Mercury Magnetics Transformers - Marshall 1959 RI

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BIGKAHUNA

BIGKAHUNA

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I may have deal working to trade one of my amps for a Marshall 1959 Re-issue. Heard that the output transformers on the Re-issues are harsh. If I were to go ahead with the trade I would probably be looking to upgrade the tranny's. All I really know is Mercury and I dont know much about them other than what I have read on the website. i would be interested in hearing the opinions of those of you have upgarded with Mercurys or played amp with Mercurys. Are they the best option for a transformer replacement? How much does it affect the over all tone of the amp?
 
BIGKAHUNA":31gy2868 said:
I may have deal working to trade one of my amps for a Marshall 1959 Re-issue. Heard that the output transformers on the Re-issues are harsh. If I were to go ahead with the trade I would probably be looking to upgrade the tranny's. All I really know is Mercury and I dont know much about them other than what I have read on the website. i would be interested in hearing the opinions of those of you have upgarded with Mercurys or played amp with Mercurys. Are they the best option for a transformer replacement? How much does it affect the over all tone of the amp?

What kind of music do you play?

Mercury Mag's are cool, but you could also look into the new Hammond Marshall replacement transformers or give MetroAmp a call and see if they will sell you a set of their Marshall replacement transformers.
 
MrDan666":3c3vgrle said:
BIGKAHUNA":3c3vgrle said:
I may have deal working to trade one of my amps for a Marshall 1959 Re-issue. Heard that the output transformers on the Re-issues are harsh. If I were to go ahead with the trade I would probably be looking to upgrade the tranny's. All I really know is Mercury and I dont know much about them other than what I have read on the website. i would be interested in hearing the opinions of those of you have upgarded with Mercurys or played amp with Mercurys. Are they the best option for a transformer replacement? How much does it affect the over all tone of the amp?

What kind of music do you play?

Mercury Mag's are cool, but you could also look into the new Hammond Marshall replacement transformers or give MetroAmp a call and see if they will sell you a set of their Marshall replacement transformers.


I play a lot of 80's metal, some classic rock stuff and thats probably where this would fit in for my collection. I attempt to play other more modern stuff but I have other gear that covers that territory.
 
BIGKAHUNA":2x0eabd4 said:
I play a lot of 80's metal, some classic rock stuff and thats probably where this would fit in for my collection. I attempt to play other more modern stuff but I have other gear that covers that territory.

I would go with either the Hammond or Metro transformers in that case :yes:
 
The earlier 90s SLPs without the loops have ok trannies, the newer ones are harsh and poor quality imo.
 
donbarzini":21t9svnu said:
I would have to say out of all the Marshall flavored amps I have owned, the Mercury leans towards the modern side, I prefer Heyboer for vintage Marshall tone. I have Merren transformers in my new amp build that should be finished soon so I can't comment on those as of yet.

Let me know how the Merren transformers sound, when you get your new amp :)

I agree, the Mercury are better for a bit more modern grind in the tone.
 
FWIW, Zach (TitanAmps/Knucklefux) did a blind transformer shootout, and the MM trannies didn't fare any better than lower-priced options.

I preferred the Heyboer iron myself - it was smoother and less bright.
I think that might b what you're looking for.
 
I have a slp59 reissue that was modded by Scott Splawn.. He upgraded it with the MMT.. I don't know much , but that amp is one of my all time favorites..
 
Digital Jams":pog4lx55 said:
The earlier 90s SLPs without the loops have ok trannies, the newer ones are harsh and poor quality imo.
Yep. I went through the trouble of putting a MM in my '93 and it was a waste of time. Couldn't hear a difference at all, just a tiny bit more spongy feel.
 
Sixtonoize":iwo0gjdp said:
FWIW, Zach (TitanAmps/Knucklefux) did a blind transformer shootout, and the MM trannies didn't fare any better than lower-priced options.

I preferred the Heyboer iron myself - it was smoother and less bright.
I think that might b what you're looking for.

That is because the asshats that voted don't know good tone for shit. Quite frankly the MM was obviously warmer and thicker.. did not have as much midscoop as HCAF wanted.. so yeah. That whole thing was stupid. If you posted the same clips here I would wager that the outcome would be totally different.
 
Did a little transformer shootout awhile ago- my fav is the Heybor 1967 Dagnall clone, which I believe is the one George at Metro had them do. It sounded best to me, over another Heybor, a couple Mercurys, and the Hammond- but the Hammond sounds great too and is a fine inexpensive option.
 
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