Golden Plexi MKI Vs MKII - Which one is better???

[@BRZguy]

MK2 sounds clearer to me which is a huge positive. Normally with the MK1 on low tone, it kind of sounds like there's a blanket covering the speaker, but with the MK2 it just retains the clarity without being harsh. And the gain taper is a huge improvement too. I always struggled so much with the MK1 because if you so much as knock it a millimeter, your entire tone is too distorted. I always struggled with it being slightly too dirty or too clean, so having a better control with the gain is a definite positive. Plus anything past 12 o'clock doesn't really increase much in distortion so it just makes sense to reduce the range and have a smoother control for it.

[@davebarone506]

So glad to hear that, I own the Mk2.

[@sixbladeknife44]

I’ve owned both of these still have the MK2 which I love. Vastly better range on the gain knob and doesn’t get as woofy as the MKI once you get past 9 ‘o clock or so. They made a very good pedal great w/ the MK2.

[@ToneCityAudioTech]

Wow, thank you so much to tell what you think and feel on the MK2, Dave ! You bring us some new ideas on this Golden Box. You make great video ! Thanks again !

[@SohamBhattacharya3105]

Gotta say Dave, I preferred the Mk2 but then again I do like a brighter tone than you do, so maybe that's why. I also felt like the Mk2 had better string/note definition - possibly because its lower gain than the Mk1. Although, it should be said, it could also be that since you have used the Mk1 for so long, your ears have gotten used to that as your "default favorite" sound and anything slightly different to that would sound "off" to your brain and ears. Just saying, there could be that psychological angle to it too. Anyway, thanks a lot for doing this comparison for us. Hope you are able to snag up a few MK1s for backups. :)

[@andy_J_11]

Dave Simpson biting a music stand out of frustration was probably the highlight of my day. As for the pedals, I think the MK2 sounded more open and smoother as a clean plexi, but did seem to lack punch when the gain was higher.

[@areyouavinalaff]

At least the MK2 you can turn the gain up, MK1 only has one gain level

[@EdCoombesDogs]

I love my mk 1 when I got mine there was the choice to get ether but had to get the MK1 after all your videos with it. And I don't regret it, it is my always on sound now 😃

[@bluessumlin...7067]

Totally agree Mr S… for the sounds you require GP1 is a must.. the GP2 seems to be lacking the dark sounds you like.. it is harsh but like you said will appeal to some! Sure that some GP1’s are gathering dust l reckon your magic may well work! But not the Mars Bars😮

[@TheSamborambo23]

Just got my mk1 today after watching some previous videos of yours Dave. Great little pedal 👌🏻🔥💙

[@DidiHyena]

Awesome🙏 we can feel you love your "first lady", the lady is not perfekt and that's what you love...the "second lady" is lovely to...but we all can see you have your first lady in your hands all the time...nice video🙏

[@greggalbraith2842]

I'm reminded of Dave's comparison of the Mk I Golden Plexi with the Black Tea when all these minis came out from Tone City. They were both great, but honestly, I thought they sounded too much alike. The Mk II, in my humble (and definitely not omniscient!) opinion, the Mk II sounds more solid and stout and defined...like the few Plexis I've ever played. The Mk I has a spongy (is that a word?) tone more like a Vox. But hey, that's me, Mr. Vegas. I'm an aggressive gambler. (see the movie "Stripes" for that reference)

[@stratodan2745]

I had both and dug both of them lots! I kept the V2. No contest to me really. But then again we're all different...with different ears and tastes. To me the V2 was quieter but most importantly the sweep of the V2 gain knob was MUCH better and makes it a much more versatile drive pedal. You can get great low gain classic vintage Marshall crunch with the V2. Not so with the V1. If you're setting the gain knob to about 2 o'clock, they sounded essentially the same to me. But the magic of the V2 is all of the great mid-gain and low-gain tones you can get when you lower the the gain knob. Just my opinion of course. Rock on Dave!!!

[@joshuataft5541]

Thanx for the video..I'd love to try any of those..

