15:00 "Ah HA!" I don't think I've every felt anything so strong vicariously. The joy of going from theory to definitive fault. That put a smile on my face.
Honestly, your videos exposing the dirty, little secrets of modern “boutique” amp builders is some of the best (and helpful!) content you produce. It’s all great and appreciated, but these videos can really help people out there spend their dollars wisely.
What's dirty is the fake assclown wannabe amp builders that can't even make a decent pedal. Thanks for the laughs. Other than our name, Insight? No, you have been lied to by Liar Lyle. It's actually a slanderous video. Morgan Amps has a lifetime guarantee. This Lyle moron has never built an amp in his life. Knows nothing about amps, and you should look elsewhere for legitimate information. There are a lot of boutique amps that meet or exceed any of my expectations as a 40 year player, but this dipshits-r-us isn't one that even sells an amp, and this idiot doesn't even make a product other than silly-ass pedals you would not want anyway. I will be posting all of his his pedal issues (since he does not build amps). Difference between him and me is that I actually have a degree in EE and CS with a math minor and forgot more than this idiot knows. Other than my last name name, I have no affiliation with Morgan Amps.
When you hit that cap and said "Ah ha!", I smiled wide because of the comedic timing and how it made THE perfect example of what you said. Outstanding work. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Using the highest quality components without question and then testing different components to bring out the best sound is imperative. Safe and solid circuit design, and knowing how to solder well helps a lot too!
These couple of videos of the Morgan amps saved me from making an apparently bad decision and pull the trigger on one. Much appreciated that you share your knowledge with all these videos.
I learned to solder correctly when I was 10 (I'm 57 now) under the watchful eye of my dad. I used to make circuit boards for him in his shop. His company manufactured high voltage test equipment (spark testers) and I was well schooled on the problems of dry joints. People dont always realise how many problems a simple dry solder joint can throw up. Anything from voltage drop off to arcing, intermittent switching etc all because the joint is bad. That board seems to be full of dry joints a nightmare in the making! I kinda miss drilling and tapping bakerlite for tube sockets Lol! Great video. Subbed.
I bought a PR12 2 months ago and upon seeing this video opened it up to see what is what. Mine has ARS 500 VDC capacitors in place where you note the inefficient caps in your PR12. Mine has very neat and proper looking solder joints. It sounds amazing to my ears and I had a new HW Princeton that went bad when only a month old that I replaced with the PR12. I am in the UK. Hum-wise it does have low level hum that does not increase with volume. It is not an issue at all but i did think that it crept in at some point rather that always being there. . Also my PR12 does not have a boost switch as that is only in the JS12. Just thought I would add what i see in my amp to this thread as I am happy with mine and thankfully it seems to have been put together to a very high standard unlike the one you have there. It really feels rock solid compared to the Fender HW 64 Princeton.
It's not even a Morgan Amp. This is pure slander. Anyone that actually has owned a real one knows. Go find a dealer and play one. There is a lifetime guarantee on the amp. Lyle is NOT an amp builder, nor does he know anything about amps (other than watching youtube videos) lol Other than my last name name, I have no affiliation with Morgan Amps.
I really appreciate these videos. I learn so much about amps from them. I'm in the market for this _type_ of amp, and came here because I was considering this brand, but now I don't know what I should be looking at.
It says Tone King assembled in the USA. So that must mean it's made somewhere else. Why are they so vague you can't get any information on why they labeled it assembled in the USA. If you Google just assembled in the USA it says that does not mean made in the USA
This episode reminds me of an old recurrent skit on the Conan O’Brian late night show, back when they were still on NBC. It was named “Secrets” and always involved a celebrity sitting at a plain wooden table inside a stark cinder block room illuminated by a single dangling bare light bulb. There was a whiskey bottle and shot glass on the table. The celebrity would proceed to spill some dark, gritty (yet humorous) secret. I feel like these videos are the tube amp nerd equivalent of those skits. Lyle sits at the table, takes a shot of whiskey, gains his composure, and then proceeds to spill ugly, unwelcome truths about the build quality of a well-regarded boutique amp, and how the reality inside the chassis contradicts the hype surrounding such amp.
Love this! Thank you for exposing the crap that is Morgan. I called CME and inquired about buying a Morgan or Carr. Before the words were out of my mouth the CME rep said “Carr! No doubt.” NOW I see why. Thank you!
thanks for your insight, sir! the fact is, i like these amps so much, particularly the ac 20, that i would buy anyway, knowing what to look for and how to fix it...point to point is a beautiful thing in so many ways.
Scornflakes! Wow! How in the hell did I get to be as old as I am now and this is the first time I am hearing the term! Or maybe I have heard it before, but I forgot? I am pretty old. Regardless, kudos, good sir!
Just wow! Judging from the price, how these amps are promoted on the net and glancing at the eyelet board instead of a circuit board one would think these are really great amps! Just wow! Unreal.
Thanks so much for the insight... I've been learning a lot from all your videos...would like to give my drri some of you suggested upgrades...thanks a bunch!
