So, you’re eyeing a Marshall amp but can’t quite decide between the MG10 and the MG15? No worries, my friend, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s be honest: both of these amps are solid, but they’re aimed at slightly different guitarists, and choosing the right one will keep you from feeling like you’ve made a wrong turn on the Highway to Hell. 😉
Let’s get into it! If you just want to hear tones, scroll down to see my sound demos.
Marshall MG15
A versatile amp that provides great sound for practice and small gigs.
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Marshall MG10 vs MG15: Main Differences
Alright, first things first. Let’s talk about what sets these two apart—and no, it’s not just about adding a 5 to the name.
- Power Output: The MG10 is 10 watts, while the MG15 kicks it up to 15 watts. A bit louder, but not by much.
- Speaker Size: MG10 has a 6.5-inch speaker, and MG15 comes with an 8-inch speaker. Yep, bigger speaker, more oomph.
- Weight: MG15 is heavier, weighing 7.4 kg, compared to the MG10’s featherlight 4.8 kg. Back saver? Maybe. Tone compromiser? We’ll see.
- Tone Control: MG10 gives you a single Contour control, whereas the MG15 has a 3-band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble) to sculpt your tone more precisely. Think of the MG15 as a more complete kitchen spice rack.
- Inputs and Outputs: Both have a headphone jack, but the MG15 has an MP3/line input, which makes jamming to your favorite songs a lot easier. Who doesn’t like a little “Back in Black” to set the mood?
My Comparison Video
Here’s the comparison that I recorded a while ago.
What I Like About the MG10
The MG10 is all about simplicity, and there’s something absolutely charming about that.
1. Compact and Lightweight
This little guy weighs only 4.8 kg, so it’s a perfect amp to toss in the car, take to a friend’s place, or drag from room to room when you’re trying to find a spot that won’t make your cat leave in disgust. Seriously, I’ve owned some heavier amps before, and lugging them around is basically my cardio.
2. User-Friendly Controls
You know what’s great? Not needing a PhD in sound engineering to get a decent tone. The Contour control is simple, effective, and honestly—it’s kind of refreshing. Turn it up, get a scoop sound. Turn it down, get a bit more grit. It’s intuitive, and that makes this amp a good pick if you’re still figuring out what tone you actually like (and who isn’t, TBH?).
3. Headphone Jack for Silent Practice
The emulated headphone output is a godsend for late-night noodling. The amp tone still sounds Marshall-esque, but you’re not waking up the whole block. Remember that time I tried practicing my solos without headphones at 11 PM? Yeah, let’s not repeat that again.
4. Great for Beginners
If you’re new to the game, this amp is fantastic for learning. No unnecessary frills or confusing extras. Just plug in, turn up, and rock on. Plus, the overdrive is pretty gnarly for such a small amp—plenty of bite without being harsh.
What I Like About the MG15
Now, onto the MG15. This one steps things up a bit, and it’s got some features that could make it the better choice for the right player.
1. The 3-Band EQ
Okay, this might seem like a small thing, but having a 3-band EQ makes a big difference in dialing in your tone. I’m all about those mids, and with the MG15, you can adjust Bass, Middle, and Treble independently. It’s almost like getting to wear whatever ridiculous hat you want in the tone department—more options, more fun.
2. A Bigger Speaker
The 8-inch speaker in the MG15 gives it a fuller sound compared to the MG10. There’s just a bit more depth and warmth, especially if you want to push those low notes. It’s not like a 12-inch cab shaking the walls, but the MG15 can certainly fill a room a little better—and that’s a big win if you’re tired of feeling like your tone is coming out of a tin can.
3. Versatility and Closed Housing
With 15 watts of power and a closed-back housing, the MG15 is better for those moments when you really want to crank it. The extra watts give it a nice volume boost, and while it’s not a gig-level amp, it’s perfect for home practice or jamming in the garage. Trust me, it’s just loud enough to annoy anyone who might already be on edge. 😉
4. MP3/Line Input
Wanna shred over your favorite backing track? The MG15’s MP3 input lets you do exactly that. Whether it’s a classic rock anthem or just some funky loop you found on YouTube, you can plug in and rock out without needing a bunch of extra gear. This feature is pretty killer for anyone looking to practice scales or just jam along to their favorite tunes.
Which One Should You Get?
So, which amp do you grab? MG10 or MG15?
Get the MG10 If…
- You’re just starting out and don’t need all the bells and whistles. Simple is good, my friend.
- You need something lightweight and portable—no herniated discs here.
- Your practice routine involves a lot of late nights and you want to stay in good standing with your neighbors (or your mom).
Get the MG15 If…
- You’re looking for a bit more tone control with the 3-band EQ.
- You love the idea of jamming along to backing tracks and want the MP3 input.
- You need a bigger, fuller sound to fill your practice room, or maybe just want to add a little extra “wall of sound”.
Honestly, both of these amps do what they set out to do pretty well. They’re small, portable practice amps that bring that classic Marshall vibe without requiring you to sign away your soul or trade your car. In my experience, it’s really about whether you want a no-frills, lightweight setup (MG10) or a bit more versatility (MG15).
My Sound Demos
Still need more help deciding? Check out my YouTube channels for some sound demos! I’ve got all kinds of tones dialed in on both of these amps, and you can hear them in action:
- Best Guitars Now for those serious tone discussions
- Strefa Gitar for more casual shredding and jamming.
Sometimes hearing is believing, right?
FAQ
Q: Can I gig with these amps?
A: I mean… technically, yes, but you might find it a little underwhelming unless you’re playing an acoustic set in a very, very tiny coffee shop. For home practice and jamming, they’re great, but they’re not built to keep up with a live drummer.
Q: Are they good for metal?
A: Well, you’re not going to get a face-melting, arena-style metal tone, but they’re both surprisingly capable for what they are. The overdrive on each is pretty solid for classic rock and blues, but if you’re going for a super-heavy tone, you might want to grab a pedal to throw in front of these.
Q: What’s the difference between an open and closed housing?
A: Good question! The MG10 is more open, meaning sound disperses more broadly. The MG15 has a closed-back, which directs sound more forward and gives a tighter bass response. It’s one of those things you might not notice until you put them side by side—but then you’ll really notice.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—the Marshall MG10 vs MG15 showdown. Both of these amps pack some classic Marshall tone in a small, easy-to-use package. The MG10 is perfect if you want something straightforward and portable.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more for the extra control and fuller sound, then the MG15 might be calling your name.
Personally, I dig both for different reasons, and sometimes it’s just a matter of whether I feel like carrying something light or lugging a little extra weight for those extra features.
In the end, what matters is that you’re playing, you’re practicing, and most importantly, you’re having fun. Whether you choose the MG10 or MG15, you’re getting a little slice of that Marshall legacy without going broke.
And hey, you’re also making sure your cat still gets to be part of the band—assuming they don’t hate loud noises. 😂
