"Beautiful clean sounds... but that's not what you're here for!" You know, I have to say, Marshall cleans are some of my absolute favorites. I think they have so much personality and have a real body and spank to them that I just don't get from the Fender camp. Got into them from those early Pretenders records and what James Honeyman-Scott and Robbie McIntosh had going on. Love those OD sounds as well, but Marshalls are underrated for their clean sounds and I think you guys successfully demonstrated why that shouldn't be. Well done!
If you are an AC/DC cover band or something in the same category,..It is irrelevant. Pristine cleans are beautiful but sometimes are not needed. Everything I play has atleast a subtle amount of dirt on it. I think its beautiful as long as it has great note separation.
That’s how SRV used them. Usually. Marshalls for the cleans and Fenders for the higher gain. I’m sure the Dumble had something to do with how killer his tone was but….
I’m also a fan of the Marshall clean sound! Years ago I was playing both pedal steel and guitar through a 100-watt 1959SLP with surprisingly good results, albeit it with more efficient speakers. Not wanting to have to haul more than one amp I decided to take a shot at using the 1959 for pedal steel as well and both myself and my band mates were pleasantly surprised at how great it sounded. Totally unexpected. However, in the studio I still use vintage Fender amps for steel but in that live situation the Marshall was amazing for everything I played through it and it had headroom for days! At one point I was using a 50-watt 1987 in the studio for lap steel but it seemed to be in no man’s land because it was too loud for sessions and at the same time underpowered for live performance in my particular situation. A few weeks ago I acquired a reissue JTM45 to use on lap steel for recording and after substantial tweaking I’ve settled on a blend of using pedals combined with a slight amount of breakup from the amp itself. After trying a variety of speakers the Alnico Gold seems to pair best with the JTM45 so far.
It's a long story but I got my first Marshall 1987 in '71 when playing for Prog Rock band Tallis in London UK. I chanced on Ron Wood playing at a club where he had his jam band that he had so he could have a fun Blues band. He enjoyed playing small mainly obscure clubs where he hopefully would not have to deal with the celebrity thing. We had a long talk about his 50 watt Marshall. I wanted one but had no money so he arranged for me to get a mint used one on the cheap that he used in a studio. It is a long story but I paid for it and picked it up at the Selmer store.Twice I had to sell my 1987 but at 75 I think my now 3rd one will see me out. As for the old vs the new x model the difference is not a lot. The old one is just a bit more wooly and it has bit less bite. I can recommend either. As the guys mentioned you just need a little of the brite channel. Any Strat sounds great thru the amp but I really recommend if you use a guitar with Hummies you put in a Gibson 57 Classic.
Awesome, Paul. Ceriatone offers Plexi models with different power filtering options based on the year. The filtering changes made them more gainy and aggressive from the early 70s on. The cathode bypass cap value also affected the gain above a given freq. That and the transformers used make the all sound a bit different. The Dagnell transfomers in modern era Marshalls haven't had the dynamic depth of the vintage ones by other companies. Perhaps those in these RI's are more like the vintage ones?
One of the most interesting things you guys did, that you’ve never re-created, is you set a 45 to be used with petals for your guitarist magazine thing. Some of the coolest sounds that I ever heard with pedals were these unexpected combinations of mid pushing petals into a big Marshall. Would love to see you guys do that again.
They’re so completely different. They may have started out to copy a Bassman but they abandoned that idea very quickly. Originally because of part availability. There is very little that remains the same between the two. I’m not sure but I’d guess that the tone stack between a Bassman and a modern JTM45..I am actually interested to know what, if anything, remains the same between them. Anyone know?
@@shawnglass108 They have the same topology with slightly different part values. With the exception of the tubes (without a little bit of modification) they have interchangeable parts
Fantastic comparison! I own one of these 1987x reissues, which is actually a very versatile amp which delivers 100% dynamic and detailed tones, from "clean" to overdriven as long as you use a decent cabinet. For those who complain about it's agressivity: this is relativ. 1) In a band environment it's a total different picture. 2) You may use the lower inputs as well, which are way smother, cleaner and controllable in certain situations. Don't forget, you can use the jumper in any diagonal way! 3) You can use the tone pot on your guitar as well to smothen the sound. 4) Experiment with the speakers or try a different cab. Playing through these amps is so much fun though it needs time to find your sweetspots due to its versatility!
Watching Dan's expression at minute 34 is incredible! The sudden shift to the 1987 and the wincing face followed by his slowly getting giddy with ROCK! He looks like a superhero who just suddenly discovered his powers. Also looks like every pimply faced 15 year old who plugs into a loud amp in the garage for the first time. Amazing to see your childlike enthusiasm for this stuff is still very alive and kicking! Great show
My 8 year old nephew has just started guitar lessons and it’s the same face he pulled when I turned my amp up and let him play. He’s never heard or played amplified so to say he enjoyed it is an understatement. He immediately did a Pete Townsend windmill lol
I just want to say thank you guys. It's an absolute pleasure to watch high quality video and audio. We all know that 99% of youtube is just horrible clipped audio. Thanks for doing it right!! Round of applause
I'm having this huge psychic disconnect: when you talk about the differences, I say "oh yeah, give me the 1987x". But when I listen, my ears say "the JTM 45 is vastly superior."
I've plugged into a 1987x before. As a fan of high-gain amps like Bogners, Mesa MKVs and 5150s...the 1987 felt like I was plugging into a screaming thermonuclear device capable of killing any small creature within a 5 mile radius. It's such an empowering, joyous, hilarious feeling and everybody needs to do it at least once. Also, good GOD that SG again is the absolute show-stealer.
Never been much of a Marshall fan as most of their amps was a bit too fizzy for me. My journey "back" to Marshall started a couple of years ago when I bought Victory Sheriff 44 after hearing it on one of your shows. Just liked the way it sounded and still do - it's a kick-ass Marshally-amp without being way-too Marshally. JTM is a completely different beast. I treated myself to it roughly a year ago. Played it, did some due dilligence, checked some of your 1987X videos, heard you mention it more than a few times over the years, checked reviews from some other channels and decided to pull the plug. And the rest is history - it's a spectacularly good amp. Easy to get a fantastic clean sound and that Marshall OD. Works well with pedals, and any guitar I plug into it sounds fab without too much fiddling. And this comes from a Boogie fan - I like Mesa-type fiddling :) Don't care about the "old Marshalls are better" snobism - JTM45 is a kick-a%% good amp. And it's not crazy-expensive, which is a plus. 1987X is just a bit too-Marshally (brash) for me. Although that has its uses, of course :) This video is a perfect description why I like JTM45 so much - it has everything that it needs to have, and it's controllable and user friendly :-)
I had a JTM45 made for me recently in LA by one of the greats, and as much as I am a die hard Fender guy, this amp quickly shot up to my number one. The weight of the transients on the nearest edge of breakup are absolutely insane. Massive. I have never felt so connected to an amp when I play, it's quite something to behold.
@dwaynedelario I concur. While my daily driver is a Fender HRD III, my friend built me a JTM45 two years ago, and it's a brilliant sounding, percussive amp. I had mine built with a Metro Zero Loss effects loop. It loves a good fuzz in front of it, and it is stinking loud for 30 watts. It's a beautiful build for sure, and I smile whenever I plug into it. Funny it's just a Bassman with british parts, eh?