This is common with many products: The flagship release is done well and uses quality parts. Over time, the maker starts to see dollar signs by cutting production costs, and then we end up with what we have here. Everything (everything) is built *down* to a price when investors are involved.
Great video. I own an old Morgan made probably 20 years ago and it actually has the correct cap values. (500V) Soldering looks the same however but at least the caps were right on this one. I'm the second owner and know the amp wasn't modded. This explains why I hear so many bad things about these amps thanks!
Very cool video, that you found two suspected issues in real time here. By the way they're saving only about $6 or $8 - the difference between the $1.50 caps and the more expensive ones. Even at $3.50 it's a difference of $2.00, or $8 for four. Fender probably had similar savings with the low temperature rated, short life rated UC caps, too, in at least a few models.
You are correct. The difference of cost for one amp is not even worth discussing. So for truly small, skilled, honorable amp builders, the answer to that question is completely obvious. But, when you are dealing with corporations that are building thousands of amp in a year, those $5-8 start adding up to some big numbers - the numbers that will actually show up on an engineering or accounting report. So those accumulated numbers are the ones that the big-wig know-nothings in the corner offices see. For them, those number differentials look pretty huge. So since they are ones who will make the decisions, they don't care if the customer 'might' have a problem if the cost of replacement/repair works out less that the cost difference of the better components. Years ago, in many industries, when it was engineers, machinists, builders, designers who were running the companies, quality wasn't so easily set aside. Now decisions are being made by the people who have no idea at all about what the product is, and they don't care. They are MBA - taught that they can run any business - no need to worry about the product, just follow the corporate steps the increase profits, show company growth, and keep the day-traders happy.
I bought a Morgan AC20 deluxe over a decade ago thinking it would be a more reliable Vox. It sounded pretty good. It didn't sound as warm as a real Vox, but it wasn't a bad difference. I thought it might just have come down to the brand new speaker. Within a couple weeks of buying it new the amp died, and I spent the following month shipping it back and forth to California four times after it kept dying. I decided to get a refund. Joe was a pleasant guy, and seemed as upset as I was about the whole thing. I had a friend who also bought the same amp during that time. His head/cab version died on him five times. He got his refund shortly after I did. Our amps originally shipped with Celestion blue speakers, which were only rated for ~15 watts. We thought that might be why these 20 watt amps died, but then he started giving us 50 watt Celestion gold speakers. The amps still died. We have no idea what happened, but we moved on. My friend bought a new Matchless DC-30, and I bought a 1993 AC30TB/6. I'm much happier with the tone, and performance. I've never had any problems with the amp other than tubes. I also tell people to avoid Morgan amps. Joe is a nice guy, but his amps just aren't reliable.
Good to know I'm going through the warranty process for a Tone King PT failed after only 25 hour's They still say it's going to be months Was instructed to send to Sweetwater but they just affirmed it was broken Now they are shipping to BAD No refund though because it took several months but only 25 hour's of actual play time. Grrrr
If Joe cared about his name and the company he created he would look at these videos and take the manufacturing back. I keep hoping Joe would reply to one of these videos and explain the quality and control issues everyone sees when they open a Morgan. I am a tech and I can tell you that my pre 2012 AC20 Morgan that was made by Joe and his team did not look like this, and the components were of higher quality. I would not buy one of these current Morgan amps based on the same issues that Psionic has pointed out.
As an alternative review to the above, I’ve been using two Morgan RCA35 amps exclusively (one since 2017), and there hasn’t even been the slightest peep of an issue. Same valves etc etc, and they both still run perfectly.
Great video! I learned a lot. Never realized it was basically a Princeton. Out of curiosity then, do Fender Princeton '65 Reverb Reissues experience any of these same issues? I will be checking your other videos later to see if you have any Friedmam videos.
Selecting the highest quality and best sounding components throughout the circuit is absolutely imperative. And of course knowing how to make good solder joints helps a lot too! 🎸
I have a Morgan MVP23 Head/Cab, I have played it almost every day for the past 2 years. Not a snap, crackle, pop, blown fuse, or anything negative. Solid every day for a minimum of 1.5 hours per day. You are pretty venomous with your critique. I'm wondering who is reviewing the amplifier line you've built from the ground up, distributed, and supported? With no serial#, how can you even be sure this was a production ready amplifier? Something fishy here. Morgan's are solid amps. Don't let this video dissuade you from finding the Morgan amp that suits your playing style.
I have had just about every Morgan Amp made. I have not had a single issue with one of my amps except for one - the LED died on my M logo.What is funny is an asshole like you, who is clueless, spouts about shit they know nothing about. Good thing Morgan Amps have a lifetime warranty. Let me know if you want to breakdown any of your idiotic BS - happy to go toe to toe with you. I will be at the guitar show in Dallas May 5th-7th and in Nashville in June - just let me know where you want to meet up to have the discussion. You, are clueless and am happy to oblige your stupid, ignorant ass. I am guessing your Peavey Bandit or Quilter blows it away - bwahahahahahahaha.
I would infer that you are not a fan of Morgan amps. And then the caps howl on cue. Brilliant. After watching a metric ton of your vids, I tend to proceed with trepidation every time I turn one of my amps on. I just know there's some sort of disastrous "gotcha" lurking within just waiting to bite me in the ass. You have a scary channel.
