"Beautiful clean sounds... but that's not what you're here for!" You know, I have to say, Marshall cleans are some of my absolute favorites. I think they have so much personality and have a real body and spank to them that I just don't get from the Fender camp. Got into them from those early Pretenders records and what James Honeyman-Scott and Robbie McIntosh had going on. Love those OD sounds as well, but Marshalls are underrated for their clean sounds and I think you guys successfully demonstrated why that shouldn't be. Well done!
If you are an AC/DC cover band or something in the same category,..It is irrelevant. Pristine cleans are beautiful but sometimes are not needed. Everything I play has atleast a subtle amount of dirt on it. I think its beautiful as long as it has great note separation.
That’s how SRV used them. Usually. Marshalls for the cleans and Fenders for the higher gain. I’m sure the Dumble had something to do with how killer his tone was but….
I’m also a fan of the Marshall clean sound! Years ago I was playing both pedal steel and guitar through a 100-watt 1959SLP with surprisingly good results, albeit it with more efficient speakers. Not wanting to have to haul more than one amp I decided to take a shot at using the 1959 for pedal steel as well and both myself and my band mates were pleasantly surprised at how great it sounded. Totally unexpected. However, in the studio I still use vintage Fender amps for steel but in that live situation the Marshall was amazing for everything I played through it and it had headroom for days! At one point I was using a 50-watt 1987 in the studio for lap steel but it seemed to be in no man’s land because it was too loud for sessions and at the same time underpowered for live performance in my particular situation. A few weeks ago I acquired a reissue JTM45 to use on lap steel for recording and after substantial tweaking I’ve settled on a blend of using pedals combined with a slight amount of breakup from the amp itself. After trying a variety of speakers the Alnico Gold seems to pair best with the JTM45 so far.
It's a long story but I got my first Marshall 1987 in '71 when playing for Prog Rock band Tallis in London UK. I chanced on Ron Wood playing at a club where he had his jam band that he had so he could have a fun Blues band. He enjoyed playing small mainly obscure clubs where he hopefully would not have to deal with the celebrity thing. We had a long talk about his 50 watt Marshall. I wanted one but had no money so he arranged for me to get a mint used one on the cheap that he used in a studio. It is a long story but I paid for it and picked it up at the Selmer store.Twice I had to sell my 1987 but at 75 I think my now 3rd one will see me out. As for the old vs the new x model the difference is not a lot. The old one is just a bit more wooly and it has bit less bite. I can recommend either. As the guys mentioned you just need a little of the brite channel. Any Strat sounds great thru the amp but I really recommend if you use a guitar with Hummies you put in a Gibson 57 Classic.
Awesome, Paul. Ceriatone offers Plexi models with different power filtering options based on the year. The filtering changes made them more gainy and aggressive from the early 70s on. The cathode bypass cap value also affected the gain above a given freq. That and the transformers used make the all sound a bit different. The Dagnell transfomers in modern era Marshalls haven't had the dynamic depth of the vintage ones by other companies. Perhaps those in these RI's are more like the vintage ones?
One of the most interesting things you guys did, that you’ve never re-created, is you set a 45 to be used with petals for your guitarist magazine thing. Some of the coolest sounds that I ever heard with pedals were these unexpected combinations of mid pushing petals into a big Marshall. Would love to see you guys do that again.
Fantastic comparison! I own one of these 1987x reissues, which is actually a very versatile amp which delivers 100% dynamic and detailed tones, from "clean" to overdriven as long as you use a decent cabinet. For those who complain about it's agressivity: this is relativ. 1) In a band environment it's a total different picture. 2) You may use the lower inputs as well, which are way smother, cleaner and controllable in certain situations. Don't forget, you can use the jumper in any diagonal way! 3) You can use the tone pot on your guitar as well to smothen the sound. 4) Experiment with the speakers or try a different cab. Playing through these amps is so much fun though it needs time to find your sweetspots due to its versatility!
Watching Dan's expression at minute 34 is incredible! The sudden shift to the 1987 and the wincing face followed by his slowly getting giddy with ROCK! He looks like a superhero who just suddenly discovered his powers. Also looks like every pimply faced 15 year old who plugs into a loud amp in the garage for the first time. Amazing to see your childlike enthusiasm for this stuff is still very alive and kicking! Great show
My 8 year old nephew has just started guitar lessons and it’s the same face he pulled when I turned my amp up and let him play. He’s never heard or played amplified so to say he enjoyed it is an understatement. He immediately did a Pete Townsend windmill lol
I just want to say thank you guys. It's an absolute pleasure to watch high quality video and audio. We all know that 99% of youtube is just horrible clipped audio. Thanks for doing it right!! Round of applause
I had a JTM45 made for me recently in LA by one of the greats, and as much as I am a die hard Fender guy, this amp quickly shot up to my number one. The weight of the transients on the nearest edge of breakup are absolutely insane. Massive. I have never felt so connected to an amp when I play, it's quite something to behold.
@dwaynedelario I concur. While my daily driver is a Fender HRD III, my friend built me a JTM45 two years ago, and it's a brilliant sounding, percussive amp. I had mine built with a Metro Zero Loss effects loop. It loves a good fuzz in front of it, and it is stinking loud for 30 watts. It's a beautiful build for sure, and I smile whenever I plug into it. Funny it's just a Bassman with british parts, eh?
My number one amp is a 1962HW..It’s, of course, the combo version of a JTM45 with an added vibrato. It has the KT66 power tubes. The overdriven tones are definitely incredible but it is the clean tones that are truly unbelievable. Some of the best clean tones of any amp I’ve ever heard. Heavenly.
As someone who has built more than a few Marshall circuits, even I was astonished to suddenly one day realize that the Marshall was designed to deliver not raucous distortion, but a beautiful clean sound. We just happened to get really lucky that it works great for both.
Never been much of a Marshall fan as most of their amps was a bit too fizzy for me. My journey "back" to Marshall started a couple of years ago when I bought Victory Sheriff 44 after hearing it on one of your shows. Just liked the way it sounded and still do - it's a kick-ass Marshally-amp without being way-too Marshally. JTM is a completely different beast. I treated myself to it roughly a year ago. Played it, did some due dilligence, checked some of your 1987X videos, heard you mention it more than a few times over the years, checked reviews from some other channels and decided to pull the plug. And the rest is history - it's a spectacularly good amp. Easy to get a fantastic clean sound and that Marshall OD. Works well with pedals, and any guitar I plug into it sounds fab without too much fiddling. And this comes from a Boogie fan - I like Mesa-type fiddling :) Don't care about the "old Marshalls are better" snobism - JTM45 is a kick-a%% good amp. And it's not crazy-expensive, which is a plus. 1987X is just a bit too-Marshally (brash) for me. Although that has its uses, of course :) This video is a perfect description why I like JTM45 so much - it has everything that it needs to have, and it's controllable and user friendly :-)
An amp pairing video is a must. Marshall with matchless, ac30 with fender. Match made in heaven combination or combinations that most people wouldn't think of. Great Video!
