All user reviews for the Marshall 5210 [1981-1991]

Amp transistors and yes 50w 2 channels a spring reverb all is said already

USE

Config very simple a general master volume per channel EQ per channel except a no middle on clear common reverb is connected and is immediately sound and which sound well I'll talk

SOUNDS

Then c is c is the slap of the transistor but it sounds pure vintage sound in a line jcm 800 are is not as hyper compress on forgiveness valvmerdcredi or other novelty marshall good Reston seriously its own very clear with enough foil the reverb has spring it sounds true to the guitar that you wish to connect so if c is not terrible must change guitar note I used the Strat with each micro lace sensor and c was a drop anything to envy a fender with a guit Type les paul c is less flashy channel satu it sounds the vintage has full nose gives a wonderful crunch to the UK has a very pop rock satu ramones style oasis it is a great phone to try his attention to the MESSIEUR mettaleux death metal and maryline manson bye bye c is not for you guys you're going to break bands bibi5210 gross and there is more and more rare to occas then must take care not resentful guys

NOTICE GLOBAL

To sum it is a very very good amp that sounds good vintage marshall of its 70 years it is often compared to jcm 800 d BTW it was done in the same time care I have not said that c was a jcm 800 but I and I'm not the only one to say that the sound is really s c a closer amplie which does not denature the guitar and it really takes the fun has to ring feels it is living like a tube amp c is a joy I would change it for the world to say that playing in another style j would buy another one but keep toujour found in the sale from time to time but it depends ca is increasingly rare because usually the people who possesses the one we really careful when we were playing a slap on recent marshall or ValvesT and say that he has more than 20 years progress when you hold us ..... desoler for fottes bye toue the world

50W, 2 channels, solid-state.

9/10 because the footswitch is a bit light and not too practical for onstage.

UTILIZATION

It's very easy to get really good sounds, it's easy to dial in.

It's good to know that the amp has to be really driven to sound good. At low volumes it seems a bit soft and lacks dynamic response.

For the clean channel I set the volume to 7 to get a twangy and well-defined sound, pretty pristine for a Marshall. The master is never below 4, so it can't be easy if you have neighbors. Bass is set to 9 and treble to 5.

For the crunch channel, the gain is also set to 7 or 8 (depending on the guitar) and volume to 9.
The crunch makes the guitar sing with a lot of nuances.

The master goes from 4 (at home) to 5-6 with rehearsals with a drummer (soft) and 8 for gigs in venues.
Beyond that, the sound is overcompressed and has no musicality.

It's hard to explain but it behaves somewhat like a tube amp, it has to be really driven.

SOUNDS

The clean channel is twangy and correct, it is very expressive, which is typical of Marshall amps.
You can easily play pop, ballads or funk with a Strat or a Tele. For blues it's best with a PRS or a Les Paul.

The crunch channel is much warmer and comes close to a real tube amp in terms of nuances and musicality. Although it does lack some thickness.

Compared to a tube Fender (I also have a champ 25 SE), it is just as good in terms of dynamic response but it sounds a little less thick and a little less expressive. Only when you compare them with an A/B switch can you tell the difference.
Compared to a Marshall Valvestate 8080 (I have two), it's like night and day: The 5210 has a very usable and rich clean sound. The valvestates sound too muddled and cold (despite the tube). On the other hand, they are more versatile and powerful.

Personally, I prefer to have a good basic clean sound and use a pedalboard (TS9, Delay DD3 and Proco Rat) for blues or rock solos.

I play Strat and PRS and the amp sounds fine with both types of guitars. It respects pretty well the tone and nuances of each instrument. And that's what matters most to my ear.
But, obviously, the better the guitar, the better the sound.

Important note: The amp has an excellent vintage sound for blues/rock, but it's hard to play metal with it, even with an adequate pedal: The tone of the amp is always present.

OVERALL OPINION

It's a model from 1984, I've had it for two years. I use it to practice, but also for rehearsals and the couple of gigs we've had.
Despite the mileage it has on it, it ages well. It's note heavy to carry around and satisfies my demanding ears.

By the way, I have a Blues jr, which I find too typical and compressed, a peavey classic 30 (sensitive to mics and not too versatile), a JCM 900 (good clean and good distortion but it breaks down too often), two Marshall 8080 (muddled and a bit cold, not to mention the crackling pots and the loose solder joints), a Vox VT30+ (too boxy, decent distortion, but hard to get a really clean sound).

Today, I scented a burning smell coming from my Fender champ 25 SE (surely the output transformer). I'll have it repaired because it's a very good amp.
At the $300 price point, it's a very good secondhand amp.
Fortunately, the 5210 is always reliable.

Transistor amplifier
2 channels
Spring reverb
2 speakers Celestion GT12-75
2-way footswitch

UTILIZATION

The use is very simple, and the sound is really beautiful.
I have not had mauel with this amp, but it is not ncessaire.
The reverb is deep wish.
With this amp, play sensual. Sounds clear and saturated trs beautiful, round and warm.