[@IrishStewGuitar]

you should try an A/B box and therefore switch directly between the two for an instant comparison

[@christopherblair6636]

good idea !

[@christopherguzzi1316]

I loved what Dave calls a dirty clean tone on the Golden Plexi 2. And this gets better as it gets dirtier. It just seemed clearer and more articulate. But if the tone control can make the original brighter like the Golden Plexi 2, perhaps the original offers more flexibility??? Hard to say. Perhaps You Tube is adding compression which makes one sound better in person vs via KZbin. I have heard the 2 has less hiss, which would be a big improvement for me. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to buy them both to see which I like the best.

[@KM-302]

I gigged a plexi for many years. Neither pedals have the accurate sound of the real amp, let alone the thump, but the clarity and brightness of the v2 is definitely closer. The 1959 slp is a bright and super clear amp. The v1 was nowhere near, too much muddy gain.

[@mcskillby]

I now realize the reason that my G.P. mk1 was half price when I bought it from Andertons.

[@jimwarner8071]

Thx, Dave. Your noting a mid hump and honk in the Mk2 are deal breakers for me.

[@joaomendes5182]

Got the mk1 cause of you ! I’m happy with it …

[@thatpeterboy]

Have to say I prefer MK2, better tonal range and cleaner sounding if that makes sense....but MK1 is a classic for sure.

[@geoffreydias4960]

I don't know v1 but I recently invested in v2 which I tried today. superb pedal that respects the spirit of a plexi. the gain is very good even at the lowest, I leave it at 9am. if you go up the gain, the sound is not really more distorted but can be fatter. the volume is important, you have to turn it up and it becomes organic. the tone does the job. I'm really happy with it.

[@endurogym3714]

Good gravy Davey. i concurre sir

[@ranchmanager9126]

I love the Mk1 and until I bought the EHX Glove I thought it was the most amazing pedal ever. Now I think it's still good but the GLOVE can get warmer and darker or brighter it's way more flexible and a great Plexi pedal

[@Fonkemman]

Would you say it is easier to get the dirty clean tone with the glove?

[@northernthrifter8817]

Worst thing I ever did was sell my glove and soul food pedals, I bought them both when they were under £50 each. Proper bummer.

[@paulmckeown5672]

Makes me glad now I bought 2 Golden Plexi mk 1 by accident

[@purplereigninblood]

I like number one but they both sounded great, Thanks Dave.

[@bobblake7132]

Great video, bit disappointing verdict, shame. Like you I prefer the mk1. Anyway, great news! I’ve just been on Reverb and bought you another mk1 and appropriately it’s coming from Queens 🙂

[@400_billion_suns]

You’re a legend :)

[@bobblake7132]

@@400_billion_suns thank you. Dave is special, anything we can do to support him is good.

[@Roger-il8iw]

I was looking for this comparison. Not a huge plexi/marshall guy but I need a cheap plexi sound for certain songs. This seems like the best option

[@vadwanuu7825]

I preferred the Mach 1 also. That being said, i have one that gets zero use and is just sitting here. I would be happy to give it to you. Its yours if you want it, brother.

[@castleanthrax1833]

Hahaha. "Read all about it!!! Tonecity Golden Plexi breaks the sound barrier". 🤣🤣🤣

[@t-boog2173]

Bravo Vad. That's kind of u. I have one too but I always use mine. The gain taper is a pain but it's still my go to dist pedal. Cheers man!

[@Paul-D]

Oddly I preferred the MK 2. It has less high end roll off (listened carefully a few times on good monitors) And as you famously like a darker tone, that explains your preference I think.

[@stevegroves]

Great demo Dave cheers. Definitely different but better or worse? not sure reckon the MK2 was a tad brighter and yep a tad more harsh, that might go with Humbuckers that have a bit more rounded sound? Guess its down to choice but no one will swap a 1 for 2 thats for sure. Great vid mate thank you.

[@traineecanuck]

Mk1 is still available on Amazon Canada. I won't leave the link as it'll probably get flagged or something, but easy enough to find. And they're 5% off (don't spend it all at once)!