I've plugged into a 1987x before. As a fan of high-gain amps like Bogners, Mesa MKVs and 5150s...the 1987 felt like I was plugging into a screaming thermonuclear device capable of killing any small creature within a 5 mile radius. It's such an empowering, joyous, hilarious feeling and everybody needs to do it at least once. Also, good GOD that SG again is the absolute show-stealer.
There is something extremely satisfying about Marshall tone, the way it crunches, cleans - for me a desert island amp would be some kind of Marshall for sure. I love all makes, but if I'm pressed to choose this would be a Marshall
They’re so completely different. They may have started out to copy a Bassman but they abandoned that idea very quickly. Originally because of part availability. There is very little that remains the same between the two. I’m not sure but I’d guess that the tone stack between a Bassman and a modern JTM45..I am actually interested to know what, if anything, remains the same between them. Anyone know?
@@shawnglass108 They have the same topology with slightly different part values. With the exception of the tubes (without a little bit of modification) they have interchangeable parts
Both great amps, but I’ll take the 1987 any day of the week. Why? It has something no other amp has (let’s call it “Marshallness”), whereas the JTM45 is… well, a beefed up Fender. Great playing gentlemen, thank you for that! 👍👏👏👏
I have the 1987x with all effects in front, plugged into low normal, but jumped. With the bright channel barely on and normal around two-three. Amazing clean sound with headroom and works super with the broadcast and even with a RAT.
Great video and great showcase how Marshalls thru the years are very different, but also still Marshalls. The JTM45 has couple of sweet spots that were just briliant. Gunned with reverb and Les Paul? Thats my dream Blues sound
I am thrilled to see this episode on TPS! I have been a fan of your show for years. And I love pedals and how much I have learned from you about them. I hope you will include these amplifiers in more or your pedal demos. There are a great number of people who love these Marshall amps. Your expertise with pedals that sound great with these two different Marshall amps will be a valuable insight for TPS fans Thank you for this video!
As someone who's played professionally for 40 years you'd think I'd know this but I never had a Marshall and I always wondered what the real difference was. People were thinking it was all gain and no headroom. You guys always cut through the myth and common belief and I KNEW you would teach me the difference FINALLY. I was gonna get a Wangs 2204 now I'm not so sure. Great show once again. Thanks from Ga USA!
I feel weird telling this to someone who has played professionally for 40 years as I have played for only a paltry 12 But if you can find a DSL40CR with the Celestion Creamback, it’s one of the best, reasonably priced clean tones of a tube amp I’ve heard. There’s like four gainier channels on it and I’ve never used anything other than the clean, it’s that good.
Marshall really doesn't get the credit they deserve when it comes to clean sounds. And take it from a fellow Georgian, you've got to own at least one Marshall in your lifetime!
@@severebash9153 People love to bash the DSL15, but it's clean channel sounds fucking beautiful when cranked. It may not be all the way to a plexi, but I think it sounds incredible with a greenback, or a g12t75 for a little extra top end sizzle.
Very cool, I have a 1987x from the 1990's that has been a wonderful amplifier, I highly recommend as it has forever changed my playing for the better. Great content, Thank You
Great video gents! For a real treat, I suggest you try plugging into both top inputs using a Y-cable rather than jumpering, like Duane Allman and Eric Johnson. One must then rethink the amp settings as compared to jumpering. But it sounds heavenly, especially without the bright cap. I find that bright caps have a huge effect on plexi tone, even at very high volume settings. I know the conventional wisdom is that bright caps have almost no effect once you turn up the volume controls. My personal experiments show otherwise. I have a custom made plexi with a 3 way bright cap switch: two flavors of bright caps and total bypass in the center. I can say from experience, even with the volumes near 9, switching in a bright cap really transforms the plexi tone. It increases gain but it adds those shrill ice pick highs. So even cranked, taking out the bright cap profoundly tames the ear-piercing highs in a plexi.
I love this video..explains a lot of history between the two amps and their specs..but i really appreciate how you give the clean and volume to point break up a lot of playnwith different guitars..people always just turn marshalls way up in these vids vs really showcasing the dynamic ranges possible..love the zztop at end too
JTM45 for me there. I’ve been a fender amp user for longer than I care to remember, but recently bought a bluesbreaker after being blown away by one at a rehearsal space. Had to have one, despite having written Marshall’s off for being too fizzy and glassy for years. Incredible things. Has relegated my twin to second place.
I have a 50 w 1968 plxi head that I've had for 40 years and it's bone stock 'I have other Marshall's but I think the 1987 is the best one of the bunch 'and it's a perfect pedal Amp as well but prices are spiking I'm 70 now and I'm thinking of selling 'man it's going to be tough 'cheers guys you rock !
Best video lately, reminds me why I started watching That Pedal Show. Good old fashioned knob turning and going into detail with classic gear. Great watch.
Slight correction: the 5F6-A Bassman used a 12AY7 in V1, not a 12AT7. That 12AY7 was often swapped for a 12AX7, which increases the gain and sounds closer to a JTM 45. The reissue Bassman ships with a 12AX7 in V1.
I want both! Seriously though, Mick sums it up perfectly. They're all different and everything is a result of continued product development, and thank goodness for that or we'd be nowhere and channels like this would zero raison d'etre. Amazing show Leg-ends.
Johan Segeborn did a demo years ago of the current vs old JTM45 Bluesbreaker. The old speakers were 95% of the difference if I remember correctly. I need to go watch it now. Loved this video!
I rewatched the video now for the 3rd time. I own a handwired Linnemann M45 with KT66 and the clean tone of this thing takes your head of. There is so much more headroom than the JTM45 has. If someone ever gets the chance playing a Linnemann then go for it!
I can only imagine how well the Revv G3 pairs with your JTM. I'm guessing it gets it in the 80's hard rock/metal sound... like George Lynch, John Norum sound.... cheers.
I know you've warned us for years that things on YT etc don't sound like they really do but I'm surprised by how much I'm loving the 1987x today. I think I had never heard it and the JTM45 sort of side by side and it's rather wonderful!
