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Pricing and availability

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Description

Looking for a guitar amplifier head that delivers both classic tone and modern versatility? Meet the Cornford MK50H, a revered piece in the realm of boutique amplification. Crafted with the discerning musician in mind, this amp head is known for its exceptional build quality and tonal clarity. Its all-tube design ensures a warm, responsive sound that adapts well to a variety of genres, from blues to heavy rock.

The MK50H features a single channel with an extra gain stage, allowing guitarists to fine-tune their sound with precision. Its point-to-point hand-wiring speaks to its craftsmanship, intended for those who value a vintage touch with contemporary capabilities. The amplifier also includes a highly effective master volume control, making it suitable for both stage and studio environments.

With the Cornford MK50H, musicians can expect dynamic range and a robust tonal palette. Whether you're pushing it to its limits or dialing it back for cleaner tones, this amp head offers remarkable flexibility. The inclusion of a footswitchable boost adds an extra layer of control, enabling seamless transitions during live performances.

Key Features:

  • All-tube design for authentic sound quality
  • Single channel with an additional gain stage
  • Point-to-point hand-wiring for premium build quality
  • Master volume control for versatile sound shaping
  • Footswitchable boost for enhanced control during performances
  • Suited for both studio recording and live gigs

This amp head is a testament to Cornford's dedication to quality and innovation, making it a reliable choice for musicians seeking both character and performance in their gear.

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session

CORNFORD MK-50 Head

Video thumbnail for CORNFORD MK-50 Head by session

CORNFORD MK-50 Head

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session

Video thumbnail for Cornford Mk50 Demo by Richard Norton Guitar by richardnortonsession

Cornford Mk50 Demo by Richard Norton Guitar

richardnortonsession

richardnortonsession

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cornford MK50H.

Comparisons

  • Users find the Cornford MK50H delivers a "ballsier" distortion tone and less high-frequency hiss compared to Marshall amps.

    Source
  • Jet City Amelia, designed by Martin Kidd, shares design inspiration with the Cornford MK50 II, offering a similar tone profile at a lower cost.

    Source
  • Victory amps, associated with Martin Kidd, are noted to have a different voice compared to Cornford despite their shared lineage.

    Source
  • Science Hellhawk is compared to Cornford Hellcat, offering a darker, fuller low-mid sound akin to a hot-rodded Marshall.

    Source
  • The Cornford MK50H is described as having a "cousin of Soldano SLO" sound, placing it in the modded Marshall vein with a distinct tonal profile.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It's noted for exceptional dynamics and the ability to clean up with volume adjustments better than most amps.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The MK50H is praised for its versatility across genres, with one user relying on it for diverse presets in a 90s cover band.

    Source
  • The amp's tone is suited for melodic hardcore, progressive rock, and 80s rock and metal, making it a versatile choice for diverse musical styles.

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User experience

  • Owners highlight the amp's effectiveness in blending gain to enhance low-end authority in weak-sounding rhythm tones.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Jet City Amelia is easily modifiable with kits from Epic Amplification, making it versatile for users seeking custom sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Cornford amps are hard to find in North America due to limited distribution, making prices like CDN$4500 for a Hellcat seem high.

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Other

  • Cornford's market challenges were influenced by a shift from local stores to large retailers, impacting smaller manufacturers without sufficient cash flow or collateral.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Richie Kotzen uses Cornford MK50H

Richie Kotzen

Guitarist, Singer

Poison

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:17 in this video Richie Kotzen shows the Cornford MK50 amp he used as a substitute for his own amp, and also points out the differences between the two.

See how John Fogerty uses Cornford MK50H

John Fogerty

Guitarist, Singer

Creedence Clearwater Revival

...
Verified via YouTube

According to John Fogerty's guitar tech in this Premier Guitar interview at (13:55). They "were modified from the factory to be...100 watt amps, because John prefers the sound of 100 watt amps. They sound amazing," his tech said.

See how Greg Howe uses Cornford MK50H

Greg Howe

Guitarist

Richie Kotzen & Greg Howe

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar interview, Howe uses the Cornford MK50H amp head.

See how Brian Tatler uses Cornford MK50H

Brian Tatler

Guitarist

Saxon

...
Verified via diamondheadofficial

As mentioned on the official Diamond Head page, Brian owns a Cornford MK50H.

See how Ace uses Cornford MK50H

Ace

Guitarist

Skunk Anansie

...
Verified via Photo

On the Cornford website we can read: "Ace Uses: Cornford MK50H 50 Watt Head, Cornford Roadhouse 50 Watt head with Cornford 4x12 Cabs for driven tones. Framus Cobra 100 Watt Head and Framus Cobra Cabs for clean tones."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Cornford MK50H, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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