[@bifbassman]

Further down the road, I've been looking at the Tone City Golden plexi, I found onefor $58 the version 1, we'll see (going to use it on my bass, I felt and heard the version 2 was too thin we'll see)

[@rogerYT69]

cool video ...have mkI and mkII and like both a lot 😉

[@berniarmstrong]

I hope they continue to make both, because I think they would suit two different types of guitarists. One a more classic rock (like your good self) and the other a more Fleetwood Mac "Rumours" style of guitarist.

[@halfindy]

The mk2 is definitely cleaned up. Maybe with max gain that makes sense to have better transparency in chords. But with zero and noon gain I distinctly prefer the mk1. BUT in my experience all that may change when I plug in my Les Paul with humbuckers and start the same comparison. Maybe then the mk1 will be too muddy? Nice video btw!

[@rodent1412]

Think I might like 2 better. Dirty clean is more chilli peperish and the gain has more meat, but it could be my speakers distorting things

[@rossandersonclark]

Dave , you can have my Mk1 I’ll drop it off to Andertons in a few months time.

[@Canadaballer96]

Hi Dave, eagerly waiting for your review of the new RHCP album!

[@zandig666]

They should blend mars with snickers imho peanuts and delicious nougat combined with a blanket of scrumptious caramel ??!!??

[@seuthsayer12]

Great video Dave. I think you just saved me £50! I trust your judgement. The only thing that I don't like about the MK1( which you mentioned) is the gain is very sensitive. It all or nothing. Maybe a MK 3 would be a good idea ha ha.

[@PRAETORYANN]

Great comparaison Dave, some youtubers need to see your videos to know how to compare stuff.. (sounds, pedals etc..) anyway, my 2 cents. I have the original, for the price, this Plexi pedal kill, period. The v2 seem brighter, which isn't a problem but, some like, the others dosent..just like everything. The tone can be easily set to whatever we want so.. again great video, GJ!

[@ThePinnacleJam]

I’m thinking the gain potentiometer value is lower on the MK2 as a quick fix to the sweep issue, but in return restricting the amount of gain you can squeeze out of it. Sound-wise I think the MK1 would take a tubescreamer better metal purposes. The MK2 kinda sounds like there’s already a TSC pushing it, but without the added gain or tightness.

[@jamiesmith1151]

Just bought M1 today 😊

[@brownsfanlarry1340]

Have you tried the Tone City Model M ? It's the big brother too the Golden Plexi. It's basically the same pedal but it also has a boost side too. I really like both pedals. Tone City has some awesome cheaper pedals!

[@CarloRegadasGuitar]

Does the Golden Plexi have cab sim IR built-in to go direct, or would one have to use a separate IR loader, if going direct into a DAW? Nice one.

[@thedavesimpson]

No ir stuff. Its just a straight pedal.

[@CarloRegadasGuitar]

Ah ok, thank you Sir. Carlo 👍🏼🎸

[@joshuataft5541]

Dave they both were nicer than what I got but I take your word for it.. was nice..they both were not bad..I got an ibenez fuz and it sounds more like a distortion not a real fuzz

[@davigrrr]

Do you think that I can get golden plexi tone with an mini tube screamer? YOU ARE THE BEST DAVE

[@davigrrr]

Also what do you recomend me for frusciantes cleanish tone, a mxr dyna comp, mini tube screamer or golden plexi?

[@thedavesimpson]

Golden plexi

[@RobCmusic]

I prefer the MK2. It sounds clearer

[@gabrielraphaelofficial]

Thank you very much for a really honest review, i dont have the b@lls to say its not as good lol, i rather just tell people to decide...but like you said, a variety of things you cant get in the mkii plus that tad of glassy edge all makes the mk1 ace..thanks Bro!

[@brownsfanlarry1340]

I have to agree with you ,I prefer the Mk1 . It has a deeper,darker & more rounded tone. The Mk2 is good but a little brighter.

