Monomyth Skeleton Key

[Eazy-ESP]

I know nothing about this guy or these builds, but they are the probably the best sounding amps I see demos of. Like I have a curiosity for Wizards, but the demos really have never amazed me. Everytime I've watched the Skeleton Key it sounds amazing. I also like that it is a loose and fat sounding beast. I have "tight" covered already and am over that tone. I want what I hear in the SK demos.

How often are the builds done? Are they PCB or turret, etc.? Any complaints? I just want to know more basically.

 

[Smash]

I have played the skeleton key next to wizards and it held its own. They are both solid amps. I am sure they are pcb while wizards are turret.

I think both are bright, while the Monomyth doesnt seem to have the grating high end of some of the wizard models.

I see some skeleton keys listed used here for excellent prices, and I wouldn't hesitate to try one if I were you. Depending on what you have played, it will probably be the best amp you have ever played. Compared to his marshall mods, I feel like he came a lot further with the ground up build. While It isn't to my particular tastes compared to a few others, if it was the only amp I had, I would be very happy. It is a high gain beast. Reminds me very much of the ground zero Hellion.

One of the things I like about the one I played, which was the 50 watt single channel, is the simplicity of the front panel. It is very marshallesque and just like my current amp. Very easy to dial in

 

[Eazy-ESP]

I have played the skeleton key next to wizards and it held its own. They are both solid amps. I am sure they are pcb while wizards are turret.

I think both are bright, while the Monomyth doesnt seem to have the grating high end of some of the wizard models.

I see some skeleton keys listed used here for excellent prices, and I wouldn't hesitate to try one if I were you. Depending on what you have played, it will probably be the best amp you have ever played. Compared to his marshall mods, I feel like he came a lot further with the ground up build. While It isn't to my particular tastes compared to a few others, if it was the only amp I had, I would be very happy. It is a high gain beast. Reminds me very much of the ground zero Hellion.

One of the things I like about the one I played, which was the 50 watt single channel, is the simplicity of the front panel. It is very marshallesque and just like my current amp. Very easy to dial in

I'm in Australia, so can't buy from the classifieds here unfortunately. 240VAC, etc. But yeah, Wizards SEEM cool. I would probably start with an MTL. But I'm not 100% I would actually dig them. I'm kind of old school and new school. Like I think all I want is super hot rodded Marshall's. I get heavy, but I also grew up thinking Crue was the most cool and heavy sounding tones. I was even listening to Ugly Kid Joe recently remembering these were the tones that seem so tough to me. Before everything became "metal" and "modern" if that makes sense. Amps used to sound more exciting to me.

 

[Smash]

I would recommend MGL.
Mine is the best amp I have played

 

[MadAsAHatter]

I have a Skeleton Key, Rev 2A I believe. They are PCB builds, but are of top quality. It's a nice and thick PCB so no worries about it flexing or anything like that. Top quality components are used as well. Overall it's a very solid build and I have zero worries about anything breaking or longevity.

It's a great amp and has the quintessential hot-rodded JCM type of sound, but also is unique enough in the "Marshall inspired" market to stand out. This could be my only amp and I'd be happily content. Most videos usually show it off going into the hi input. I forget who suggested it, but plugging into the low input and hitting it with a boost nails a certain sweet spot for me.

From what I've seen, Shea usually produces them in small batches and takes preorders. I don't know how often he builds individual amps for people. And I also think he's been focused on the Unholy Grail more recently. So I don't know when a new batch of Skeleton Key's would be in the works. Just email him and ask. Shea is a good dude and usually quick to respond. He's also a member here so maybe he can chime in. @Monomyth

And since you're in Australia, Shea partners with Jason Tong of Headfirst from time to time. They get together and will do a small batch of Club Secret amps. You might be able to go through him to get a Skeleton Key.

If you're not able to get ahold of a Skeleton Key; like @Smash suggested, look into MGL. I haven't played one myself, but from the clips I've heard it's in a very similar realm.

 

[Eazy-ESP]

I would recommend MGL.
Mine is the best amp I have played

Ok. I'm going to look into them.

 

[Eazy-ESP]

I have a Skeleton Key, Rev 2A I believe. They are PCB builds, but are of top quality. It's a nice and thick PCB so no worries about it flexing or anything like that. Top quality components are used as well. Overall it's a very solid build and I have zero worries about anything breaking or longevity.