My number one amp is a 1962HW..It’s, of course, the combo version of a JTM45 with an added vibrato. It has the KT66 power tubes. The overdriven tones are definitely incredible but it is the clean tones that are truly unbelievable. Some of the best clean tones of any amp I’ve ever heard. Heavenly.
As someone who has built more than a few Marshall circuits, even I was astonished to suddenly one day realize that the Marshall was designed to deliver not raucous distortion, but a beautiful clean sound. We just happened to get really lucky that it works great for both.
Both great amps, but I’ll take the 1987 any day of the week. Why? It has something no other amp has (let’s call it “Marshallness”), whereas the JTM45 is… well, a beefed up Fender. Great playing gentlemen, thank you for that! 👍👏👏👏
Great video and great showcase how Marshalls thru the years are very different, but also still Marshalls. The JTM45 has couple of sweet spots that were just briliant. Gunned with reverb and Les Paul? Thats my dream Blues sound
Slight correction: the 5F6-A Bassman used a 12AY7 in V1, not a 12AT7. That 12AY7 was often swapped for a 12AX7, which increases the gain and sounds closer to a JTM 45. The reissue Bassman ships with a 12AX7 in V1.
An amp pairing video is a must. Marshall with matchless, ac30 with fender. Match made in heaven combination or combinations that most people wouldn't think of. Great Video!
This was a fun vid! I’ve got a Metro Amp kit JTM-45 and it breaks up as early as 2. Definitely a better choice for lower volume needs, I’m glad you have one now as it will probably sound better in your setup 👍🏻
Correction. The JTM45 has much more negative feedback then the bassman. Also if you increase the Bright channel it will make the Normal channel brighter because you’re starting to isolate the Albright channels mixer bypass cap from ground.
There is something extremely satisfying about Marshall tone, the way it crunches, cleans - for me a desert island amp would be some kind of Marshall for sure. I love all makes, but if I'm pressed to choose this would be a Marshall
Rewatched today. Such a treat this video. Dan‘s playing is phenomenal in this video. Around the 30 minute mark I hear strong Jeff Buckley style chords and sounds and when Dan grabs the SG Junior….outstanding, really. By the way…I’m about to get a JTM45 again in addition to my 1987x. There’s some magic in both that justifies having both 😉✌️🎸💯☮️
I have the 1987x with all effects in front, plugged into low normal, but jumped. With the bright channel barely on and normal around two-three. Amazing clean sound with headroom and works super with the broadcast and even with a RAT.
Wife: *climbs into bed and looks at me longingly* Me: “Not tonight sweetheart, Mick’s got his fingers in his ears in the thumbnail. Gotta see what this is about.”
When they jumped the two amps high and low channels, I definitely got some Zeppelin vibes. Using the tele helped with the vibe in some way? I know Page liked the tele so possibly these amps were used by Zeppelin in a similar config?
I am currently 34 years of age and only in past year or two experienced the “vintage Plexi” style Marshall tone. Growing up my experience with Marshall amps were the MG, valvestate, JCM 2000 DSL, TSL, JCM900 etc.. I must say all these amp are complete dog sh*t in comparison to an older Marshall style amp from the 60s/70s. I recently have owned a 1974X combo and a 1917 PA20 head. These amps have such presence and character they have got me hooked on that Plexi style tone 🤘🏽 I prefer the JTM45 in this vid but both sound great!
It'd be interesting to see you check out the two channels on a JCM800. I've been using the clean channel on the 20w and 100w ones, paired with something else and they're great with my pedals, especially a Colorsound Overdriver and an RC booster.
I rewatched the video now for the 3rd time. I own a handwired Linnemann M45 with KT66 and the clean tone of this thing takes your head of. There is so much more headroom than the JTM45 has. If someone ever gets the chance playing a Linnemann then go for it!
So, I have the hand wired JTM45 and there is definitely some cross over between the 2 channels. Running the volume 1 ( treble channel) with nothing plugged into Volume 2 there is some effect when the volume on 2 is blended in. Maybe something to do with it having tremolo? You can also get a very subtle tremolo when running both channels bridged. For my money , although it’s considered a classic match, the G12Ms aren’t my favourite speaker and I much prefer G12H speakers for firming up the bass plus a more balanced speaker. Also a great amp with V30s , firmer bass and more focus in mids and upper range - well worth a try.
Johan Segeborn did a demo years ago of the current vs old JTM45 Bluesbreaker. The old speakers were 95% of the difference if I remember correctly. I need to go watch it now. Loved this video!
I love this video..explains a lot of history between the two amps and their specs..but i really appreciate how you give the clean and volume to point break up a lot of playnwith different guitars..people always just turn marshalls way up in these vids vs really showcasing the dynamic ranges possible..love the zztop at end too
Not feeling it with the Plexi. Though I know it has it's place. I suspect it's a case of first thought, best thought, and the JTM is just a much more pleasing sounding amp. While the Plexi, it is just ... harsh. But then, I think at great volume, that's fun. But, I think we are in the days of amps being good because they sound good, rather than loudness being the most important thing. For live and loud, the Sovtek Mig 50 is a better compromise. It has the loudness and immediacy but isn't shrill like the Plexi, and has a bit more of the warmness of the JTM. You can't jumper it, but with a split pedal you can blend the channels, then it can get ever more Bassman / JTM 45 like.
Thanks so much for showing us all the different sounds of both amps. I think many guitar players will never get the chance to play and try those vintage amps. Most loved sound for me - Dan with the SG Junior playing over the JTM 45 and the DS 1. Man....what a fat but clear sound. Beats many modern High gain amps. But what about your ears, Dan? You don´t need to save them like Mick? Greetings from Bavaria Wolfgang
I've played a JTM45 Reissue from the early 90s for many years. I loved this amp, but it bothered me that it couldn't give me some of the Plexi tone features I always heard when listening to Jimi for example. The 1987x cured this and closed the gap for me.
When you do the Bassman vs JTM 45, make sure you try both through the same cab, and also with the v1 swapped to the same 12AY7. Very similar at that point. Speaker speaker speaker.
Very cool, I have a 1987x from the 1990's that has been a wonderful amplifier, I highly recommend as it has forever changed my playing for the better. Great content, Thank You
Get the namedrop horn out... I used to play at a jam night run by Terry Marshall. Yes that Terry as in the JTM45 Terry. He told some great rock 'n' roll tales of hanging out with Jimi and Yngwie. Terry also plays a mean sax. I have tried to love a SV20 Plexi but I just don't have the patience to dial it in... Perhaps the JTM45 is more my style.