[@400_billion_suns]

Hmmm, it’s a tough call, but I think I slightly preferred the Mk1 in most of the samples 🤔 I do think they both sound good though. Edit: oh, wow, if that was with the tone all the way down on the Mk2, then I definitely agree with you. It needs to go darker than that.

[@oldasrocks9121]

Put them both after a fuzz face, that would be an excellent comparative parameter

[@basshoh]

So what overdrive would you recommend and or which two of these affordable pedals????? What would you say between one of these pedals or a Joyo??? Or vs a MXR badass modified??? I mean I am SO OVERLOADED with OD pedals!!! HELP!!!!!...lol its my very first guitar pedal board attempt!!!

[@mrskint55]

I think I like the mk2 better both great pedals though. The mk2 is now on my shopping list

[@thejakefromstatefarm6768]

Tone paint hahaha i love it.

[@TM-bf1qi]

I just went to my music shop today and they just received Tone city pedals. I tried the GP MkII and went back home with it... Desappointed. Not because it's a bad pedal, it's great and sounds very very good by itself or with a clean boost. But The mk II did not respond correctly to other pedals, especially my fuzz pedal. The sound was way too much compressed, no dynamics, crappy sound, volume drop, like gated. I tried 2 fuzz, a standard dunlop silicon fuzzface and a boutique fuzzface, same result (before and after in the chain). I wanted to you use it as a "always on" pedal but ... no. I went back to the music shop and traded it for a tiny spring instead. Great one. Dave, you said that MKII did not respond the same to the DS2, what was your feeling about that ?

[@thedavesimpson]

It was just too fuzzy with the ds2. Not warmth or depth.

[@TM-bf1qi]

Same with my Fuzz, and over-compressed. thanks for your feedback

[@Danny.B82]

I too like the mk 1 , that’s why I have 3 😊

[@areyouavinalaff]

But now you can get more gain with a MK2 than you can get from three mk1

[@alexkennedy7671]

I agree with you totally Dave, the Mk 1 is better IMO as it just has that bit more guts and heart in the sound than the new one. The Mk 2 is a fair bit smooother and cleaner to my ears and that's not really what this pedal is about. Cranked valve plexi's are meant to sound a little over the edge, control -wise and the Mk 1 delivers this feel and tone and then some. It is a classic and will stay that way for the foreseeable future. It's no wonder that it has been Tone City's best seller since it came out. Pity it's being discontinued, as you have said in the video - tsk. Anyway, that's my two quid's worth on the subject. Cheers and keep up the good work. Alex the K

[@Musicislife668]

What does the tone sound like if both are on at the same time? I read that the uogrades on the Mk2 are less noisey and have a wider range in distortion control on the gain knob.

[@theyannisschannel]

@thedavesimpson what about marshall jackhammer? is the GP superior to the JH-1?

[@vrayonet]

Dave , if you are in love in Golden Plexi so much, why don't you try EHX OD GLOVE, I honestly think it would replace your favourite pedal on your board.

[@thedavesimpson]

I will do.

[@chrisgmurray3622]

What do I know! I still prefer the ( tube screamer) TS808 rather than the newer TS9, so maybe it just comes diwn to what you want, and the design of the mark2 plexi pedal must be based on what they think people want. I used to play thru a Marshall superlead mark 1,(real ple xi) and theses pedals didn't siund anything like the amp I used to own ( either of them) but most people don't really know what a real plexi sounds like, and sometimes these old amps didn't sound all that great. Most peopl's idea of the plexi sound is based on carefully eq'ed and recorded productions, and the actual amps varied quite a lot in their sounds as recorded, but also they sounded different one to another because manufacturing was not as consistent when they were built in the kate sixties. Mine had a beefy output transformer and actually was measured at 180watts RMS ( it was used by a bass player before I bought it) and other amps I played sounded quite different, so the "Plexi" sound is a question of " which Plexi sound!

[@yaguitar]

Really really close, I think the KZbin compression and tone killing algorithm might remove some of the magic! To be fair you sounded awesome with both!

[@johnnorth9355]

To my ancient ears the both sounded like a cranked Plexi. After years of abuse in my youth getting as close to speaker stacks as possible it's probable that my hearing is somewhat impaired these days. Given a chance I would do it all exactly the same again 🙂.

