Marshall VS2000 AVT50 112 Combo

This amp doesnt have any built in effects but its sound surely makes up for this. I like how it has two channels and a footswitch. It also has Reverb, which is pretty nice, too. It has a emulated out and effects loops on the back, which are also nice features. On the front you can hook up your cd player and play with the music.

I dont think the sound could get much better. The clean channel is crystal clean and produces such a nice tone. The overdrive channel delivers a full distortion sound that sounds a lot like the amp Randy Rhodes used if you put the setting right. The instruction book has setting you can set to get the sound you want. This amp is 50 watts and can blow away a gym full of people. It is definitely good for gigs. It is also good for practicing,too.

I can definitey depend on this amp. It comes with a warranty so if it breaks i can get it fixed for free. I would definitely use it for a gig without a backup. Plus, Marshall is known for durable amps.

It comes with a five year warranty. I hadnt had to get it repaired yet so i dont know how the service is.

I love this amp I am sure I'm going to keep it for years to come. Anyone thinking about buying this amp I strongly suggest you get it. I love how full and rich the tones are on both the channels. I use a strat with 2 double coil seymour duncan pickups and 1 single coil Seymour Duncan pickup and it sounds amazing on this amp.

This has everything I need for a practice at home and a small gig amp. Channel switching from clean to overdrive and seperate eq for each channel. I give it a 9 because it doesn't have a mid knob for the clean channel. But overall it gives me everything I need.

I play just about everything from mexican to heavy metal and everything in between. I play a Les Paul, various strats and a custom warmoth tele with dual humbuckers which is a real monster. It will handle anything except extreme death metal unless you have some hot pickups. But that's ok because I don't play that garbage. The clean channel is beatiful and I don't think I've heard better. It gives everything you need from warm jazz sounds to surf and rockabilly if you turn up the treble. It's very expressive and it might even be a better clean than alot of fender amps. I know I have a twin. The reverb is also one of the best I've heard as well. Now to the dirty channel. Classic Marshall period. Keep the gain less than 40% and crank the volume and you have classic 60's and 70's crunch that even the newer all tube marshalls can't beat. Turn up the gain just a little more and roll back the treble and you great early 80's metal tone similar to a JCM800 (I have one as well) Once you turn the gain higher things get seriously distorted like JCM900's and the DSL TSL line. If I crank the gain 3/4 or all the way I can do some neo classical shredding ala Paul Gilbert and Yngwie. It seriously has enough gain to support it. This is the closest sounding amp I've tried to an all tube amp. It even has a preamp tube. It sounds a little fuzzy at lower volumes (less than 1/4 volume) compared to all S/S amps but that's ok because the cranked sound is completely awesome. I'm really amazed at how similar this sounds to my JCM800 2204. Which if you don't know is a legendary rock amp that is tough to beat. This is loud and fat enough to handle 80% of my gigs that's when I use my full stack.The rythm crunch is really great and solos sound really fat and thich through this little monster. It almost sounds like you're playing through a head and 4x12. You have to be careful with the bass and treble settings. It's closed back so the bass response is incredible. If you turn up the treble too much it can brittle with a bright guitar. My best settings on the dirty channel are gain 4.5-5.5 bass5.5-6 mids 5-5.5 treble5. These settings work really well for me live because it's a very neutral sound so that I can switch guitars and not have to readjust everything and if I roll back the guitars volume knob it will still clean up. If you roll the treble back a little back you still get good cut but it's a really fat sound. This is all subjective and your settings will vary depending obviously on styles and guitars. THe bottom line this is a great amp especially for such a great price that it can't be beat. It will take you from jazz, blues and country to heavy metal and back with the stomp of your foot. At home, Alot of times I used this instead of my JCM 800 because it just sounds so good and you can switch around to many different sounds quite easily. I'm sick and tired of people knocking this thing just because it isn't a tube amp. Some people probably haven't even tried it. It kind of is a tube amp because it has a preamp tube which is the most important part. As long as you have a good preamp signal it's gonna sound good. I guarantee you this will put out a better clean sound than any tube marshall can bet it's life for. The overdrive is classic screaming marshall. It's not a smooth saturated mesa tone so beware if you are looking for that tone. Marshall really hit the mark with this one. This amp is kind of inspiring because it's really sensitive and expressive and again just sounds so good. I can't really dial up a bad sound. The knobs are extremely sensitive but it sounds good at many different settings making for a great unique sound. Very good versatile amp and it's a keeper for me and trust me I have tried and owned many amps. I give the clean channel a 10 and the overdrive a 9 because it can get a little noisy at very high volume. I would give it a 9.5 overall.