I am thrilled to see this episode on TPS! I have been a fan of your show for years. And I love pedals and how much I have learned from you about them. I hope you will include these amplifiers in more or your pedal demos. There are a great number of people who love these Marshall amps. Your expertise with pedals that sound great with these two different Marshall amps will be a valuable insight for TPS fans Thank you for this video!
ok for me, i know the 1987x has more volume and more balls, but that comes with more feedback and harshness, the tone of the JTM 45 to my ears sounds better, i know its not as loud but the tone is just richer warmer and less harsh than the 1987x, that being said im not a guitar player that will be playing on stages and stadiums, i play a gibson SG standard and i would be playing with my schaffer replica ON all the time which will push it into the happy place i would be mostly playing at home and maybe smaller venue gigs, so if i had the choice to own one of these amazing amps then my heart and my head tells me to go with the JTM 45, it would be more than loud enough for what i want and the fact that it reaches breakup point earlier and at a lower volume than the 1987x that is a good thing for me, id rather play through the amp and have the valves hotter and working harder to get the tone happening, the 1987x i would be playing with the valves not being pushed hard and its already loud enough, so theres my choice the JTM 45 with my schaffer replica and gibson SG standard thats going to be a killer tone.
currently my amp is a JCM 2000 dual super lead 50 watt made in england model from 1999 the first ones that were made (not the newer DSL made in korea model) my cab is a 1986 JCM 800 4x12 with the original old speakers still in it, while this amp is not in the same league as the JTM 45 it still gives me really good tone especially through the old JCM800 cab it sounds great. absolutely no issues with this amp at all and it was affordable for me, if budget wasnt a problem then i would go for the old JTM50 black flag model, if that wasnt possible then i go for a old JTM45.
That's why i have both too, amazing amps. The 45 is such an inspiring amp Only one suggestion for higher volume settings the eq must be changed due to the less effect of the brighi cap...so more treble circui then normal channel and less bass...also more presence for heavier tones In this context and set like this also the jtm could generate amazing rock sounds
@@francesco0185 volume wise 1987 much louder, but jtm 45 is already loud for 80% of the guitarist around! With pedals i would suggest the jtm without any doubt! Unless you play really heavy stuff only
Ok so what about the tweed amps now like the deluxe, bassmen and the twin. You guys haven’t shown much love for the tweed amps. Love the video’s hope your see this and get inspired to make one for the tweed amps.
Fantastic video, gents! Extremely interesting re: the 1987x! I owned a '60's JTM45 for a while and it was probably the best amp I have ever owned, despite some of the internals not being original! It still sound EXTREMELY CREAMY! Could you possibly do a video on the JTM45 as predominantly a pedal platform, and then maybe get Luke Caley (from Press to MECO) in to chat about his JTM45 and how he uses it as a pedal platform? Looking forward to many more vids about these two brilliant amps! Thanks chaps! 😀
As someone who's played professionally for 40 years you'd think I'd know this but I never had a Marshall and I always wondered what the real difference was. People were thinking it was all gain and no headroom. You guys always cut through the myth and common belief and I KNEW you would teach me the difference FINALLY. I was gonna get a Wangs 2204 now I'm not so sure. Great show once again. Thanks from Ga USA!
I feel weird telling this to someone who has played professionally for 40 years as I have played for only a paltry 12 But if you can find a DSL40CR with the Celestion Creamback, it’s one of the best, reasonably priced clean tones of a tube amp I’ve heard. There’s like four gainier channels on it and I’ve never used anything other than the clean, it’s that good.
Marshall really doesn't get the credit they deserve when it comes to clean sounds. And take it from a fellow Georgian, you've got to own at least one Marshall in your lifetime!
@@severebash9153 People love to bash the DSL15, but it's clean channel sounds fucking beautiful when cranked. It may not be all the way to a plexi, but I think it sounds incredible with a greenback, or a g12t75 for a little extra top end sizzle.
The reverb into the cranked jtm45 actually reminded me of the blues breakers album. Didn't they have to just use the room mics because clapton was playing so loud?
According to some people we know who know, he requested they move the mic away from the amp, and cranked it. Hard to imagine the strictness with which things were done on the technician side in those days. Used to be that at Abbey Road anyway the artists would come in the back door and the technicians in the front! Anyhoo, I’ve often wondered - Mick here - if it wasn’t actually just necessary to move the mic away because of the volume and the level of the signal into the desk. Either way, break the rules, history is made!
Great video gents! For a real treat, I suggest you try plugging into both top inputs using a Y-cable rather than jumpering, like Duane Allman and Eric Johnson. One must then rethink the amp settings as compared to jumpering. But it sounds heavenly, especially without the bright cap. I find that bright caps have a huge effect on plexi tone, even at very high volume settings. I know the conventional wisdom is that bright caps have almost no effect once you turn up the volume controls. My personal experiments show otherwise. I have a custom made plexi with a 3 way bright cap switch: two flavors of bright caps and total bypass in the center. I can say from experience, even with the volumes near 9, switching in a bright cap really transforms the plexi tone. It increases gain but it adds those shrill ice pick highs. So even cranked, taking out the bright cap profoundly tames the ear-piercing highs in a plexi.
I had a JMP 50 MKII small box for about 12 years between 1984 and 1996, but I'm pretty sure it was stamped 1969 not 1987 (it wasn't the 100w big brother). Could that be the year of manufacture? Also, I could mix a little bit of each of the two channels without actually jumping them with a patch cable! Faulty? Maybe. But it sounded fantastic.
@@ThatPedalShow Thanks for replying. I wish I had photos of it. To be honest, it might have been stamped 1959 not 1969, but it definitely wasn't the big 100 watter, and definitely didn't have 1986 or 1987 anywhere. Some sort of prototype that made it out into the wild maybe? I'll probably never know exactly what it was now. And it doesn't matter. I hope it's still in use somewhere. Thanks anyway 👍. Great video 😁
Different output tubes, different filtering, different rectifier, different transformers, bass vs lead spec preamp, different primary impedance, etc. - very different amps and sounds.
My first non practice amp was a Marshall MG100*** head that I had on a 4x4 ampeg cab. That thing was fun. This was circa 2005? two years later I sold it for a Hot Rod Deluxe that was in fantastic condition for a lovely price of $400.
Great video, excellent job, guys. just one thing; the 5881 is a LOWER power 6L6, even smaller in size. The modern 6L6 was developed from requests by Fender for a bigger cleaner tube, capable of higher voltages also allowing diode rectifiers. When they ran out in the early 90's the 5881 was all we had, we quickly found that our fenders and Boogies from the 70s and 80s ate them up really quick. Thanks for not ignoring the clean sounds. If an amp doesn't have a nice clean sound I can't respect it too much. To me, unlike the 45 or Bassman, you have to use both channels on the 1987 and 1959 otherwise they sound like crap. The 45 and BM sound great on any input but the others, jumpered are fantastic, just different, maybe more "Marshally" to the ears of some. I may actually ditch my 1978 in favor of a JTM. Also, Townshend used a tweed 3x10 Bandmaster and a Gretsch on Who's Next, probably hadn't used a Marshall in years..
Thought I would maybe prefer the JTM in this one but preferred the Plexi. I thought the Les Paul into it when the Tele was clean was such a great tone. Well done. I am always reminded that the jangly intro on INXS "Need You Tonight" is a Marshall. They do sound glorious cranked up though. Thank you for all you do.
When Mick speculates on pushing the gain too far on the jtm45 I think it's worth noting that the controls on the guitar would almost never have been flat out. Only for the highest dynamic peaks.
Please, have a review/discussion about the 2266 Vintage Modern compared to these amps. Marshall made one of the best amps ever and I don't know why they stop making them. 2266 is supposed to be next next level of JTM45/1987X with a touch of JCM flauvor. Cheers,
Thank you for your comparison. Both amplifiers sound sensationell. Probably it´s the music-style that decides which amp will be chosen, but my information has always been that the model 1987 has the real Marshall sound. Just a few days ago Marshall has released the JTM 20 which they for sure will sell like Hot Dogs and in comparison to the JTM 45 it has a effect way...