I’ve rewatched this episode several times for a variety of reasons, but Dan’s face at 34:12…no better marketing for Marshall can be done than his expression right at that moment!!
I love these videos so much. The only thing that would make it perfect is the drummer test. Take these tones at stage level and play in the mix. Once the drummer starts, every single time, the whole room changes.
Yeah, around 42-43 mins with the Plexi the power tubes smooth out the harshness. As I understand it, the tube amps were made this bright just to counter the loss of brightness when run loud. DSL20 works in the same way - crap below 6 and glorious above 6. Great history exposé guys!
Awesome video! I had a 1962 Bluesbreaker 2x12 reissue for years that I loved but just became too heavy to lug around to gigs. Years later, I've now picked up a Studio Vintage 20W Head and 1x12 Greenback cab, which I've put KT66s in (the amp is Cathode biased) and it's a lovely half-way house between my old Bluesbreaker and the original 'Plexi' stock tone.
28:51 is now my go-to when I need a calming, zen-level of relief from a stressful day... thank you Mick and Dan for that (most of the TPS sessions qualify, btw)
The sound of a Strat through the 1987x is absolutely beautiful. The most striking thing is the difference between a single coil and a humbucker into the Plexi. Such a difference in tone. For me, this is my favorite thing about the Plexi.
Great video, excellent job, guys. just one thing; the 5881 is a LOWER power 6L6, even smaller in size. The modern 6L6 was developed from requests by Fender for a bigger cleaner tube, capable of higher voltages also allowing diode rectifiers. When they ran out in the early 90's the 5881 was all we had, we quickly found that our fenders and Boogies from the 70s and 80s ate them up really quick. Thanks for not ignoring the clean sounds. If an amp doesn't have a nice clean sound I can't respect it too much. To me, unlike the 45 or Bassman, you have to use both channels on the 1987 and 1959 otherwise they sound like crap. The 45 and BM sound great on any input but the others, jumpered are fantastic, just different, maybe more "Marshally" to the ears of some. I may actually ditch my 1978 in favor of a JTM. Also, Townshend used a tweed 3x10 Bandmaster and a Gretsch on Who's Next, probably hadn't used a Marshall in years..
My first non practice amp was a Marshall MG100*** head that I had on a 4x4 ampeg cab. That thing was fun. This was circa 2005? two years later I sold it for a Hot Rod Deluxe that was in fantastic condition for a lovely price of $400.
I've had my JTM45 Reissue for 12 years now, and I still love it. Set as you had it as a clean platform (pretty much exactly the same settings), I get everything else from my pedalboards. I was fortunate enough to be able to pair it with a mid 70's Vibroverb in a blues/rock band I played in a few years ago, and what a glorious noise! One day I'd like to pair it with an AC30. Every time I think I need to replace it, I plug it in and remind myself what an awesome amp it is.
I've watched this video a few times before purchasing my 1987x and 1936v cab and now a deeper dive now I own the head and looking for tips and tricks! Thank you guys soooo much for the information and guidance!!
I know it’s all about Marshall amps today, but I’m enjoying hearing Mick giving the bendy-stick on his Strat some gentle wiggling with some of that reverb. Sounds gorgeous.
I recently got a Marshall Super Lead Plexi amp, and I'm still learning what it's capable of giving. One of the things one does is isolate each knob in the tone stack, to test the sweep of it's response. I tested the mid knob, so I had the bass and treble set to zero, and when I got the mids knob to 10, I was like holy shit there it is, there's THE hot-rodded Marshall overdrive sound that really defines that amp, proving it's all about the mids. You cut the bass to keep it tight and defined, you roll off the treble to keep it from peeling the skin off your face, and since its shifted to upper mids you still get plenty of clarity on top of punch. Now I'm scouring to get a Celestion greenback and a tubescreamer to spike the mids even further. Love the Marshall filth.
Creambacks are more mid pronounced Greenbacks are more low end and high end. Can't go wrong with either or both. I will go for half and half, X pattern. I found a 60s looking 412 with Greenbacks for 500€, now I just need an old looking cab with Creambacks (I got one though in my DSL401) and swap half the speakers. Some people think it's too much, Plexi is mid focused, as is Creamback and same goes for a TS. So all three can be a bit much. Definetly experiment with having the tone knob on the ts pretty far down, it gives you back some of the bass it would usually cut.
Also some only use the bright channel. Like Yngwie Malmsteen, he uses only the bright channel with a DOD250 as a drive. He uses G12T75s though, 200 W cabs. Not my thing but you can't argue with his tone.
My JTM45 RI doesn't overdrive until anything that's too loud for for things I do indoors, and doesn't start until the high treble is past noon. I add normal channel to taste to fill in the overall tone. If I were outdoors, I'd probably just go straight into the high-treble. "Don't know. Never try." NOW - The tool that helps me with multiple scenarios is my Freyette PS-1. As it's a 6L6, 50w re-amp with an effects loop, I can use it as an attenuator. Or, if I need more clean output, and proper delay/reverb performance, I can get all I need out of it, clean, or at any amount of tube saturation. And the PS-1 has a lot of headroom. IOW, it can make your JTM 45 punch much harder if needed since it can re-amp 30w to 50w. Dan & Mick - I know y'all know this as I see one sitting behind you. With the 1987x, or a JMP, I'd love to be outdoors and play, or jam with either one of them in the fashion of the late 60s-70s.
Awesome vid guys! I've bought and sold the Marshall Studio Vintage 3 times. Super cool amp but was just always battling trying to tame that bright channel. Got the JTM 45 about a year ago, absolutely love it. I don't even jumper channels because I don't think the high channel is that bright. Had master volume mod put in but rarely use it.
Another smashing video! Guys, you are so good at "telling" the things that happen to you that it is always a huge pleasure to listen to you, even if I am Italian and sometimes I lose a few words along the way! 😂 And I often dream of being on stage with one of your Line-Ups or with your pedalboard and simply with a couple of beasts like today! I was lucky enough to try for a couple of times a pair of “real” mid-70s Plexis owned by my luthier, and together, in stereo and cranked up to 2 volume, they shook the whole stage! Luckily it was an outdoor performance! 🤣🤣 But you are absolutely right: the JTMs make you dream, in any situation you want to place them and make you want to always send them to 10! Thank you so much for your dedication, you have been my only reference for at least 6 years! I love you!❤️
I've played a JTM45 Reissue from the early 90s for many years. I loved this amp, but it bothered me that it couldn't give me some of the Plexi tone features I always heard when listening to Jimi for example. The 1987x cured this and closed the gap for me.
