MJW 2x12 Custom Orion Combo.

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ThorpyFXThorpyFX Frets: 6090
in Amp Reviews tFB Trader
Its very hard to review this amp...... mainly because i specified everything i wanted to get from it so it would reflect badly on me if it was crap when it turned up.......Spoiler --- it definitely wasn't.<

Anyway i'll start with the ordering process, i have to say it felt like i was a star buying an amp from howard dumble. thats not to say martin is a recluse or rotund, he is neither of those two attributes. What he is though is a decent bloke with an encyclopaedic understanding of amplifiers. For me i wanted the holy grail, fender cleans  (more tweedy than blackface), marshall drive (jtm45/plexi) and a soldano inspired boost channel. It had to be purple and it had to be a 2x12.

so the specs were fixed as:2x12 combo
2 channel amp with separate EQ's
2nd channel would have an underboost (i.e. wired for soldano then a preamp tube removed from the circuit to give the default drive)
Power scaling
4xKT66 delivering 50 Watts.Switchable channels with a compact footswitch using din and...... parallel TRS option for an external switch controller.
Purple tolex
White piping
salt/Pepper cloth purple jewel light
white chicken heads.
Metal side grab handles.

So, the build progressed and i received awesome pics along the way, the most exciting of which for me was the gutshot. Clean wiring with an immaculate layout.... shortly after the amp was finished and martin delivered it to my house in swindon. This was a nice touch and as he said, worked out cheaper and safer than trusting it to the delivery monkeys.

Once id had a thorough run though of the specs it was time for a business lunch and then time to rock the amp solo. I spent the next couple of weeks, testing the amp, with pedals, without pedals. at loud and quiet volume. over this time it became well broken in and was ready for the Guitar show as the platform i would have my pedals running though.

I think as a test for an amps solidity the Guitarshow is pretty damn brutal. 0930-1700 for two days at a moderate volume would be enough to make most amps cry, however the Orion did @martinw proud and was still sounding tremendous at the end of the weekend, albeit hot!!!

So, if you fancy having a kickass amp, then give @martinw a call and treat yourself to a bespoke tonal monster.



Adrian Thorpe MBE | Owner of ThorpyFx Ltd | Email: thorpy@thorpyfx.com | Twitter: @ThorpyFx | Facebook: ThorpyFx Ltd | Website: www.thorpyfx.com
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Comments

  • simonksimonk Frets: 1467
    Excellent! Looking forward to mine very much.
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  • monquixotemonquixote Frets: 17485
    tFB Trader
    I only tried the clean channel with pedals, but I can confirm this amp sounds superb. 

    Would really love an MJW custom creation at some point.
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  • RolandRoland Frets: 8590
    edited March 2016
    Sound clips of the amp would be good. Since you commissioned it to demonstrate your pedals it would be a good excuse to show how well it does that too, although that bit would have to be in Made in the UK
    Tree recycler, and guitarist with  https://www.undercoversband.com/.
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  • ThorpyFXThorpyFX Frets: 6090
    tFB Trader
    Roland said:
    Sound clips of the amp would be good. Since you commissioned it to demonstrate your pedals it would be a good excuse to show how well it does that too, although that bit would have to be in Made in the UK

    I'm on it, in the next month I have a video planned to do just that.
    Adrian Thorpe MBE | Owner of ThorpyFx Ltd | Email: thorpy@thorpyfx.com | Twitter: @ThorpyFx | Facebook: ThorpyFx Ltd | Website: www.thorpyfx.com
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  • GassageGassage Frets: 30826
    Hi, I represent the Ford Motor Company.

    We use the trade mark 'Orion' for one of our finest vehicles- the booted version of the Escort sold fro 1987-1993.

    Please cease and desist using our trade mark.

    *An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.

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  • ThorpyFXThorpyFX Frets: 6090
    tFB Trader
    Gassage said:
    Hi, I represent the Ford Motor Company.

    We use the trade mark 'Orion' for one of our finest vehicles- the booted version of the Escort sold fro 1987-1993.

    Please cease and desist using our trade mark.

    brilliant
    Adrian Thorpe MBE | Owner of ThorpyFx Ltd | Email: thorpy@thorpyfx.com | Twitter: @ThorpyFx | Facebook: ThorpyFx Ltd | Website: www.thorpyfx.com
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  • maw4neumaw4neu Frets: 549
    Martin makes very high quality amps plus he's a guitarist too . . . Excellent combination :-) 
    Id just like to point out that, despite all the video and DNA evidence, it genuinely wasn't me, your Honour  ! 

