Marshall 1987X "plexi" Reissue

This is a 1987x plexi reissue i bought a month or so ago. made in 1987, i'm told, but i haven't ripped it apart yet in an attempt to date it, nor have i had it worked on yet by anyone who could verify. two non-switchable channels, no effects loop, six knobs total, who cares? simplify, simplify... 50 LOUD watts, two 5881 power tubes i think, three 12ax7 (actually, the english equivilent, but i can't remember what they're called) it was modded before i got it to provide a quarter-inch direct-out on the back panel. it has a polarity switch, power switch and standby switch. four inputs, two each for the "dark" and "bright" channels on this amp. no master volume, but volume knobs for each channel, three-band eq, and presence. not much to it overall, but what it lacks in features... well, you know where i'm going with that...

i play this amp with a 2001 american series telecaster through my 1x12 genz-benz cabinet with a 100w eminence (read, fender) speaker. i also play it occasionally through my guitarist's 1960a angle-back with 75w celestions. the genz-benz can switch between open- and closed-back, but i play it open. these configurations have given me an education on cabinets and speaker types, let me tell ya. the head sounds slightly different through each, but incredible nonetheless in their own ways. the 1x12 gives the head a touch more "air," a bit more ambience, while the 4x12, well, that sucka just has balls. i run the tele through a tuner, a vintage small stone, a DS-1, into a crybaby, into the "I" input on the amp's bright channel. then i link the channels with a cord connecting the bright channel's "II" input into the dark channel's "I" input. this allows one to blend bright and dark channels, a nifty way to vary your tone. i usually set the bright volume at about 15% of whatever level the dark channel volume is set at, giving a bit of AC30-ish top boost. this gives bright, fenderish, chimey, bell-tones until the speakers start to break up, usually at about 4-5 volume on the 4x12, 3-4 on the 1x12. in either case, that's very loud ? the loudest 50 watts i've ever heard, especially through 1960a. the natural overdrive is warm and articulate, not especially crunchy. a great blues, classic rock sound. i've been able to overdrive this amp like that a few times, hella loud. i have not tried it with an attenuator, but that's a distinct possibility. bottom line: simple controls, awesome tone.

too early to tell yet. i've played maybe eight hours total on the tubes that came with the amp ? not much time since i play bass with me band and all... it's done some funky things though. when i first got it, the volume would fade out briefly, and come swelling back in after i rested it for a moment. a local dealer heard this happen and immediately pulled it apart to inspect the tubes... no idea what they were, but they had the english designations on them (ECC83's??? i think) maybe they're the original, 15-year-old tubes. the volume swells disappeared after a week or so, and haven't occurred again. i plan to get it retubed soon, just to be safe, and who knows what will happen to its tone then. this is my first tube amp, and i'm still getting my head around the concept. oh yeah, when i switch it on from standby mode, it occasionally makes an intermitent popping noise for the first minute or so it's on. been totally reliable otherwise, but i don't gig with it, or move it much. i'm hoping these weird phenomena will disappear once i retube it. but bottom line: it's elderly, it's a tube amp, shit happens, i'm told...

never dealt with them... local dealers are helpful... have no idea about the warranty...

i've been playing guitar for 10 or 12 years now, off and on... always had imported telecasters until my latest, and never had a "real" amp before. i'm pleased as all hell with it, but someone who can distinguish variations within marshalls, etc., of this type and vintage might be more critical. i'm a rhythm player, not many lead chops, but lots of chords, theory background, etc. this rig cuts, but does not irritate and its really to control, despite its power. i love its tone, and have not yet found much to gripe about, other than the fact that i need to find a band that needs a guitarist. the guys in my band are tired of me pushing for another bassist, heh... the few times my guitarist and i have switched instruments just for giggles, it's been a blast. he's blown away by my rig, and has used this amp for rehearsals, etc... awesome, i love it, but maybe the honeymoon continues, ya know?

I bought the head brand new from Guitar Center. Basic features 4 high/low input, treble, bass, presence,etc. No effects loop or channel switching stuff, I would'nt use anyway.

This is the sound that i've always craved. It sounds so warm and ballsy. I run a fender strat>uni-vibe>vox wah>ibannez tube screamer>fuzz face>octavia>delay>a/b box.I play Classic rock and Texas Blues so, it fits my style perfectly.When this thing is cranked you can get jimi hendrix,Doyle Bramhall II,and Led Zep sounds.My band rehearsed last weekend and everyone was really happy with this thing. I have the 1960TV cabinet that has the 25 watt Greenbacks in it and it sounds orgasmic.

I havent had any problems yet but, its only been three weeks. I feel really good about the quality on this Marshall. As long as I take care of it I, dont think I'll have any problems.

