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Description

The Matrix Vintage British 800 captures the essence of classic British rock with its powerful, authentic sound. This guitar amplifier head is designed for musicians who seek the rich tonal characteristics that defined a generation of rock and roll. Its all-tube circuitry delivers the warm, dynamic response that tube purists crave, making it a perfect match for both stage performances and studio sessions.

With a power output that stands at a formidable 100 watts, the Vintage British 800 effortlessly fills any venue with commanding sound, while retaining the clarity needed for intricate playing. Featuring a versatile EQ section, this amp head allows for precise tonal sculpting, enabling you to dial in anything from crisp high-end chime to a thunderous low-end growl. The built-in effects loop offers flexibility for integrating external effects, ensuring that your sound remains consistent and polished.

Whether you're chasing the iconic crunch of late 70s rock or crafting your own signature tone, the Matrix Vintage British 800 provides the tools and reliability needed for your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • All-tube circuitry for authentic tonal warmth
  • 100 watts of power for strong output
  • Versatile EQ section for detailed sound customization
  • Built-in effects loop for seamless external effects integration
  • Classic British rock sound signature
Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

VB800 Guitar Amp from Matrix - Small, Powerful, Reliable

Video thumbnail for VB800 Guitar Amp from Matrix - Small, Powerful, Reliable by Andertons Music Co

VB800 Guitar Amp from Matrix - Small, Powerful, Reliable

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Matrix VB800 with Pedals - This amps got your back! by Rob Chapman

Matrix VB800 with Pedals - This amps got your back!

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for Ede Wright demos the Matrix VB 800 Amplifier by Ede Wright

Ede Wright demos the Matrix VB 800 Amplifier

Ede Wright

Ede Wright

Video thumbnail for A Closer Look at The Vintage British 800 With Stephanie Pickard by MatrixGuitarAmp

A Closer Look at The Vintage British 800 With Stephanie Pickard

MatrixGuitarAmp

MatrixGuitarAmp

Video thumbnail for Matrix VB800/NL212 Vintage Tones by MatrixGuitarAmp

Matrix VB800/NL212 Vintage Tones

MatrixGuitarAmp

MatrixGuitarAmp

Video thumbnail for Matrix Amplification VB800 and NL212 by Big Wolf Band TV

Matrix Amplification VB800 and NL212

Big Wolf Band TV

Big Wolf Band TV

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Matrix Vintage British 800.

Comparisons

  • The Orange SuperCrush 100 is praised for achieving 800-ish tones at lower gain settings, offering versatility from clean to nearly fuzz sounds on its gain channel.

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  • The amp is described as having a "directness" and "poke-y" character, aligning with its goal of emulating a vintage British sound.

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  • The Marshall Artist 3203, with its solid-state preamp and tube power section, is noted for its loud 30-watt performance, effectively emulating JCM800 characteristics.

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  • The Joyo Jackman, a tube hybrid head, is noted for its JCM800-like circuit, offering two channels, a footswitch, and an FX loop, often compared favorably to the JCM800.

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  • The VB800 is praised for capturing the spirit of a JCM800, though not a perfect match; it’s noted for its distinct “poke-y” character and directness.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Users caution that the amp's internal fan can be audible when not playing, which may be distracting in quieter settings.

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  • It’s observed that the effects loop may not work optimally with Boss pedals, even after adjusting the level control.

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Features and functionality

  • The amp is noted for its compact and lightweight design, yet it remains powerful enough to handle various cabinets effectively.

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  • Owners appreciate its compact size and light weight, but mention that the amp could benefit from a Presence control for better sound customization.

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  • The Marshall Model 3210 Lead 100 Mosfet head is highlighted for delivering solid-state JCM800 tones at a more affordable price, particularly in the used market.

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Use cases and applications

  • While it excels in clean and crunch tones, it struggles with achieving modern metal sounds, making it suitable for music styles up to the late '80s.

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  • The MXR Power 50, a pedal emulating the JCM800 2205 lead channel, is recommended for integration with a power amp and cabinet, providing a flexible setup for JCM-inspired tones.

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  • The Joyo Jackman is recommended for players seeking a JCM800 sound in a more compact format, with 20 watts of power suitable for various performance settings.

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  • Suitable for achieving vintage clean and crunch tones but less effective for modern metal sounds, excelling in styles up to the late '80s.

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User experience

  • Owners find the amp's sound varies significantly depending on the guitar, pickups, and pedals used, highlighting its sensitivity to input sources.

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  • A small internal fan is present, making noise when not playing, which can be a minor annoyance for some users.

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  • Users report the amp performs well with a variety of cabs, including a 2x12” Marshall cab with Seventy 80 speakers, though it may be too bright for some.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest replacing the stock speakers in Marshall MG amps, as a speaker swap to models like Creamback can significantly enhance tone quality.

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Critic Reviews

Vintage British 800 Amp: Matrix Amplification Launch - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

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Artist usage

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See how Austin Peters uses Matrix Vintage British 800

Austin Peters

Guitarist, Composer

Outrun the Sunlight

...
Verified via Photo

Live rig from Wicker Park Fest, Chicago, October 2018.

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