JTM45 is the sound of that classic blues/rock we heard from the 60s and 1987x is the sound of the rock and hard rock we heard in a tons of LP's. Both are THAT sound. Mine is a custom JTM45 and I love it!
I believe that in the first TPS fuzz episode you used an old jtm45. In a custom case! That is still one of my favourite episodes and sounds ever. One day I will have a 45. Great show gentlemen. B
I have a JTM 45 reissue from the late 1980s. It was converted to EL34s and a solid state rectifier by the previous owner. I think it sounds fantastic and a few of my guitarist mates lust after it. I was told by the tech that services my amp that these amps are actually only 30 watts. That might account for the disparity in volume with the 50 watt 1987s.
Fantastic video, gents! Extremely interesting re: the 1987x! I owned a '60's JTM45 for a while and it was probably the best amp I have ever owned, despite some of the internals not being original! It still sound EXTREMELY CREAMY! Could you possibly do a video on the JTM45 as predominantly a pedal platform, and then maybe get Luke Caley (from Press to MECO) in to chat about his JTM45 and how he uses it as a pedal platform? Looking forward to many more vids about these two brilliant amps! Thanks chaps! 😀
Rewatched today. Such a treat this video. Dan‘s playing is phenomenal in this video. Around the 30 minute mark I hear strong Jeff Buckley style chords and sounds and when Dan grabs the SG Junior….outstanding, really. By the way…I’m about to get a JTM45 again in addition to my 1987x. There’s some magic in both that justifies having both 😉✌️🎸💯☮️
If using a treble booster IMO it’s best to only play thru the normal channel…. and fantastically tasteful playing by the two of you! Really enjoyed this one.
Thought I would maybe prefer the JTM in this one but preferred the Plexi. I thought the Les Paul into it when the Tele was clean was such a great tone. Well done. I am always reminded that the jangly intro on INXS "Need You Tonight" is a Marshall. They do sound glorious cranked up though. Thank you for all you do.
I don’t know if I just have a weirdo amp, if it’s biased differently or if it is just the way it reacts to the ohm rating of its 2x12” Greenbacks but my Marshall Bluesbreaker is the loudest clean pedal platform I’ve ever owned. Mine stays clean until around noon, where it is so loud I’d have to leave it in the car to stay welcomed in my band. My last bar gig I ran my board into the low gain input on the normal channel, treble and mids on 6, bass and pres on 4 and volume on about 1.5! Headroom for days and my Protein Pedal sounded enormous! Best tone I’ve ever had. It’s only about 4-5 years old, so maybe they are doing something different, but I love it. It uses 5881 power tubes. I play humbucker guitars (Les Paul, Firebird, ES335). Thanks guys, love this show!
For a nice clean on the 1987x, use the high on channel 2, then jumper the low/2 with high/1… presto! If you use attenuation on the 1987x (depending on how much) it allows for even more control over the clean. I’ve to the been using a Plexi (the 1987x) for some time now, and thought without jumping the two channels you may not notice any “bleed over”, but it does exist. Even though you’re plugged into one or the other, there is a subtitle effect by turning the other. (A good plate reverb set low is where the magic is on a Plexi) Great video 👍🏻
I have a 1979 2204 and I use a ds1 infront and keep the pedal fairly low gain just to add a tad bit to what the amp already does. Sounds awesome. That p90 sings!!
This was a fun vid! I’ve got a Metro Amp kit JTM-45 and it breaks up as early as 2. Definitely a better choice for lower volume needs, I’m glad you have one now as it will probably sound better in your setup 👍🏻
Very nice episode. Both amps sit in a very different space frequency wise and hence can be used for different purposes. I have been using a JTM45 as my main pedal platform amp since some time now and absolutels love it to bits. It has character by itself and takes pedals extremely well. I don't if I really want to thank you, because it kind of wants me to get an 87 for that unapologetic and brutal Marshall in your faceness.
I like to think that the thumbnail isn't Mick protecting his ears but he's blocking out the sound of someone saying their multi-effects can do just as good. Love the show
So, I have the hand wired JTM45 and there is definitely some cross over between the 2 channels. Running the volume 1 ( treble channel) with nothing plugged into Volume 2 there is some effect when the volume on 2 is blended in. Maybe something to do with it having tremolo? You can also get a very subtle tremolo when running both channels bridged. For my money , although it’s considered a classic match, the G12Ms aren’t my favourite speaker and I much prefer G12H speakers for firming up the bass plus a more balanced speaker. Also a great amp with V30s , firmer bass and more focus in mids and upper range - well worth a try.
My dream amp is a JTM45, but either a vintage one or some sort of a new one with the tremolo circuit from the Super Tremolos. To that end, I own a Fender Bassbreaker 45 which to me is a poor man's Plexi. The specs on the Bassbreaker would lean you to believe that it is closer to a JTM45, since it has a modified Bassmanc preamp, and a 45W EL34 power amp. But I can't believe how gainy the Bassbreaker is! I am amazed by the fact that I can turn it up quite loud, put a tubescreamer style pedal in front and it just does all those late 70s Marshall tones. It is very gainy. For that reason, I find the Bassbreaker 45 to sound very similar to a 1987X, specially when you put it into a 4x12 with greenbacks or you change the speakers on the combo (which I did). So, if you are like me, and you want that classic Marshall tone but can't afford any of these two heads, or the Bluesbreaker combo, the Fender Bassbreaker 45 is a good option. And by the way, I went into the store predecided that I was going to buy either a DLS40 or an Origin 50, and the Bassbreaker won in a straight shoot out for the classic Marshally tones I wanted. It just sounded more vintage to my ears. And in that same shootout, I tried a Fender Deluxe Reissue and it was very different from the Bassbreaker. That Bassbreaker 45 is just well voiced to sound like a classic Marshall.
That's why i have both too, amazing amps. The 45 is such an inspiring amp Only one suggestion for higher volume settings the eq must be changed due to the less effect of the brighi cap...so more treble circui then normal channel and less bass...also more presence for heavier tones In this context and set like this also the jtm could generate amazing rock sounds
@@francesco0185 volume wise 1987 much louder, but jtm 45 is already loud for 80% of the guitarist around! With pedals i would suggest the jtm without any doubt! Unless you play really heavy stuff only
Thanks so much for showing us all the different sounds of both amps. I think many guitar players will never get the chance to play and try those vintage amps. Most loved sound for me - Dan with the SG Junior playing over the JTM 45 and the DS 1. Man....what a fat but clear sound. Beats many modern High gain amps. But what about your ears, Dan? You don´t need to save them like Mick? Greetings from Bavaria Wolfgang
When you do the Bassman vs JTM 45, make sure you try both through the same cab, and also with the v1 swapped to the same 12AY7. Very similar at that point. Speaker speaker speaker.
