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Average Price: $400

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$801+

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Description

Step into the realm of classic rock with the Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet, an amplifier head that embodies the robust and iconic sound that Marshall is renowned for. This solid-state amp head is designed to deliver a powerful punch, perfect for guitarists who crave that classic Marshall tone without the maintenance of tube amps. With its Mosfet circuitry, this amplifier head reproduces the warmth and dynamics typically associated with tube amplifiers while offering the reliability and durability of solid-state technology.

The Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet offers two channels, allowing you to seamlessly switch between clean and overdriven tones, providing versatility for various musical genres. The amp's intuitive controls make it easy to dial in the perfect sound, whether you're crafting smooth bluesy riffs or hard-hitting rock anthems. Its classic look and build pay homage to the timeless design that has characterized Marshall amps for decades, making it not only a powerful piece of equipment but also a stylish addition to any stage setup.

Key Features:

  • 100-watt solid-state amplifier head
  • Mosfet circuitry for tube-like warmth and dynamics
  • Two channels: Clean and Overdrive
  • Classic Marshall design and build
  • Intuitive control panel for easy tone shaping
  • Reliable and durable solid-state technology

Product specs

Brand Marshall
Model Model 3210 Lead 100 MOSFET Head
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Solid State
Impedance 4 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type None
Reverb Spring Reverb

FAQs

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet?

The Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet is known for its classic solid-state sound that offers a punchy, clean tone with a distinct Marshall crunch when overdriven. It delivers a robust midrange and tight low-end, making it suitable for rock and metal genres.

Is the Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet loud enough for gigging with a drummer?

Yes, with 100 watts of output power, the Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet is more than capable of holding its own in live performance settings alongside a drummer.

Does the Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet take pedals well?

The Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet generally pairs well with pedals, especially overdrive and distortion pedals, enhancing its inherent crunch and allowing for versatile tonal shaping.

What kind of built-in effects does the Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet have?

The Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet features built-in spring reverb, which adds a classic, natural reverb effect to your sound, enhancing its depth and presence.

How many channels does the Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet have, and what are they used for?

The Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet features two channels, allowing you to switch between clean and overdriven tones easily, providing versatility for different musical styles and performance needs.

noisezone

noisezone

Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet (3210) HQ Audio

Video thumbnail for Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet (3210) HQ Audio by noisezone

Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet (3210) HQ Audio

noisezone

noisezone

Video thumbnail for Marshall LEAD 100 MOSFET Model 3210 and 3 Gibson Les Pauls by guitartonequest

Marshall LEAD 100 MOSFET Model 3210 and 3 Gibson Les Pauls

guitartonequest

guitartonequest

Video thumbnail for Marshall Lead 100 MOSFET Demo by Tonal Euphoria

Marshall Lead 100 MOSFET Demo

Tonal Euphoria

Tonal Euphoria

Video thumbnail for My Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet by Ben Coombs

My Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet

Ben Coombs

Ben Coombs

Video thumbnail for Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet (3210) '85 Playthrough by Estúdio Zero

Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet (3210) '85 Playthrough

Estúdio Zero

Estúdio Zero

Video thumbnail for Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet (3210) by Estúdio Zero

Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet (3210)

Estúdio Zero

Estúdio Zero

Reviews

PROS

  • Can match high-end tube amps in performance without a boost pedal

  • Legendary Marshall tone at an affordable price

  • Versatile for heavy metal, capable of death/black metal tones with boost

  • Clean/dirty sounds great, especially with a compressor pedal

  • Decent spring reverb adds depth to tone

  • Plenty of headroom with natural break-up at high volumes

  • Two excellent channels with easy switching via footswitch

  • Features an effects loop for added versatility

  • Maintains a good reputation despite being solid-state

CONS

  • Likely need to replace caps and controls due to age

  • Hard to find Mosfet replacements

  • Circuit changes over time may affect consistency

  • Issues with heat dissipation on the PCB

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet.

