TGP have pity on me!!! Marshall 1974x content!

[theflyingturtle]

My fellow TGP brothers and sisters I have never needed your help more than now. I've had GAS before but I realize now it was just farts in the wind compared to the attack I'm having now. Two days ago I tried a 1974x reissue and the clouds parted and it was good. I could hear Clapton, Jimi, you name it it was in there. I tried it again yesterday and it only deepened my resolve that I must have one. I have to pull the trigger soon to make it coincide with my birthday. This keeps the wife happy but since I'm rushing to get one I haven't been able to research as well as I'd like. Sure patients is a virtue blah blah blah. Any question you can answer would be more appreciated than you know!

1. Are most kits and the reissue mostly the same except for some of the features? That is, there isn't a bad one in the bunch?

2. TMB or tremelo? I know it's a matter of taste but I've never had a tremelo channel. Can a trem be slowed down enough to do a convincing Univibe effect? That's the only use I can think I would have for such an effect.

3. If you could choose between a reissue, a Ceritone w/tmb, or a Sligo with upgraded transformer and speaker w/trem what would you pick?

4. Lastly, would a reissue ever become collectable? I like the options available on the kit models and the prices but most likely a kit will not increase in value like a Marshall. It isn't a deal breaker, I'm just curious. Ive read so many threads about how members here sold off an old amp thirty years ago and wished they had it back.

Thank you so much for any advice you can offer.

[nitrox1]

I just got a Reinhardt 18. Be sure and check those out too. TMB on the second channel. Tone machine!!

[andrekp]

I would join 18watt.com and maybe ask some of these questions over there.

Be forewarned: these guys are a wee bit purist, so keep it on subject and ask honest questions (don't let 'em scare you!). But, for that reason, you'll get the straight scoop when you do.

They will be able to give good answers to your questions regarding fidelity to the original circuit and whether particular clones are really 18 watts (in the pure sense) or pseaudo-18 watts. The forum is solely about 18 watters and their varants - all based on the Marshall circuit, or that forum's authorized variations. It is not about amps that put out 18 watts, but stray too far from the one true Marshall.

You'll get good answers there.

[theflyingturtle]

Yeah I've signed up and am waiting for conformation so that I can enter the forums. Thanks for the heads up on the "purists" though. That's always good to know before hand.

[RussB]

The kits will never increase in value, you can count on that.

+1 for the Reinhardt (or a 65 Amps)

[Tonic Amps]

The 1974x is a very nice amp, save for the transformer issues. I hope that Marshall has resolved this issue as they should...both PT and OT failures were not uncommon. If you do want a true Marshall, the 1974x is great, however make sure the transformer issue is no longer an issue.

There are plenty of boutique alternatives that are just as good, and in some aspects, may out perform the 1974x. It just depends on if the Marshall name means that much to you.

TMB vs. Trem: The trem version is the real Marshall 1974, again, look at the WEM Dominator for where Jim got his inspiration. The TMB is a Richie Hall derivative of the 18watt which has a plexi channel added instead of the trem channel. IIRC, he also swapped the Trem channel tone control into the normal position to bump the gain of that channel slightly and more tonal variety.

Pros and cons TMB vs. Trem: If you want anything approaching high gain without a pedal, get a TMB version. If you like tube trem, and the 18watters have a very sweet trem, get the trem. In either situation, you can solve the issues with a pedal. High gain - distortion box. Trem - vibe pedal.

[andrekp]

No, the kits/clones probably won't go up in value like the real Marshall, BUT, the good kits/clones will sound a little better and be built better than the Marshalls.

BUT, an 18 watt is all about the tone. You just gotta ask yourself if you WANT an amp that can be resold for more money later, or if you want a slightly better amp that won't get as much, but is just a better built amp?

I say it's about the tone, not the name on the front.

[rockinlespaul]

My Marshall 1974X has become my favorite amp. Love it!

[sinner]

I don't know but if "the clouds parted" when you played that Marshall (and twice tried the same one out) why on earth would you even think of buying something other than that very amp?

Yes, it's true that earlier ones had OT issues but address by now (is it a new one?) but you could always put a better OT in there anyway.

[fusionbear]

Blankenship Carry-on or Leeds 21 are my favs. The 1974x reissues' pale in comparison.

[theflyingturtle]

Thanks for the replies. The amp I tried is beat up with torn tolex and the trem "bleeds" onto the other channel, and it's overpriced. But I did realize how much I loved the tone. Untimately I couldn't care less about the name on the amp and am first and foremost interested in the tone I heard. That's why I'm posting here, I'm gassing real bad and I can pull the trigger as soon as I can determine what passes as a "good" one. Without more info I'm kinda at a loss.

[FFTT]

I know that Marshall Logo is hard to resist, but there are quite a few builders
putting Marshall to shame on quality of components and overall workmanship.

Reinhardt, Germino, Metro, Ceriatone, Blankenship and Category 5
to name just a few.

[plexi67]

Alot of people build these amps,and do a really good job. If you go a clone route,pick a model, like 2x12. The reissiue is a 1x12. The speakers will be important on how the amp sounds,as will the transformers and other parts used. Many builders offer options like VVR or power scaling like Bob Reinhardt. You should try to play a few clones,or amps that are along the 18 marshall type. You might be suprised,and have more options to choice from.
Brown note even has a lite or one channel model. Way too many good clones and offshoots of the 18 marshall. You just have to decide on what you want. The 18watt site should be able to give you any information you might need.

[johnny_duke]

I definitely recommend going with the 2x12" TMB combo, the double speaker adds an addiitonal layer of complexiity to the overall tone. I am running a pair of greenbacks, but dissimalr speakers such as a greenback and vintage 30 would be a great option. I personally would go with the TMB version as I never use tremolo and having the additonal tonal control just gives more oppourtunities for adjusting based on guitar use. The 18 watt was my response to downsizing from a 100 watt plexi and there is no truning back. Alot of great builders out there, in Toronto a great amp builder called Martin Newall built mine and it simply sings.

[Veritas]

I played a Reinhardt 18 head and 2x12 cab this last week. Absolutely smokin' amp.