I have builds of both (actually JTM50 with tube rec) and your right, not much headroom on the 87X, especially with meaty humbuckers. It gives classic overdrive at around 4 or 5. They are so different, the Tele is great through the Lead with bass all the way up.
Awesome video! I had a 1962 Bluesbreaker 2x12 reissue for years that I loved but just became too heavy to lug around to gigs. Years later, I've now picked up a Studio Vintage 20W Head and 1x12 Greenback cab, which I've put KT66s in (the amp is Cathode biased) and it's a lovely half-way house between my old Bluesbreaker and the original 'Plexi' stock tone.
Best video lately, reminds me why I started watching That Pedal Show. Good old fashioned knob turning and going into detail with classic gear. Great watch.
I can only imagine how well the Revv G3 pairs with your JTM. I'm guessing it gets it in the 80's hard rock/metal sound... like George Lynch, John Norum sound.... cheers.
Don't forget Jimi's Marshalls were JTM 45/100's that got modded many times over his career. They had many aspects of the 1959 by the end. I think he always stuck with KT66 tubes though.
I know you've warned us for years that things on YT etc don't sound like they really do but I'm surprised by how much I'm loving the 1987x today. I think I had never heard it and the JTM45 sort of side by side and it's rather wonderful!
I love the bright channel on its own, but it needs to be above 5 or 6. Below that it‘s just ice picky. To me v1 on about 8 is the most glorious thing ever. Adding the normal channel just makes the amp more boring imo. But i also tend to use humbuckers. With a strat or tele bridge jumpering is certainly a great option.
Because the origin 20 is so cheap I thought I’d try a Marshall after 40 years of playing fenders…very surprised at the clean sound…paired with a black shadow open back Mesa cab very nice indeed…
I have a 50 w 1968 plxi head that I've had for 40 years and it's bone stock 'I have other Marshall's but I think the 1987 is the best one of the bunch 'and it's a perfect pedal Amp as well but prices are spiking I'm 70 now and I'm thinking of selling 'man it's going to be tough 'cheers guys you rock !
I'm late to the party here, but one point of clarification on the 1987x. The 1987 model spanned many years (67-76) and went through many circuit changes during that time. The current 1987x reissue has a plexi front panel but the circuit is actually more like a later metal panel 1987 from about 1972 or 73. I'm not sure exactly what all the differences are, but I have a Ceriatone clone of a 1967 version and it's a far cry from the 1987x. The 1967 circuit has a shared cathode, I know that and probably sounds the least like the other years of the 1987. The only other thing I'll say is that I have several JTM45's, a Marshall 2245THW Bluesbreaker head as well as some clones, and the 2245 JTM45 reissue doesn't sound like any of them. To me, it just doesn't sound like a JTM45, or not a good one, anyway.
I've had my JTM45 Reissue for 12 years now, and I still love it. Set as you had it as a clean platform (pretty much exactly the same settings), I get everything else from my pedalboards. I was fortunate enough to be able to pair it with a mid 70's Vibroverb in a blues/rock band I played in a few years ago, and what a glorious noise! One day I'd like to pair it with an AC30. Every time I think I need to replace it, I plug it in and remind myself what an awesome amp it is.
This has to be one of your best videos yet guys. Explained well, played well...oh wait that's the same as all your videos 🥰😎🤘(edit: Thank you Thank you for using a 4x12 cab)
I like to think that the thumbnail isn't Mick protecting his ears but he's blocking out the sound of someone saying their multi-effects can do just as good. Love the show
Great video! Thank you. How about another one where you take your super reverb (cause I have one) and do a side by side with plexi pedals and see which sounds closest to the real thing.... Since I'll probably never own one. :(
JTM45 for me there. I’ve been a fender amp user for longer than I care to remember, but recently bought a bluesbreaker after being blown away by one at a rehearsal space. Had to have one, despite having written Marshall’s off for being too fizzy and glassy for years. Incredible things. Has relegated my twin to second place.
![Crank That Marshall Plexi! [5 Things You Asked Us To Try With The 1987x]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/6r4-n12E_OM/mqdefault.jpg)
![Crank That Marshall Plexi! [5 Things You Asked Us To Try With The 1987x]](/img/tr.png)
"Beautiful clean sounds... but that's not what you're here for!" You know, I have to say, Marshall cleans are some of my absolute favorites. I think they have so much personality and have a real body and spank to them that I just don't get from the Fender camp. Got into them from those early Pretenders records and what James Honeyman-Scott and Robbie McIntosh had going on. Love those OD sounds as well, but Marshalls are underrated for their clean sounds and I think you guys successfully demonstrated why that shouldn't be. Well done!
Funny though. It's actually what I was here for.
"Clean Up" via adjusting the guitars volume-controls and ones "touch" to vary from cleaner through meaner to misdemeanor is KEY.
If you are an AC/DC cover band or something in the same category,..It is irrelevant.
Pristine cleans are beautiful but sometimes are not needed.
Everything I play has atleast a subtle amount of dirt on it. I think its beautiful as long as it has great note separation.
That’s how SRV used them. Usually. Marshalls for the cleans and Fenders for the higher gain. I’m sure the Dumble had something to do with how killer his tone was but….
I’m also a fan of the Marshall clean sound! Years ago I was playing both pedal steel and guitar through a 100-watt 1959SLP with surprisingly good results, albeit it with more efficient speakers. Not wanting to have to haul more than one amp I decided to take a shot at using the 1959 for pedal steel as well and both myself and my band mates were pleasantly surprised at how great it sounded. Totally unexpected. However, in the studio I still use vintage Fender amps for steel but in that live situation the Marshall was amazing for everything I played through it and it had headroom for days! At one point I was using a 50-watt 1987 in the studio for lap steel but it seemed to be in no man’s land because it was too loud for sessions and at the same time underpowered for live performance in my particular situation. A few weeks ago I acquired a reissue JTM45 to use on lap steel for recording and after substantial tweaking I’ve settled on a blend of using pedals combined with a slight amount of breakup from the amp itself. After trying a variety of speakers the Alnico Gold seems to pair best with the JTM45 so far.
It's a long story but I got my first Marshall 1987 in '71 when playing for Prog Rock band Tallis in London UK. I chanced on Ron Wood playing at a club where he had his jam band that he had so he could have a fun Blues band. He enjoyed playing small mainly obscure clubs where he hopefully would not have to deal with the celebrity thing. We had a long talk about his 50 watt Marshall. I wanted one but had no money so he arranged for me to get a mint used one on the cheap that he used in a studio. It is a long story but I paid for it and picked it up at the Selmer store.Twice I had to sell my 1987 but at 75 I think my now 3rd one will see me out. As for the old vs the new x model the difference is not a lot. The old one is just a bit more wooly and it has bit less bite. I can recommend either. As the guys mentioned you just need a little of the brite channel. Any Strat sounds great thru the amp but I really recommend if you use a guitar with Hummies you put in a Gibson 57 Classic.
What a great story, thanks Paul!
Amazing story
Real history. Great story
Awesome, Paul. Ceriatone offers Plexi models with different power filtering options based on the year. The filtering changes made them more gainy and aggressive from the early 70s on. The cathode bypass cap value also affected the gain above a given freq. That and the transformers used make the all sound a bit different. The Dagnell transfomers in modern era Marshalls haven't had the dynamic depth of the vintage ones by other companies. Perhaps those in these RI's are more like the vintage ones?