I have builds of both (actually JTM50 with tube rec) and your right, not much headroom on the 87X, especially with meaty humbuckers. It gives classic overdrive at around 4 or 5. They are so different, the Tele is great through the Lead with bass all the way up.
Iv been wangin through a Marshall origin 50h lately, listening to the amps its supposedly aimed at assimilating, this has been not far off from my experience even on a budget. Great reference for better understanding my new amp! Thank you.
I'm having this huge psychic disconnect: when you talk about the differences, I say "oh yeah, give me the 1987x". But when I listen, my ears say "the JTM 45 is vastly superior."
The main thing that I love about a plexi is cranking the bright channel all the way up as the bright cap is defeated as you raise the level. This smooths out the amp and gets rid of the extreme shrillness. The issue is that it's so loud you'll go deaf if you are exposed to it directly. A really good attenuator is key.
This has to be one of your best videos yet guys. Explained well, played well...oh wait that's the same as all your videos 🥰😎🤘(edit: Thank you Thank you for using a 4x12 cab)
![Crank That Marshall Plexi! [5 Things You Asked Us To Try With The 1987x]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/6r4-n12E_OM/mqdefault.jpg)
These hour long videos where yall really get into nuts and bolts of things leaving no stone unturned are very appreciated!
"Beautiful clean sounds... but that's not what you're here for!" You know, I have to say, Marshall cleans are some of my absolute favorites. I think they have so much personality and have a real body and spank to them that I just don't get from the Fender camp. Got into them from those early Pretenders records and what James Honeyman-Scott and Robbie McIntosh had going on. Love those OD sounds as well, but Marshalls are underrated for their clean sounds and I think you guys successfully demonstrated why that shouldn't be. Well done!
Funny though. It's actually what I was here for.
"Clean Up" via adjusting the guitars volume-controls and ones "touch" to vary from cleaner through meaner to misdemeanor is KEY.
If you are an AC/DC cover band or something in the same category,..It is irrelevant.
Pristine cleans are beautiful but sometimes are not needed.
Everything I play has atleast a subtle amount of dirt on it. I think its beautiful as long as it has great note separation.
That’s how SRV used them. Usually. Marshalls for the cleans and Fenders for the higher gain. I’m sure the Dumble had something to do with how killer his tone was but….
I’m also a fan of the Marshall clean sound! Years ago I was playing both pedal steel and guitar through a 100-watt 1959SLP with surprisingly good results, albeit it with more efficient speakers. Not wanting to have to haul more than one amp I decided to take a shot at using the 1959 for pedal steel as well and both myself and my band mates were pleasantly surprised at how great it sounded. Totally unexpected. However, in the studio I still use vintage Fender amps for steel but in that live situation the Marshall was amazing for everything I played through it and it had headroom for days! At one point I was using a 50-watt 1987 in the studio for lap steel but it seemed to be in no man’s land because it was too loud for sessions and at the same time underpowered for live performance in my particular situation. A few weeks ago I acquired a reissue JTM45 to use on lap steel for recording and after substantial tweaking I’ve settled on a blend of using pedals combined with a slight amount of breakup from the amp itself. After trying a variety of speakers the Alnico Gold seems to pair best with the JTM45 so far.
It's a long story but I got my first Marshall 1987 in '71 when playing for Prog Rock band Tallis in London UK. I chanced on Ron Wood playing at a club where he had his jam band that he had so he could have a fun Blues band. He enjoyed playing small mainly obscure clubs where he hopefully would not have to deal with the celebrity thing. We had a long talk about his 50 watt Marshall. I wanted one but had no money so he arranged for me to get a mint used one on the cheap that he used in a studio. It is a long story but I paid for it and picked it up at the Selmer store.Twice I had to sell my 1987 but at 75 I think my now 3rd one will see me out. As for the old vs the new x model the difference is not a lot. The old one is just a bit more wooly and it has bit less bite. I can recommend either. As the guys mentioned you just need a little of the brite channel. Any Strat sounds great thru the amp but I really recommend if you use a guitar with Hummies you put in a Gibson 57 Classic.
What a great story, thanks Paul!
Amazing story
Real history. Great story
Awesome, Paul. Ceriatone offers Plexi models with different power filtering options based on the year. The filtering changes made them more gainy and aggressive from the early 70s on. The cathode bypass cap value also affected the gain above a given freq. That and the transformers used make the all sound a bit different. The Dagnell transfomers in modern era Marshalls haven't had the dynamic depth of the vintage ones by other companies. Perhaps those in these RI's are more like the vintage ones?
One of the most interesting things you guys did, that you’ve never re-created, is you set a 45 to be used with petals for your guitarist magazine thing.
Some of the coolest sounds that I ever heard with pedals were these unexpected combinations of mid pushing petals into a big Marshall. Would love to see you guys do that again.
Fantastic comparison! I own one of these 1987x reissues, which is actually a very versatile amp which delivers 100% dynamic and detailed tones, from "clean" to overdriven as long as you use a decent cabinet. For those who complain about it's agressivity: this is relativ. 1) In a band environment it's a total different picture. 2) You may use the lower inputs as well, which are way smother, cleaner and controllable in certain situations. Don't forget, you can use the jumper in any diagonal way! 3) You can use the tone pot on your guitar as well to smothen the sound. 4) Experiment with the speakers or try a different cab. Playing through these amps is so much fun though it needs time to find your sweetspots due to its versatility!
Watching Dan's expression at minute 34 is incredible! The sudden shift to the 1987 and the wincing face followed by his slowly getting giddy with ROCK! He looks like a superhero who just suddenly discovered his powers. Also looks like every pimply faced 15 year old who plugs into a loud amp in the garage for the first time. Amazing to see your childlike enthusiasm for this stuff is still very alive and kicking! Great show
My 8 year old nephew has just started guitar lessons and it’s the same face he pulled when I turned my amp up and let him play. He’s never heard or played amplified so to say he enjoyed it is an understatement. He immediately did a Pete Townsend windmill lol
He looks like he's about to rock...and I salute him.
Historically, the 1987X has seen a vastly superior amount of use in bands and on hit records.