SOUNDS

This amp is trs East PForm blues but it's not the guitar.
In other words, it respects the nuances proposed by the microphones.
I use it with a jem 555, roxanne a standard, a special sg, customizes and guitar by me (shadow pickups, T-neck chopper and evolution).
The only guitar that it is not appropriate is my 7 string.

OVERALL OPINION

It's been almost 15 years that I have and I will not change it for anything.
It increased the Valvestate and mgdfx (though the same brand) for the low end in terms of its quality.
If I could, I think I Achteras a deuxime same.

Transistor 50W
spring reverb
2 channels, footswitch

settings comprehensive without being too complex, what great ^ ^

UTILIZATION

Very simple configuration, no complaints, excellent without much discussion on the set.
no manual, but no need ...

SOUNDS

Its beautiful, I love, typed very blues rock, classic rock.
played with a Fender strato, it's really the sound I was looking for a clean sound fairly neutral (a good use with a scraper) reverb really not bad and not bad for a distortion that I play (mostly classic rock)

I love the reverb and distortion, the clean pass without problems with my fender, but with my squier is immediately less interesting

OVERALL OPINION

Great, its really good choice again (paid € 200 for OCCAZ)

Not much to add CHARACTERISTICS numres dj. Right: The plastic pedals possde two switches, one for moving the channel clear channel "boost", the other activating or cutting off the spring reverb. In addition we dipose a volume knob for each channel and volume "master".

UTILIZATION

If the use of this amp is simple and easy to find the right sound, I find, however, that both channels configuration does not really justify a combo of quality. One channel and a switch to start or to turn the gain (saturation) would have more convenient does my opinion. Indeed, the clean channel suffers from having no rglage of mdiums, essential to work a guitar sound personnel.
The rear jacks are in addition to the connection of the footswitch, one direct output and an input / output cbler an insert effect. This can s'avrer convenient for users of multi-effects.

SOUNDS

The sound of the clean channel is fairly neutral and actually quite IDAL to test the sound of a guitar. That of the other channel is amazingly hot combo for a transistor. It works wonders with my '62 reissue JV Squier Strato (see my review for this thundering guitar), both in the clear (without gain) in its saturated. The grave is well particulirement Defines and treble well without being strident Submitted. This amp also works with a remarkably Lespaul Custom, hot!. on the other hand, with a Gibson SG, I noticed a lgre aggressivit in mdium / high mdium I did not correct russi.
APRS over twenty years of use, the sound was muffled lgrement, but returned in the order by acting on the modrment treble knob.

OVERALL OPINION

It is in all a very versatile amp s'avre handy for home recording. While it is no surprise, it is not really any mtalleux, but it accommodates trs good of all other genres of music that one seeks his own or a saturated complying with rare exceptions prs instrument used. Finally, he shows a nice heat for a transistor amp, and has a worth gold! Total: qualitprix excellent. Also as he plutt sold well, it is not uncommon in OCCAZ 'REPRESENTATIVES, and a great deal less than 300!

Solid-state amp with 50W Celestion speaker, I bought it in the '80s. It is powerful enough, even for rehearsals with a band. Onstage, I think miking through the PA is indispensable.
2 channels: The first ones is clean, nice, but not comprehensive enough (volume, bass and treble), as for the second channel, it's a "Boost" with more possibilities (Gain, volume, treble, middle, bass). Plus a Master section to adjust the overall volume and the reverb for the two channels.
An all-plastic pedal to toggle between the clean and the distorted sound (overdrive, at least), and it also allows you to activate the reverb.
Spring reverb.

UTILIZATION

Yes, it's easy to use, except for the loads of jacks on the rear, because they are not labeled (yes, the first one on the right is to plug the footswitch) => The user's manual can be downloaded here: http://www.drtube.com/schematics/marshall/jcm800-sc-manual.pdf, and it makes everything easier!
However, the sound is very good, the clean channel has a good dynamic response and the second channel has a nice overdrive. You can tell the brand's touch, even if it's a solid-state amp.
The pots have a tendency to crackle a bit, like on all old amps.
I got no manual although I bought it new!

SOUNDS

I'm using it again now because some time ago I opted for a software Guitar Rig-type solution, which offers a wider array of sound possibilities, but finally, nothing can replace a real amp. Very '70/'80s pop/rock and even hard rock (which is normal given its age!). The sound is not modern at all, but rather "vintage."
It's perfect for a Fender Strat or a Gibson Les Paul.

OVERALL OPINION

Excellent entry-level amp back then. I found it secondhand online for a very decent price. But do be careful with the crackling pots, although I think it's something pretty common to all Marshalls!

