Can someone please school me on vintage Marshalls

[koa]

I'm looking to get into the world of Vintage Marahall. I'm looking for something with a great rock tone but not metal. JMP, Superlead, Plexi... What are the differences? Are some models and years mire desirable? Thanks in advance for any input.

[Gnarlly]

Good info here:
http://www.legendarytones.com/marshallshoppers1.html
http://www.legendarytones.com/marshallshoppers2.html

[riffmeister]

They are unreliable and expensive. Don't bother going there.

[Gnarlly]

Originally Posted by riffmeister

They are unreliable and expensive. Don't bother going there.

The can be very reliable with little routine maintenance, cost less than some "boutique" amps, will only rise in value, and there are less expensive clones/reissues available. Most importantly, they sound like no other amps. Do bother going there.

[Guitar Fixation]

Originally Posted by riffmeister

They are unreliable and expensive. Don't bother going there.

I believe he was joking...

[cugel]

unless you want an investment piece, a clone may be the way to go. vintage will be hard to find, expensive, and maybe abused/modded. of course there is nothing like the real thing, but so many builders out there are making great plexi type amps.

FWIW, not all plexis are JMPs, not all superleads are plexis, and not all JMPs are superleads, that should clear things up for you

[RocksOff]

1962 amps rule.

[ronmail65]

Things to think about...
- What is your tolerance and/or requirement for volume?
- Head/cab or combo? (size, speakers?)
- How much gain will you require from the amp? What's your appetite for clean tones?
- Do you require any modern features such as an FX loop, second channel, reverb, solo boost, etc... vs a one channel amp with tone knobs?
- Does it have to be a "MARSHALL" or do you really just want the Marshall sound and feel?
- What's your budget?

Based on how you answer these questions, I'm sure you'll get some very specific recommendations.

[pickslide]

You can easily get a 70's JMP for anywhere from $1000-$1500. There is your great rock tone for ya.

[Trebor Renkluaf]

Originally Posted by riffmeister

They are unreliable and expensive. Don't bother going there.

Plus Tag doesn't like them.

[schwa]

Originally Posted by ronmail65

Things to think about...
- What is your tolerance and/or requirement for volume?
- Head/cab or combo? (size, speakers?)
- How much gain will you require from the amp? What's your appetite for clean tones?
- Do you require any modern features such as an FX loop, second channel, reverb, solo boost, etc... vs a one channel amp with tone knobs?
- Does it have to be a "MARSHALL" or do you really just want the Marshall sound and feel?
- What's your budget?

Based on how you answer these questions, I'm sure you'll get some very specific recommendations.

+1 it would help if you were a bit more specific.

[Scumback Speakers]

Originally Posted by koa

I'm looking to get into the world of Vintage Marahall. I'm looking for something with a great rock tone but not metal. JMP, Superlead, Plexi... What are the differences? Are some models and years mire desirable? Thanks in advance for any input.

You might want to take a trip to the www.metroamp.com forum for more specific answers.

[Randy]

This is one of the best resources out there on Marshall history and the various model differences;

Part one;

http://www.legendarytones.com/marshallshoppers1.html

and part two;

http://www.legendarytones.com/marshallshoppers2.html


EDIT: Whoops - Gnarlly beat me to it...

[riffmeister]

Originally Posted by Guitar Fixation

I believe he was joking...

I believe you are right.

[koa]

Originally Posted by ronmail65

Things to think about...
- What is your tolerance and/or requirement for volume?
- Head/cab or combo? (size, speakers?)
- How much gain will you require from the amp? What's your appetite for clean tones?
- Do you require any modern features such as an FX loop, second channel, reverb, solo boost, etc... vs a one channel amp with tone knobs?
- Does it have to be a "MARSHALL" or do you really just want the Marshall sound and feel?
- What's your budget?

Based on how you answer these questions, I'm sure you'll get some very specific recommendations.

As far as volume goes I'm not looking to blow the roof off.

I'd like to be able to get classic rock/roots type gain. Super clean tones are not necessary, but I'd like somewhat clean/edge of break up type cleans.

Looking for a head and 4x12 cab

No modern features are necessary. Maybe a master volume would be nice.

Budget: I'd like to stay around 2k for the head and cab

I think I'd really like it to be an old Marshall just for the sake of resale and they're really cool. You never know what the future holds and I don't want to be saddled with a boutique amp with a low resale value.

That being said, what are my other options in the Plexi/Super Lead flavor?

My only experience with Marshall is a DSL 50 watt head and a DSL 401 combo both of wich blew. Boutique wise I had a Fargen Olde 800. Although it was an incredibly well made amp I thought it was raspy and ear peircing. Not a pleasant tone for my ears. I hope this helps. Thanks