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Average Price: $250

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$300

$701+

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Description

The Marshall Valvestate 8240 is a revered choice among guitarists seeking the classic Marshall sound with modern versatility. Known for its hybrid technology, this combo guitar amplifier combines the rich warmth of a valve-driven preamp with the power and reliability of a solid-state power section. It’s the perfect fusion of tradition and innovation, designed to deliver both vintage and contemporary tones with ease.

The Valvestate 8240 features a dual-channel setup, offering clean and overdrive channels that can be switched seamlessly. This makes it an excellent choice for performers who need to transition smoothly between different soundscapes during a set. The 8240 also includes built-in reverb and chorus effects, adding depth and texture to your sound without the need for additional pedals or equipment.

With its 40-watt output, the Marshall Valvestate 8240 is ideal for both practice sessions and small to medium-sized gigs. Its compact combo design ensures portability, allowing you to easily take it from studio to stage. Guitarists will appreciate the responsive controls that provide precise tone shaping, from sharp, cutting highs to deep, resonant lows.

Key Features:

  • Valve-driven preamp combined with solid-state power section for a versatile sound
  • Dual-channel setup with clean and overdrive channels
  • Built-in reverb and chorus effects for added depth
  • 40-watt output, suitable for practice and small to medium venues
  • Compact combo design for easy transport
  • Responsive tone controls for precise sound customization

Product specs

Brand Marshall
Model Valvestate S80 Stereo Chorus Model 8240 2-Channel 2 x 40-Watt 2x12" Stereo Guitar Combo
Finish Black
Year 1991 - 1998
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Hybrid
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 40
Power Tube Type None
Reverb Spring Reverb
Speaker Configuration 2x12"

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Marshall Valvestate 8240 suitable for?

The Marshall Valvestate 8240 is versatile and can handle a range of genres from rock and blues to metal, thanks to its hybrid design that combines solid-state power with a tube-driven preamp for rich, dynamic tones.

Does the Marshall Valvestate 8240 have built-in effects?

Yes, the Marshall Valvestate 8240 features built-in effects, including a stereo chorus and spring reverb, allowing for added depth and texture to your sound without needing external pedals.

How loud is the Marshall Valvestate 8240, and is it suitable for gigging?

The Marshall Valvestate 8240 delivers 2 x 40 watts of power through its 2x12" speakers, making it loud enough for small to medium-sized gigs while still being suitable for home practice.

What is the speaker configuration of the Marshall Valvestate 8240?

The Marshall Valvestate 8240 features a 2x12" stereo speaker configuration, providing a wide soundstage and full-bodied tone ideal for both live and studio settings.

Does the Marshall Valvestate 8240 take pedals well?

Yes, the Marshall Valvestate 8240 is known for taking pedals well, allowing you to expand your tonal palette with additional effects and overdrives while maintaining clarity and punch.

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Johan Segeborn

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Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Marshall Valvestate 8240 DEMO by Pablo Barra

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Pablo Barra

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Raffaele Daniele Quarta

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Video thumbnail for Marshall 1994 Valvestate S80 Stereo Chorus 40w 2x12 Combo Model #8240 Serial No 942539005 by James Robinson-Wyatt

Marshall 1994 Valvestate S80 Stereo Chorus 40w 2x12 Combo Model #8240 Serial No 942539005

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James Robinson-Wyatt

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Video thumbnail for Marshall Valvestate S80 8240 Stereo Chorus 2x12" 80-Watt Amplifier (Just Mucking About) by mad goose

Marshall Valvestate S80 8240 Stereo Chorus 2x12" 80-Watt Amplifier (Just Mucking About)

mad goose

mad goose

Reviews

PROS

  • Affordable with stereo effects loop jacks

  • Excellent effects platform, particularly at lower volumes

  • Distortion channel exceeds expectations

  • Analog chorus effect comparable to JC120

  • Features proper spring reverb

  • Low noise levels, even with noisy pickups

  • Versatile sound with adjustability

  • Compact and quieter compared to similar models

  • High quality sound at a relatively low cost

  • Easy to dial in good sounds

CONS

  • Clean channel lacks distinctiveness

  • Partly solid-state design may not appeal to purists

  • Not as versatile as a modelling amp

  • Somewhat large for a bedroom/home studio amp

  • Prone to feedback at higher volumes

Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
davepepper

Big for a bedroom amp but it excels as one.

I picked up one of these as affordable stereo amps with stereo effects loop jacks are pretty scarce. Had very low expectations to be honest - and this amp made a fool out of me when I tested it in the home of the guy I bought it from. As an effects platform it is very good indeed - for live use, perhaps not so much - as it is pretty prone to feedback at higher volumes unless you keep a very good distance away from it. Pros - the distortion channel is a lot better than I was expecting - I was expecting not to want to use it but it surprised me so much I had to think my rewiring. Sounds very very good at lower volumes. Analog chorus effect is very reminiscent of my old JC120. Proper spring reverb. Quiet (as in very little hum) - even with a guitar that has very noisy pickups on my AC30 and JC120. Versatile - the way I'm using it it sounds very similar to my JC120 - just with more adjustability. Also a bit smaller. And not as loud. Sounds good on its own. Compared to actual sound quality, can be picked up very cheaply. I paid about $280 for mine. Easy to get good sounds out of.

Cons - the clean channel is nothing special. Presumably only the distortion channel goes through the single valve. You won't impress the cork sniffers as it is largely solid state. And obviously not as versatile as a modelling amp. For a bedroom/home studio/practice amp (which is where it really shines) it is rather large.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Using it with a Plethora X5 - with the guitar plugged into the board, effects out on the PX5 to the amp input, amp effects loop out into a couple of distortion pedals then back into the PX5 effects in - then PX5 stereo outs into the amp stereo effects in jacks. This allows you to use the valve distortion stage on the amp.

jaylunar

Outstanding model!

Love the stereo chorus, overdrive channel is outstanding, reverb is great. Keeps me from needing a chorus, reverb, or overdrive pedal.

Artist usage

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See how Pappo uses Marshall Valvestate 8240

Pappo

Singer, Guitarist

Pappo's Blues

...
Verified via YouTube

Tuvo varios a lo largo de su carrera, uno reformado por J M Fahey. En una entrevista dice que lo usaba para ensayar en la ruta

See how Julian Wolf uses Marshall Valvestate 8240

Julian Wolf

Guitarist

Funk Fragment

...
Verified via Photo

During a concert performance by his band "Funk Fragment", Julian Wolf used a Marshall Valvestate S80 8240 Stereo Chorus 2x12" 80-Watt Combo Amplifier.

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Community setups

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dionisi

dionisi

Gear IQ 67

1 alternative for Marshall Valvestate 8240, curated by the Equipboard community.

Marshall Valvestate 8280

 

similar sound

The 8280 is basically the same amp but with dual-Chorus and 2x80W power output (instead of the 2x40W of the 8240).

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