Has Marshall Lost Its Rock Sound? Major IV vs Major V vs Milton A.N.C.
I’m curious whether other Marshall users have noticed the same thing.
For me, the disappointment started with the Major V and continued with the Milton A.N.C. My reference point is the Major IV, which I personally find much more satisfying when it comes to rock music.
My problem isn’t simply bass quantity. It’s the impact, punch, and character of the sound.
The kick drum doesn’t hit as hard. The snare lacks that sharp, physical crack. The bass guitar has lost its density and presence. Instead of a tight, energetic, organic rock sound, I hear deeper but softer bass that feels more processed and digitally polished.
In short, the sound feels closer to modern pop than to the raw energy I expect from Marshall.
Deep bass is not the same as punchy bass. You can have plenty of low frequencies and still lose the impact that makes drums and bass guitar exciting.
I know that the Milton A.N.C. offers modern features, ANC, and impressive battery life. But I bought into the Marshall sound, not just the design, logo, or feature list.
And if I need to spend time tweaking EQ settings just to get closer to the sound I enjoyed on an older model, I have to ask whether the original tuning is moving in the wrong direction.
I’m not claiming that everyone hears it the same way. This is my personal experience, and I’d genuinely like to hear other opinions.
Questions for owners:
- If you own both the Major IV and Major V, which one has the better drum impact and bass-guitar definition?
- Milton A.N.C. owners: do you find the bass punchy and tight, or deep but soft?
- Has anyone noticed a meaningful change in sound after a firmware update?
I’m interested in honest comparisons, including opinions that disagree with mine.
Marshall built its reputation on rock. Is that rock sound still there, or has the brand moved towards a more mainstream, lifestyle-oriented sound?
Let’s discuss. 🎸