I bought the Marshall Origin 50 Head...AGAIN. Should YOU buy it? (cheap Marshall tube amp)

After trading away my first Marshall origin 50 head, I decided I missed it and went out and bought one a year later. There's nothing not to love about this amp. It gives you classic Marshall tones with beautiful aesthetics as well.
The power stages come in handy because very rarely are you going to be able to play this thing on the 50 watt setting. It gets LOUD.
I'm the guitar player for Hunter Hathcoat and we play a good mix of music. We call it heavy and western. I wanted to go a different route from my ac30 as I find myself always worrying about if I'm going to blow a fuse. So I wanted something a little more reliable (and lighter weight).
I only wish it had on board reverb but it's not a deal breaker.
I ordered this amp from Sweetwater and they're always a pleasure to deal with. Thanks for watching!
Marshall Origin 50 head: amzn.to/2WVg2lT

[@peanutavalon]

I love mine . I have no desire to buy any amps right now. I have a 20 and 50 combo. Killer sounding amps.

[@recklesstoboggan]

Your verbal description of the Tilt knob function is incorrect. Turning the Tilt knob clockwise to the max, does not mean you've used the setting that simulates jumping channels. Your reading of it in the amp manual was correct. 1. With the Tilt knob fully counter-clockwise it is similar to plugging into only the Normal channel of a plexi/JTM45 etc. So a more bass or muffled sound that works well with very bright instruments/pickups. Tends to be lower gain, or perceived gain (overdrive/distortion), because there isn't as much treble content. 2. With the Tilt knob fully clockwise it is similar to plugging into only the Treble/High Treble channel of a plexi/JTM45 etc. So a more treble content or spikey/glassy sound that works well with darker instruments/pickups. Tends to be higher gain, or perceived gain (overdrive/distortion), because there is basically maximum treble content available, so it can be spikey. 3. With the Tilt knob in the dead middle it is similar to jumping the channels of a plexi/JTM45 etc. This is the mixed channel setting. So Bass and Treble that is relatively balanced, similar to jumping the channels on a Plexi/jtm45 etc. This is about the middle ground as far as gain, or perceived gain (overdrive), and you can then use the mids, treble, and presence knobs to add or subtract tone and gain (overdrive). Essentially, if you like, you can set up your amp's tone using your favorite guitar/pickups, and just leave the Tilt dead middle while you do it. Then when you switch from your favorite warm, liquid sounding Les Paul with humbuckers, to your significantly more treble-y Telecaster, you can leave all your amp settings the same, and just use the Tilt knob (turning it one or two marks counter-clockwise) to make the Tele sound more balanced, but still have most of the amp's tone and overdrive character without touching any of the other eq knobs...by just using the Tilt knob.

[@dt-hf8vz]

damn, this is some solid info

[@JackJD]

This video was seriously what I needed to convince myself in getting the 20w version. The 50w gets pretty freaking LOUD but micing up a cab or using a loadbox will give the amp new life! Thanks for the video man!!!

[@chris_beasley]

Yeah the 50w is extremely loud. I will sometimes put it there for a high head room pedal amp but most of the time it lives on the lowest setting. Glad I could help!

[@EricCPOP]

I know this comment is 2 months old but how are you finding the amp? I just bought a 20 and even on the lowest setting it's loud! I needed to use a pedal to attenuate the sound. Love the amp though.

[@chris_beasley]

@@EricCPOP it’s definitely loud. Lol

[@motorrebell]

@@EricCPOP I have the 20 origin combo - Use it in an Apartment too , I have the Volume on low as possible - using a Boss sd 1 For boost - Gain , Works perfect .

[@allenwhite1978]

No reverb is great. I think it goes with the origin vibe. Like basic no thrills. Like the originals.

[@JeffKatra]

Agreed. Let Fender have their thing with built in reverb. Plus the true Fender classic like the deluxe and bassman (the amp that inspired the original marshalls) did not have reverb.

[@johnboyc5]

I got mine for about $370 and in brand new condition and I’ve used it at all my shows so far and it’s great!

[@otaviosmartins1]

Best review of this amp on KZbin. Thanks

[@chris_beasley]

Thank you!

[@gregdunn6040]

I bought the Origin 50 as a 1/2 stack. Running a Les Paul into a DynaComp, Tubescreamer and a wah. It does everything that I want it to.

[@ikemyzon]

I love mine!!! The matching 4x14 slant cab sounds great as well

[@corneliuscrewe677]

Prices have risen dramatically on these, I’m glad I bought my Origin 20 combo when I did 2 years ago. I paid 4 bills for a demo from Sweetwater, the demos are going for $680+ now. New ones are almost $800. Same with the DSL 5’s.

[@dt-hf8vz]

i noticed that too! i got my or50 head for just under 600 at the time new. even the cabs went up

[@MetalHermit83]

@@dt-hf8vz then Im happy I just got my 50 watt head for 650$. Prices on everything are crazy.