Sir, outstanding rundown. Saved me from ever getting a Morgan. I'm not certain if you have a connection to Josh Smith's amp tech, but I suspect he or she holds many dark secrets from all of the PR and JS12's they serviced while on the road. Now that would be a fireworks show of a video / interview to put on this channel. Thank you for your insight and wisdom. Everyone one of these videos is similar to a campfire folk tale, full of wisdom you can't get anywhere else. Respectfully, Andrew
@@SRHMusic012 Josh did an early episode of the Tim (Pierce) and Pete (Thorn) Show from his then under construction home studio. Morgan had built 2 amps for him replicating Josh's vintage Super reverb and AC30 so he didn't have to take his vintage stuff on the road.
It's not even a Morgan Amp. This is pure slander. Anyone that actually has owned a real one knows. Go find a dealer and play one. There is a lifetime guarantee on the amp. Lyle is NOT an amp builder, nor does he know anything about amps (other than watching youtube videos) lol Other than my last name name, I have no affiliation with Morgan Amps.
Just wondering if same thoughts exist on Morgan amps? I've had a AC 20 Deluxe since 2011 and use it just about every weekend in a small time cover band. Works great and no issues all these years (knocking on wood). I bought it back then based on what I heard and loved the tone, loved the ability to switch from 12ax7 to ef86, etc., but at that time had never heard of Morgan and not owned any other version, no interaction with that company and I can't speak for the insides/technical stuff nor for Morgan amps in general. Regarding this video, I know if an amp had my name on it, even if a prototype (as I saw in some comments) I would make sure anything that went into the public was pristine. Else, I'd have a no named chassis /cabinet and have it labeled PROTOTYPE or something. I guess I've been lucky that I've owned a ton of amps over the years and only one has gone to repair (an old Bedrock if anyone remembers that old amp company).
Engineering (Manufacturing) critiques and Best practices. All on one channel! "This ain't Shakespeare" It is however McAmp (golden Arches) Manufacturing...that buck fifty "saved" per component bought somebody's kid a boat..... certainly not the kid of the poor soul who made this burger. Thanks for supersizing us Kyle.
@@paulcowart3174 - I think Joe Morgan had the amp for about two weeks. This was after a local tech butchered it for two weeks, solder blobs everywhere chasing a the hum. After getting it back and playing a show, I resisted it on Reverb and the guy I bought it from bought it back. I don’t know how long the Tone King thing will be. I had other amps so it wasn’t a problem
Oh god, at least I bought mine direct at a discount. I’m wanting a Princeton in its original size with a 12” and was researching using a kit and what upgrades I could use. Also wanting a single channel DR in a Princeton sized package; any suggestions? Good builders? Good kits? Do you teach/train? I live in a mountain town and sol on anyone who can even bias an amp properly.
There’s a channel cutting open acoustics to show you design pros and cons.. I’d love to see something similar for these boutique amps. Holy cow this is mind blowing!
I bought this amp about a year ago. No problems up to this point, probably wouldn’t have bought it though if I would have known that people have issues with them 😂. However, no complaints so far
reminds me of appliances where older designs and core base appliances are more reliable than the upmarket and boutique stuff. Partially because the upmarket and boutique stuff is sold in initial impression - reliability is just assumed by buyers because of price
If you ever get across a Marshall 2266 Vintage Modern, I'd love to hear your opinion. It was designed by Steve Dawson and people on the forums think it's great quality for a modern Marshall at this price. On the other hand, the tech who fixed my amp was puzzled by the some design decisions and the way it was assembled. And he hated the reverb. ^_^
The inventor of the theremin was a Russian immigrant to the US; there's a fascinating documentary film about him, simply titled "Theremin!". Also, if you look on TH-cam, Rob Scanlon interviewed the master Theremin player Caroline Eyck not too long ago (a lovely woman, playing things that should be impossible). Much hilarity ensues as Rob tries to get something resembling music from her theremin BTW, I was just watching a documentary about female pioneers of electronic music the other day, titled "Sisters With Transistors".
Watching all your videos cures GAS for purchasing all those "boutique" amps.. Mesa, Morgan, Tone King... The list just keeps on going. But, wanting to spend about 2000 for the amp for life, no vintage nor local builder, what would you then suggest? Maybe going for a Chinese Vox AC15 with the Blue Alnico speaker would be the best bet? What experienced people here suggest? 2000 dollars 10 to 15w with reverb.. Maybe Cornell from UK? Marshall 2525c Jubilee (minus the reverb on this one..) Gosh, almost brain damage at this point 😅
Thanks, interesting stuff! I do own a PR12 since a couple of years and haven't had any issues with it so far. Dates say it was built in May 2018 (no Boost switch). It seems to have the same cheapo caps like the one in the video. I'll take it to a tech to have them exchanged. I like how the Amp sounds and I'd like to make it reliable instead of selling it... thanks for your insight! Great video!
