1973 Marshall 100 watt head, "Rosemary" - what's it worth?

[GAT]

I've been looking for a nice 50 watt Marshall head for awhile and still can't find one that isn't all beat up, etc.

I found a 100 watter, 1973, all original trannys (I think), super clean with no mods. The tag has Rosemary on it. Not sure I want a 100 watter, but my Aracom can tame it.

What is an appropriate value for one? Also, I love 50 watters, never owned a 100 watter, but I have played them (without attenuation) years ago and they are freakin' loud. What are your thoughts on the 100 watt versions.

Thanks!

 

[michael.e]

Hey Gil!
They sound great for sure, but it is a very different sound than the 50. Even taming it is not going to get you to that 50 watt sound/feel. I personally love the 100 watters, but my 50 watters always sounded sweeter.
I picked up a near mint '75 Superbass for 1,500. A very clean ptp Superlead-$1,800 or so.

 

[GAT]

He's asking $2,250.00. Not sure if it has 6550 tubes, probably. I tend to like the 50 watt sweetness.

Thanks!!

 

[Echoplexi]

He's asking $2,250.00. Not sure if it has 6550 tubes, probably. I tend to like the 50 watt sweetness. Thanks!!

A 73' should have 4 el34s. I don't think that price is outrageous for a clean unmodded ptp super lead. I've had 100 watt super bass' and 50 watt leads. I prefer 50 watt tone myself but if I had a good attenuator like you do it wouldn't be a big deal.

 

[michael patrick]

He's asking $2,250.00. Not sure if it has 6550 tubes, probably. I tend to like the 50 watt sweetness.

Thanks!!

A '73 should have EL34s. Not only is that what it would have originally shipped with, that's the sound you want. Or at least that I'd want.

 

[AndreasG]

73 is also the first year for PCB board...they sound great nontheless, but might have an impact in value because some "experts" always state the PTP are superior. I have a late 73 50 W head (pcb) that sounds great, but I prefer the 74 Super PA wih 2 tubes. Sounds more robust.
Fwiw...I heard Greg Martins and David Grissoms 50 watters from 73 are both PCB versions....
2250 seems a bit high IMO. More like 1800-2000 with EL34's. But if it sounds great 250$ are easily forgotten.

 

[Echoes]

2250 seems a bit high IMO..

I agree, $1750 tops ....

 

[bdm]

Hold out for a 50 watt. Don't settle.

 

[amphog]

The 100 is a great clean amp, painful at breakup. Like any amp play before you buy, they vary a lot, amp to amp, old does not = good all the time.

 

[miamimart]

Do like Greg Martin does (and I do) pull two tubes & set the impedance one click lower. Great amps & you can't beat big iron.

 

[AndreasG]

Do like Greg Martin does (and I do) pull two tubes & set the impedance one click lower. Great amps & you can't beat big iron.

+ 1. Having both the 100 sounds just bigger. But the 50 has it's great sounds too....think Jeff Beck, Duane Allman, David Grissom.....
Get the 100 and search for a 50 watter

 

[mscotts]

If you use pedals a 100 watter is a superb pedal platform-
The bigger iron adds girth even when choked down a bit.

 

[GAT]

Well, looks like he sold it. Oh well, I really want another 50 watter. I have a 50 watt '75 JMP that I don't want to take out of the house these days.

 

[MikeyG]

I had a red 73. Loudest amp ive ever personally experienced

 

[michael.e]

Gil and I both had a really great sounding '72 jmp 50 thT had a Carlsboro PT in it. I still miss that one.

 

[Britishampfan]

To me 100 watters sound better than 50 everyday of the week. So yeah I`d be on that especally if you have a really good attenuators.

50 watts just seems to sound thin to me, a good sound yes but thin and then they breakup and become overly distorted and fat. I could`nt negotiate the trade off.

 

[stark]

Just played the 50W Bogner Helios today at the amp show. It gets all those good tones and more.

 

[GAT]

Just played the 50W Bogner Helios today at the amp show. It gets all those good tones and more.

Thanks Adam, I'll need to check one out.

 

[michael.e]

Hey Gil!
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/msg/4701299983.html

 

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

Bigger iron = better tone IMO. You can always pull two tubes if you think it's going to help. Prices can be all over the map... just depends on originality and condition.