[@kennyh5083]

Hey Beasley yea I made the same mistake! I had the Origin 50 and too much power I sold it and bought the Origin 20 and it is a great amp as well BUT it ain't no Origin 50! And I miss it! So I will buy the Origin 50 a second time too! When ya just want to blast a bigger venue it can't be beat!

[@MrMattsac232]

At 549 its a no brainer. Bananas cheap for all tube el34 at 50 watts. Even not made in the UK its a killer deal. Not a world beater amp but they sound good and have a lot of sounds in there.

[@garyeckel1656]

I use the 20W Origin, works fine , right now its my home room amp, the 800 and Silver Jubilee, yada yada are cool too" Rock On"

[@cardbored_]

I own a Friedman SmallBox and a Friedman DirtyShirley and this Origin amp doesn't sound too bad at all. IMO what makes an amp "good" has just as much to do with how it feels and how dynamic it is as it does how it sounds. I don't think most people in a bar/club would notice the difference, really only other guitar players. If I didn't already have nice Marshall style amps I'd snag one. Or one of the SV20's.

[@chris_beasley]

I’d love to have a dirty Shirley. But yeah this origin gets the “rock” job done! Now I just need to figure out what kind of cabinet I prefer

[@cardbored_]

@@chris_beasley the DS40 is such ana amazing amp. Every time I play it I shake my head at how good it is.

[@frankschapmire1471]

I have a 50. Running 4-12" Vintage Alnico Heppners from a couple of Hammond organs and it rips. If you are looking for a good amount this is the one. If you want heavy distortion you will need a pedal or preamp but it's killer and has great bite/attack.

[@dustinpayne2]

Traded away my first one as well, missed it and now I have the combo and the head haha

[@ShineDawg]

I'm digging Hunter Hathcoat too, Held on for a while is a great single. It's currently stuck in my head now. Well written lyrics

[@chris_beasley]

Awesome!

[@leonthompson8988]

I had a 2by12 70s combo that sounded more like a fender bassman. Pretty sure it was a low gain lead and bass amp. I loved the way it reproduced the vibrations of the guitar so cleanly almost like a tremolo. I have yet to find one that will do that again. It had the original greenbacks which had to be rebuilt. The amp was disgusting when I got it between the roaches and rat piss. All the paper stickers on the cabinet and chassis were eaten by the bugs. It took an entire afternoon of cleaning and ripping out the grillcloth to kill most of the smell. I had a Gibson Atlas 50 watt amp in HS and I don't remember it reproducing the guitars vibrations as pronounced as the Marshall

[@ShineDawg]

Yo, I just got the 50, and I love it! I'm getting a used a AC15CH for a good price. Thought I was crazy till I saw your set up. Nice! New sub, happy to be here and looking forward to more videos. All the best

[@chris_beasley]

Haha it sounds like our taste in gear is about the same! Thanks man!

[@viperBSG]

WHO CARES IF it was MADE IN Nam or not it was made to Marshall's specs or not made at all. Just like PRS SE's are made in Korea but the quality is incredible.

[@chris_beasley]

Exactly. If it sounds good, it sounds good.

[@voxpathfinder15r]

I have Vox Pathfinder amps made in Vietnam, and they are spectacular!

[@277southtombob]

The 20 would be loud enough but I really wonder how they compare. I know usually bigger iron (transformers) mean deeper tone but from what I understand the 20 has el34s as well. The JTM45 is one of my favorite amps and I love the thick cleans they have as well as the drive. It sounds like the 50 gets some of that tone although it’s not easy to tell from a video.

[@chris_beasley]

I agree. There’s just something about high wattage amps. I definitely enjoy the 50. For the extra money (not a lot) I think it’s worth it

[@stevencancel1727]

Maybe it's your country roots or that you play that style but I have listen to 100s of these demos of this amp and you have figured out how to get the most tasteful tone out of this type of amp as I am considering one of these

[@jamescrow9854]

Good job Chris, keep up your good work !

[@satchrules101]

this Marshall sounds great.

[@johnroesch689]

nice thanks .im also going to do the jose diode mod

[@kenster865]

I've watched a number of YT videos on the 20 & 50 watt Origin heads. For giggles, I think I'll soon grab up an Origin 50. I own my home and my immediate neighbors are all deaf or will be soon... HAHA!! Any suggestions for a 2x12 cab? A 4x12 is just too much for my space limitations so... thanks in advance for suggestions/thoughts. Cheers!!

[@davidmarkus7714]

H, Thanks! What do you think, will it do John Frusciante sounds? I am thinking about a Origin 20 with a 4x12 cab for my RHCP cover band.

[@BasBach]

Get another one used and have it mod. That's my next project getting another one and making the headfirst mod to have a higher gain amp.

[@rareform6747]

Have Two - Love Them !

