Marshall 50watt plexi: 68' specs vs. 1987x reissue ???

[newtech27]

So I'm thinking of getting a 1987x plexi soon but I have a question. For those of you that have owned a ri or 68' specs plexi, how do the 2 compare when it comes to dirty and clean tones? Attenuated/unattenuated? Ive read somewhere that the stock ri sounds a bit more like a later 70's metal panel with a little more gain and tighter lows than a 60's plexi. Ive never played a 68' specs Marshall and I've listened to plenty of YouTube demos but those can be misleading at times. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[gtrnstuff]

As far as my 1990's RIs, the 1987 RI does go into high gain pretty quickly. It sings nicely with volume at 6 or above. Both it and the 1959 were apparently modeled after a couple of rock monster examples. I read somewhere about how they chose the original amps, from an 80's rocker's (George Lynch?) collection. For grins I tried 5751 in V1 and or PI but never liked it for cleaner voicing.
I have run my 1987 into a Marshall SE-100 attenuator/ load for 15+ years. PT died under warranty, fixed and no problems since.

[indeedido]

I've never played an original '60s plexi, but did own a Metro 12xxx series plexi. I own the 1959 RI. The Metro was smoother and cleaned up better. The RI more treble and gain. It all depends on what you want. Both are good for what they do. I don't think you can lose on the 1987 RI. Plus you can always have it modded. (I had my 1959 modded and love it)

[gbravo]

I own two original 50w plexi's - a 68 Tremolo and a 69 JMP. I also own a 1987X RI (1999 w/o effects loop and no bright cap). The RI doesn't sound anything like the 60's plexi's. The originals have a smooth, natural distortion that I can't achieve with the RI. The RI is very bright and very clean up to about 7-8. It takes pedals very well, though. Two very different animals.

[big mike]

The RI is built to 72 specs.

It has higher filtering, .0022 V1B coupling cap, as well as the 100K NFB. It's going to be stiffer and more agressive. IE Gainier.

A 68 spec will be a bit looser and rounder, give up the gain a bit later, and less aggressive chunk to it.

The other issue would be transformers, but the stock Marshall isn't bad. It just is closer to a 74 50 watt than a 68 spec. I myself like the specs somewhere in between the two, but the reissues are fine. For the money though you could probably find a used Germino, Metro, Reinhardt or the like that will be a better sounding and hand wired amp. (better sounding subjective of course, this is my opinion).

[Earplayer]

gbravo said everything... no comparison - but the reissues are still good as a pedalplatform when you clip the bright cap...

[Hacksaw]

Originally Posted by gbravo

I own two original 50w plexi's - a 68 Tremolo and a 69 JMP. I also own a 1987X RI (1999 w/o effects loop and no bright cap). The RI doesn't sound anything like the 60's plexi's. The originals have a smooth, natural distortion that I can't achieve with the RI. The RI is very bright and very clean up to about 7-8. It takes pedals very well, though. Two very different animals.

Originally Posted by big mike

The RI is built to 72 specs.

It has higher filtering, .0022 V1B coupling cap, as well as the 100K NFB. It's going to be stiffer and more agressive. IE Gainier.

A 68 spec will be a bit looser and rounder, give up the gain a bit later, and less aggressive chunk to it.

The other issue would be transformers, but the stock Marshall isn't bad. It just is closer to a 74 50 watt than a 68 spec. I myself like the specs somewhere in between the two, but the reissues are fine. For the money though you could probably find a used Germino, Metro, Reinhardt or the like that will be a better sounding and hand wired amp. (better sounding subjective of course, this is my opinion).

Agreed. My 87RI and 1959 is as described above. I find both take pedals VERY well. I use the 1987x daily. It's been a great workhorse and a lot of fun for me.

[big mike]

I actually prefer bass spec for pedal platform. Depends on how you use pedals.

[Hacksaw]

Originally Posted by big mike

I actually prefer bass spec for pedal platform. Depends on how you use pedals.

I need to get one. I was at an amp show in Austin about 5 years ago and a guy had a super bass with a huge pedal board and sounded great. I don't know why I've put it off for so long!

[big mike]

100 would be too much for me.
I drift my JTM45 into 1987 or 1986 specs from time to time (though less power and tube rectified).
Think I'm going to put toggles on it and permanently confuse it,.

[dewman]

Yeah clip that bright cap!

[jmp]

Originally Posted by big mike

A 68 spec will be a bit looser and rounder, give up the gain a bit later, and less aggressive chunk to it.

This! I owned a couple of 1987X reissues and a real 1968 JMP 50 watt plexi. The reissue is a great amp, but was much louder, brighter and tighter than the '68. The '68 was a warmer and overall cleaner tone.

As others have said, replacing or removing the bright cap that is attached to the rear of the volume pot is almost an essential with the 1987X reissue. This totally changes the dynamics of the amp and makes it much more useable, plus it will make your reissue sound closer to a true late-60's 50 watt plexi.

[Dave_C]

Given the price, I'd go with a Germino, Metro, Reinhardt, Wallace, etc., boutique clone versus the 1987X in a heartbeat. I had a 1987X for a weekend and felt it sounded flat, sterile and one-dimensional next to the Cage Scan-O-Plex I was demo'ing at the time and certainly in comparison to the Germino Monterey 100 I got years later. You'll also get better build quality out of the boutique offerings.

[big mike]

Agree with Dave, esp. on used!

[newtech27]

Thanks for the responses guys. Pretty much confirmed my thoughts. I contacted George at Metro and he let me know they offer a 12000 series 50 watt amp. I think I'm gonna go that route. I like the idea of the higher gain of the 12000 series but don't need 100 watts. Plus it's all handwired and vintage specs, can't go wrong