I havent had to deal with Marshall but, it does have a 5 year warranty so, that makes me feel pretty good.

I love this thing because I, dont have to tweek the damn thing all of the time like most amps. You just plug it in and instant TONE!!! I have been playing for 17 years and I can honestly say that this is the best amp that I have ever plugged into

Its got six knobs (well actually mines now got seven), 4 inputs and is about a simple as you can get. Originaly this amp came with 5881 tubes as did all UK Marshalls for a short time, however I've now changed the grid bias resistors and replaced them with EL34's. I've done countless gigs and studio sessions with this amp and it's never once let me down, or run out of power. I've owned 100W versions and my opinion the 50's are way loud enough (and they are smaller).

Guitar wise I'm using a Fender 52 re-issue tele, a Fender Strat fitted with Fender custom shop Fat 50's pickups (which are awesome)and an 80's Kramer Pacer. All the guitars sound fantastic with this amp. The Strat sounds like a Strat the Tele like a Tele etc etc.
I'm using a straight 4X12 marshall cab fitted with celestion vintage 30's which seem to complement this amp really well.
As I have said, this amp originally came with 5881'output tubes fitted. I've replaced them with EL34's but it's really hard to know what sounds best. I know some of you probably won't believe what your'e hearing (Marshalls should always come with EL34's) but it's true. With the 5881's the tone is sort of Fender like (this amp after all is very similar to a fender bassman which was fitted with 5881's) but with a little more grind when the volume is maxed out. I'm gonna stick with the EL34's for now because they break up a little easier which suits my style a little better but it would be nice to swich between the two.
This amp gets real loud quickly! It goes from quiet to OMIGOD kill the first three rows of the audience with a minor volume change. It stays clean up until around 4 then start's to clip gradually until you get into that classic AC/DC,Blackmore,Page etc sound. What do you expect they probably recorded it with a superlead!!
What a clean sound! Chords have a bell like chime with clarity and bottom end. The distortion is just magnificent.
I've modded my amp by adding a master volume pot. It's a real easy mod and I use one of the inputs for the volume knob so it can added/removed without cosmetic damage. when the Master volume is on full the amp operates exactly as it did before and it doesn't change the tone of the amp. The amp is a much more versatile now than it was before. I link the two channels together and plug in though channel 1. It's now possible to blend the inputs and keep the volume at a reasonable levels. By linking the channels and changing the amount of drive to the output tubes you can get a really complexed tone from the amp. Sort of like playing through two amps. Effects wise I'm using a vintage RAT, Boss OD1 and a Marshall Bluesbreaker II which I reckon was made for this amp. Set the gain on the High treble around 6 and the Normal around 4 and hit the bluesbreaker pedal. WOW! I've owned all sorts of great amps/racks but this is seriously the best tone I've ever had. and yet it's so simple!

Never once let me down.

I contacted Marshall previously and found them to be very helpfull

I've been playing for the best part of 15 years now and I actually had an original 1987 when I started playing, but being young and foolish I didn't know what I had and spent many years buying new gear Racks etc. I've also got a Line6 2X12 combo which is cool but I only use it in the house cos although versatile, it just doesn't compete with the real deal.

Sure there's no effects loop or reverb or tremolo or channel switching mumbo jumbo, but when I was looking for a new amp head, I went for sound quality . . . and that's what this baby has. All you have to do is have good tubes and with the right biasing this amp smokes! 2 channels, 4 inputs (2 per channel) and the standard four eq knobs found on most Marshalls . . . that's all I need.

If you want an amp for the bedroom, then get a small combo. Unlike the person below, I use and need the volume that this head can produce. To bash a product cause it's too LOUD is ridiculous, that's why you really do have to take alot of these reviews (on all the products) with a grain of salt. A super tone can be had out of this amp, at basically any volume. It gives a very nice "clean" sound on channel one with the volume knob at no more that about "2", and the most amazing overdrive from 6 to 10. Channel two is much darker, but still very usable for blues or jazz tones, but also gets very overdriven at higher settings . . . above say 5. Connecting the two channels together gives you the best of both worlds, and really lets you take advantage of what this amp can do. I also use a couple of pedals, a Fulldrive 2 and an Ultimate Octave to help give me more sounds, and that's why I don't need crappy channel switching, that has never sounded seamless no matter which amp I have used (and I've played on many an amp, from going to various rehearsal studio's with my band over the past 3 yrs). I now bring my head to rehearsals, and obviously my head and cabinet (loaded with "greenbacks") to gigs. I absolutely love this amp.

I haven't had it long enough to judge how this particular amp will handle the long term, but I have had other Marshall products (including an 800 series 100 watt amp I'd had for 11 yrs) and I'm sure this will be just as reliable.

Never dealt with Marshall, or it's distributers.