I have had it almost year and no problems so far and I play it for hours at least 5 times a week. It would probably be better than a tube amp because you don't have to worry about as many tubes.

never dealt with them don't know

Like I said above. I love this amp because it's simple to use and give deliver so many great sounds. It's certainly not a do it all modeling amp that you can emulate dozens of amp models. This amp is voiced to have an excellent clean channel and great marshall rock distortion. Isn't that really all you need. Think of your favorite rock guitar player. Chances are they were using a marshall. So what this was designed to do is deliver that great classic overdrive but also have good clean capabilities which marshall isn't really the best for. So if your looking for a good amp that can get you great clean sounds as well as great marshall crunch. this is the guy. I believe this and the AVT20 are voiced differently than the larger AVT series. The larger AVT's have more options and in my opinion don't sound as good. This always happens to amps when you add more and more things. THis amp also records extremely well and also works great with cabinets. In short this is the amp that I can take to all type of gigs and sound good at each. I play in 3 bands that all play different styles and I don't think I need any other amps right now. nuff said. feel free to contact me if you have questions

First of all I want to second the comment from the person who posted a little before me.
It's not a "Tube" amp... it's a hybrid. Preamp tube and solid state power amp with built in clip/compression, to simulate a "Tube" powerstage.It does a damn good job of it too.
The other features you can read about by scrolling down.

It cover an awful lot of sonic territory.
I play with a Kramer loaded with SD humbucker rails and a Fender Red Lace single coil strat.
It sounds very crisp and clean through my strat and straight up brutally screaming through my Kramer.
I usually play at only 3 different settings though..
#1 Straight clean - gain down, volume up, bass about 1/2 and treble 3/4
#2 Blues-breaker - gain up 3/4 on clean channel bass between 1/2 and 7/8, and treble about 1/2
#3 I don't see any reason to play around.... I crank the gain all the way up and set my volume to somewhere between 4 to 8. Usually scoop the mids a bit and leave the bass about 1/2 way up. Treble depends on the guitar I'm playing through.


At all these settings, I have found absolutely wonderful sounds eminating from my amp. I think the distortion sounds pretty damn good. I find no fault with the sound this amp produces.

I've really been driving it hard lately. I play with a bassist, a hard hitting drummer and another guitarist. They have lesser equipment than I do and I don't want to overpower them with my 4X12.
So this fits the bill when we are practicing.
No problems whatsoever.

No problems yet

I've played for about 9 years. I own 3 guitars and an effects rack along with 4 amps of varying sizes and quality, some good, some o.k.
I don't own anything that could be considered garbage.
I really think this amp is a steal. It does closest impersonation to my tube amp of any other amp's I tried in the hybrid amp arena.
I considered the AVT100 or 150 , but like most anyone will tell you, this is the best valvestate combo amp that Marshall makes or has made.
I don't know exactly why the AVT50's sound so much more sonically superior? But, they do. Maybe the size to amplification to speaker to pre-amp to amp ratio, is just a winner? It is for me. I'll never sell it and it'll always have a place in my sonic lounge.

I love this amp. I'm guessing it was made in 2002 or something. I loved the both channels. They're really good for what I play. It is a pretty basic amp. Clean channel, overdrive channel, reverb, a DI output, and a series FX loop. I use it mostly for practice, but I'm going to start using it in band practice (mic or DI). This amp has enough power to crank, but it's not designed to play large venues (50W), Its enough for what I need it for. You guys should know that its a hybrid (solid state w/ a ECC83/12AX7 tube in the preamp) so all you guys that complain that its doesn't give the authentic tube feel and sound is because its not an authentic tube amp. It is just a really good hybrid amp.

I am currently using a Schecter C1-Plus w/ Duncan Designed humbuckers. I love the tone I can get from both the clean channel and the overdrive channel. It is not noisy, but I really have not cranked it past 2 o' clock (clean) and 12 o' clock (OD). I can get realy good Led Zep sounds,some excellent blues sound, and a really pleasing jazz type sound. The clean channel is great, but the only complaint I have is that there is no mid frequency control. That sort of killed it for me. Clean channel gets a 9. The distortion is really good. Crank it with all the gain up bass at12 , mid all the way up, and treble at 5, and you have yourself a great lead sound. Put the scoop the mids, bass all the way up, and the treble at 5, and you got yorself some good rhythm sound. I really love the OD. It gets a 10.

I have only had it for 3 weeks. Has a 3 year warranty. Can't be tht bad.

Haven't asked them for any assistance.