That's kind of where I am with my MVP23. Zero issues with about 300 hours of playing time on it (and I have yet to look at the caps). I do know that mine is a 2020 model built by BAD but I still cringe at the thought of what lies inside.
see my reply regarding my sw22. joe built it and signed it and its been a total workhorse but im afraid to pop the hood now! lol also, i never bought into any Morgan “hype.” the boutique shop down the street from me was a morgan dealer a few years ago and i plugged a strat into this SW22 head out of curiosity one day and it sounded amazing. I’ve played it everyday for hours-plural-with zero issues. Killer pedal platform, too. But yeah, now i wanna pop the hood.
Insight? No, you have been lied to by Liar Lyle. It's actually a slanderous video. Morgan Amps has a lifetime guarantee. This Lyle moron has never built an amp in his life. Knows nothing about amps, and you should look elsewhere for legitimate information. There are a lot of boutique amps that meet or exceed any of my expectations as a 40 year player, but this dipshits-r-us isn't one that even sells an amp, and this idiot doesn't even make a product other than silly-ass pedals you would not want anyway. I will be posting all of his his pedal issues (since he does not build amps). Difference between him and me is that I actually have a degree in EE and CS with a math minor and forgot more than this idiot knows. I am not affiliated with Morgan Amps in any way.
Are there any good amps out there at all apart from DSL 40 or JCM 900? I am scared to buy a Fender low voltage issue and other stuff you said on Blues Jnr and Hot Rod Deluxe.
I've understood the newer GZ34's are junk, just spent a good buck on a NOS GZ34 due to this. Maybe you've had better experiences with the new ones. I'm hip to not using a standby switch too, especially with a tube rectifier, good advice.
15:00 "Ah HA!" I don't think I've every felt anything so strong vicariously. The joy of going from theory to definitive fault. That put a smile on my face.
"Do you expect me to play music through this so-called handwired amplifier?" "No, Mr. Bond...I expect you to DIE..." ~ Evil Mastermind
Honestly, your videos exposing the dirty, little secrets of modern “boutique” amp builders is some of the best (and helpful!) content you produce. It’s all great and appreciated, but these videos can really help people out there spend their dollars wisely.
Luckily there are some fantastic builders out there. Morgan is not representative of boutique amps.
It’s why I decided to pay my local guy to build an amp for me. Actually costs less than a lot of these boutique builders
What's dirty is the fake assclown wannabe amp builders that can't even make a decent pedal. Thanks for the laughs. Other than our name, Insight? No, you have been lied to by Liar Lyle. It's actually a slanderous video. Morgan Amps has a lifetime guarantee. This Lyle moron has never built an amp in his life. Knows nothing about amps, and you should look elsewhere for legitimate information. There are a lot of boutique amps that meet or exceed any of my expectations as a 40 year player, but this dipshits-r-us isn't one that even sells an amp, and this idiot doesn't even make a product other than silly-ass pedals you would not want anyway. I will be posting all of his his pedal issues (since he does not build amps). Difference between him and me is that I actually have a degree in EE and CS with a math minor and forgot more than this idiot knows.
Other than my last name name, I have no affiliation with Morgan Amps.
totally - i was researching the Morgan Mvp 23 when I came across this - needless to say i'm not buying it
😅
"Monkeys. Typewriters. This ain't Shakespeare."
So funny.
It was the best of times, it was the blorst of times.
When you hit that cap and said "Ah ha!", I smiled wide because of the comedic timing and how it made THE perfect example of what you said. Outstanding work. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Using the highest quality components without question and then testing different components to bring out the best sound is imperative. Safe and solid circuit design, and knowing how to solder well helps a lot too!
“…as I was saying…” amen, another great vid Lyle!
These couple of videos of the Morgan amps saved me from making an apparently bad decision and pull the trigger on one. Much appreciated that you share your knowledge with all these videos.
This was a great watch. You got a new subscriber on your hands. Thanks for all the insight!
thanks for your wizard knowledge Lyle... bless you and your wisdom
I like it when bs gets pointed out, thank you sir.
I'm sharing this to a friend that told me he's saving to purchase one.
LMFAO!!! That aha moment was priceless! I think it was you poking at the caps with a vengeance to make a point that did it.
TH-cam just recommended this channel, probably because I watch so much Mr. Carlson’s Lab. Great video, subbed!
I learned to solder correctly when I was 10 (I'm 57 now) under the watchful eye of my dad. I used to make circuit boards for him in his shop. His company manufactured high voltage test equipment (spark testers) and I was well schooled on the problems of dry joints. People dont always realise how many problems a simple dry solder joint can throw up. Anything from voltage drop off to arcing, intermittent switching etc all because the joint is bad.
That board seems to be full of dry joints a nightmare in the making! I kinda miss drilling and tapping bakerlite for tube sockets Lol! Great video. Subbed.
Thanks, glad I watched this before taking the plunge!
Great job. Very informational.
