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Blog » AFD100 Prototype Update
We are now back from Hollywood where we presented all our hard work from the last few months to Slash. It is always an exciting experience to have such an iconic artist checking an amplifier design and even more so when that amp was specifically prepared for him. The experience has been very positive and rewarding, Slash was really impressed with our first prototype and immediately posted his pleasure towards the project on his Twitter profile straight after he played the amp.
The prototype we presented to him was built for development purposes only, the cosmetics are not and will not be the final ones. The prototype you have seen in the pictures is built on a standard JCM800 2203 chassis with custom pre-amp based on both his #34 amp and the AFD tone plus the added effects loop. The power amp has a couple of minor tweaks and has 6550 output valves fitted. Everything is valve circuitry.
After Slash played and recorded the amp we were all satisfied that we are 95% there, which is really good for a first approach. We only need to trim back a little bit of the overall response but the basic tone and feel is definitely there.
We have also narrowed down the basic features and have decided to keep it very simple, 2 inputs, Gain, Master, EQ, Presence and an output power control plus the #34 switch, all in the late 70's JMP style box. A real 'plug in and play' amp.
So what’s next? We are now concentrating on getting the “real” amp made with all its features and final tweaks and proper cosmetics. It will take several weeks but that will bring us very close to the production item, which by the way, we plan to release late in 2010 after passing all the safety approvals and all those pesky procedures that need to be done before putting anything in the market. We’ll be posting updates of the process of course so stay tuned for more info!
28 CommentsComment on this post
Posted 1 year ago by jensbrix Sounds great! Now come on with those clips :D
Is the #34 switch for changing between 2203 and #34 circuit, or? A bit confused here...
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Posted 1 year ago by Miclev Cool ! Features are fine (with a headphone output, it would be perfect for playing in flat late in the night). It's hard to wait … Hope to see very soon Slash's playing on prototype. What's exactly #34 switch ?
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Posted 1 year ago by RicMoura Nice! Exciting! Please post the clips soon! We really want to check iy out! Is it going to have reverb?
Cheers
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Posted 1 year ago by DavidVee Will the "#34 switch" will be the built-in boost/mod feature Slash kept talking about? Similar to the "boost pull" feature that was on the Jubilee and Slash models? Again, I'm just guessing. Looking forward to hearing it and learning what power levels: 100/50, 50/25, or more like the variable power scaling dial that was originally mentioned?
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Posted 1 year ago by CBoothe01 Man I am going to go broke with this stupid habit......can't wait to see and hear it.
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Posted 1 year ago by Marshall39 please MArshall make it clear : it will be an 800 with a switchable 34 mod or a 34 with a switchable 39 ???
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Posted 1 year ago by goldtopLP Is there going to be a combo model?
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Posted 1 year ago by lanzen Surprised to see 6550 valves in there. EL34's have a far richer harmonic tone. Early 70's export Marshalls used poorer sounding 6550's after EL34s suffered shipping damage. They didn't sound good.
Musicians later forced Marshall to switch back to the better EL34's.
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Posted 1 year ago by willman1214 You really need to make this amp switchable from 100W to 50 becasue 100 is just way too much....
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Posted 1 year ago by fdasilva The expected features are all there ! Well done !! The #34 switch and power control are really nice features. Can't wait to get one :)
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Posted 1 year ago by tlangston Back in one of the videos, Slash wanted the more aggressive sound of the 6550 vs the el34. Sounds like the pre-amp and other components were designed around the 6550 and tweaked to his specs. Simple is better, just plug in and play. Great Job! Can't wait to get one of these.
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Posted 1 year ago by Santiago @Marshall39, the amp is a 34 with a 39 switch. BOth were based in a 800 anyway. There will be no power reduction switches but a variable cotrol.
Slash prefers the 6550s so we based the amp around them. In any case the amp can be used with EL34s with a simple rebiasing.
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Posted 1 year ago by bails86 Is there any possibility of adding a clean channel or reverb to this amp?
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Posted 1 year ago by Stoever Will it be possible to shift between the #34 and #39 mode on the footswitch ?
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Posted 1 year ago by friis90 I am really looking forward to seeing and hearing this amp - it's great that we get to follow the development. I just read some comments om this youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqzymNPL5nA&feature=related the guy either fools with us. or he is owning the #39. cheers from denmark.
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Posted 1 year ago by Sasquatch250 I'm seriously looking forward to this amp, and I'm positive that I'm not alone! The work that's gone into the amp is something else! The fact that it's "simple" is what's got me hooked. It's the amp I've been waiting for and it's a wicked approach Marshall should consider on more of their products! Keep up the work, and lets all pray this baby makes it through "all those pesky procedures"!
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Posted 1 year ago by Santiago @bails86, not for AFD100, this one will be a simple one channel amp as Slash plays it...
@Stoever, yes, the mode and the FX loop will be footswitchable
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Posted 1 year ago by bails86 will this amp be in limited or regular production?
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Posted 1 year ago by patrickm this things gonna be awesome! definately won't be able to afford it, but im looking forward to hearing the final product
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Posted 1 year ago by slashGNR5721 hey santiago, seems like slash loves yalls work. anyway, im a bit confused. wat is the #34 switch do to the sound? more gain like a boost or does it make it sound more like a stock 59T? cant wait till release. will trade my jvm410h n a heart beat for it
thnx
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Posted 1 year ago by Samuelb Is there a possibility that this amp may be a stepping stone, and other versions will be produced in the future? Say with reverb and special FX?
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Posted 1 year ago by Santiago @slashGNR5721, the #34 switch is a slightly modified JCM800 amp and it is what Slash has been playing for several years. It has more gain than a standard 800 but not as much as the AFD mod and not as thick sounding either. Still it is quite usable sound, that's why we want to implement it too.
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Posted 1 year ago by Santiago @bails86, as per the last info I have it seems that the AFD100 itself will be limited (not in too small quantities) but perhaps the AFD family won't be ended with one model ;-)
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Posted 1 year ago by slashGNR5721 thanks santiago for replying. so that switch will change the tone to like the 800 slash used at the ritz 88 concert right? or is the #34 the actual 800 he used in ritz 88?
thanks santiago
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Posted 1 year ago by Dark-Gothic-Elf Hi Santiago I have a question. Is it gone be a 2 channel amp? That would be cool if it is foot switchable between clean and distortion. I hope it wil have a reverb.
And what will the price be in euro's?
I hope it wil be available in The Netherlands.
I Gotta have it.
The show from Slash yesterday Was Amazing.
Have a great day.
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Posted 1 year ago by neroroxxx make it 2 channels with an effects loop please!
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Posted 1 year ago by graffitibuddhist NO!!!! Keep it one channel, simple, just with switch, vintage looks, 34 switch, and of course an effects loop.
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Posted 1 year ago by Marshall39 @Santiago: thanks for replyin' but Id like you to re-consider this amp layout : fx loop is useless for this kind of amps while not having a plain JCM800 or Plexi mode will not give us any clean (it will cope Live@Ritz sound : no clean at all), that said, great job!! cant wait to try one... PS : dont forget the trannies!!! use 1959HW ones!!!
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