50 W solid-state marshall, very reliable, UNLIKE THE MARSHALLS BEFORE 1985/86
2 channels: The distortion channel is very good but not as versatile as the clean in terms of settings.

UTILIZATION

Good sound: Taken from the JCM 800
SOLID and easy to use!

SOUNDS

I don't have it anymore! And even if it surprises some people, I regret having sold it!!
It used to bear with me without complaining no matter how hard the task, always providing me a recognizable marshall sound.
Sine I only play with bands now, I only have all-tube amps:
A Fender hot rod USA (1999) and a Mesa Boogie/Marshall stack, which is awesome, obviously!
But I miss the 5210 for dirty jobs....

OVERALL OPINION

I don't have it anymore!
I've had a bit of everything (Marshall JCM, Orange, Ibanez, Yamaha Peavy classic 30, Fenders ...and now Mesa Boogie)
And I regret a bit not having kept the 5210 as a complement to my tube amps, for jam sessions, for example.

Solid-state, 50 watts, everything has been said already....
On the back panel there's a sticker where the connection scheme is explained. Otherwise, from left to right: headphone, return (loop), send (loop), footswitch .
A good old spring reverb, a must.
Speaker: Celestion G12M-70, very nice.
Looks like a tube JCM 800 from the good days.

UTILIZATION

Easy setup, since it only has two channels.
You can only switch from the clean to the boost channel with the footswitch, the same applies if you want to control the reverb, so you're stuck with the small plastic box (which fortunately is sturdier than it seems...)
No need to pull your hair to get a good sound with this type of classic amp.

SOUNDS

I love it!!!
I simply love its clean sound (a paradox for a Marshall?), which the spring reverb embellishes superbly.... To be honest, I have tried 2 or 3 Fender tube amps (including some of the most emblematic models) and my good old solid-state Marshall was never eclipsed by them. I would even say that, being used to the excellence of transistors, the tube amps were not up to my expectations.
Now the boost channel: Depending on the position of the gain pot, you go from a warm-colored clean sound, to a crunch (better than the chocolate bar), a very British overdrive, and a classic-rock distortion with the classic Marshall grit. The cherry on the cake: If you connect a Marshall bluesbreaker pedal (first generation) to the effects loop. you can make the sound warmer, which is awesome!!!
From my three guitars, the LAG Roxanne is the one that suits it better.
Do note that it's an amp that sounds decisively classic rock and it is excellent in that domain. To sound more modern, you can add to it a multi-effects, but in that case you'd better use another amp. With a Gibson-type guitar (humbucker, mahogany, set neck), it is a real treat to play blues-rock, without the hassle of the tubes.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought my 1984 model secondhand in the early '90s.
I renovated it last year (changed all pots, 2 diodes, 3 transistors) to restore its youth, for $230. Given the repair quote I hesitated replacing it with a modern equivalent, but everything I tested was rubbish against it, so I don't regret anything and will never part with it.
It is excellent in its domain, but if you want more modern sounds, you'd better get a modeling amp, which is what I did, complementing it with a small Roland Cube 20-X .
Not the slightest regret, but rather pure happiness for not having missed this great amp. It's a solid-state Marshall from the great days, not like the current made-in-India ones, which aren't comparable. If you see one, don't let it go!

(Originally written by elsy/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
50-watt 2-channel solid-state amp with spring reverb.

UTILIZATION

Ultra easy configuration: Master control plus volume control and EQ on each channel (no mid in the clean channel), shared reverb. Just plug in and you'll immediately find a good sound.

SOUNDS

Although it's a solid-state amp, it provides a pure vintage sound that reminds me of an JCM800. The response is not very compressed like on Valvestate amps or new Marshall models. The clean channel sounds very clear and twangy, and it faithfully reproduces the guitar signal. So if you get bad results, just buy a better guitar. I used it with Strat with Lace Sensor pickups and the sound had nothing to envy a Fender amp. With a Les Paul the sound has less twang. The lead channel sounds very vintage: you get a wonderful crunch for British pop, and a great rock distortion for Ramones, Oasis or Telephone. It's simply a great sound! Try it! If you're a heavy/death metal freak or a Marilyn Manson fan, stay away from it or you might break it! And this 5210 is more and morerare on the secondhand market so take good care of it!

OVERALL OPINION

As a summary, it's a very good amp that provides you the great vintage Marshall sound of the 70's. It has been often compared with the JCM800 (it's the same product generation) but I don't think it sounds exactly like a JCM800. It does sound similar, and I'm not the only one saying this. This amp doesn't alter the original guitar signal and it's a real delight how it feels like a tube amp. It's great amp and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. If I decide to play another music style, I will buy another amp but I will always keep this one. It's getting harder to find it on the secondhand market because people who own it don't want to let go of it. If you ever play it you'll be blown away, especially if you compare it with recent Marshall models. This amp is over 20 years old... Progress is a mysterious thing .