It's a great amp and has the quintessential hot-rodded JCM type of sound, but also is unique enough in the "Marshall inspired" market to stand out. This could be my only amp and I'd be happily content. Most videos usually show it off going into the hi input. I forget who suggested it, but plugging into the low input and hitting it with a boost nails a certain sweet spot for me.

From what I've seen, Shea usually produces them in small batches and takes preorders. I don't know how often he builds individual amps for people. And I also think he's been focused on the Unholy Grail more recently. So I don't know when a new batch of Skeleton Key's would be in the works. Just email him and ask. Shea is a good dude and usually quick to respond. He's also a member here so maybe he can chime in. @Monomyth

And since you're in Australia, Shea partners with Jason Tong of Headfirst from time to time. They get together and will do a small batch of Club Secret amps. You might be able to go through him to get a Skeleton Key.

If you're not able to get ahold of a Skeleton Key; like @Smash suggested, look into MGL. I haven't played one myself, but from the clips I've heard it's in a very similar realm.

Yep PCB not an issue as long as it is quality. The YT clips seem to always sound absolutely great. 50watts is enough?

 

[MadAsAHatter]

Yeah, 50 watts is enough to get loud.

 

[ners]

SK is my #1, but funnily enough I use it for medium gain with a telecaster. But even when I plug in humbuckers and crank the gain occasionally it breaths fire.

Low input is where its at, I think the high input just adds a clean boost at the front of the circuit. This thing 100% competes with my Wizards (both MCII and MTL), and frankly I think its better because its more Marshall-esque and doesn't grate my ears in a longer playing session.

 

[FourT6and2]

There's an original SK-modded Marshall for sale here in the classifieds

 

[RaceU4her]

My Origin 50 he did for me is awesome, would love to try a skeleton key

 

[stratjacket]

As MadHater stated, he is a member here and used to post regularly. You can probably shoot him a PM to ask questions. @Monomyth

 

[frontline205]

I owned the 3rd ever mad skeleton key and was the 2nd guy to make a video on one. They're some of the best modded Marshall's I ever played.

 

[OldGtrGuy]

My Origin 50 he did for me is awesome, would love to try a skeleton key

That amp is super nasty, wish I kept mine but 50w is definitely not always loud enough. That amp fell apart in the large room with a drummer. Probably would have been fine in a small room.

 

[Tone Monster]

Great amp. Nothing like Wizards IMO. Tons of gain and compression (if wanted). Mids sit perfectly. Big low end too. I enjoy it more than the CCV for "that sound".

 

[RaceU4her]

That amp is super nasty, wish I kept mine but 50w is definitely not always loud enough. That amp fell apart in the large room with a drummer. Probably would have been fine in a small room.

That’s been the story with every 50w head I’ve played in a band setting, just not quite enough for the scooped mid bullshit I tend to go for. Playing with a drummer that actually has dynamics would probably solve the problem, but it’s easier just to buy a 100w amp lol

 

[thegame]

for the scooped mid bullshit I tend to go for.

Respect

 

[Eazy-ESP]

SK is my #1, but funnily enough I use it for medium gain with a telecaster. But even when I plug in humbuckers and crank the gain occasionally it breaths fire.

Low input is where its at, I think the high input just adds a clean boost at the front of the circuit. This thing 100% competes with my Wizards (both MCII and MTL), and frankly I think its better because its more Marshall-esque and doesn't grate my ears in a longer playing session.

Yep. You just summed up perfectly what I was thinking based on my guesses from watching demos, but you have the real world experience. Thanks for the info.

 

[OldGtrGuy]

That’s been the story with every 50w head I’ve played in a band setting, just not quite enough for the scooped mid bullshit I tend to go for. Playing with a drummer that actually has dynamics would probably solve the problem, but it’s easier just to buy a 100w amp lol

100x easier

 

[Eazy-ESP]

There's an original SK-modded Marshall for sale here in the classifieds

I’m in Australia. I’ve seen you post a lot of technical knowledge. Question: why do most manufacturers hard wire transformers that are voltage specific? I know some (but very few) come with a selectable switch for 120/240V.

Is it expensive or tricky? All I can guess is people were accidentally blowing up there amps on wrong setting or they are looking out for local distributors by stopping us from buying straight from US.