    Feedback : https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/58125/
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  • Never thought of a custom build before, don't know why. This looks like my perfect amp. Does the fx loop work well? Is there a 1x12 combo option?
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  • ThorpyFXThorpyFX Frets: 6090
    tFB Trader
    Never thought of a custom build before, don't know why. This looks like my perfect amp. Does the fx loop work well? Is there a 1x12 combo option?
    I think all options are on the table...... The effects loops is great too. The size of the cab may be limited by the amount of Glass thats in the back of this thing 4xKT66 takes up a lot of space, as does the amount of controls. However as Martin operates a defacto custom shop I'm certain you could come to an arrangement that suits your needs.
    Adrian Thorpe MBE | Owner of ThorpyFx Ltd | Email: thorpy@thorpyfx.com | Twitter: @ThorpyFx | Facebook: ThorpyFx Ltd | Website: www.thorpyfx.com
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  • StormshadowGuitarsStormshadowGuitars Frets: 1215
    tFB Trader
    Gassage said:
    Hi, I represent the Ford Motor Company.

    We use the trade mark 'Orion' for one of our finest vehicles- the booted version of the Escort sold fro 1987-1993.

    Please cease and desist using our trade mark.
    Christ, i hope you're not thinking of bringing it back ?? :)
    Martin's Orion is far better!!
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  • ThorpyFXThorpyFX Frets: 6090
    tFB Trader
    Gassage said:
    Hi, I represent the Ford Motor Company.

    We use the trade mark 'Orion' for one of our finest vehicles- the booted version of the Escort sold fro 1987-1993.

    Please cease and desist using our trade mark.
    Christ, i hope you're not thinking of bringing it back ?? :)
    Martin's Orion is far better!!
    probably better and faster on the motorway too.
    Adrian Thorpe MBE | Owner of ThorpyFx Ltd | Email: thorpy@thorpyfx.com | Twitter: @ThorpyFx | Facebook: ThorpyFx Ltd | Website: www.thorpyfx.com
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  • martinwmartinw Frets: 2149
    tFB Trader

    I've also just had a letter from BSA about the Goldstar and Bantam :(

    Not sure what the protocol is for manufacturers commenting on these threads? Is it rude to ignore them or spamming to reply? ;)

    Anyway, thanks @ThorpyFX for the review and others for the support! :)

     Is there a 1x12 combo option?
    Yes, but as Adrian hinted at, not with 4xKT66. I have an order for a 1x12 custom version for @simonk that will involve a new chassis size and should be an interesting amp. It will have a pair of EL34s in fixed bias for 50W, but other options would be available.  
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  • blobbblobb Frets: 2914
    If it looks right, it is right. And that certainly looks right to me, stunning.
    Feelin' Reelin' & Squeelin'
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  • monquixotemonquixote Frets: 17485
    tFB Trader
    martinw said:

    Not sure what the protocol is for manufacturers commenting on these threads? Is it rude to ignore them or spamming to reply? ;)

    I would say it's fine for manufacturers to comment in the thread to add info etc as long as they aren't the ones starting the threads. 
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  • RolandRoland Frets: 8590
    Manufacturers should always have the right of reply, for example to understand a comment, explain the background to a design decision, provide an update on a design or reported problem, or even to clarify a misunderstanding. (I frequently confuse EL34s and EL84s) Good service is usually measured by the way a supplier responds to customers.
    Tree recycler, and guitarist with  https://www.undercoversband.com/.
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  • shaunmshaunm Frets: 1591
    If I could add another vote of confidence for Martin and MJW amps. I own two and they are superb. Looks lovely @Thorpyfx
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  • hotpickupshotpickups Frets: 1813
    Still trying to think up my spec before ordering. My Gas desires keeps changing though 
    Link to my trading feedback:  http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/59452/
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  • I'm leaning towards an Electra Twin 30 watt combo with power scaling and effects loop. Just got to decide how I want it to look which is the hardest part
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  • hotpickupshotpickups Frets: 1813
    That roadster twin mentioned in the amp section looks awesome too :)
    Link to my trading feedback:  http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/59452/
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  • I'd be very interested in some more opinions on this one please? Any users out there?
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