I bought a PR12 2 months ago and upon seeing this video opened it up to see what is what. Mine has ARS 500 VDC capacitors in place where you note the inefficient caps in your PR12. Mine has very neat and proper looking solder joints. It sounds amazing to my ears and I had a new HW Princeton that went bad when only a month old that I replaced with the PR12. I am in the UK. Hum-wise it does have low level hum that does not increase with volume. It is not an issue at all but i did think that it crept in at some point rather that always being there. . Also my PR12 does not have a boost switch as that is only in the JS12. Just thought I would add what i see in my amp to this thread as I am happy with mine and thankfully it seems to have been put together to a very high standard unlike the one you have there. It really feels rock solid compared to the Fender HW 64 Princeton.
Love your videos, love your work too
Watching these helps me choose. I have had mostly mid level amps save for my supertwin. I want a nice something one day
Honestly watching your channel scares mw about my amps but I also absolutely love getting the information that you are giving us all
It's not even a Morgan Amp. This is pure slander. Anyone that actually has owned a real one knows. Go find a dealer and play one. There is a lifetime guarantee on the amp. Lyle is NOT an amp builder, nor does he know anything about amps (other than watching youtube videos) lol
Other than my last name name, I have no affiliation with Morgan Amps.
I really appreciate these videos. I learn so much about amps from them. I'm in the market for this _type_ of amp, and came here because I was considering this brand, but now I don't know what I should be looking at.
I’ve been duped too until I figured out how to build my own amp never again thank you sir !
Well do not ask this idiot, he is clueless.
Gosh I would’ve fallen for the Morgan amp hype had I not watched this- I appreciate both your humor and candor!
Tone King as well Beware
@@Starch1b2c3d4a just the simplest first, If you can't see those garbage solder joints your blind and dumb, I wouldn't trust anything coming from you.
@@paulcowart3174 what is the issue with Tone King? I was considering buying an Imperial mkII and I would appreciate your insight.
It says Tone King assembled in the USA. So that must mean it's made somewhere else. Why are they so vague you can't get any information on why they labeled it assembled in the USA. If you Google just assembled in the USA it says that does not mean made in the USA
It's BS. Lyle took a prototype (not even a production Morgan amp) and slandered it. Liar Lyle. Gonna be famous, buddy.
WoW !!!!!!!!! GREAT VIDEO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ur vids really need to reach more people. Great vid as always!
I always learn a ton! Thanks 🙏
Every video is a journey and education. Without a doubt the absolute best training and demonstration of Amps anywhere. Congrats!
Thanks man, I’m learning so much from your vids
I was literally heading out the door to buy one of these amps. Thanks man!
Wear eye protection while working on morgan amps noted. Good job investigating here! Loving the new camera animations as well ; )
This is my new fav channel
I nearly bought one of these recently. This is pretty damning stuff
Thanks for the info. I’m so glad I bought my ac20 combo used for $1000.
How do you like it/how has it performed?
This episode reminds me of an old recurrent skit on the Conan O’Brian late night show, back when they were still on NBC. It was named “Secrets” and always involved a celebrity sitting at a plain wooden table inside a stark cinder block room illuminated by a single dangling bare light bulb. There was a whiskey bottle and shot glass on the table. The celebrity would proceed to spill some dark, gritty (yet humorous) secret. I feel like these videos are the tube amp nerd equivalent of those skits. Lyle sits at the table, takes a shot of whiskey, gains his composure, and then proceeds to spill ugly, unwelcome truths about the build quality of a well-regarded boutique amp, and how the reality inside the chassis contradicts the hype surrounding such amp.
Love this! Thank you for exposing the crap that is Morgan. I called CME and inquired about buying a Morgan or Carr. Before the words were out of my mouth the CME rep said “Carr! No doubt.” NOW I see why. Thank you!
thank you for this revealing video.
thanks for your insight, sir! the fact is, i like these amps so much, particularly the ac 20, that i would buy anyway, knowing what to look for and how to fix it...point to point is a beautiful thing in so many ways.
Wow glad I did my research cheers mate.
Lyle that was the best bowl of scornflakes served up on a Saturday morning I have seen in along while, way to go man!
That was a steamin bowl of gloatmeal!
Scornflakes! Wow! How in the hell did I get to be as old as I am now and this is the first time I am hearing the term! Or maybe I have heard it before, but I forgot? I am pretty old. Regardless, kudos, good sir!
😂
😂😂🤣😂🤣😂👍👍
Lying idiot.
Outstanding. I’ve learned so much from viewing your videos.
Hopefully, this takes Morgan down a peg. Well done!
Seeing this makes me glad I take pride in my work, this is just shoddy. How do they get away with this, honestly? Thank you as always, Lyle! 😁
Lyle is a fake. This is not even a production Morgan Amp - moron youtuber.
Just wow! Judging from the price, how these amps are promoted on the net and glancing at the eyelet board instead of a circuit board one would think these are really great amps! Just wow! Unreal.
Thanks so much for the insight... I've been learning a lot from all your videos...would like to give my drri some of you suggested upgrades...thanks a bunch!
Thanks Mike!
Thanks Lyle. Saved me $ again!
Awesome video. It's so appreciated that somebody is out there exposing such garbage to the masses.
The only exposure is this idiot, Lyle.
This is common with many products: The flagship release is done well and uses quality parts. Over time, the maker starts to see dollar signs by cutting production costs, and then we end up with what we have here. Everything (everything) is built *down* to a price when investors are involved.
