Marshall Origin 20W Combo Tube Amplifier Review

With its minimalist features, does the Marshall Origin 20W Combo tick all the right boxes for a killer amp – and a great value? Maybe less IS more… Find out in our expert review!

We certainly hope you find this article helpful. Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Marshall Origin 20W Combo Review: Classic English Tube Tone – Without The Half Stack!

Marshall ORI20C Origin 1×10″ 20-watt Tube Combo Amp

Origin 20W Combo at a glance:

Marshall Continues to Make Killer Combo Amps

For most guitar players, the company Marshall is only known for creating half stack or full monstrosities.

We’ve all seen the armada of amp cabs behind Lemmy, Jimi Hendrix, and Billie Joe Armstrong.

But did you know they actually make combo amps as well? Not just that, but they make iconic combo amplifiers like the famed Bluesbreaker with 2×12 speakers.

This Origin combo amp isn’t packing quite that much muscle into its frame, but is still impressive nonetheless.

Marshall has put together an affordable, compact all-valve amplifier that will get many players the Marshall tone they dreamed of at a cheaper price.

Not to mention it is much easier to fit one of these in a bed room than a half stack! With 20 watts of classic tones and looks, it is hard to beat the Marshall Origin 20W.

Digging Deeper Into This Marshall Origin

What Marshall has created here is a wonderfully versatile little tube amp that can take external effects pedals. It is not a modelling amplifier as it has no built-in effects.

Instead, it prioritizes tone shaping through an EQ section with a unique “tilt” control. Better yet, the switchable power options make it easier to crank this combo amp into overdriven territory without breaking any glass windows around you.

It’s a modern take on the classic Marshall sound for sure, built with effects pedals and tone junkies in mind.

Origin 1×10″ 20-watt Tube Combo Key Points:

What are Marshall Origin Owners Saying? >>

Who’s The Marshall Origin 20W Combo Meant For?

This amplifier would suit any beginner or pro player equally well, thanks to the high quality tube tone.

For beginners, it would be affordable enough to consider while still being loud enough to potentially use in your first few gigs.

Likewise, the ability to lower the power makes it an appealing practice amplifier too, meaning you can lower the wattage when practicing inside.

On the other hand, the FX loop and dedicated EQ controls make this a fun option for pedal happy guitar veterans.

Run your effects in, dial in the right flavor of British Invasion for you, and you are off to the races with a really fun amp.

You can record with it, practice with it, or mic it up for bigger gigs.

While it may lack built-in effects that attract some beginners, this is a do-it-all amp in a lot of senses.

What Comes In The Marshall Box?

Unlike many of the amps in this price point, the Marshall Origin 20W Combo is light on extras.

There is no digital interface for downloading patches, or recording your first attempts at song writing. It’s a straightforward all tube combo amplifier that provides quality over quantity.

In other words, when you unbox your new Marshall Origin 20W Combo Amp, that should be all that is in the box!

Marshall Origin Combo Amp Features

There are a lot of fun features to unpack here, especially when you consider the price.

First off, this Marshall really sticks out to me because of the switchable power options.

You can toggle between low, mid, and high power outputs, meaning your amp can get quieter for practicing without losing any tone quality.

f you want to crank some warm tube overdrive, just toggle down to low power and dime the master volume and gain knobs.

The built-in FX loop is incredibly useful for more experienced players with a full pedal board as well.

Last but not least, there is a fairly diverse EQ panel for a small combo amp, with their unique tilt control.

This tilt control lets you blend bright amp tones with more traditional Marshall amp tones.

In addition to the middle, bass, treble, presence, and master volume controls, you can even roll on more chime than expected.

• FX loop built-in
• Diverse EQ controls with tilt knob
• 20 watts is small gig ready
• Power controls to lower volume
• All tube combo amp
• Affordable price for the quality

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Origin 20W Guitar Amp

The Marshall Origin 20W Combo Amp is very easy to understand and use out of the box.

With no extras, accessories, or digital patches to download you can just plug in and play.

For beginners, they may be upset that there aren’t built-in effects, but you will get a premium guitar tone that most of your peers won’t have.

Consider saving up, adding some pedals, then you’ll really be enjoy this tube combo to the full extent! Check out this killer demo below for more.

Alternatives to the Marshall Origin Amp

Final Thoughts: Is The Origin Amp The Most Underrated Marshall Combo?

The Marshall Origin 20W Combo is a phenomenal little amplifier that brings a legacy sound down to an accessible price.

It may be a bit plain for beginners in the sense that there aren’t any effects or amp voicings built in. But on the other hand, it will give beginners a much better guitar tone than any of the competition listed above.

For long time players this is a great value, letting you add a Marshall to your quiver that will take effect pedals really well. It’s loud enough to play small gigs but can be mic’d up for bigger shows.

At the end of the day, this amp grades out significantly higher than others because of that British tube tone.

You can’t fake it, and Marshall captured it wonderfully here.

Check Marshall Origin 20-watt Tube Amp Availability! >>