Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which amp is right for me?
2. Where can I demo a Metropoulos amp?
3. What amps do you have “in stock”?
4. Once ordered, how long does it take to get my amp?
5. How do I order a Metropoulos amp?
6. What options and mods are available?
7. Can you re-create my favorite vintage Marshall?
8. How are these replicas different than the Metroamp kits? Why do the replicas cost more?
9. Can I buy all of the same parts you use for my build?
10. Can I get my Metropoulos plexi made with NOS “mustard” caps?
11. Does Metropoulos Amplification have an artist sponsorship/endorsement program?
12. Can I demo an amp at my gig in Michigan?
13. Can I get my Metropoulos amp with a Marshall logo?
1. Which amp is right for me?
Generally speaking, the earliest production original 1960’s Marshall amps sound very warm and organic, much like the 1959 Bassman that they were based on. From 1962 production onward, they become increasingly loud and aggressive amplifiers. Our re-creations accurately mimic these traits, ranging from the warmest and most organic 1965 era GPM 45, to the loudest and most aggressive 1968 era 12,000 Series.
When making a decision, consider your playing style and tonal goals. Think about how much volume you really can use and how you will deal with a non-master volume amp. Listen to the sound clips and note the guitars and amp settings listed as they compare to your own preferences.
2. Where can I demo a Metropoulos amp?
Our amplifiers are sold direct from our shop in Burton, Michigan. Demo amps are currently available for a test drive in Michigan, Nashville and Los Angeles. You can set up an appointment through the contact page. We also attend many of the popular guitar and amplifier trade shows where you can try one for yourself.
3. What amps do you have “in stock”?
All Metropoulos amps are built to order, one at a time. We don’t have amps pre-built or on the shelf.
4. Once ordered, how long does it take to get my amp?
Lead time for most amps is 4 weeks to ship. The 45/100 Block End lead time is approximately 8 weeks to ship due to the extra labor involved with hand machining and polishing the unique chassis.
5. How do I order a Metropoulos amp?
We are happy to take your order by phone or email. We require a $500 USD deposit (non-refundable) to begin construction. The balance is due upon shipment of the completed amplifier. You can also place your order through the MetroAmp online store. This requires payment in full upon checkout. We can accept checks, money order, credit card by phone or through the online store, and PayPal. If you use the down payment button to send a $500 down payment via Paypal, we will contact you for any details about your amp, assign you a serial number and create an invoice.
6. What options and mods are available?
While our mission is to build historically accurate replicas of vintage Marshall amps, some mods are non-destructive and practical enough to warrant making them available. For example, a master volume control can be installed at no extra charge. The Metroamp FX loop is an available option on 10,000 and 12,000 Series amps, for an additional charge of $150. We try to accommodate each player’s special requests and needs to the best of our ability, but we may refuse more invasive modifications like power scaling or additional tubes. We recommend using a Metroamp kit build as the platform for such variations.
7. Can you re-create my favorite vintage Marshall?
Absolutely! If you are willing to send your plexi in to the shop, we can take a full DNA sample and deliver a replica. This process takes longer than a typical build, especially if we need to build one-off, custom transformers and/or source specific NOS (New Old Stock) tubes and components to replicate your amp.
8. How are these replicas different than the Metroamp kits? Why do the replicas cost more?
While the Metroamp plexi kits are great reproductions of old Marshall amps that use the same transformers as our Plexi Replicas, they use all modern components and tubes.
The Plexi Replicas are historically correct designs based on painstaking research down to the aesthetic details of the chassis, and feature many exclusive NOS parts, era-correct parts and layout, and more aesthetically correct materials and parts. In many cases, unique parts are machined exclusively for use in Metropoulos Amplification plexi replicas, like the 45-100 chassis end blocks.
Each plexi replica is hand-built to order by George Metropoulos and features expert craftsmanship and lead dress, requiring at least 20 hours per build. Once assembled, your amplifier is loaded with tubes that are tested and matched in house, burned in for 24 hours under full load, and given a final tweak to perfection compared to vintage Marshalls. Our replica amplifiers feature a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser (90 days for tubes and speakers). We fully stand behind each one.
9. Can I buy all of the same parts you use for my build?
Not all of them. Some parts can be found Metroamp parts store. Some NOS items only come as part of our Plexi Replica builds, and are not available separately. Keep an eye on eBay and the member classified section of the Metroamp forum where certain parts do come up for sale.
10. Can I get my Metropoulos plexi made with NOS “mustard” caps?
Our small stash of NOS caps is reserved for vintage amp restorations and use in the 45/100 Limited Edition. But the supply will not last much longer. You are welcome to supply your own NOS caps for use in your plexi replica build. Fortunately, we have access to the SoZo Vintage line of signal caps, so you can save those old caps for restoring vintage amps.
11. Does Metropoulos Amplification have an artist sponsorship/endorsement program?
While our amps are built with every intention that they be owned and played by working professionals, we are too small and they are produced in too small quantity to be given away at no charge. In fact, all the artists on our roster page have paid for their amps, and many of them for multiple amps. Because we appreciate the value of high profile exposure and want to build lasting relationships we try to do everything in our power to get the amps into the hands of players who can utilize and appreciate them. This is best accomplished through personalized service, best in the business support and industry standard discount rates for nationally distributed, actively touring artists. If you fit this profile, please have your management inquire through the contact page.
12. Can I demo an amp at my gig in Michigan?
We try to make Metropoulos amplifiers available during sound check at all major south-east and mid-Michigan venues. Please contact us with dates and venues in advance, also which amps you’re interested in. We’ll do our best to accommodate.
13. Can I get my Metropoulos amp with a Marshall logo?
Absolutely not. I will never install a Marshall logo on my builds. Your only option would be to request we leave off the Metropoulos logo and buy a Marshall logo separately through the Metroamp.com store.