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Cornford MK50 MKII

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Page last updated May 22, 2026

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Description

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The Cornford MK50 MKII is a testament to the art of guitar amplification, embodying the perfect blend of classic design and modern innovation. This 50-watt guitar amplifier head is revered for delivering a rich, harmonically complex sound that caters to both vintage enthusiasts and contemporary players. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the MK50 MKII offers a dynamic range that is both expansive and articulate, allowing guitarists to express every nuance of their playing.

At the heart of the MK50 MKII is its all-tube design, featuring high-quality EL34 power tubes that provide a warm, responsive tone. The amplifier’s preamp section is equipped with four ECC83 tubes, ensuring a pristine signal path and robust gain structure. This head is perfect for those looking for versatility, offering a responsive EQ section with separate treble, middle, and bass controls, allowing for precise tonal shaping. The master volume control is particularly notable, enabling players to achieve saturated tones at lower volumes without sacrificing tonal quality.

Durability is another hallmark of the MK50 MKII. It is housed in a rugged chassis that can withstand the rigors of both studio and stage environments. Its intuitive layout makes it easy to dial in your preferred sound, whether you’re chasing pristine cleans or searing leads.

Key Features:

50-watt all-tube guitar amplifier head
EL34 power tubes and ECC83 preamp tubes
Separate treble, middle, and bass controls
Master volume control for saturated tones at low volumes
Durable construction suitable for studio and stage use

Videos

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Rob Chapman

Cornford MK50 MKII Demo (Clean, Rock and Metal tones) - Andertons Cornford Database

Rob Chapman

Cornford MK50 II Review

Guitar Planet Magazine

Cornford MK50 MKII Demo

Andertons Music Co

Cornford MK50 MK2 and Gibson Boneyard

rockinchippy

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cornford MK50 MKII.

Features and functionality

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The Cornford MK50 is praised for its dynamic response and ability to clean up with volume adjustments better than most amps.
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Comparisons

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Owners often compare the Cornford MK50 to Marshall tones, noting less high-frequency hiss and a ballsier distortion.
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Jet City Amelia is essentially a re-release of the Cornford MK50 MKII, featuring an almost identical circuit with Martin Kidd's involvement.
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Victory amps are suggested as modern alternatives designed by the original Cornford designer, offering similar Marshall-inspired circuits.
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The Jet City Amelia, designed by Martin Kidd, is noted for its resemblance to the Cornford MK50 MKII with a hot-rodded Marshall and Soldano influence.
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Science Hellhawk is highlighted as an alternative with a darker, fuller low-mid sound compared to typical Marshalls, resembling the Cornford Hellcat.
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Use cases and applications

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This amp is frequently used for blending gain and low-end authority to enhance weak rhythm tones in metal music.
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Original Cornford amps, including the MK50, are noted for their clean/light crunch sound, ideal for those seeking a British, non-Fender tone.
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The Cornford MK50 is described as low mid-intensive and nasally, providing a stiff and unforgiving tone suited for players seeking a hot-rodded sound.
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User experience

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Many players highlight the MK50's versatility, allowing for a wide range of sounds across different genres and guitar types.
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Setup and maintenance

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Recommendations include pairing the Cornford MK50 with Marshall cabs for optimal sound quality.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners have extensively modded the Jet City Amelia using kits from Epic Amplification, enhancing its tonal versatility.
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Value and pricing

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The Jet City Amelia offers a budget-friendly alternative to the Cornford MK50 MKII, costing only $500 new, significantly less than the expensive Cornford models.
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Critic Reviews

Cornford MK50H MKII Demo Review - Guitar Planet Magazine

guitarplanet.eu

The Cornford MK50 II is hailed as a top-tier amp with outstanding build quality, utilizing high-grade materials like maple and shock-absorbent springs. It's praised for its elegant aesthetics and durability. Sonically, it surpasses the competition with a stunning clean tone and a versatile crunch that suits blues and rock, while the lead channel delivers a smooth, fat sound ideal for metal. Although it lacks modern features, its simplicity makes it user-friendly. Despite its high price, the MK50 II is considered a valuable investment for serious guitarists.

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Greg Howe

Guitarist

Richie Kotzen & Greg Howe

Verified via reverb.com

Greg Howe is confirmed to own a Cornford MK50 MKII amplifier head, as evidenced by a listing on Reverb.com titled "Cornford MK50Hii Head w/ Roadcase Owned by Greg Howe."

Dave Kilminster

Guitarist

Bryan Adams & Roger Waters

Verified via Dave Kilminster

On his website Dave Kilminster lists this item as part of his 2008 gear. He states:

The new Cornford MK50 MKII is simply the most amazing sounding amp I've ever heard... It's got an incredible, sparkling clean channel, and the overdrive channel is the warmest, fattest thing ever... It's just so musical...

Also on this tour I used Cornford 1 x 12 cabinets (instead of the 4 X 12's used on the last tour) for a very cute looking stack!!!