I just want to say thank you guys. It's an absolute pleasure to watch high quality video and audio. We all know that 99% of youtube is just horrible clipped audio. Thanks for doing it right!! Round of applause
Thank you Jim! All analogue right up to the computer... and no plugins!
The pure joy on Dan’s face when he plays is so heartwarming. Love you guys!
I had a JTM45 made for me recently in LA by one of the greats, and as much as I am a die hard Fender guy, this amp quickly shot up to my number one. The weight of the transients on the nearest edge of breakup are absolutely insane. Massive. I have never felt so connected to an amp when I play, it's quite something to behold.
That wind through the trees buy off is still on the board? lol
@@jbf16falcon wait what?
@dwaynedelario I concur. While my daily driver is a Fender HRD III, my friend built me a JTM45 two years ago, and it's a brilliant sounding, percussive amp. I had mine built with a Metro Zero Loss effects loop. It loves a good fuzz in front of it, and it is stinking loud for 30 watts. It's a beautiful build for sure, and I smile whenever I plug into it. Funny it's just a Bassman with british parts, eh?
My number one amp is a 1962HW..It’s, of course, the combo version of a JTM45 with an added vibrato. It has the KT66 power tubes. The overdriven tones are definitely incredible but it is the clean tones that are truly unbelievable. Some of the best clean tones of any amp I’ve ever heard. Heavenly.
Where can i find one of these JTMs Near Buena Park? Something affordable cause i get most of my needs off a Dual Rectifier
Man, that clean tone on the JTM45 with the strat is amazing!
I have the hand wired marshall version from like 6or 7 years ago absolutely fantastic cleans
As someone who has built more than a few Marshall circuits, even I was astonished to suddenly one day realize that the Marshall was designed to deliver not raucous distortion, but a beautiful clean sound. We just happened to get really lucky that it works great for both.
JTM45 sounds so freaking good for what I want to hear in an amp and what I'd use it for. A+ guys!
Never been much of a Marshall fan as most of their amps was a bit too fizzy for me. My journey "back" to Marshall started a couple of years ago when I bought Victory Sheriff 44 after hearing it on one of your shows. Just liked the way it sounded and still do - it's a kick-ass Marshally-amp without being way-too Marshally. JTM is a completely different beast. I treated myself to it roughly a year ago. Played it, did some due dilligence, checked some of your 1987X videos, heard you mention it more than a few times over the years, checked reviews from some other channels and decided to pull the plug. And the rest is history - it's a spectacularly good amp. Easy to get a fantastic clean sound and that Marshall OD. Works well with pedals, and any guitar I plug into it sounds fab without too much fiddling. And this comes from a Boogie fan - I like Mesa-type fiddling :) Don't care about the "old Marshalls are better" snobism - JTM45 is a kick-a%% good amp. And it's not crazy-expensive, which is a plus. 1987X is just a bit too-Marshally (brash) for me. Although that has its uses, of course :) This video is a perfect description why I like JTM45 so much - it has everything that it needs to have, and it's controllable and user friendly :-)
An amp pairing video is a must. Marshall with matchless, ac30 with fender. Match made in heaven combination or combinations that most people wouldn't think of. Great Video!
AC15 Tweed Deluxe… sound so good together
I've plugged into a 1987x before. As a fan of high-gain amps like Bogners, Mesa MKVs and 5150s...the 1987 felt like I was plugging into a screaming thermonuclear device capable of killing any small creature within a 5 mile radius. It's such an empowering, joyous, hilarious feeling and everybody needs to do it at least once.
Also, good GOD that SG again is the absolute show-stealer.
There is something extremely satisfying about Marshall tone, the way it crunches, cleans - for me a desert island amp would be some kind of Marshall for sure. I love all makes, but if I'm pressed to choose this would be a Marshall
Nice video. Love you, guys!
For my taste, there is no jumping channels. Only High input on 7. That’s pure rock n roll. Just a perfect ACDC tone.
Talk about an 'Andy Timmons' moment - Dan's playing at 32:00 through the JTM45 is just sublime...
Andy !
I would love to hear a modern bassman reissue compared to the JTM 45
Yes, absolutely
They’re so completely different. They may have started out to copy a Bassman but they abandoned that idea very quickly. Originally because of part availability. There is very little that remains the same between the two. I’m not sure but I’d guess that the tone stack between a Bassman and a modern JTM45..I am actually interested to know what, if anything, remains the same between them. Anyone know?
@@shawnglass108 They have the same topology with slightly different part values. With the exception of the tubes (without a little bit of modification) they have interchangeable parts
Depends on what you mean by Bassman - 5F6A? 6G6B? AB165? AB864? AA763?
@@eyedunno8462 everyone knows what bassman he refers to. We are all very happy that you know all the BM circuits though
Both great amps, but I’ll take the 1987 any day of the week. Why? It has something no other amp has (let’s call it “Marshallness”), whereas the JTM45 is… well, a beefed up Fender. Great playing gentlemen, thank you for that! 👍👏👏👏
I have the 1987x with all effects in front, plugged into low normal, but jumped. With the bright channel barely on and normal around two-three. Amazing clean sound with headroom and works super with the broadcast and even with a RAT.
Great video and great showcase how Marshalls thru the years are very different, but also still Marshalls.
The JTM45 has couple of sweet spots that were just briliant. Gunned with reverb and Les Paul? Thats my dream Blues sound
Wow Dan! Your clean tone playing was excellent. I was moved. Great playing, sir!
Ah, cheers mate 🙏
I am thrilled to see this episode on TPS! I have been a fan of your show for years. And I love pedals and how much I have learned from you about them. I hope you will include these amplifiers in more or your pedal demos. There are a great number of people who love these Marshall amps. Your expertise with pedals that sound great with these two different Marshall amps will be a valuable insight for TPS fans Thank you for this video!
I was incredibly lucky to buy a 1966 jtm50t in Wurzburd Germany in 1987. Best amp I've heard to this day.
As someone who's played professionally for 40 years you'd think I'd know this but I never had a Marshall and I always wondered what the real difference was. People were thinking it was all gain and no headroom. You guys always cut through the myth and common belief and I KNEW you would teach me the difference FINALLY. I was gonna get a Wangs 2204 now I'm not so sure. Great show once again. Thanks from Ga USA!
Marshall's have some of the best clean tones around. I am playing out of a 80-s JCM800. And it is earvana.
I feel weird telling this to someone who has played professionally for 40 years as I have played for only a paltry 12
But if you can find a DSL40CR with the Celestion Creamback, it’s one of the best, reasonably priced clean tones of a tube amp I’ve heard. There’s like four gainier channels on it and I’ve never used anything other than the clean, it’s that good.