One of the most interesting things you guys did, that you’ve never re-created, is you set a 45 to be used with petals for your guitarist magazine thing.
Some of the coolest sounds that I ever heard with pedals were these unexpected combinations of mid pushing petals into a big Marshall. Would love to see you guys do that again.
I would love to hear a modern bassman reissue compared to the JTM 45
Yes, absolutely
They’re so completely different. They may have started out to copy a Bassman but they abandoned that idea very quickly. Originally because of part availability. There is very little that remains the same between the two. I’m not sure but I’d guess that the tone stack between a Bassman and a modern JTM45..I am actually interested to know what, if anything, remains the same between them. Anyone know?
@@shawnglass108 They have the same topology with slightly different part values. With the exception of the tubes (without a little bit of modification) they have interchangeable parts
Depends on what you mean by Bassman - 5F6A? 6G6B? AB165? AB864? AA763?
@@eyedunno8462 everyone knows what bassman he refers to. We are all very happy that you know all the BM circuits though
Fantastic comparison! I own one of these 1987x reissues, which is actually a very versatile amp which delivers 100% dynamic and detailed tones, from "clean" to overdriven as long as you use a decent cabinet. For those who complain about it's agressivity: this is relativ. 1) In a band environment it's a total different picture. 2) You may use the lower inputs as well, which are way smother, cleaner and controllable in certain situations. Don't forget, you can use the jumper in any diagonal way! 3) You can use the tone pot on your guitar as well to smothen the sound. 4) Experiment with the speakers or try a different cab. Playing through these amps is so much fun though it needs time to find your sweetspots due to its versatility!
Watching Dan's expression at minute 34 is incredible! The sudden shift to the 1987 and the wincing face followed by his slowly getting giddy with ROCK! He looks like a superhero who just suddenly discovered his powers. Also looks like every pimply faced 15 year old who plugs into a loud amp in the garage for the first time. Amazing to see your childlike enthusiasm for this stuff is still very alive and kicking! Great show
My 8 year old nephew has just started guitar lessons and it’s the same face he pulled when I turned my amp up and let him play. He’s never heard or played amplified so to say he enjoyed it is an understatement. He immediately did a Pete Townsend windmill lol
He looks like he's about to rock...and I salute him.
Historically, the 1987X has seen a vastly superior amount of use in bands and on hit records.
Talk about an 'Andy Timmons' moment - Dan's playing at 32:00 through the JTM45 is just sublime...
Andy !
I just want to say thank you guys. It's an absolute pleasure to watch high quality video and audio. We all know that 99% of youtube is just horrible clipped audio. Thanks for doing it right!! Round of applause
Thank you Jim! All analogue right up to the computer... and no plugins!
I'm having this huge psychic disconnect: when you talk about the differences, I say "oh yeah, give me the 1987x". But when I listen, my ears say "the JTM 45 is vastly superior."
Nice video. Love you, guys!
For my taste, there is no jumping channels. Only High input on 7. That’s pure rock n roll. Just a perfect ACDC tone.
I've plugged into a 1987x before. As a fan of high-gain amps like Bogners, Mesa MKVs and 5150s...the 1987 felt like I was plugging into a screaming thermonuclear device capable of killing any small creature within a 5 mile radius. It's such an empowering, joyous, hilarious feeling and everybody needs to do it at least once.
Also, good GOD that SG again is the absolute show-stealer.
Never been much of a Marshall fan as most of their amps was a bit too fizzy for me. My journey "back" to Marshall started a couple of years ago when I bought Victory Sheriff 44 after hearing it on one of your shows. Just liked the way it sounded and still do - it's a kick-ass Marshally-amp without being way-too Marshally. JTM is a completely different beast. I treated myself to it roughly a year ago. Played it, did some due dilligence, checked some of your 1987X videos, heard you mention it more than a few times over the years, checked reviews from some other channels and decided to pull the plug. And the rest is history - it's a spectacularly good amp. Easy to get a fantastic clean sound and that Marshall OD. Works well with pedals, and any guitar I plug into it sounds fab without too much fiddling. And this comes from a Boogie fan - I like Mesa-type fiddling :) Don't care about the "old Marshalls are better" snobism - JTM45 is a kick-a%% good amp. And it's not crazy-expensive, which is a plus. 1987X is just a bit too-Marshally (brash) for me. Although that has its uses, of course :) This video is a perfect description why I like JTM45 so much - it has everything that it needs to have, and it's controllable and user friendly :-)
I had a JTM45 made for me recently in LA by one of the greats, and as much as I am a die hard Fender guy, this amp quickly shot up to my number one. The weight of the transients on the nearest edge of breakup are absolutely insane. Massive. I have never felt so connected to an amp when I play, it's quite something to behold.
That wind through the trees buy off is still on the board? lol
@@jbf16falcon wait what?
@dwaynedelario I concur. While my daily driver is a Fender HRD III, my friend built me a JTM45 two years ago, and it's a brilliant sounding, percussive amp. I had mine built with a Metro Zero Loss effects loop. It loves a good fuzz in front of it, and it is stinking loud for 30 watts. It's a beautiful build for sure, and I smile whenever I plug into it. Funny it's just a Bassman with british parts, eh?
My number one amp is a 1962HW..It’s, of course, the combo version of a JTM45 with an added vibrato. It has the KT66 power tubes. The overdriven tones are definitely incredible but it is the clean tones that are truly unbelievable. Some of the best clean tones of any amp I’ve ever heard. Heavenly.
Where can i find one of these JTMs Near Buena Park? Something affordable cause i get most of my needs off a Dual Rectifier
Man, that clean tone on the JTM45 with the strat is amazing!
I have the hand wired marshall version from like 6or 7 years ago absolutely fantastic cleans
As someone who has built more than a few Marshall circuits, even I was astonished to suddenly one day realize that the Marshall was designed to deliver not raucous distortion, but a beautiful clean sound. We just happened to get really lucky that it works great for both.
These hour long videos where yall really get into nuts and bolts of things leaving no stone unturned are very appreciated!
The best Marshall is a fenderish one 😜
The JTM45 just amazing !!!
Exactly
Oversimplification, maybe, but JTM45 for single-coils and 1987X for buckers.
Both great amps, but I’ll take the 1987 any day of the week. Why? It has something no other amp has (let’s call it “Marshallness”), whereas the JTM45 is… well, a beefed up Fender. Great playing gentlemen, thank you for that! 👍👏👏👏
Great video and great showcase how Marshalls thru the years are very different, but also still Marshalls.
The JTM45 has couple of sweet spots that were just briliant. Gunned with reverb and Les Paul? Thats my dream Blues sound
Slight correction: the 5F6-A Bassman used a 12AY7 in V1, not a 12AT7. That 12AY7 was often swapped for a 12AX7, which increases the gain and sounds closer to a JTM 45. The reissue Bassman ships with a 12AX7 in V1.
Oops. Thanks Lenny. I know this, how did I get that wrong!? Argh!
Wow Dan! Your clean tone playing was excellent. I was moved. Great playing, sir!
Ah, cheers mate 🙏
An amp pairing video is a must. Marshall with matchless, ac30 with fender. Match made in heaven combination or combinations that most people wouldn't think of. Great Video!
