All user reviews for the Marshall 3203 Artist 30 [1984-1991]

Well then begin:
This is a hybrid amp so amplification tube (two EL34) and transistor preamp BUT it has a lamp (12AX7 if I am mistaken) that role reversal phase.

Power:
This is 30W but it rocks pretty good I think.

The connectors:
An input-input
It footswitch
-2 Outputs for hps (4 or 8 ohms)
A line-out
And the effects loop

Settings and effects:
For the settings there 9 knobs, left to right: reverb, master volume, bass, middle, treble, volume, tone, volume, gain.

So indeed, there is a footswitchable reverb (which is also reviewing home).

UTILIZATION

The configuration of the amp is super simple, you plug all, we expected a little lighter and plays! I had no manual or preset with everything.

In terms of sound ... must take time to get the one you want.
With my les paul is simple and bim I plug everything sounds better to set anyhow.
But with my Sg is more difficult, I think with EQ it should be better but I like not had the opportunity to try.

I'm very happy all the same, there is no picture!

SOUNDS

I am a repeat with, he did not displease me yet this is hardcore punk to Have Heart.
Otherwise it is a beast for the blues sound is warm and sounds particularly well with my Egmond Lucky 7.

For the settings I have not been around long enough to say it, it looks like this or that.

This amp, I prefer the boost channel, it gives (gain background) just a terrible distortion for a Marshall 1986 I had never seen anything in the genre!

the sounds I like least is when the knob "tone" is not fully or almost I think the sound is serious, down and finally it sounds hurt my ear (matter of taste).

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a week or two on a 1x12 or 2x12. I tried a lot of my amp that much (more than a JCM800 that is to say), the 30W makes it usable without hurting the ears, it is quite light and is the lowest level format as 800 or 900.


I really like the Marshall Grain present even in the distortion!

For value for money ... I can not say I had a good occas', specifically a simple exchange against a guitar.

I would do this choice between miles is a monster sound that is usable!

Relatively unknown model, it was the catalog of the series Jcm 800.
it was manufactured from 1984 to 1989.

amp "hybrid" with a 12AX7 and two EL34 (Pramp transistor and power amp tube.
The size of the head is between a jcm 800/900 and a classic handwired.

30 wats, 2 channels, a clear a saturated reverb.

On the rear panel: effects loop, line out, 2 Hp output, impedance selector 4 or 8 ohms;

UTILIZATION

Configuration simple. Attention footswitch for channel change required

SOUNDS

This amp is clearly not unique. A big lack of dynamics, many of breath. The effects loop is easily exploitable. I tried with different preamp (POD, tube preamps, etc ...) and this is where his only interest: only use the power of the amp and bypass the preamp. But the amp blowing a lot even in its light, the result is not epoustouflant.

OVERALL OPINION

I kept this amp 5 years, I sold months ago qq AFien for a pittance in the € 200 below the coast. I now have a true ALL lamps, and it is night and day. I believe this amp was definitely not worth more than its side on the second hand market, given what is now as little amps lamps in all different brands.