Marshall really doesn't get the credit they deserve when it comes to clean sounds. And take it from a fellow Georgian, you've got to own at least one Marshall in your lifetime!
@@severebash9153 People love to bash the DSL15, but it's clean channel sounds fucking beautiful when cranked. It may not be all the way to a plexi, but I think it sounds incredible with a greenback, or a g12t75 for a little extra top end sizzle.
Very cool, I have a 1987x from the 1990's that has been a wonderful amplifier, I highly recommend as it has forever changed my playing for the better.
Great content, Thank You
Great video gents! For a real treat, I suggest you try plugging into both top inputs using a Y-cable rather than jumpering, like Duane Allman and Eric Johnson. One must then rethink the amp settings as compared to jumpering. But it sounds heavenly, especially without the bright cap. I find that bright caps have a huge effect on plexi tone, even at very high volume settings. I know the conventional wisdom is that bright caps have almost no effect once you turn up the volume controls. My personal experiments show otherwise. I have a custom made plexi with a 3 way bright cap switch: two flavors of bright caps and total bypass in the center. I can say from experience, even with the volumes near 9, switching in a bright cap really transforms the plexi tone. It increases gain but it adds those shrill ice pick highs. So even cranked, taking out the bright cap profoundly tames the ear-piercing highs in a plexi.
I love this video..explains a lot of history between the two amps and their specs..but i really appreciate how you give the clean and volume to point break up a lot of playnwith different guitars..people always just turn marshalls way up in these vids vs really showcasing the dynamic ranges possible..love the zztop at end too
JTM45 for me there. I’ve been a fender amp user for longer than I care to remember, but recently bought a bluesbreaker after being blown away by one at a rehearsal space. Had to have one, despite having written Marshall’s off for being too fizzy and glassy for years. Incredible things. Has relegated my twin to second place.
I have a 50 w 1968 plxi head that I've had for 40 years and it's bone stock 'I have other Marshall's but I think the 1987 is the best one of the bunch 'and it's a perfect pedal Amp as well but prices are spiking I'm 70 now and I'm thinking of selling 'man it's going to be tough 'cheers guys you rock !
Let me know if you decide to sell.
Best video lately, reminds me why I started watching That Pedal Show. Good old fashioned knob turning and going into detail with classic gear. Great watch.
Slight correction: the 5F6-A Bassman used a 12AY7 in V1, not a 12AT7. That 12AY7 was often swapped for a 12AX7, which increases the gain and sounds closer to a JTM 45. The reissue Bassman ships with a 12AX7 in V1.
Oops. Thanks Lenny. I know this, how did I get that wrong!? Argh!
Those clean tones from the amps are brilliant. The spank sound from the tele just hits the soul
Just to add that JTM with the strat no pedals was the best sound I have ever heard and that is now my sound goal
I want both! Seriously though, Mick sums it up perfectly. They're all different and everything is a result of continued product development, and thank goodness for that or we'd be nowhere and channels like this would zero raison d'etre. Amazing show Leg-ends.
Johan Segeborn did a demo years ago of the current vs old JTM45 Bluesbreaker. The old speakers were 95% of the difference if I remember correctly. I need to go watch it now. Loved this video!
The “Bluesbreaker” moniker refers only to the 2x12 combo Clapton used on Beano. Not all JTM45.
I rewatched the video now for the 3rd time. I own a handwired Linnemann M45 with KT66 and the clean tone of this thing takes your head of. There is so much more headroom than the JTM45 has. If someone ever gets the chance playing a Linnemann then go for it!
Love my JTM45, gorgeous clean and crunch, goose with a Lightspeed, double goose with Revv G3, covers all bases for me. Great vid chaps.
I can only imagine how well the Revv G3 pairs with your JTM. I'm guessing it gets it in the 80's hard rock/metal sound... like George Lynch, John Norum sound.... cheers.
I know you've warned us for years that things on YT etc don't sound like they really do but I'm surprised by how much I'm loving the 1987x today. I think I had never heard it and the JTM45 sort of side by side and it's rather wonderful!
I’ve rewatched this episode several times for a variety of reasons, but Dan’s face at 34:12…no better marketing for Marshall can be done than his expression right at that moment!!
I love these videos so much. The only thing that would make it perfect is the drummer test. Take these tones at stage level and play in the mix. Once the drummer starts, every single time, the whole room changes.
You guys need a permanent JTM45 in your vids man (especially with that Goldtop). That LP > reverb > JTM45 tone was bliss!
Yeah, around 42-43 mins with the Plexi the power tubes smooth out the harshness. As I understand it, the tube amps were made this bright just to counter the loss of brightness when run loud. DSL20 works in the same way - crap below 6 and glorious above 6. Great history exposé guys!
Awesome video! I had a 1962 Bluesbreaker 2x12 reissue for years that I loved but just became too heavy to lug around to gigs. Years later, I've now picked up a Studio Vintage 20W Head and 1x12 Greenback cab, which I've put KT66s in (the amp is Cathode biased) and it's a lovely half-way house between my old Bluesbreaker and the original 'Plexi' stock tone.
I like these two. Low key and no fluff. Nice playing too. I too thought I'd prefer the JTM, but by the time the 1987 was cranking, it was all over.
28:51 is now my go-to when I need a calming, zen-level of relief from a stressful day... thank you Mick and Dan for that (most of the TPS sessions qualify, btw)
The sound of a Strat through the 1987x is absolutely beautiful. The most striking thing is the difference between a single coil and a humbucker into the Plexi. Such a difference in tone. For me, this is my favorite thing about the Plexi.
Great work. My 1987X reissue gives my JCM800 a run for it's money. Definitely loves pedals in the front of it. EVH brown sound for sure.
Great video, excellent job, guys. just one thing; the 5881 is a LOWER power 6L6, even smaller in size. The modern 6L6 was developed from requests by Fender for a bigger cleaner tube, capable of higher voltages also allowing diode rectifiers. When they ran out in the early 90's the 5881 was all we had, we quickly found that our fenders and Boogies from the 70s and 80s ate them up really quick.
Thanks for not ignoring the clean sounds. If an amp doesn't have a nice clean sound I can't respect it too much.
To me, unlike the 45 or Bassman, you have to use both channels on the 1987 and 1959 otherwise they sound like crap. The 45 and BM sound great on any input but the others, jumpered are fantastic, just different, maybe more "Marshally" to the ears of some. I may actually ditch my 1978 in favor of a JTM.