Features and functionality

  • The amp allows a blend of clean and distortion without a footswitch; with the footswitch, channels separate for traditional switching.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The circuit is loosely based on a JCM800 using mosfets, but some users feel it resembles a JMP more than a JCM800.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the sound of the 1965b 4x10 cab over the MG412 when paired with the 3210, suggesting a better tonal match.

    Source
  • It's noted that the Lead 100 Mosfet can be picked up for around $299, significantly cheaper than newer options like the Orange CR120 head.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Lead 100 Mosfet is ideal for thrash and 80s death metal, particularly excelling on the lead channel.

    Source
  • The amp's volume can compete with high-powered tube amps like the JCM900, making it suitable for loud genres like grindcore.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Using a mid-hump pedal like a Tube Screamer or a Rat can enhance the amp's performance in metal genres.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Scooping the mids on the EQ is recommended for achieving a death metal sound.

    Source
  • Owners report that the pots can become scratchy with age, requiring replacement for optimal performance.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • A Blackstar footswitch has been successfully used with the Lead 100 Mosfet for channel switching.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Recent market trends indicate a significant price increase for the 3210, with current listings often $200-300 higher than previous deals.

    Source
  • The Lead 100 Mosfet is often found at a lower price point compared to other solid-state heads, offering a budget-friendly option for those seeking high volume.

    Source

User experience

  • Early adopters of the 3210 used it primarily as a home practice amp due to its compact solid state design, preferring it over later models like the Valvestate or MG.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Yngwie Malmsteen uses Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet

Yngwie Malmsteen

Guitarist, Bassist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via Photo

As seen performing live with the Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet heads.

See how Thomas Raggi uses Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet

Thomas Raggi

Guitarist

Måneskin

...
Verified via YouTube

At around 1:49 in the Zitti E Buoni music video, the Marshall 3210 Mosfet Lead 100 is visible behind Thomas. Being about 24" wide, it's a bit smaller than the standard 30" wide Marshall 100 watt heads, she in this video it looks fairly small for a half stack when compared to Thomas. Since the cabinet is the same width as the head, it is probably the matching 1965A cab, which uses 4x10" speakers rather than the typical 4x12" configuration used in most Marshall half stacks.

Every Marshall tube amp has a standby switch next to the power switch; being a solid state amp, this one only has the one red switch on the left. The 3210 has a foot switch jack on the front with three knobs (vol, tone and gain for the dirty channel) to its right.

See how Paul Reynolds uses Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet

Paul Reynolds

Guitarist, Composer

A Flock of Seagulls

...
Verified via YouTube

Paul can be seen playing through a Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet in the video.

See how Teloch uses Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet

Teloch

Guitarist

Mayhem

...
Verified via GearGods

In an article on GearGods titled "Rigged: Mayhem Guitarist Teloch", Teloch says:"In 1995 I started a band called Nidingr, still using the Kramer, and a Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet amp and a Marshall 4×10 cabinet, think I was using a Boss Metal Zone MT-2 on that rig."

See how Nick Steinborn uses Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet

Nick Steinborn

Guitarist, Drummer

The Wonder Years

...
Verified via Photo

A Marshall Lead 100 MOSFET can be seen in the background of the top part of this photo

See how Stijn Vanhoegaerden uses Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet

Stijn Vanhoegaerden

Guitarist

Brutus

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Brutus live | Rock Hard Festival 2024 | Rockpalast" by WDR Rockpalast, guitarist Stijn Vanhoegaerden is seen using the Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet at the 13:11 mark.

See how Mike Chlasciak uses Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet

Mike Chlasciak

Guitarist

PainmuseuM

...
Verified via Photo

Metal Mike has been photographed with a Marshall lead 100 Mosfet, but I have not read any information where he identifies the recordings that he used the Mosfet on.

See how Thom Weeks uses Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet

Thom Weeks

Singer, Guitarist

Gnarwolves

...
Verified via Getty Images

He is seen using this amp in live videos as well as pictures.

Album Usage

The Marshall Lead 100 Mosfet has been featured on the following albums:

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 Lead 100 Mosfet, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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