Out of all the amps I've had the opportunity to play at "band" volumes, this one is the most exciting. If you're looking for a bedroom or home amp, don't let the 50 watt rating fool you (this was made to be played loud, in a band application), you should definitely look at something else. The tone that comes out of this thing when pushed is unreal, for the price (even the new price) this is a fantastic value, a true rock'n'roll/blues rock amp . . . if you're looking for a metal amp look elsewhere, cause this is pure unadulterated tone . . . just the way I like it.

Basic features and not very versatile. There are 4 inputs, but really only 2 different ones. Channel inputs 1&2 are WAY too treble bound, and channel 3&4 are way too dark w/ humbuckers. Single coils are good for this channel however. Jumping channels is fun only if you have a power brake or are playing clubs or something. Gets ridiculous.

Although this is a pretty toneful amp, it is nothing like the other gear I own, and another thing is, unless you are playing huge arenas and outside stadiums, you dont need this amp. it would be pointless. YOu cant record it, or attenuate it. it's just too loud for anything but live playing. I dont find anything velvet or glassy about it either, like people have said about these amps. It was pretty much standard blues tones, such as british sounds etc. Maybe a little bit smoother. I was not impressed, i'd take my Cruise mq4 over this anytime of channel 2 vintage gain.

Owned it for a few weeks and returned.

The best sound out of this amp is putting all volumes on 10 and jumping channels. I could only stomach to do this 1x, and although it sounded good, you couldnt really tell much about it because it shook everything in the room around. It is way too loud and powerful. I wanted something to get a nice glassy sound, but this was definatly not it. marshall amps remind me of sandpaper. Their cabs are another story though. i kept my 4x12, it rocks.

Features... IF you want a bunch of garbage on your amp don't get this one. All it has is 4 inputs, bass, mid, treble, presence. No channel switching, no effects loop.

Now here is the catagory where this head kicks! TONE< TONE< TONE!!!
That is what this amp will give you. I waisted years with combos when all I really needed is this amp. It is loud! 50 watts that would make othe 100 watt amps cry. I play blues and classic rock and this amp fits the bill. I play it through a 1960AX cabinet that has the greenback speakers and I think this helps. This is the first amp that I have plugged into and thought "That's it" When you fire it up you can hear the gain ready to rip of your face. It's not super quiet but it's not bad. The presence control makes a swishing sound when rotated, but after trying out several of these amps I found this to be normal (just thought you should know this). Settings work best if you set: presence 3, treble 3, mid 4, bass 4-5. Of course you have to link the high and low inputs together with a small cable to get the best of both channels.

The first one that was shipped to me had a loud buzz in it, still sounded great only with a lot of noise. I know that a lot of Marshalls seem to have bad solder joints (cold solder) The second one was perfect. the guys at L & M Music in Chattanooga were great about sending a new one out quickly. I do gig without backup, I just keep tubes and fuses for backup.

I haven't dealt with Marshall a lot but the one time I contacted them on a previous amp they were very quick to respond by email.

I have been playing for 20+ years and have owned a ton of amps and this is my favorite. I have had several Marshall amps including a JCM 800 head but it didn't even come close to this one. I beleive that master volumes on amps really effect you tone in a negative manner. I know it is a usefull feature but you can get by wqithout it. I use a Fulltone Fulldrive for added overdrive. This amp has overdrive of it's own that is totally (that's Tone-ally) awesome. You can feel this amp beat on your chest when playing at high volumes. This is the frist amp that I have had that I can say I "feel" it. Does it comnpete with boutique amps? I don't know but I like it.

This amp does not have many features, but it does have the most important feature... tone!! The amp is very versatile. Even without all the features of the POS channel switching amps, I can get any sound I need using only my guitar and a Tube Screamer. Clean sounds can be obtained by backing off on the guitar volume, crunch sounds can be obtained by setting guitar volume all the way up, and high gain sounds can be obtained by kicking in the Tube Screamer and goosing the front end of the amp.

This amp sound incredible with any guitar/pickup combination. I play mostly modern and classic rock. I wouldn't recommend this amp for country or jazz, but it would probably work ok for either at lower settings. This amp crunches like a mother!!! Think AC/DC.

Never any problems, but I'm an amp tech and keep it in top shape with regular maintenance.

Korg USA is easy to deal with.

I love this amp. It sounds just like a real Marshall should, not like one of those piece of crap JCM-2000's Marshall is making now. If you're into the Peavey/Crate sound but want the Marshall look, get yourself a JCM-2000. But if you want pure unadulterated Marshall tone, get a Plexi reissue.

Very simple 50w head, just the way I like it. Presence, tone, mid, low, and 2 volume knobs for hi/lo channels.

