jalexquijano

Is there any real difference between Marshall 1987x head reissues with PCB boards and Marshall plexi point to point 1970-1973 amps? I want to get a good advice on this 50watt amp before spending this huge amount of money.

I dont mine buying a used Marshall 1987x 50 Watt head as long as it works and sounds fine.

The other thing is the volume factor. I want to be able to hear the breakup without turning the amp to 7 or using an attenuator.

The Marshall tone i am looking for is Led Zeppelin live 1972-1973.

What about the Ceriatone clones? Are they worth or should i settle for Marshall 1987x Reissue with PCB?

Jesstaa

Ceriatone clones are awesome quality, and you can get them to build a lower wattage version which will allow for you to get that Zeppelin tone at a much lower volume (Paige cranked his 100watt SLPs, and I don't think you'll be able to do that very often without permanent damage/lots of visits from the cops)

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jalexquijano

So should i settle for Ceriatone PTP amp and forget about 1959SLP 100w or 1987x 50 watt reissues?

rockinr0ll

Go Ceriatone, I have a real vintage PTP Marshall and it smokes the reissues.

jalexquijano

What about metroamps?

50 Watt Plexi Amplifier Complete Kit - $1,050.00 : MetroAmp, Amplifier Kits and Parts Online Store

LesBalls

I own/have owned/have played several boutique Marshall clones as well as owning several Marshalls. I have always been a "if you want a Marshall, buy a Marshall" type of guy.

The nice thing about PTP is that there is less stuff that could get in the way of your signal so the tone is thought to be more "pure." Also, a PTP wired amp is more easy to trouble shoot and repair.

There are countless forums on the net with guys talking about how great PTP is and how they would play nothing else, own nothing else, and so on.

There is a difference. And if that difference is a big deal to you, I would go with what you think sounds better.

As I said, there is a difference, but I think that difference is over-hyped online. A new 1987 won't sound like an old one, but it will sound fairly close and the fact that it's not PTP is just one of the differences in the new one vs the old one.

I think if you could find a good deal on a used 1987x and change out the trannys and some resistances here and there, you'd probably be pretty happy. In fact, you should go and play a 1987x and see what you think about it in it's stock form and go from there.

custom53

Every 1987x I have played thru I had to turn it WAY up to get the breakup I wanted. Extrememly LOUD... You might want to consider a JMP or JCM Master Volume.

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Rockbert

The difference is in the components on the board, not whether it is PCB or PTP. Generally the older amps have better components - mustard caps, etc, and sometimes better transformers. And definitely better mojo. Also Marshall changed component values slightly over the years, and the older amps may have more of what some people consider to be the "marshall sound".

If you have the money for a 1987x, then you have more than enough to buy a used original 1987, if you shop around - private sale, not ebay or a dealer. I frequently see used Marshall amps for around $1000-$1500 for mid '70s and later, maybe a bit more for early '70s.

But with a 1987 (and the 1987x too) you will not get Led Zeppelin tone at a reasonable volume level without an attenuator. I have a '73 1987 and it's painfully loud above maybe 3 on the volume, and thick breakup doesn't start happening until maybe 6 or 7, at which point blood is coming out of your ears. So you really should plan on getting the attenuator...

tm0099

My 2 cents worth - I have a 1987x RI and ended up buying an attenuator (THD hotplate) - hated the result! Sold the hotplate and modded the 1987x with master volume and separate gain control (before you all start screaming scrilige at me it wasn't a decision I took lightly and because I already had a silver jub I went the whole hog and also converted my 1987x to take el34's and kt66 and now I have it set with kt66 and A/B'd with my silver jub - but that's not what this thread is about).
Getting back on track. Do not under estimate how loud 1987x's are!. Even though it's not quite the same as cranking past 7 and getting that great valve breakup it's now more 'fruity' at lower volumes and if I want I can still crank it.
So consider carefully, maybe you should be looking at a master volume 2204 or similar.

Frankie

Huge differences between the 1987x and a real early 70's metal panel. I can attest to how bad ass Metroamps are though.

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