half Stack
The aesthetics of this half-stack design are what stand out the most. It feels like something straight out of 1970 with its checkered grille cloth and textured vinyl covering.
If you use a 100W head on this unit, you’ll want a power brake available.
It’s a little heavier than other choices at 100 pounds, but you’re also getting four separate birch ply speaker enclosures with 12-inch speakers.
Once you strike that first chord, you’ll hear the clean tone and warm sustain shine.
The RMS output at 30W is suitable for most venues, while the three-band EQ ensures you can get the style where you want it to be.
You can set it up with a straight or angled front without compromising on the snappy response.
3. Marshall JCM800 2203 100W Guitar Tube Head W/ 1960 AV
When you roll with this setup for your guitar, you’ll be on a reissue of one of Marshall’s best designs ever created.
It evolved from the Plexi head, offering transparent sounds and absolute control over the playing experience.
The cab shares the same aural characteristics as the others in the series, delivering a warm sound and a smooth high-end response everyone will appreciate.
The mid-range is a little over-emphasized in the frequency setup, although you’ll notice plenty of bass in the mix without it getting distorted or impactful.
If you play a heavier rock sound, you’ll appreciate how the melodies and chords work together to produce the energy you need for any playing style.
4. Marshall JVM410 Head with 1960B 300W 4×12 Cab
This setup delivers an all-valve, four-channel 100W tube head to give you one of the most flexible systems you can have for your guitar.
It provides more gain than any other guitar amp from Marshall, with each of the four channels delivering OD1, OD2, Crunch, and Clean entirely independent of each other.
The head and combo feature a total of 8 LED switches and 28 controls. It feels complicated at first, but then you’ll realize that volume, bass, treble, gain, and middle account for most of the changes.
You can also run the amp’s switching via MIDA or use the unique footswitch that comes in the box.
Final Verdict on the Marshall MG100HDFX Half Stack
When you want something that stays affordable while offering some of the classic sounds that Marshall produces, the MG100HDFX isn’t as bad as people say it is online.
Although everyone is entitled to an opinion, I think you’ll find that those who are 100% opposed to this product are looking for a specific auditory outcome.
I would agree that you wouldn’t want to crack this half stack high because of the distortion and note blending that happens.
If you’re a small band trying to tour, this product is a decent deal when you can find it because you’ll get the same setup benefits that come with Marshall products that can cost three times more.
If you don’t need a half stack right now (like most individual players), a combo amp makes more sense as an investment today.
In that case, I’d highly recommend the Marshal MDSL40CRU guitar combo amp.
- It offers volume and gain on each channel, resonance controls, and two separate master volume settings to modify.
- The reverb is available through low or high power settings.
- It uses the same Celestion-type speakers that you’ll find in the manufacturer’s half and full stacks.
- Instead of managing a solid-state design, you’ve got a softube emulated output that delivers fantastic results.
Marshall has a history of delivering fantastic sounds at an affordable price. If you’re just starting your guitar journey, the sounds that come from these products will deliver satisfying results!