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Average Price: $340

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$300

$701+

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Description

Introducing the Marshall Class 5 Combo, a modern classic that embodies the spirit of Marshall's legendary tube tone. With its streamlined single-channel design and 5-watt power, it offers a pure, unadulterated sound that is reminiscent of the iconic Bluesbreaker combo. This amplifier is a no-nonsense, all-about-the-sound gear, tailored for the musician who values simplicity and quality above all else. The Marshall Class 5 Combo is not just an amplifier, it's a testament to the beauty of minimalism and raw power in the realm of music.

Key Features:

  • Single-channel design
  • 5-watt power
  • Classic Marshall tube tone
  • Simple, no-frills interface
  • Excellent for both practice and studio recording
  • Compact and portable
  • Built with high-quality components for durability and longevity
  • Offers a wide range of tonal options
  • Ideal for musicians who value simplicity and quality
  • Minimalist design, reminiscent of the iconic Bluesbreaker combo.

Product specs

Brand Marshall
Model C5-01 Class 5 1x10" Combo Guitar Amp
Finish Black, Green, Red, White
Year 2009 - 2012
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 5
Power Tube Type EL84
Reverb None
Speaker Configuration 1x10"

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Marshall Class 5 Combo use?

The Marshall Class 5 Combo features a pair of ECC83 tubes in the preamp and an EL84 power tube, offering authentic all-tube Marshall tone.

Is the Marshall Class 5 Combo suitable for home use?

Yes, the 5-watt output of the Marshall Class 5 Combo makes it suitable for home use, delivering classic Marshall tones at manageable volume levels.

Does the Marshall Class 5 Combo have a built-in reverb?

No, the Marshall Class 5 Combo does not feature built-in reverb. It focuses on delivering pure tube-driven sound without additional effects.

How does the Marshall Class 5 Combo handle pedals?

The Marshall Class 5 Combo takes pedals well, making it a versatile choice for guitarists who want to shape their sound further with external effects.

What is the speaker configuration of the Marshall Class 5 Combo?

The Marshall Class 5 Combo is equipped with a single 10-inch speaker, providing a compact yet powerful sound output suitable for various playing environments.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Marshall Class 5

Video thumbnail for Marshall Class 5 by ProGuitarShopDemos

Marshall Class 5

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Marshall Class 5 Combo (New 2011 version) by Rob Chapman

Marshall Class 5 Combo (New 2011 version)

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for Marshall Class 5 Valve Combo Demo - PMTVUK by PMTVUK

Marshall Class 5 Valve Combo Demo - PMTVUK

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for New 2011 version Marshall Class 5 Combo by Andertons Music Co

New 2011 version Marshall Class 5 Combo

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Is this the best small Marshall amp? Marshall Class 5 Demo and Review by Ashley Guitar and Pedals

Is this the best small Marshall amp? Marshall Class 5 Demo and Review

Ashley Guitar and Pedals

Ashley Guitar and Pedals

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic Plexi tone at lower volumes

  • Surprisingly loud for its 5-watt power rating

  • Portable and lighter than a case of beer

  • Versatile with low-power mode for quiet play

  • Excellent as a pedal platform

  • Warm, clean tube sound as a solid base

  • Breaks up nicely at low volumes, ideal for home use

  • Made in the UK with all-tube, Class A circuitry

  • Can be connected to larger cabinets for fuller sound

  • No-nonsense old school tube amp vibe

CONS

  • 10" speaker quality is just okay, better with a 4x12 cabinet

  • Limited EQ section, may need external EQ pedal for tone shaping

  • Headphone out quality drops with any gain

  • Low wattage mode can get fuzzy with gain

  • Lacks versatility for those seeking bright, clean tones

  • No effects loop, limiting for effects-heavy players

  • Bass response can be overly pronounced

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall Class 5 Combo.

Features and functionality

  • The V2 version includes a low power mode, making it suitable for bedroom use without compromising tone quality.

    Source
  • The amp tends to break up quickly, making it suitable for genres requiring distortion, but less ideal for styles needing clean tones like country.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Setting the bass to 0 dramatically enhances the tonal quality, transforming it into a versatile tone machine.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Class 5 can keep up in small gigs when mic'd, but struggles with clean tones in louder settings without additional amplification.

