Easy Fix for Intermittent Sound & Scratchy Potentiometers on Any Guitar Amp | Marshall Lead 12

[@johncarver5537]

Thanks so much for this video and for the detailed explanations and close-ups. I did exactly as you said and I was thrilled to see that I was able to fix my Lead 12 using your instructions.

[@zoltansays]

@@johncarver5537 so glad to hear! Thanks for the feedback. Aren’t these lead 12s true gems? 🤘

[@Herbieatorbie66]

Thanks for sharing. I can use this to breathe new life into my own amp. I have owned a Marshall 75 reverb, 5275, for a few days now. Beautiful amplifier with surprisingly much volume. This one also dates from the 80s. It crackles here and there and sometimes the spring reverb goes crazy. I have no idea what could be causing that. And the bass potentiometer has little effect on the sound, maybe cleaning it would help here too. But what I am worried about is the loud bang when switching the amplifier on and off. Do you have any tips for that? Too bad you don't live nearby, otherwise I would drop by 😄

[@MrChrisRP]

Yes - to people just getting into this stuff and learning. Let's say in a normal vintage stereo amplifier, Sony, Technics, Sansui - I don't have to name it all as you get the idea. Those two big bulk capacitors on/near the intake are wired in series and this means that there can be upwards of 300 or 400v potential across the two. The same thing applies to switch mode power supplies like in a standard PC. Needless to say, this is more than enough to stay away from. Don't go near them, even a day later or a week later. Even if you verified they've lost all charge with a meter. STILL do no work near them unless absolutely necessary. THIS mentality is an extra safeguard. You ALWAYS ALWAYS want to be more safe than sorry but all that being said, using your mind for goodness goes a long way if you let it. If you wear any sort of jewelry on your wrist, whether it be a bracelet or a watch - that MUST be removed before work begins for obvious reasons. Rock on!

[@TheCleaner6969]

Better then the Boss Katana. I would take this over the Boss any day.

[@zoltansays]

@TheCleaner6969 I never played a Katana but this little Marshall is a gem. Gives me all the Marshall tones I want at bedroom levels. I can go from Jimi -with a Strat- to Billy to Slash to Edward - with a boost/drive pedal. Prices went up on these, but if you see one for cheap, don't think twice.

[@TheCleaner6969]

@@zoltansaysBelieve me the Katana does not sound Marshall & too much messing around with the interface. I seen Johan Segeborn demo the head. This thing sounds great.

[@zoltansays]

@@TheCleaner6969 I believe you 100%. I've been through all the modeling stuff (still own some) but decided to stay all analog in the end. Check out the sounds from the Lead12 in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooa0mpSqm81kha8si=QUvLZjw77IN58gm8&t=3103

[@TheCleaner6969]

@@zoltansaysThat really sounds good! Nice playing as well. Big sound for such a small amp. You can't beat it \\m//

[@zoltansays]

@@TheCleaner6969thanks! It’s a monster. I wish Marshall brought these back. Or someone made a good clone that is readily available. At around $100 these would sell like hotcakes.

[@perrymac]

sounds good!

[@MrChrisRP]

Yes. Circuit glue is notorious for creating electrical pathways (i.e. pathways just NOT resistant enough to stop current - they carry current!) A "good" tech removes that stuff, even if it not actively causing the issue he or she is chasing. It's all a case by case basis with their own factors, owners, so on and so on. But yes - circuit glue gotsta go if it makes sense and is practical to make it so. There are high quality fluxs available that won't go conductive over time. A little research will get you far here. There is a dude "Alex" in California. His shop on here sells it. No affilations here with me. Just telling, is all. Rock on.

[@user-qm7nw7vd5s]

What is the rated wattage? I recently picked up a Danelectro, from the late 90s, and while it’s only rated at 15 watts, it sounds more like 50 watts! These little monsters can really scream.

[@zoltansays]

These are rated at 12 watts. There’s more to perceived volume, like can size etc. probably the biggest is speaker sensitivity. A 3 dB higher sensitivity will double the perceived volume. With an efficient speaker, a 12-watt amp will be way to loud for a ‘bedroom’ situation. :)

[@user-qm7nw7vd5s]

@@zoltansays Thanks! The right match between speaker and amp is critical, the correct impedance and as you point out, speaker sensitivity.

[@zoltansays]

@@user-qm7nw7vd5s I hear you. I'm planning to use my Bass 12 (same wattage but less gainy) at a gig soon, I think it will be loud enough with our light-hitting drummer. Worst case is I need to mic it.

[@zoltansays]

Check out my Bass 12. There is some playing at the end of the video. I got it after watching Johan call it the best ever budget SS amp. It did not disappoint... :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGTUop2nibp8oNE

[@markdarnold]

How do you clean the fabric on the cover?

[@zoltansays]

This fabric is indicative of a period in the mid 80's when Marshall used a black dye that would fade to this color. Some people -including myself- like this accidental color combination. I might consider cleaning it though. Will definitely make it into a video if that happens. Thanks for the great question!

[@eze8024]

Lead 12s are amazing. 10" greenback makes it even better 👍 Or of course just bypass it and plug in a quality cab with better speakers 🤣

[@zoltansays]

Totally agree! I ended up making a new baffle and put a Celestion G12T in it. Now I can really crank it. I can play this thing for hours on end.... :)

[@avivpinto4013]

Amazing amps

[@zoltansays]

Some of the best! I can't stop playing this one along with my Bass 12: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gGTUop2nibp8oNE