This was a fun vid! I’ve got a Metro Amp kit JTM-45 and it breaks up as early as 2. Definitely a better choice for lower volume needs, I’m glad you have one now as it will probably sound better in your setup 👍🏻
My '99 JTM45 reissue breaks up at around 4, which already is a considerable amount of volume, but I need that clean headroom
Man I think I would go JTM45 with pedals. I'm a clean/cleanish freak and play mostly Tele's.
JTM45 sounds so freaking good for what I want to hear in an amp and what I'd use it for. A+ guys!
Playing a tele into a Marshall is like having sex with a swimsuit model with the lights turned off.
It should be illegal.
JTM45 for clean and Clapton’s crunch tone, 1987X for 70s rock and hard rock tones 🤘 🔊
I think you have nailed a description succinctly. You will want both amps if you can have them!
Correction. The JTM45 has much more negative feedback then the bassman. Also if you increase the Bright channel it will make the Normal channel brighter because you’re starting to isolate the Albright channels mixer bypass cap from ground.
There is something extremely satisfying about Marshall tone, the way it crunches, cleans - for me a desert island amp would be some kind of Marshall for sure. I love all makes, but if I'm pressed to choose this would be a Marshall
Rewatched today. Such a treat this video. Dan‘s playing is phenomenal in this video. Around the 30 minute mark I hear strong Jeff Buckley style chords and sounds and when Dan grabs the SG Junior….outstanding, really. By the way…I’m about to get a JTM45 again in addition to my 1987x. There’s some magic in both that justifies having both 😉✌️🎸💯☮️
Ah, cheers mate
I have the 1987x with all effects in front, plugged into low normal, but jumped. With the bright channel barely on and normal around two-three. Amazing clean sound with headroom and works super with the broadcast and even with a RAT.
Wife: *climbs into bed and looks at me longingly*
Me: “Not tonight sweetheart, Mick’s got his fingers in his ears in the thumbnail. Gotta see what this is about.”
Hahahah 😂
Laugh all you want guys but if it’s plexi vs. sexy? Welp, I know what I’m about. 😅
When they jumped the two amps high and low channels, I definitely got some Zeppelin vibes. Using the tele helped with the vibe in some way? I know Page liked the tele so possibly these amps were used by Zeppelin in a similar config?
I am currently 34 years of age and only in past year or two experienced the “vintage Plexi” style Marshall tone. Growing up my experience with Marshall amps were the MG, valvestate, JCM 2000 DSL, TSL, JCM900 etc..
I must say all these amp are complete dog sh*t in comparison to an older Marshall style amp from the 60s/70s.
I recently have owned a 1974X combo and a 1917 PA20 head. These amps have such presence and character they have got me hooked on that Plexi style tone 🤘🏽 I prefer the JTM45 in this vid but both sound great!
It'd be interesting to see you check out the two channels on a JCM800. I've been using the clean channel on the 20w and 100w ones, paired with something else and they're great with my pedals, especially a Colorsound Overdriver and an RC booster.
Hi gain input is too fizzy on my old 800 so keen to use the other w a good pedal or too
I rewatched the video now for the 3rd time. I own a handwired Linnemann M45 with KT66 and the clean tone of this thing takes your head of. There is so much more headroom than the JTM45 has. If someone ever gets the chance playing a Linnemann then go for it!
So,
I have the hand wired JTM45 and there is definitely some cross over between the 2 channels. Running the volume 1 ( treble channel) with nothing plugged into Volume 2 there is some effect when the volume on 2 is blended in. Maybe something to do with it having tremolo?
You can also get a very subtle tremolo when running both channels bridged.
For my money , although it’s considered a classic match, the G12Ms aren’t my favourite speaker and I much prefer G12H speakers for firming up the bass plus a more balanced speaker. Also a great amp with V30s , firmer bass and more focus in mids and upper range - well worth a try.
Johan Segeborn did a demo years ago of the current vs old JTM45 Bluesbreaker. The old speakers were 95% of the difference if I remember correctly. I need to go watch it now. Loved this video!
The “Bluesbreaker” moniker refers only to the 2x12 combo Clapton used on Beano. Not all JTM45.
I love this video..explains a lot of history between the two amps and their specs..but i really appreciate how you give the clean and volume to point break up a lot of playnwith different guitars..people always just turn marshalls way up in these vids vs really showcasing the dynamic ranges possible..love the zztop at end too
Not feeling it with the Plexi. Though I know it has it's place. I suspect it's a case of first thought, best thought, and the JTM is just a much more pleasing sounding amp. While the Plexi, it is just ... harsh. But then, I think at great volume, that's fun. But, I think we are in the days of amps being good because they sound good, rather than loudness being the most important thing. For live and loud, the Sovtek Mig 50 is a better compromise. It has the loudness and immediacy but isn't shrill like the Plexi, and has a bit more of the warmness of the JTM. You can't jumper it, but with a split pedal you can blend the channels, then it can get ever more Bassman / JTM 45 like.
Thanks so much for showing us all the different sounds of both amps. I think many guitar players will never get the chance to play and try those vintage amps. Most loved sound for me - Dan with the SG Junior playing over the JTM 45 and the DS 1. Man....what a fat but clear sound. Beats many modern High gain amps. But what about your ears, Dan? You don´t need to save them like Mick? Greetings from Bavaria Wolfgang
Dan has plugs in all the way through today! Thanks Wolfgang!
I have a 2003 1987x love it, my last amp! I play metal, blues, rock name it!!! I'M sure i would love the JTM45 too!
I've played a JTM45 Reissue from the early 90s for many years. I loved this amp, but it bothered me that it couldn't give me some of the Plexi tone features I always heard when listening to Jimi for example. The 1987x cured this and closed the gap for me.
Exactly where I am now. Have a hand wired bluesbreaker and trying to figure out what kind of Plexi to get
When you do the Bassman vs JTM 45, make sure you try both through the same cab, and also with the v1 swapped to the same 12AY7. Very similar at that point. Speaker speaker speaker.
Nice to see mick with ear protection! 😮
Very cool, I have a 1987x from the 1990's that has been a wonderful amplifier, I highly recommend as it has forever changed my playing for the better.
Great content, Thank You
You guys need a permanent JTM45 in your vids man (especially with that Goldtop). That LP > reverb > JTM45 tone was bliss!
Great comparison. Depending on the settings, I liked the tones from
Both. Thanks.
Get the namedrop horn out... I used to play at a jam night run by Terry Marshall. Yes that Terry as in the JTM45 Terry. He told some great rock 'n' roll tales of hanging out with Jimi and Yngwie. Terry also plays a mean sax. I have tried to love a SV20 Plexi but I just don't have the patience to dial it in... Perhaps the JTM45 is more my style.
Nice one! Try the JTM45 Nick. I reckon you’ll like it if you want bigness. Mick here.
@@ThatPedalShow thank you Mick!