Investors are usually just rich slags who don't want to work
I am SO happy I didn't take a sip of coffee just before that cap oscillated! 🤣
Great video. I own an old Morgan made probably 20 years ago and it actually has the correct cap values. (500V) Soldering looks the same however but at least the caps were right on this one. I'm the second owner and know the amp wasn't modded. This explains why I hear so many bad things about these amps thanks!
Doesn't explain shit. He is a moron.
Fantastic video. These “boutique” builders that gouge aspiring guitarists need to get called out more. Kudos
Lets just throw every boutique builder under the bus. Makes sense.
Good lord ... and I considered buying one of these.
This channel is great. I love the insight thanks
Quite the lesson. Thanks!
You saved me from buying a Morgan last year and I still am thankful. I bought a Magnatone Super 15 instead
Brilliant education here on these design flaws 👏🏻
Wow , thanks Lyle
Very cool video, that you found two suspected issues in real time here. By the way they're saving only about $6 or $8 - the difference between the $1.50 caps and the more expensive ones. Even at $3.50 it's a difference of $2.00, or $8 for four. Fender probably had similar savings with the low temperature rated, short life rated UC caps, too, in at least a few models.
You are correct. The difference of cost for one amp is not even worth discussing. So for truly small, skilled, honorable amp builders, the answer to that question is completely obvious.
But, when you are dealing with corporations that are building thousands of amp in a year, those $5-8 start adding up to some big numbers - the numbers that will actually show up on an engineering or accounting report. So those accumulated numbers are the ones that the big-wig know-nothings in the corner offices see. For them, those number differentials look pretty huge. So since they are ones who will make the decisions, they don't care if the customer 'might' have a problem if the cost of replacement/repair works out less that the cost difference of the better components.
Years ago, in many industries, when it was engineers, machinists, builders, designers who were running the companies, quality wasn't so easily set aside. Now decisions are being made by the people who have no idea at all about what the product is, and they don't care. They are MBA - taught that they can run any business - no need to worry about the product, just follow the corporate steps the increase profits, show company growth, and keep the day-traders happy.
I'd been considering a Morgan PR5, was wavering for reasons unrelated to engineering and construction. This video is very helpful for me.
He is clueless. Go play one at a dealer and know you have a lifetime warranty from an actual EE - not some ass clown youtube idiot.
Good to know. Thank you.
Morgan's simply sound good. Very solid evidence that they have some build issues, but I'd buy it and just get new caps installed.
....and reflow every joint
I bought a Morgan AC20 deluxe over a decade ago thinking it would be a more reliable Vox. It sounded pretty good. It didn't sound as warm as a real Vox, but it wasn't a bad difference. I thought it might just have come down to the brand new speaker. Within a couple weeks of buying it new the amp died, and I spent the following month shipping it back and forth to California four times after it kept dying. I decided to get a refund. Joe was a pleasant guy, and seemed as upset as I was about the whole thing. I had a friend who also bought the same amp during that time. His head/cab version died on him five times. He got his refund shortly after I did. Our amps originally shipped with Celestion blue speakers, which were only rated for ~15 watts. We thought that might be why these 20 watt amps died, but then he started giving us 50 watt Celestion gold speakers. The amps still died. We have no idea what happened, but we moved on. My friend bought a new Matchless DC-30, and I bought a 1993 AC30TB/6. I'm much happier with the tone, and performance. I've never had any problems with the amp other than tubes. I also tell people to avoid Morgan amps. Joe is a nice guy, but his amps just aren't reliable.
Good to know I'm going through the warranty process for a Tone King PT failed after only 25 hour's They still say it's going to be months Was instructed to send to Sweetwater but they just affirmed it was broken Now they are shipping to BAD No refund though because it took several months but only 25 hour's of actual play time. Grrrr
@@paulcowart3174 is BAD that amp company making all those boutique amps now?
@@middle_pickup yes Boutique Amp Distributers
If Joe cared about his name and the company he created he would look at these videos and take the manufacturing back. I keep hoping Joe would reply to one of these videos and explain the quality and control issues everyone sees when they open a Morgan. I am a tech and I can tell you that my pre 2012 AC20 Morgan that was made by Joe and his team did not look like this, and the components were of higher quality. I would not buy one of these current Morgan amps based on the same issues that Psionic has pointed out.
As an alternative review to the above, I’ve been using two Morgan RCA35 amps exclusively (one since 2017), and there hasn’t even been the slightest peep of an issue. Same valves etc etc, and they both still run perfectly.
Great video! I learned a lot. Never realized it was basically a Princeton. Out of curiosity then, do Fender Princeton '65 Reverb Reissues experience any of these same issues?
I will be checking your other videos later to see if you have any Friedmam videos.
Selecting the highest quality and best sounding components throughout the circuit is absolutely imperative. And of course knowing how to make good solder joints helps a lot too! 🎸
I have a Morgan MVP23 Head/Cab, I have played it almost every day for the past 2 years. Not a snap, crackle, pop, blown fuse, or anything negative. Solid every day for a minimum of 1.5 hours per day. You are pretty venomous with your critique. I'm wondering who is reviewing the amplifier line you've built from the ground up, distributed, and supported?
