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Average Price: $118
Budget/Beginner
$300
$701+
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Description
Meet the Marshall 5005 Lead 12, a compact yet powerful combo guitar amplifier that's perfect for musicians who demand quality sound without the bulk. This solid-state amp may be small, but it packs a punch with a 12W power output and a 10" Celestion speaker. It's the very same model that graced the ZZ Top recording of "My Head's In Mississippi", proving that size doesn't always matter when it comes to producing great sound. Its dual inputs and headphone/line output make it a versatile choice for live gigs, practice sessions or studio recordings.
Key Features:
- Solid state combo guitar amplifier
- 12W power output
- 10" Celestion speaker
- Two inputs
- Headphone/line output
- Featured on a ZZ Top recording, showcasing its quality sound
Product specs
| Brand | Marshall |
| Model | Model 5005 Lead 12 Master Volume 1x10 Combo |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1980s |
| Made In | United Kingdom |
| Categories | Guitar Combo Amps |
| Color Family | Black |
| Electronics | Solid State |
| Number of Channels | 1 Channel |
| Number of Inputs | 2 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 12 |
| Power Tube Type | None |
| Reverb | None |
| Speaker Configuration | 1x10" |
FAQs
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What type of sound can I expect from the Marshall 5005 Lead 12?
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The Marshall 5005 Lead 12 delivers classic Marshall tones with a solid-state design, offering a bright, punchy sound ideal for rock and classic rock genres. Its 1x10 speaker configuration provides a focused sound with a tight response.
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Is the Marshall 5005 Lead 12 suitable for home practice?
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Yes, the Marshall 5005 Lead 12 is well-suited for home practice due to its compact size and 12-watt output, which provides sufficient volume without overwhelming a small space.
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Does the Marshall 5005 Lead 12 have built-in reverb?
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No, the Marshall 5005 Lead 12 does not have built-in reverb. It focuses on delivering straightforward, classic Marshall tones without additional effects.
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How many channels does the Marshall 5005 Lead 12 have?
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The Marshall 5005 Lead 12 features a single channel, which allows for straightforward operation and delivers a consistent tone.
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What kind of inputs does the Marshall 5005 Lead 12 offer?
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The Marshall 5005 Lead 12 comes with two inputs, providing options for different input levels or connecting multiple instruments.
Videos
Johan Segeborn
Can a Tiny 50 Bucks Marshall Lead 12 Combo Sound Like a Plexi?
Can a Tiny 50 Bucks Marshall Lead 12 Combo Sound Like a Plexi?
Johan Segeborn
Marshall 5005 Lead 12 (1987)
Hideki Tanimoto
Marshall 5005 Lead 12. The little JCM 800? Part 1 of 2
Tone Room LB
Marshall 5005 Lead 12 combo demo
Astro Dyso
Marshall Lead 12 storage shed find. Part 1, initial test Marshall 5005
Dave Stadel
Marshall 5005 / Lead 12 - Guitar Amp Demo
Drop D
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent reaction to pedals, maintaining clarity
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Achieves classic Marshall sound in a small, solid-state format
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Effective EQ (high, mid, bass) knobs for sound customization
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Comparable to low/mid wattage tube amps in sound quality
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Versatile for both recording and practicing
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Gain knob allows for a range from slight break-up to heavy saturation
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Proven track record with professional musicians
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Some users report improvements with speaker upgrades
CONS
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Low volume output requires cranking up for optimal sound
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Stock speaker lacks low-end response
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Produces undesirable fizz at low gain settings
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Not as loud as some may expect for live performances
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall 5005 Lead 12.
Setup and maintenance
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Deoxit is effective for resolving scratchy pots and input jacks, requiring repeated applications for lasting results.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Owners suggest adding a speaker out jack for enhanced sound when paired with a quality external speaker.
Source
User experience
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Some users experience a fuzz-like circuit engaging at high gain, reportedly used by Billy Gibbons.
Source
Comparisons
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It's noted that the Lead 12 can produce tones close to a JCM 800, despite its solid-state nature.
Source
Use cases and applications
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 9 Ratings
1201
The big little one amp "Lead 12" Marshall
This unit has all the profile and character that musisians can feel in a good Marshall amplifier, it is definitely not comparable to those other Marshall premium units, however, it does its own thing: "and it does what it does in an excellent way" [even better than other units of the same range / range]. This is perhaps the most remarkable element: its performance is of good quality. And if you get a good EQ set-up shurly you going to feel like a real rockstar.
I can assure you that it does not project any unique or magic sound as the units that work on a tubes base usually do, but "definitely" does have that lovely roar [apparently due to Mosfet transistors]. And we can get this kind of sound especially using it in a "Clean Crispy" [maybe Vol. 8 / Gain 5, adding "optionally" the frequency range of a smooth Mid Range overdrive stompbox].
I have put it to the test in several musical contexts and it is an excellent ally for a "Protagonic Profile" drawn with a Stratocaster [with shiny strings: Elixir type] equipped with a sort of a Jazzer setting: semi-off tone between 5 and 6, EQ "Lead 12" with medium to full range, low 1/2 and sharp 2/4, using the (ST) medium pickup as a "Principal Tone".
But it also served me with a Les Paul [with hard strings: D'Addario type] some sort of Bluesy setting: bright tone between 9 and 10, EQ “Lead 12” with low range 3/4, medium to 3/4, treble 3/4] using the (LP) Rythm's option as a "Principal Tone".
If you can give yourself the chance to get one, do not hesitate so much. The "Lead 12" is better than many beyond. I name mine "The Reliable".
The only modification that i made on this amp [without being necessary] was to change the original Celestion Speaker on it for another variant of the same brand: "Celestion Seventy 80" just because this ones are more of my personal taste.
41029
what can I say?
this is marshall's finest solid state amp... the other lead series solid states don't sound this good. They hit on something. You sued to be able to get these for like 50 bucks at pawn shops. Not sure why I bought one and I don't know what I did with it.
Artist usage
Add artist
In a photo from 1986, Kirk Hammett is seen warming up backstage using a Marshall 5005 Lead 12 Combo Amp adorned with many stickers.
Quote from "The History of Marshall" by Michael Doyle
"[…] Naturally there are many modern Marshalls that can come close to approximating the Bluesbreaker sound but the most surprising one is the old 5005 (Lead 12) solid-state combo so beloved by Billy F Gibbons. He recorded such guitar greats as "My Head's in Mississippi" with this amp, and I am eternally in his debt for bringing it to my attention!."
At 0:53 Varg says in his Early recording he used a tiny Marshall Amplifier because it was "The worse Amplifier we could find". I assume this's the 5005 lead 12 model because it was the smallest amplifier marshall had produced in the early 1990's.
In this show from 1988, one can see a small practice amp with a mic draped over it on a chair behind Richard Bishop. While the footage is grainy and deliberately "psychedelic," one can make out the "Marshall" logo, two inputs on the right side, and one jack and a single on/off switch on the right side.
This seems to be the most common Marshall solid state combo of the era. I'm hoping someone more nerdy than I can provide a better ID.
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 Marshall 5005 Lead 12, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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