Marshall MS-2

MICRO AMPS

ROUND-UP

88 WINTER 2014

MICRO AMP

ROUNDUP

We whip out the TG microscope to put a quartet of big-name tiny-proportioned

combos to the test, where size and portability are the name of the game

Words: Michael Brown Photography: Joby Sessions

TGR261.gear_round2.indd 88 07/11/2014 16:15

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ROUND-UP MICRO AMPS Words: Michael Brown Photography: Joby Sessions MICRO AMP ROUND-UP We whip out the TG microscope to put a quartet of big-name tiny-proportioned combos to the test, where size and portability are the name of the game 88 WINTER 2014 TGR261.gear_round2.
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GEAR VIDEO w w w.bit .ly/ am ps tg261m icro HIDDEN behind the onstage stacks, rehearsal combos and bedroom practice amps, you’ll find the micro amp: a stripped-down piece of kit that looks good on your bookshelf and fits in your backpack for use at school/work or on public transport.
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ROUND-UP MICRO AMPS MARSHALL MS-2 £30 Don’t MS with a classic THE MS-2 is ubiquitous for a reason, packing two channels for a modest outlay. It sounds good, too: the cleans stay clean, and the tone knob’s range keeps things from getting mushy or piercing. Plus, switching to the OD channel gives you a crunch that – while boxy and lacking in bottom-end – captures the essence of that Marshall vibe with a bridge humbucker for classic-rock riffs.
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GEAR ROUND-UP BLACKSTAR FLY 3 £49 Fly-away tone BUILDING ON the already compact ID:Core series, the Fly 3 takes the micro amp concept and runs with it, packing three watts, two channels, digital tape delay and Blackstar’s Infinite Shape Feature for British and American sounds. What’s more, you can even buy an extension cab (£19.99) to create a stereo rig, which works brilliantly for playing tunes via the 3.5mm audio-in jack.