I play mainly Gibson guitars (ES335,'68 SG JR,SG Supreme) but also a japanese 70s Epiphone Crestwood and a Fender Rosewood Telecaster (the 90s japanese reissue). I play blues, rock & punk stuff. I like the fat Marshall sound and this is the best Marshall ever in my opinion. Better then the JCM800. Forget about the 900 series and the new Marshall amps...you can't get a better sounding Marshall than this one.
This amp is pretty LOUD for being a 50w head. I use it with a Marshall 1960TV Cabinet (Greenbacks Celestions) and I love it.
Also, I like the 50w heads better than 100w heads, because you can crank 'em to 10 without becoming DEAF !
The clean sound is amazing...turn it up and you get a very rich and full overdriven sound.
Both Gibson and Fender guitars sound fantastic with this amp.
P90 pickups, which are my favourites, sound absolutely GREAT.
The amp is a bit noisy, but no big deal.
This amp is perfect for Hard Rock, Blues, Punk and also old school metal.
Stay away from this amp if you want a stupid NU METAL sound...get a MESA instead (which cost twice as much and sound shitty compared to the plexi...)

Never had a problem. Chenged the tubes once.

This is my favourite amp. If stolen, I'd surely buy it again.
As I said before, this amp is pretty loud but you can achieve that fantastic overdriven sound only when you crank it up. If you keep the volume down and use a distortion stomp-box, it will sound good, because it's a great amp, BUT it cannot be compared to the full, rich tone you get when you crank up the amp!
Play your guitar straight through this amp to get the best of it !!!!!
If you like the MARSHALL sound, get this amp.

what features not even a line out!

This is where this amp soars high! Great great great great tone!
I have yet to find an amp that can sound like this. It is super loud but you stop caring after hearing the superb tone. I use a telecaster deluxe. I found this amp sounds best NOT with celestion greenbacks or vintage 30s but with my Mesa Boogie 2x12 which has 75 watt celesitons. They dont break up as easily and arent as harsh and trebely sounding. With the 75 watt celestions it sounds really warm and well rounded. cleans up as nicely as a vox ac30!

i dunno

blah

damn good amp! not for the elderly!

I bought this head new earlier this year. As stated in prior reviews, this head does not have many features. An effects loop would be nice but is not essential especially since the natural tone is incredible.

I use this with a late 60's Strat and a 30th anniversary Les Paul. This head is used with a Marshall 1936 2 x 12 cabinet. I play mostly hard rock and blues with some jazz influence. Simply put, this amp has the best clean sound of any amp that I have ever played. Over the years I have owned several other Marshall amps and this is my favorite. The clean sounds from other Marshalls, especially the dual or triple channel models, just does not compare in my opinion. With a volume setting between one and two, this amp puts out a great clean and punchy sound. The volume "comes up" very fast as compared to other amps. You reach maximum volume right around a volume setting of between 2 and 4. Beyond that, the amp provides an awesome overdriven sound that is awesome for "glassy" lead tones. It is also great for crunchy sounding chords where each note of the chord really cuts through and can heard with great clarity. The tone is like a glassy overdriven tone that sounds very similar to Yngwie Malmsteen's or Eric Johnson's lead tone. Again, the tone is awesome and can really cut through without sounding muddy. This amp has two channels that you can plug into. One channel is somewhat bright sounding while the other is more flat and bassy sounding. Each channel has two inputs. Most people including myself "jump" both channels with a short cable and plug your guitar into either one of the channels. You will have to experiment but it does not take long to figure out your options. This is not a perfect amp for someone wishing to play modern metal music. Although you can alter somewhat the amp's distortion sound with pedals, most distortion pedals are noisy and shrill sounding and takes away from the great sound of the amp and guitar itself. I use a Fulltone overdrive pedal with this with great results. You will quickly find that you love this amp's tone and sound and may, as I do quite often, use no pedals with this since the natural sound is so incredible.

Like any tube amp, I alway have spare tubes on hand or another amp ready to go if a problem occurs. The simplicity of this amp, as compared with the dual and triple channel Marshalls, may lend to its reliability (less to go wrong!).

standard five year warranty as is normal with Marshall amps. Never had to deal with customer support yet.

I rate this a 9. Nothing is a 10 in my book. Quite simply, this is my favorite amp. I have been playing for over fifteen years and have owned many amps. This will be my main amp for live playing as well as used heavily for future recording. I originally was going to buy the JCM2000 DSL but got the 1987X primarily because the store clerk, who is familar with my tastes, steered me towards the 1987X. I'm glad he did that. The JCM2000 would be awesome but the 1987X simply has the best clean sound as well as an overdriven glassy lead tone of any amp I've tried. While it may not be the most versatile amp, you will quickly fall in love with it and forget about its lack of features.