[@markashe3786]

I think, to me, I prefer the mk2. It was less muddy. It also sounded slightly louder (to me). I would buy the mk2

[@rogerYT69]

cool video ...have mkI and mkII and like both a lot 😉 mkI works a bit better with the DS-2 thats right...

[@stevedunn2621]

Dave have you tried the Glove? Saw a plexi pedal shootout on Andertons and it sounded amazing and is almost as cheap as the Golden

[@lukabanovic2937]

The glove is amazing, best marshally style overdrive pedal there is imo

[@SohamBhattacharya3105]

That's a Fulltone OCD clone, isn't it?

[@SohamBhattacharya3105]

That's a Fulltone OCD clone, isn't it?

[@christopherreeves5272]

Golden plexi Mk 1 will be here in 2 days!!

[@christopherreeves5272]

Also I think the mk 1 is still gonna be around for a little. After my piggy bank is filled again I'm going to try the mark 2

[@riffsnoleads]

I would probably go MKII just because it has a little less gain. I play humbucker guitars almost exclusively, so lower gain and a little more brightness is better in order to do what I like. Surprised you are having trouble finding the original. Just did a quick looksy and found like 5 for $40 and under.

[@mikerauter1859]

Mk 1 easily Dave its warmer, Mk 2 is obviously clearer but that's not necessarily desirable as it tends emphasize the high end shrill range

[@Michiel1972]

Dave, what I am really curious about is what you think of the Quilter Mach 3 combo. Being a solid state kinda guy that you are. The Mach 3 has a Plexi voicing too, besides the 1957 Fender Tweed, 1961 Fender Blonde, 1965 Fender Deluxe Reverb, Dumble Overdrive Special and the Vox AC-30. To me it seems the one amplifier to rule them all.

[@thedavesimpson]

I can’t afford it so I’ve no idea.

[@_-Skeptic-_]

Hi Dave, you don't need to be upset, open the two pedals and find out the difference in component values (assuming the circuit is the same) and change them to match the one you like. If you can't do it yourself find a friend who is good at electronics. I build my own pedals, so overdrive pedals are not a big deal.

[@mcskillby]

These pedals will be full of surface mount components, very difficult to mod.

[@_-Skeptic-_]

@@mcskillby it shouldn't be that difficult unless it's the very tiny size. I use mainly surface mount components now.

[@StephenCameron]

I prefer the MK1 ... I expect if you're the one playing the guitar, rather than just listening to someone else play, the difference is even more stark. The Mk1 seems to have more gain on tap.

[@maotemplar]

I haven't tried the mk2 but I've had the mk1 for several years, I like it but it's not my favorite because it's too thin in the mids. From this demo it seems that the mk2 is richer in mids and perhaps has a little less gain. I vote for the mk2.

[@aaranbansal3170]

would you recommend the marshall jackhammer over the new golden plexi for the dirty clean?

[@thedavesimpson]

Yep.

[@Fonkemman]

And here I am thinking the MK2 is already dark 🤣🤣

[@mrtn2842]

Like them both & I would keep both because us humans never know what mood we’re in the next time we pickup our axes to jam .. As for Mars bars I’ll pass I’m a Hersey Almond man myself .. 😋. Fun fact : What is thee best candy out there ? …. “Hersey chocolate bars “ because the chocolate keeps diluting in our mouths : per dentists

[@lorcanrowley133]

It's definitely the tone paint.

[@mikehomar5321]

How will the mk2 sound when it’s had as much running time under it’s belt as your mk1 I wonder? 🤔

[@TheWillMan2002]

Why don’t you need to use the tone knob on the pedal for single coil pick ups?

[@thedavesimpson]

Because it gets to bright and harsh.

[@EasyHeat]

MK1 sounds more compressed, but in the good way. More "amp-like". Definitely more gain. I'm camp MK1.