I have been playing for about 2 1/2 years. I had a peavy (forgot the model) and cpompares it to other amps like the TSL122, DSL401, MG250, Crate GLX212, Line 6 Vetta, Line 6 Duoverb, and some other amps. Overall I really liked the amp when I tried it. I read all the reviews and asked people, but I really conneted with the amp as soon as I tried it. I like the amp because it is simple and it doesn't have a crappy FX section (I use my Digitech GNX3, awesome). I wish it had parallel FX loop and a mid frequency control on the clean channel. I'm thinkin of putting a Celestion legend in it or a vintage 30. I would really get pissed if it got stolen and if I found out who stole it, I would probably kick their ass (or at least try). I would definitely buy this all over again. Maybe the head version. I really love the amp and Marshall is definitely my choice for a rock amp.

Bought new Feb. '03, probably made on 02. 2 channels, headphones, DI and Effects send\return, Reverb. 1 button channel switch. Would have liked a mid channel in the clean section, can hook to a Cabinet. Tube preamp.

I bounce from Blues to Classic rock to some 80's headbanging stuff. I also own and Behringer Vintager AC112, which is also a tube preamp hybrid. I use a whirlwind selector AB box (another great product) to switch between and play both amps at the same time. The clean Channel is a little weak, my Behringer blows it a way for pure clean tone, but I didn't buy this amp for its clean channel. I turn the Clean channel gain to max and use it for lightly distored sounds as I mentioned no mids in the clean so it requires a little tweaking. This sucka is LOUD, much louder than my Behringer and that is supposed to be a 60 watter as opposed to the Marshall which is 50 watts, could be a small gigger. The OD channel is very nice goes from plexi to heavy distortion, love the sound, this is why I bought it. The AVT50 covers sonic territory that my Behringer wasn't designed to, you can make it scream. You can get great squealing pick harmonics. The OD channel is noisy when you get the gain up, even with a quiet guitar, but you don't hear it while playing. I put my distortion pedals in a drawer. Gotta tell u the 2 amps comliment each other and when played together I get some sweet rhythm sounds in stereo! * because the clean is a tad weak

Don't know yet but the tube is easily replaced no need for a service center, put a JJ 12ax7 in just to see if it would change the sound, piece of cake. Had it a month and it is working fine.

Warranty is 5 yrs parts, 3 years speaker, 90 days tube, Korg services them in the US haven't dealt with 'em

Been playing 25+ years. I play a Jimmy Vaughn strat with Dimarzio Vinatage 2.1 pickups, A Gibson SG Classic with P90's, a Brawley Strat body with Dimarzio Evolution and PAF humbuckers, and a Washburn HB35(semihollow ES335 type) with Dimarzio Virtual PAFs. Use a Boss PW10 wha pedal.
Would I replace it if stolen? If the insuranc epays for it, you are definitely paying for the Marshall name. The Behringer Vintager AC112 costs nearly half as much, yet it is 60 watts, has great on board effects (99 settings), tube preamp, 2 switch pedal, Jensen speaker and is built to last, and is also an import.
I do love the OD channel on this amp it satisfies my hard edge sound desires, I just wonder if you can get something similar with a nice sounding amp and use a much cheaper Marshall Guvnor pedal?

Separate master volume and gain control for clean and lead channel
Bass Mid Treble on lead channel. Bass Treble on clean channel
Effects loop for effects processor.
50 watt solid state with tube preamp.
Built in reverb
Comes with channel foot switch

The clean channel is very good, quiet and musical.
The lead channel is very 'Marshall' There is plenty of control to dial in a variety tones. Excellent at low volume. The amp by itself is loud and capable of running a remote speaker cabinet for more bone crunching levels. 9 is the top for any amp because there is always room for improvement.

I feel confident in the unit although the first one out of the box had a reverb not working. No problem, got one that works. The reverb is nice sounding

The warranty is 3-years. I don't think theere will be a problem

For me, a great compliment to my Peavey 5150-II half stack. I think the AVT50 is a tremendous value

Clean channel, high gain/distortion channel, footswitch, Accutronics long spring reverb, 12AX7 tube in the preamp section, and the latest version of the Valvestate tubetone-mojo-inducing circuitry.

It also has a closed back cabinet, which was absolutely mandatory for my intended use, which is a bit out of the ordinary for this amp.

I would have preferred birch plywood to particle board cabinet construction, so I am deducting a point. Otherwise, nothing else is built better at this rather low price point. I mean, what other amps that cost under $500 street price come with a cooling fan? I live in a hot climate, so that could be crucial to amp longevity.