    Source
  • The Class 5 is seen as a suitable choice for those primarily playing at home or in small band practices, particularly with non-aggressive drummers.

    Source

User experience

  • For heavier rock songs, some owners reported needing to max out (dime) the volume to compete with a loud drummer.

    Source
  • Users highlight that the Class 5 delivers a quintessential tube amp experience, especially appreciated by those seeking a cranked plexi sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Boosting with an overdrive pedal can enhance lead sounds, as used effectively on a recorded EP.

    Source

Comparisons

  • In louder gigs, pairing the Class 5 with a larger amp using an ABY switch can help it cut through the mix better.

    Source
  • The Class 5 has been compared to a 5f1 circuit (Fender Tweed Champ), with some suggesting it lacks the warmth and clarity of a handwired 5f1.

    Source
  • In terms of sheer volume and power, the Marshall Class 5 is less capable than a Vox AC30, which is considered more robust but potentially excessive for home use.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Class 5 is noted for its robust construction compared to some newer Supro models, which have faced criticism for poor build quality and reliability issues.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gear Review: The Marshall Class 5 Amplifier | Guitar Gear

guitargear.org

The Marshall Class 5 Combo amplifier is a delight for those seeking classic Plexi tones in a compact package. Praised for its rich, ballsy sound and impressive build quality, this UK-made amp delivers exceptional tones at a budget-friendly price. While its 5 watts might seem modest, it packs a punch, making it gig-worthy with proper mic setup. The only minor gripe is its volume, which can be too loud for bedroom settings without an attenuator. Overall, the Class 5 offers an irresistible blend of vintage charm and modern practicality, making it a standout in its class.

positive

Marshall Class 5 Amplifier C5-01 Combo Review | Guitar Jar

guitarjar.co.uk

The Marshall Class 5 Combo is a powerful, compact 5-watt amp that surprises with its volume and versatility. Its simplistic controls and classic design draw inspiration from '60s Bluesbreaker combos. The standout feature is the "low volume" switch, perfect for home use without compromising tone. The amp handles pedals exceptionally well, offering a rich, valve-driven overdrive that satisfies even in larger settings. However, its loudness may necessitate an overdrive pedal in quieter venues. Overall, it's a fantastic choice for those seeking classic British rock tones with versatility across genres.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 22 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
radovan

Very well made!

All tube, class A, 5 watt made in UK Marshall amp, and affordable.

I got this amp to play alone at home and take it to band practice from time to time, and it’s just perfect.

There were three (combo) versions: 1st was closed back, which apparently had rattle issues. That was fixed in the second open back version, in which they also changed chassis position, so the tubes face downwards. I have the third version, where they added a low power mode, and that was one of the reasons to get the final version.

I wanted to get the last version for the headphones output / low wattage mode, and I almost never use it.

Low wattage is ok if you really want to be quiet, but the gain gets fuzzy, in a bad way. With pedals it gets better.

Headphone out is good only for clean sounds, and nothing else! Any gain, from pedals or the amp is just terrible.

Full power is awesome! Nice full cleans up to 3-4 (not loud enough for a band), and than it starts to break up. People call it the 5 watt bluesbreaker.

I was considering buying Marshall origin 20 or 50, and when I went to the store to try one I was underwhelmed by the build quality. It didn’t even look as a quality amp. Even to touch it felt cheap, and when I plugged in it was just flat and lifeless. Other people managed to get great sounds out of them, but in my opinion for the same price, only with 4 knobs it’s impossible to get a bad sound out of the class 5.

The amp doesn’t have effects loop, and it doesn’t bother me personally, but if you only want to use gain from the amp, and lots of reverb or delay, you might not like it. In that case, I would probably mod the amp and have effects loop installed before looking for another amp.

Anyway, the amp is awesome!

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Volume around 4 (10 o’clock), eq to taste (don’t turn the bass too low), pedals in front.

Volume at 6-7 (2 o’clock), no pedals, just the volume pot on the guitar to control gain.

Roles:
Genres:
stevey1000

Best practice amp

I bought my class 5 second hand - and its exactly the amp i was looking for Its a no nonsesne old school tube amp that you can crank to get a roaring bluesy monster. I put mine through a 2x12 for some extra Air movement, and I get all the tones i need. The best thing about this amp that I can say is that it makes me want to play guitar

jimmarchi1

I tried one of these and found it to be a bit dark and unmarshally, but overall pretty onefull.

jesse_allen_comstock

A great tube practice amp!