I am thrilled to see this episode on TPS! I have been a fan of your show for years. And I love pedals and how much I have learned from you about them. I hope you will include these amplifiers in more or your pedal demos. There are a great number of people who love these Marshall amps. Your expertise with pedals that sound great with these two different Marshall amps will be a valuable insight for TPS fans Thank you for this video!
ok for me, i know the 1987x has more volume and more balls, but that comes with more feedback and harshness, the tone of the JTM 45 to my ears sounds better, i know its not as loud but the tone is just richer warmer and less harsh than the 1987x, that being said im not a guitar player that will be playing on stages and stadiums, i play a gibson SG standard and i would be playing with my schaffer replica ON all the time which will push it into the happy place i would be mostly playing at home and maybe smaller venue gigs, so if i had the choice to own one of these amazing amps then my heart and my head tells me to go with the JTM 45, it would be more than loud enough for what i want and the fact that it reaches breakup point earlier and at a lower volume than the 1987x that is a good thing for me, id rather play through the amp and have the valves hotter and working harder to get the tone happening, the 1987x i would be playing with the valves not being pushed hard and its already loud enough, so theres my choice the JTM 45 with my schaffer replica and gibson SG standard thats going to be a killer tone.
currently my amp is a JCM 2000 dual super lead 50 watt made in england model from 1999 the first ones that were made (not the newer DSL made in korea model) my cab is a 1986 JCM 800 4x12 with the original old speakers still in it, while this amp is not in the same league as the JTM 45 it still gives me really good tone especially through the old JCM800 cab it sounds great. absolutely no issues with this amp at all and it was affordable for me, if budget wasnt a problem then i would go for the old JTM50 black flag model, if that wasnt possible then i go for a old JTM45.
Oh man, forget all these pedals, who am I kidding? All I want after this is a JTM 45, cranked, for the rest of my days! :)
Reverb into overdriven amp is exactly what a fender blackface amp does. The output stage does the overdrive in those amps
That's why i have both too, amazing amps.
The 45 is such an inspiring amp
Only one suggestion for higher volume settings the eq must be changed due to the less effect of the brighi cap...so more treble circui then normal channel and less bass...also more presence for heavier tones
In this context and set like this also the jtm could generate amazing rock sounds
What's the main difference between them? What's louder? What's best for distorsions using pedals? Thanks!
@@francesco0185 volume wise 1987 much louder, but jtm 45 is already loud for 80% of the guitarist around! With pedals i would suggest the jtm without any doubt! Unless you play really heavy stuff only
Ok so what about the tweed amps now like the deluxe, bassmen and the twin. You guys haven’t shown much love for the tweed amps. Love the video’s hope your see this and get inspired to make one for the tweed amps.
Nothing like a Gibson and a Marshall together!
Fantastic video, gents! Extremely interesting re: the 1987x! I owned a '60's JTM45 for a while and it was probably the best amp I have ever owned, despite some of the internals not being original! It still sound EXTREMELY CREAMY!
Could you possibly do a video on the JTM45 as predominantly a pedal platform, and then maybe get Luke Caley (from Press to MECO) in to chat about his JTM45 and how he uses it as a pedal platform?
Looking forward to many more vids about these two brilliant amps! Thanks chaps! 😀
As someone who's played professionally for 40 years you'd think I'd know this but I never had a Marshall and I always wondered what the real difference was. People were thinking it was all gain and no headroom. You guys always cut through the myth and common belief and I KNEW you would teach me the difference FINALLY. I was gonna get a Wangs 2204 now I'm not so sure. Great show once again. Thanks from Ga USA!
Marshall's have some of the best clean tones around. I am playing out of a 80-s JCM800. And it is earvana.
I feel weird telling this to someone who has played professionally for 40 years as I have played for only a paltry 12
But if you can find a DSL40CR with the Celestion Creamback, it’s one of the best, reasonably priced clean tones of a tube amp I’ve heard. There’s like four gainier channels on it and I’ve never used anything other than the clean, it’s that good.
Marshall really doesn't get the credit they deserve when it comes to clean sounds. And take it from a fellow Georgian, you've got to own at least one Marshall in your lifetime!
@@severebash9153 People love to bash the DSL15, but it's clean channel sounds fucking beautiful when cranked. It may not be all the way to a plexi, but I think it sounds incredible with a greenback, or a g12t75 for a little extra top end sizzle.
The reverb into the cranked jtm45 actually reminded me of the blues breakers album. Didn't they have to just use the room mics because clapton was playing so loud?
According to some people we know who know, he requested they move the mic away from the amp, and cranked it. Hard to imagine the strictness with which things were done on the technician side in those days. Used to be that at Abbey Road anyway the artists would come in the back door and the technicians in the front!
Anyhoo, I’ve often wondered - Mick here - if it wasn’t actually just necessary to move the mic away because of the volume and the level of the signal into the desk. Either way, break the rules, history is made!
Great video gents! For a real treat, I suggest you try plugging into both top inputs using a Y-cable rather than jumpering, like Duane Allman and Eric Johnson. One must then rethink the amp settings as compared to jumpering. But it sounds heavenly, especially without the bright cap. I find that bright caps have a huge effect on plexi tone, even at very high volume settings. I know the conventional wisdom is that bright caps have almost no effect once you turn up the volume controls. My personal experiments show otherwise. I have a custom made plexi with a 3 way bright cap switch: two flavors of bright caps and total bypass in the center. I can say from experience, even with the volumes near 9, switching in a bright cap really transforms the plexi tone. It increases gain but it adds those shrill ice pick highs. So even cranked, taking out the bright cap profoundly tames the ear-piercing highs in a plexi.
I had a JMP 50 MKII small box for about 12 years between 1984 and 1996, but I'm pretty sure it was stamped 1969 not 1987 (it wasn't the 100w big brother). Could that be the year of manufacture? Also, I could mix a little bit of each of the two channels without actually jumping them with a patch cable! Faulty? Maybe. But it sounded fantastic.
Hmmm. 1986 would be a 50 watt non master volume bass head. 1968 would be a 100 watt Super PA. Not sure about 1969….
@@ThatPedalShow Thanks for replying. I wish I had photos of it. To be honest, it might have been stamped 1959 not 1969, but it definitely wasn't the big 100 watter, and definitely didn't have 1986 or 1987 anywhere. Some sort of prototype that made it out into the wild maybe? I'll probably never know exactly what it was now. And it doesn't matter. I hope it's still in use somewhere. Thanks anyway 👍. Great video 😁
Different output tubes, different filtering, different rectifier, different transformers, bass vs lead spec preamp, different primary impedance, etc. - very different amps and sounds.
My first non practice amp was a Marshall MG100*** head that I had on a 4x4 ampeg cab. That thing was fun. This was circa 2005? two years later I sold it for a Hot Rod Deluxe that was in fantastic condition for a lovely price of $400.
I got a marshall sv20, the mini plexi and I was wondering if swapping those el34 for kt66 will damage my amp in any way?
MacGyver Terrace
JTM 45 for me.... Love that low end great for blues rock.... 1987x is nice too but prefer the JTM
Great video, excellent job, guys. just one thing; the 5881 is a LOWER power 6L6, even smaller in size. The modern 6L6 was developed from requests by Fender for a bigger cleaner tube, capable of higher voltages also allowing diode rectifiers. When they ran out in the early 90's the 5881 was all we had, we quickly found that our fenders and Boogies from the 70s and 80s ate them up really quick.
Thanks for not ignoring the clean sounds. If an amp doesn't have a nice clean sound I can't respect it too much.
To me, unlike the 45 or Bassman, you have to use both channels on the 1987 and 1959 otherwise they sound like crap. The 45 and BM sound great on any input but the others, jumpered are fantastic, just different, maybe more "Marshally" to the ears of some. I may actually ditch my 1978 in favor of a JTM.