I use this as a home practice amp..............for bass guitar!!! I needed something smaller and quieter than most bass amps. I also like a bit of reverb in my bass tones at times, as well as some distortion. A lot of bass amps don't have these features. The closed back design helps prevent overexcursion of the speaker when I crank the bass EQ all the way up. Granted, it doesn't get the lowest notes like a regular bass amp, but the middle and high ranges are very good. It has much more tonal variation than most bass amps. It gets me by for now. I am going to change out the speaker and hopefully I can find one that allows very low bass at higher sound levels without compromising the higher treble tones too much. I do not require very loud output at home, so that expands my options tremendously. The low 50 watt output makes it compatible with a wide range of speakers, even ones made for PA and Hi-Fi use. I think something like a Tannoy 12" dual concentric speaker with a built-in crossover would be ideal, if not exactly low cost. Don't think I went bonkers by using a guitar amp for bass, since most cheap home practice bass amps sound very crappy to my ears, and do not have decent reverb or distortion circuitry. Why should guitarists get all the nicest tone shaping circuitry? I would rate this about a 9 for guitar sound (really nice!), which is also something I sometimes use it for, although I have a Marshall AVT20 that I use mostly for that. I use a Rickenbacker 4004 Laredo bass with the amp. It is too quiet to use as a gigging amp for bass work, but would work well for guitar in a small setting, or for PA micing. It really does sound tubey in a nice way. I just need to find a better speaker for bass tones.

Well, it hasn't broken yet, but does anybody else hear a sound like a revving race car engine when you first crank it up? The sound does go away within a minute, but it does nothing to instill confidence. It probably has something to do with the Valvestate tubetone-mojo-inducing circuitry, since none of my other amps ever had that idiosyncracy.

Never contacted Marshall or had a reason to. I would expect slower service than from somebody domestic like Fender or Mesa-Boogie, but I expect any problem would get resolved. These are made in large quantity, so any decent amp tech will be familiar with them.

If this amp had a plywood cabinet and steel cabinet corners, I would have to rate it a 10 at its moderate cost. The input jacks are plastic, and I prefer metal Switchcraft jacks for durability. But that is nitpicking at this price point. For using at home, studio, or smaller live gig (as a guitar amp), the amp is tremendous value.

Made in England those people know how to make amps good work.

I use a jackson guitar and this amp can hanlde it.
I like the clean sound the reverb almost sounds like a digital delay pedal. when you crank the gain all the way up on the clean sound setting you get and old marshall sound.
The distortion is awesome when you crank the gain knob all the way up
you get a warm rich sound distortion its cool I like it. and when you
turn the volume all the way up man it gets loud better buy some ear plugs.

its a good sturdy amp. Its built to last.

Marshall makes my amps for me so I can depend on them thanks Marshall.

This amp is great for small gigs. Marshalls makes great amps buy this amp you won't be let down.

2 footswitchable channels, Clean and Overdrive, effects loop, headphone jack, good for bedroom use or small gigs

I'm still learning so don't really have my own style, though I do like to play stuff like Creed and Metallica. Tried to play some Van Halen stuff, though could not get a decent EVH sound from it. That probably has more to do with my guitar though. My guitar is a Peavey Raptor (crap Strat copy) with Kramer Dual Rail pickups (similar to Seymour Duncan hotrails, v.similar output, but muddy)
The Clean channel is superb, especially for the price, very warm.
The overdrive channel is very good. A lot of feedback on high gain settings (you will need a noise gate), and a hell of a crunch. Can be tweaked to make almost any sound you want

It has been fine for me (had it for 2 months now), I've had no problems whatsoever

I've been playing for just over a year, and needed an upgrade for my crappy Peavey Rage and this is perfect.

The Marshall home page has everything you need to know about features.

I use a 94' mexi strat and Jackson soloist into the amp.
I was looking for an amp that can play fairly loud, clean, slightly broken and distorted.
I played at low volumes and it sounded o.k.
But when I cranked it up about 1/2 way, it sounded spectacular. I recommend humbuckers when cranking it up loud with distortion dimed, otherwise, like with most amps, you'll get major feedback and as a result your sound will suffer.
The distortion is very good. Not trip-rec., but way better than I expected. I mean, how much distortion can you use before it's tasteless noise? Maybe not enough for beginners or kids. But for anyone who know's how to play, there is plenty.

I've had this amp for 8 months has been extremely reliable. No defects and no problems. Hopefully I'll feel the same after a couple years have gone by. I push it pretty hard on a consistent basis, so only time will tell.

I've been playing since 1985. I also own way too many pedals along with an old Kramer Striker 300st, 2 Kramer Berretta's, a cheap yamaha electric guitar from the mid 80's, a fender squier an ovation acoustic a jcm800 a Crate (gx30?).

Overall, very impressive. Can achieve many sounds, plays loud enough to jam with a drummer and bassist, haven't tried the DI yet, I can't say it's the greatest thing Marshall ever produced, but in it's price range, there really isn't another amp that touches it. Hell, it's virtually maintenance free. Unless you buy used, but then, you never know what problems you're buying.