[@christophervincent8420]

I think the MKII because it sounds more crisp and a bit brighter. The "lack of gain" is a very simple fix with a boost pedal. As for a darker tone, have you tried setting a gain pedal with the bass cranked up? Yes, I know, you can have just the one instead of 3. Now the 1 sounds more of a Hendrex style plexi vs a normal plexi.

[@steveanderson8349]

Tone City should reissue the Mk 1 under a new name…The Dave!!!!

[@greggilman905]

Not related to this video but question; Boss katana mike or super crush, which one better buy?

[@thedavesimpson]

Katana

[@ianbutler1971]

The Golden Plexi is meant to be a copy of the Carl Martin Plexitone - I have both and similarities are uncanny. The Plexitone is dual channel with boost. Dave have you tried the Carl Martin Plexitone as I think you would like it ?

[@thedavesimpson]

I haven’t no but would like to.

[@ianbutler1971]

@@thedavesimpson you have to - it is an amazing pedal and it really should get the credit for the guys who designed the circuit. The Golden Plexi is amazing but it's more of a clone/copy than an original !

[@WillfulThinker]

Does the TC pedal have anything on the Carl Martin pedal, in your opinion? I love the TC (mkI) but haven't tried the Martin.

[@ianbutler1971]

@@WillfulThinker honestly they are so close that it is silly. Obviously the Plexitone is mains powered two channel plus boost but I can easily replicate the two sounds that I like using the TC Black Tea and Golden Plexi and I find the boost on the Plexitone way too hot anyway.

[@MikeyNewman1974]

Yes Mr Dave, will send golden plexi and mars bars....................

[@thedavesimpson]

;)

[@EasyHeat]

Update! I got a MkI last week for super cheap! Less than $30!! Squee!

[@SebaLibre9]

Mk1 forever ! ...even afterlife :) it's open and clear as you said. Not colored or anything like that. I'll keep my Mk1. Thats for sure! Thanks for the great comparsion :)

[@cchavez248]

I have a suspicion that the Mk2 exists and carries a new name because Tone City probably couldn't source some of the components that were in rhe Mk1. I think the designer from Tone Ciry was upset about having to compromise his original design and used the Mk2 designation in order to differentiate between the 2 pedals! I think he might be gutted as well!!!

[@christopherguzzi1316]

That's a logical guess. My guess is the components for each are readily available but it's mainly marketing to revitalize pedal sales for an original and 2nd version for what used to be a hot seller.

[@cchavez248]

@@christopherguzzi1316 I think someone already proved my theory wrong, the maker posted something as to why the V2 was made, I just haven't gone onto ToneCity's website yet to read it.

[@ChrisHopkinsGuitar]

How loud is your MG with a 4x12 when playing? Thanks!

[@thedavesimpson]

No very.

[@EdCoombesDogs]

Maybe the Captain has a spare 😃

[@lichen8855]

No no.. your were supposed to recommend the GP2 and call the GP1 trash. That way you can have them all to yourself ;) Just be sure to put a little "2" sticker on there when you make videos and perform live.

[@Melvil.grp8]

Do you plan to compare the two versions with DS2 and Wh10?

[@thedavesimpson]

Not really no. The mki works best with both. The mkii is very shrill.

[@RonnyBGoode]

Not in love with the loud n proud anymore???

[@thedavesimpson]

I haven’t had that pedal in years.

[@RonnyBGoode]

@@thedavesimpson kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpbRiKN9bMpqras

[@jamescarey3995]

I would love a chance to play through a real plexi, then I would know which one came closest. Sometimes, though, a swing and a miss is a hit in it's own right.

[@MikeGiles-es3vq]

Mk1!!

[@petestewart2701]

I've got a mk1 if you wanna swap it for your mk2, Dave?

[@thedavesimpson]

I don’t have the mkii anymore.

[@thedavesimpson]

Thank you for the offer. :)

[@SpecialReserve]

Not much difference between them until they are on your favoured setting. Then there seemed to be more mids on the new one.

[@derekjohnson5720]

Mk1 for single coils, mk2 for humbuckers

[@mikehomar5321]

Hi 😊👋