With no serial#, how can you even be sure this was a production ready amplifier? Something fishy here. Morgan's are solid amps. Don't let this video dissuade you from finding the Morgan amp that suits your playing style.
I have had just about every Morgan Amp made. I have not had a single issue with one of my amps except for one - the LED died on my M logo.What is funny is an asshole like you, who is clueless, spouts about shit they know nothing about. Good thing Morgan Amps have a lifetime warranty. Let me know if you want to breakdown any of your idiotic BS - happy to go toe to toe with you.
I will be at the guitar show in Dallas May 5th-7th and in Nashville in June - just let me know where you want to meet up to have the discussion. You, are clueless and am happy to oblige your stupid, ignorant ass. I am guessing your Peavey Bandit or Quilter blows it away - bwahahahahahahaha.
Agreed
Yeah, Morgans have a lifetime warranty, and Sweetwater has a generous return policy. That's why I no longer own my Morgan P.O.S. 12. @@NoelMorgan
I have a Morgan SW100 that I have had for years. I have never had an issue at all. Maybe I am lucky.
Thanks for showing the flows and shame on these unscrupulous companies.
I would infer that you are not a fan of Morgan amps. And then the caps howl on cue. Brilliant. After watching a metric ton of your vids, I tend to proceed with trepidation every time I turn one of my amps on. I just know there's some sort of disastrous "gotcha" lurking within just waiting to bite me in the ass. You have a scary channel.
Sir, outstanding rundown. Saved me from ever getting a Morgan. I'm not certain if you have a connection to Josh Smith's amp tech, but I suspect he or she holds many dark secrets from all of the PR and JS12's they serviced while on the road. Now that would be a fireworks show of a video / interview to put on this channel. Thank you for your insight and wisdom. Everyone one of these videos is similar to a campfire folk tale, full of wisdom you can't get anywhere else.
Respectfully,
Andrew
Josh was using a Two Rock in the concert videos I 've seen for the last few years.
Josh used a Morgan GOAT for a while.
@@SRHMusic012 Josh did an early episode of the Tim (Pierce) and Pete (Thorn) Show from his then under construction home studio. Morgan had built 2 amps for him replicating Josh's vintage Super reverb and AC30 so he didn't have to take his vintage stuff on the road.
It's not even a Morgan Amp. This is pure slander. Anyone that actually has owned a real one knows. Go find a dealer and play one. There is a lifetime guarantee on the amp. Lyle is NOT an amp builder, nor does he know anything about amps (other than watching youtube videos) lol
Other than my last name name, I have no affiliation with Morgan Amps.
Thanks do much. Those of enlightening for sure. Lesson learned. Thank you.
Just wondering if same thoughts exist on Morgan amps? I've had a AC 20 Deluxe since 2011 and use it just about every weekend in a small time cover band. Works great and no issues all these years (knocking on wood). I bought it back then based on what I heard and loved the tone, loved the ability to switch from 12ax7 to ef86, etc., but at that time had never heard of Morgan and not owned any other version, no interaction with that company and I can't speak for the insides/technical stuff nor for Morgan amps in general.
Regarding this video, I know if an amp had my name on it, even if a prototype (as I saw in some comments) I would make sure anything that went into the public was pristine. Else, I'd have a no named chassis /cabinet and have it labeled PROTOTYPE or something.
I guess I've been lucky that I've owned a ton of amps over the years and only one has gone to repair (an old Bedrock if anyone remembers that old amp company).
Engineering (Manufacturing) critiques and Best practices. All on one channel!
"This ain't Shakespeare"
It is however McAmp (golden Arches) Manufacturing...that buck fifty "saved" per component bought somebody's kid a boat..... certainly not the kid of the poor soul who made this burger.
Thanks for supersizing us Kyle.
Excellent job. Aha indeed.
Rhett Schull loves his Morgan.
Luckily, this excellent sounding amp lives on with the Neural DSP vst.
So glad I sold mine. Terrible hum, even after a trip back to the factory, it never was right
My Tone King was just sent back by Sweetwater and hope the same thing doesn't happen How long did the process take ?? Thanks
@@paulcowart3174 - I think Joe Morgan had the amp for about two weeks. This was after a local tech butchered it for two weeks, solder blobs everywhere chasing a the hum. After getting it back and playing a show, I resisted it on Reverb and the guy I bought it from bought it back.
I don’t know how long the Tone King thing will be. I had other amps so it wasn’t a problem
Oh god, at least I bought mine direct at a discount. I’m wanting a Princeton in its original size with a 12” and was researching using a kit and what upgrades I could use. Also wanting a single channel DR in a Princeton sized package; any suggestions? Good builders? Good kits? Do you teach/train? I live in a mountain town and sol on anyone who can even bias an amp properly.
There’s a channel cutting open acoustics to show you design pros and cons.. I’d love to see something similar for these boutique amps. Holy cow this is mind blowing!
What’s the channel??