I love this amp! It sounds really good and it breaks up nicely at low volumes so it works great as an at home practice amp. It works well with pedals. It has a low power/headphones setting that I use all the time for jamming at home. The bass is really pronounced, I turn it all the way down sometimes. I've heard that Marshall's are like that but this is pretty extreme. Still that is not a complaint. This thing rocks!

jimmarchi1

yeah, I think the class 5 is easily the murkiest of the current crop of single power tube amps....not sure whats with the voicing, its so unmarshall

because marshalls are NOT like that, they are very light on bass with razorblade-sharp high end with the presence above 2, especially ones made between 1972 and 1990

jesse_allen_comstock

Ok. I see. Thank you. Good to know.

R

Cool lil amp

This amp is primarily my travel amp. Since my main amp is too heavy to haul, i take this amp with me on vacations and small gigs. I love this lil guy, the Class 5 loves pedals, is small enough to take just about anywhere, and is a great amp for small gigs or recording

scott_spike_lindberg

Marshall Class 5 1x10 combo (Sherwood Green?)

Got a from my girlfriend and son as a Xmas gift. I found the eq section of of the amp limiting. So I use a Boss GE-7 in front of it, to dial in a killer tone. It sounds great going thru a old Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier 4x12 cab and a MXR Carbon Copy.

jimmarchi1

try smacking it with a rangemaster or brian may booster too... I found this amp to have a really lame voicing compared to some of the other current production 5 waters out there, but the overall design is pretty much a champ

stephanwessels

Perfect platform amp

The class 5 is pure warm tube tone. Clean sound that is the perfect base to build up from.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billy Gibbons uses Marshall Class 5 Combo

Billy Gibbons

Guitarist

ZZ Top

...
Verified via Marshall

Marshall official website puts class 5 as one of the amps Billy Gibbons uses.

See how Joe Bonamassa uses Marshall Class 5 Combo

Joe Bonamassa

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

At the launch event for the Marshall Class 5 Combo, Joe Bonamassa showcases the amplifier, as featured in a video by Marshall Amplification on YouTube.

See how Van Mccann uses Marshall Class 5 Combo

Van Mccann

Singer, Guitarist

Catfish and the Bottlemen

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"I use a tiny little Marshall Class 5. It's got volume, mid, treble and bass on it and it's about the size of a pack of cigarettes. It's the simplest thing in the world.

"I go up to it and I go, 'Alright Marshall,' and he goes, 'Alright Van. What're we doing today, same old shit?' And I go, 'Yeah mate, nothing too much.' My setup is the Yorkshire Tea of guitars."

See how Daniel Steinhardt uses Marshall Class 5 Combo

Daniel Steinhardt

Singer, Guitarist

Tin Spirits

...
Verified via YouTube

Dan and Mick from that pedal show discuss small amps, and the best ones they found (in their personal collections) were the class 5 and blues jr. They made a few more videos using the class 5.

In this video Daniel and Mick are discussing the practicalities and benefits of using lower power guitar amps to get great tones at real-world volumes. We’re also responding to a question we asked regularly: ‘Can you use some normal/smaller amps to get good sounds, instead of the really powerful/expensive/boutique stuff?’

See how Lee Anderton uses Marshall Class 5 Combo

Lee Anderton

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Lee uses this amp in this video at 2:57

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 Class 5 Combo, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Marshall 1936
Marshall 1936 Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
1
Fender Telecaster Thinline Deluxe
Fender Telecaster Thinline Deluxe Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1

2 alternative and related items for Marshall Class 5 Combo, curated by the Equipboard community.

Marshall Origin 20C Combo

$469.00 - $699.99

similar sound

New model that’s similar, but not trying to be the new version of the same amp.

Origin has more features (effects loop and more knobs), class 5 is higher quality. Who needs more than 4 knobs?

Marshall SV20C

$599.26 - $1,599.99

similar sound

Went to the store to try one to see what the price difference feels like. Sounds almost the same! The difference is the high treble channel and presence control on the SV. Build quality is exactly the same, I even saw the back of the amp, and found out it was finished by the same guy who finished my Class 5! Great job R. Daubney! :)

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