[@yvonnemoram2006]

+1 Mosky Golden Horsie - run one with my Origin 50 also

[@frankorobinson1540]

I am stuck at moment between a couple great amplifiers, I definitely want the head room which all of my choices have origin 50 ,evh 50 and dsl 100 ,my question to you is ,can this play at bedroom sound levels for just practice 😀 when wife and kids are around, even through I play in basement can the origin 50 play low enough without annoying anyone lol,definitely want a valve amp ,I just cannot get that late 60s to early 80s heavy rock blues tone,thanks for your time sharing what you know,,peace

[@chris_beasley]

Yeah it can play low volume nicely. Obviously any tube amp sounds best turned up but it still has those quiet capabilities

[@adamwatson6916]

I did not like 5 watt or 20 watt origin although the 5 water sounds alot better through a cab with 12 inch speakers but I love the 50 watt version. It has it's own sound and it's a great sound . Does it sound like an old plexi ? Not really but it does sound like a marshall with lots of vintage DNA with it's own unique tone

[@chris_beasley]

Well said!

[@niagaraAV]

I see you have a micro amp…are you running it through the fx loop?….do you get any boost?. Some Marshall amps have a useless fx loop.

[@alexbogush]

Gonna sell mine.

[@donjohnson7550]

I bought it when it still was 499.09 it’s really worth it

[@chris_beasley]

Definitely is!

[@ItzhakWoolf]

The head only has an attenuator than a standby switch. Does the attenuator do the similar thing to a standby switch (cuz attenuator can turn down the amp to small watts like 5 or even 1/4, under which situation a standby switch is probably not necessary)?

[@chris_beasley]

Right I believe all the origins don’t have a standby as that was more period correct for the vintage vibe

[@averyadrian1534]

Sounds great

[@WickedJester77]

It's not a bad amp but it's just not the same as an english made marshall. The dsl range made in vietnam is the same way. Honestly though I could give it a pass due to its price point EXCEPT. You can buy second hand jcm 2000s for like 700-800 dollars all day long. Imo there's just no reason to buy this new Vietnam line. The jcm eats these new amps for breakfast at just a bit more money.

[@jessejorgensen3931]

I'm a value for money guy! Is the best sounding amp in the world? No. Is it the best pure rock amp for under 600 buck you're damn straight it is. I'm buying another but used to mod or have modded? You can get metal tones with pedals. The attenuation is great. Low head room to high. Are there more versatile marshalls? Sure. Sure, but i prefer the haed to combo.But when i compared it to the used Fender Hot Rod, i had to return this is the champ. I live in an apartment, and i have animals. You can't make that sound good on 2. Plus, this has a 5 yr warranty . Again, the money to value spund ratio is insane in my opinion.

[@MrCgregd]

Wat kinda reverb pedal do you use?

[@chris_beasley]

I use JHS 3 series reverb. In this video I used the spring reverb setting on a line 6 m5 pedal

[@Nickraculous]

Anyone know how these handle higher gain distortion pedals?

[@chris_beasley]

I’d say that would vary with the size of the amp. My 50 watt handles it no problem because it has a tone of headroom. The lower wattage versions would likely have a different effect (tone is subjective). It may dip into the heavy overdrive/ fuzz territory. It just depends on the settings of the amp and pedal honestly. Mine handles any kind of gain pedals I’ve tried very well.

[@corneliuscrewe677]

@@chris_beasley The Origin 20’s handle gain pedals really well, too, particularly if you are running through a good 4x12. I run mine through an 80’s Randall slant cab with the stock speakers, it sounds great. Bright clear and full with a variety of dirt boxes. Even better with a better speaker cab.

[@jonballen1550]

You should do the headfirst mod

[@chris_beasley]

I’m unfamiliar with that. What is it?

[@jonballen1550]

@@chris_beasley check out Headfirst Amplification’s channel. He made a mod that turns the origin into a jcm 800

[@chris_beasley]

@@jonballen1550 just watched it. That’s awesome!

[@RasCuban33]

Nooooo, if you can find one get a Krank Chadwick instead. Same price range, much better components. Mine was modded already by FJA Mods as a hot rodded Plexi, it loves pedals.

[@voxpathfinder15r]

In this day in age of everyone with oxboxes and boss tube expanders - who cares if an amp has onboard reverb

[@daw162]

Some of us are old and lazy and like it on the amp, especially if it's good. But you're right, a great amp without it is no big deal.

[@voxpathfinder15r]

@@daw162 an effects loop is cool and all. But if you are one of those guys that still like the compression and clipping of the power tubes, even an effects loop is not ideal. Having an oxbox and running effects after the power tubes and before the speakers is like having the same abilities that guys like EVH had in the studio. And these load boxes can get you that power tube saturation at levels you can gig with at small bars or if you have a sound guy that won’t let you gig at loud levels

[@stevencancel1727]

Most of us gig and less is more

[@notacommie5415]

Sounds like AC/DC

[@jayteesgear]

Mine comes 2moro

[@armandodiaz67]

In my opinion, Marshall has never been very good with reverb... I had a DSL 40 with reverb. You would never know it was there... even on 10.

[@stoned_kapre]

bought one for 400 just want have monomyth mod it.😂