Also, Townshend used a tweed 3x10 Bandmaster and a Gretsch on Who's Next, probably hadn't used a Marshall in years..
Thought I would maybe prefer the JTM in this one but preferred the Plexi. I thought the Les Paul into it when the Tele was clean was such a great tone. Well done. I am always reminded that the jangly intro on INXS "Need You Tonight" is a Marshall. They do sound glorious cranked up though. Thank you for all you do.
did you prefer plexi? but which one? because they are both plexi
Sorry about commenting on an older video, but is there a functional or tonal difference in jumping the channels the other way around?
Tonal, yes.
When Mick speculates on pushing the gain too far on the jtm45 I think it's worth noting that the controls on the guitar would almost never have been flat out. Only for the highest dynamic peaks.
This is one of the most informative comparisons I've seen. Any chance you could get ahold of a 1974x and compare it with the 1987x?
Please, have a review/discussion about the 2266 Vintage Modern compared to these amps.
Marshall made one of the best amps ever and I don't know why they stop making them.
2266 is supposed to be next next level of JTM45/1987X with a touch of JCM flauvor.
Cheers,
Great work. My 1987X reissue gives my JCM800 a run for it's money. Definitely loves pedals in the front of it. EVH brown sound for sure.
Thank you for your comparison. Both amplifiers sound sensationell. Probably it´s the music-style that decides which amp will be chosen, but my information has always been that the model 1987 has the real Marshall sound. Just a few days ago Marshall has released the JTM 20 which they for sure will sell like Hot Dogs and in comparison to the JTM 45 it has a effect way...
I have builds of both (actually JTM50 with tube rec) and your right, not much headroom on the 87X, especially with meaty humbuckers. It gives classic overdrive at around 4 or 5. They are so different, the Tele is great through the Lead with bass all the way up.
Awesome video! I had a 1962 Bluesbreaker 2x12 reissue for years that I loved but just became too heavy to lug around to gigs. Years later, I've now picked up a Studio Vintage 20W Head and 1x12 Greenback cab, which I've put KT66s in (the amp is Cathode biased) and it's a lovely half-way house between my old Bluesbreaker and the original 'Plexi' stock tone.
Best video lately, reminds me why I started watching That Pedal Show. Good old fashioned knob turning and going into detail with classic gear. Great watch.
I know that Marshall amps aren’t really known for their clean tones but wow these cleans are killer!
Love my JTM45, gorgeous clean and crunch, goose with a Lightspeed, double goose with Revv G3, covers all bases for me. Great vid chaps.
I can only imagine how well the Revv G3 pairs with your JTM. I'm guessing it gets it in the 80's hard rock/metal sound... like George Lynch, John Norum sound.... cheers.
Don't forget Jimi's Marshalls were JTM 45/100's that got modded many times over his career. They had many aspects of the 1959 by the end. I think he always stuck with KT66 tubes though.
I know you've warned us for years that things on YT etc don't sound like they really do but I'm surprised by how much I'm loving the 1987x today. I think I had never heard it and the JTM45 sort of side by side and it's rather wonderful!
I was incredibly lucky to buy a 1966 jtm50t in Wurzburd Germany in 1987. Best amp I've heard to this day.
Mick/Dan…just about time for a new “our guitars” video…brief rundown of each guitar, short story of where it came from and why it’s a keeper! 🙏🏻🤞🏻👍🏻
I love the bright channel on its own, but it needs to be above 5 or 6. Below that it‘s just ice picky. To me v1 on about 8 is the most glorious thing ever. Adding the normal channel just makes the amp more boring imo. But i also tend to use humbuckers. With a strat or tele bridge jumpering is certainly a great option.
The pure joy on Dan’s face when he plays is so heartwarming. Love you guys!
Because the origin 20 is so cheap I thought I’d try a Marshall after 40 years of playing fenders…very surprised at the clean sound…paired with a black shadow open back Mesa cab very nice indeed…
JTM45…best sound I’ve had out of it is all knobs cranked with the exception of Bass on 0. Perfection.
I have a 50 w 1968 plxi head that I've had for 40 years and it's bone stock 'I have other Marshall's but I think the 1987 is the best one of the bunch 'and it's a perfect pedal Amp as well but prices are spiking I'm 70 now and I'm thinking of selling 'man it's going to be tough 'cheers guys you rock !
Let me know if you decide to sell.
Marshall Vintage Modern. Best of both worlds.
I'm late to the party here, but one point of clarification on the 1987x. The 1987 model spanned many years (67-76) and went through many circuit changes during that time. The current 1987x reissue has a plexi front panel but the circuit is actually more like a later metal panel 1987 from about 1972 or 73. I'm not sure exactly what all the differences are, but I have a Ceriatone clone of a 1967 version and it's a far cry from the 1987x. The 1967 circuit has a shared cathode, I know that and probably sounds the least like the other years of the 1987.
The only other thing I'll say is that I have several JTM45's, a Marshall 2245THW Bluesbreaker head as well as some clones, and the 2245 JTM45 reissue doesn't sound like any of them. To me, it just doesn't sound like a JTM45, or not a good one, anyway.
I own a JTM45 and a silver Jubilee 100, but I prefer my DSL 40 combo with a celestion CB… it just sounds better
I’d have to argue about the Silver Jubilee, it whatever makes you happy man!
I've had my JTM45 Reissue for 12 years now, and I still love it. Set as you had it as a clean platform (pretty much exactly the same settings), I get everything else from my pedalboards. I was fortunate enough to be able to pair it with a mid 70's Vibroverb in a blues/rock band I played in a few years ago, and what a glorious noise! One day I'd like to pair it with an AC30. Every time I think I need to replace it, I plug it in and remind myself what an awesome amp it is.
Lovely lovely lovely Steve. That’s the shizzle!
This has to be one of your best videos yet guys. Explained well, played well...oh wait that's the same as all your videos 🥰😎🤘(edit: Thank you Thank you for using a 4x12 cab)
I like to think that the thumbnail isn't Mick protecting his ears but he's blocking out the sound of someone saying their multi-effects can do just as good. Love the show
Ha! No it’s the high treble channel on the 1987x when it’s not cranked. Eeeuwwwww
Great video! Thank you. How about another one where you take your super reverb (cause I have one) and do a side by side with plexi pedals and see which sounds closest to the real thing.... Since I'll probably never own one. :(
Epic upload. Made my Friday a glorious one. Thank you and much love from California. Cheers lads!
: )
Is the PRS HDX 20 more similar to the JTM 45 or the 1987X?
The 45 in terms of usability.
I think the JTM is the real gem, because not only did Hendrix use them...even if they had mods...they're just a nicer platform for a pedal IMO
I have an older 90 jtm and an older 74 superbass love em!!
I was so busy there I forgot it was Friday. For half a second I really thought Dan was going to play the opening bars of U2’s Desire.
JTM45 for me there. I’ve been a fender amp user for longer than I care to remember, but recently bought a bluesbreaker after being blown away by one at a rehearsal space. Had to have one, despite having written Marshall’s off for being too fizzy and glassy for years. Incredible things. Has relegated my twin to second place.
JTM45. KT66’s instalked. Turn channels up to 7-8. Turn vol on guitar down for clean, up for dirt. Done.