@@darinluscher478 driftwood guitars
I bought this amp about a year ago. No problems up to this point, probably wouldn’t have bought it though if I would have known that people have issues with them 😂. However, no complaints so far
You won't, but if you did, you would use the lifetime warranty, not go to some idiot hack know nothing.
Mr. Morgan needs to put the correct value and better electrolytic capacitors in his amps. Thank you for the insight Psionic Audio.
New Sub! Tell it like it is!!!
reminds me of appliances where older designs and core base appliances are more reliable than the upmarket and boutique stuff. Partially because the upmarket and boutique stuff is sold in initial impression - reliability is just assumed by buyers because of price
crazy that this is a $2100 amp and has these engineering deficiencies. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Lyle!
Not true. Liars-R-Us.
I had no idea about Morgans. I was even contemplating one on CL recently. As a noob, I was initially impressed by the clean layout and wiring.
You still don't.
Is it OK to use those power tubes to support the weight of the chassis with iron on the benchtop like that?
If you ever get across a Marshall 2266 Vintage Modern, I'd love to hear your opinion. It was designed by Steve Dawson and people on the forums think it's great quality for a modern Marshall at this price. On the other hand, the tech who fixed my amp was puzzled by the some design decisions and the way it was assembled. And he hated the reverb. ^_^
I have one, built very well, reverb terrible cheap digital circuit, but Marshall reverb is not great no matter the model. What design decisions?,
Do you happen to know if Morgan fixed some of the problems you mention in the 2023 models?
Eureka! I've always wondered how the sound of the Krell machine was produced in the movie "The Forbidden Planet".
A Theremin, but this amp does sound similar.
The inventor of the theremin was a Russian immigrant to the US; there's a fascinating documentary film about him, simply titled "Theremin!". Also, if you look on TH-cam, Rob Scanlon interviewed the master Theremin player Caroline Eyck not too long ago (a lovely woman, playing things that should be impossible). Much hilarity ensues as Rob tries to get something resembling music from her theremin BTW, I was just watching a documentary about female pioneers of electronic music the other day, titled "Sisters With Transistors".
How was the amp going again??? :). Great vid, and thank you.
Mechanical Shock test for the win
Watching all your videos cures GAS for purchasing all those "boutique" amps.. Mesa, Morgan, Tone King... The list just keeps on going.
But, wanting to spend about 2000 for the amp for life, no vintage nor local builder, what would you then suggest? Maybe going for a Chinese Vox AC15 with the Blue Alnico speaker would be the best bet? What experienced people here suggest? 2000 dollars 10 to 15w with reverb.. Maybe Cornell from UK? Marshall 2525c Jubilee (minus the reverb on this one..)
Gosh, almost brain damage at this point 😅
Thanks, interesting stuff! I do own a PR12 since a couple of years and haven't had any issues with it so far. Dates say it was built in May 2018 (no Boost switch). It seems to have the same cheapo caps like the one in the video. I'll take it to a tech to have them exchanged. I like how the Amp sounds and I'd like to make it reliable instead of selling it... thanks for your insight! Great video!
That's kind of where I am with my MVP23. Zero issues with about 300 hours of playing time on it (and I have yet to look at the caps). I do know that mine is a 2020 model built by BAD but I still cringe at the thought of what lies inside.
see my reply regarding my sw22. joe built it and signed it and its been a total workhorse but im afraid to pop the hood now! lol
also, i never bought into any Morgan “hype.” the boutique shop down the street from me was a morgan dealer a few years ago and i plugged a strat into this SW22 head out of curiosity one day and it sounded amazing. I’ve played it everyday for hours-plural-with zero issues. Killer pedal platform, too.
But yeah, now i wanna pop the hood.
Insight? No, you have been lied to by Liar Lyle. It's actually a slanderous video. Morgan Amps has a lifetime guarantee. This Lyle moron has never built an amp in his life. Knows nothing about amps, and you should look elsewhere for legitimate information. There are a lot of boutique amps that meet or exceed any of my expectations as a 40 year player, but this dipshits-r-us isn't one that even sells an amp, and this idiot doesn't even make a product other than silly-ass pedals you would not want anyway. I will be posting all of his his pedal issues (since he does not build amps). Difference between him and me is that I actually have a degree in EE and CS with a math minor and forgot more than this idiot knows.
I am not affiliated with Morgan Amps in any way.
Luckily, this video is the first time I have ever heard of a Morgan amp.
Are there any good amps out there at all apart from DSL 40 or JCM 900? I am scared to buy a Fender low voltage issue and other stuff you said on Blues Jnr and Hot Rod Deluxe.
Of all the boutique amps you come across which are built the best ?
loved this thank you.
He fooled you.
I have an Allen Sweet spot, I was looking for a well made Marshall or box at lower volumes, any suggestions?
So which boutique builders actually make high quality amps with high quality parts?
I've understood the newer GZ34's are junk, just spent a good buck on a NOS GZ34 due to this. Maybe you've had better experiences with the new ones. I'm hip to not using a standby switch too, especially with a tube rectifier, good advice.
Any thoughts on the hand wired Alessandro Fenders?
Should we not use standby on any Morgan amps, including the SW22R?