Also, Townshend used a tweed 3x10 Bandmaster and a Gretsch on Who's Next, probably hadn't used a Marshall in years..
My first non practice amp was a Marshall MG100*** head that I had on a 4x4 ampeg cab. That thing was fun. This was circa 2005? two years later I sold it for a Hot Rod Deluxe that was in fantastic condition for a lovely price of $400.
Mick/Dan…just about time for a new “our guitars” video…brief rundown of each guitar, short story of where it came from and why it’s a keeper! 🙏🏻🤞🏻👍🏻
I've had my JTM45 Reissue for 12 years now, and I still love it. Set as you had it as a clean platform (pretty much exactly the same settings), I get everything else from my pedalboards. I was fortunate enough to be able to pair it with a mid 70's Vibroverb in a blues/rock band I played in a few years ago, and what a glorious noise! One day I'd like to pair it with an AC30. Every time I think I need to replace it, I plug it in and remind myself what an awesome amp it is.
Lovely lovely lovely Steve. That’s the shizzle!
I've watched this video a few times before purchasing my 1987x and 1936v cab and now a deeper dive now I own the head and looking for tips and tricks! Thank you guys soooo much for the information and guidance!!
I know it’s all about Marshall amps today, but I’m enjoying hearing Mick giving the bendy-stick on his Strat some gentle wiggling with some of that reverb. Sounds gorgeous.
The JTM45 is what my ears want to hear. Higher gain is always achievable with pedals. Nice video - thanks so much 🙏
I recently got a Marshall Super Lead Plexi amp, and I'm still learning what it's capable of giving. One of the things one does is isolate each knob in the tone stack, to test the sweep of it's response. I tested the mid knob, so I had the bass and treble set to zero, and when I got the mids knob to 10, I was like holy shit there it is, there's THE hot-rodded Marshall overdrive sound that really defines that amp, proving it's all about the mids. You cut the bass to keep it tight and defined, you roll off the treble to keep it from peeling the skin off your face, and since its shifted to upper mids you still get plenty of clarity on top of punch. Now I'm scouring to get a Celestion greenback and a tubescreamer to spike the mids even further. Love the Marshall filth.
Creambacks are more mid pronounced Greenbacks are more low end and high end. Can't go wrong with either or both. I will go for half and half, X pattern. I found a 60s looking 412 with Greenbacks for 500€, now I just need an old looking cab with Creambacks (I got one though in my DSL401) and swap half the speakers. Some people think it's too much, Plexi is mid focused, as is Creamback and same goes for a TS. So all three can be a bit much. Definetly experiment with having the tone knob on the ts pretty far down, it gives you back some of the bass it would usually cut.
Also some only use the bright channel. Like Yngwie Malmsteen, he uses only the bright channel with a DOD250 as a drive. He uses G12T75s though, 200 W cabs. Not my thing but you can't argue with his tone.
Great as always, guys. That JTM blew me away with it's cleans.
My JTM45 RI doesn't overdrive until anything that's too loud for for things I do indoors, and doesn't start until the high treble is past noon. I add normal channel to taste to fill in the overall tone. If I were outdoors, I'd probably just go straight into the high-treble. "Don't know. Never try."
NOW - The tool that helps me with multiple scenarios is my Freyette PS-1. As it's a 6L6, 50w re-amp with an effects loop, I can use it as an attenuator. Or, if I need more clean output, and proper delay/reverb performance, I can get all I need out of it, clean, or at any amount of tube saturation. And the PS-1 has a lot of headroom. IOW, it can make your JTM 45 punch much harder if needed since it can re-amp 30w to 50w.
Dan & Mick - I know y'all know this as I see one sitting behind you.
With the 1987x, or a JMP, I'd love to be outdoors and play, or jam with either one of them in the fashion of the late 60s-70s.
Awesome vid guys!
I've bought and sold the Marshall Studio Vintage 3 times. Super cool amp but was just always battling trying to tame that bright channel. Got the JTM 45 about a year ago, absolutely love it. I don't even jumper channels because I don't think the high channel is that bright. Had master volume mod put in but rarely use it.
JTM45…best sound I’ve had out of it is all knobs cranked with the exception of Bass on 0. Perfection.
I know that Marshall amps aren’t really known for their clean tones but wow these cleans are killer!
Another smashing video! Guys, you are so good at "telling" the things that happen to you that it is always a huge pleasure to listen to you, even if I am Italian and sometimes I lose a few words along the way! 😂 And I often dream of being on stage with one of your Line-Ups or with your pedalboard and simply with a couple of beasts like today! I was lucky enough to try for a couple of times a pair of “real” mid-70s Plexis owned by my luthier, and together, in stereo and cranked up to 2 volume, they shook the whole stage! Luckily it was an outdoor performance! 🤣🤣 But you are absolutely right: the JTMs make you dream, in any situation you want to place them and make you want to always send them to 10! Thank you so much for your dedication, you have been my only reference for at least 6 years! I love you!❤️
I've played a JTM45 Reissue from the early 90s for many years. I loved this amp, but it bothered me that it couldn't give me some of the Plexi tone features I always heard when listening to Jimi for example. The 1987x cured this and closed the gap for me.
Exactly where I am now. Have a hand wired bluesbreaker and trying to figure out what kind of Plexi to get
Great to hear mention of Ken and Dudley, more often than not they don't get their due doff of the cap in such history lessons. Good work sir.
JTM45 is the sound of that classic blues/rock we heard from the 60s and 1987x is the sound of the rock and hard rock we heard in a tons of LP's. Both are THAT sound.
Mine is a custom JTM45 and I love it!
The best Marshall is a fenderish one 😜
The JTM45 just amazing !!!
Exactly
I believe that in the first TPS fuzz episode you used an old jtm45. In a custom case! That is still one of my favourite episodes and sounds ever. One day I will have a 45. Great show gentlemen. B
These two guys are pure class, thanks for that 😀
Thank you Jack!
I have a JTM 45 reissue from the late 1980s. It was converted to EL34s and a solid state rectifier by the previous owner. I think it sounds fantastic and a few of my guitarist mates lust after it. I was told by the tech that services my amp that these amps are actually only 30 watts. That might account for the disparity in volume with the 50 watt 1987s.
Fantastic video, gents! Extremely interesting re: the 1987x! I owned a '60's JTM45 for a while and it was probably the best amp I have ever owned, despite some of the internals not being original! It still sound EXTREMELY CREAMY!
Could you possibly do a video on the JTM45 as predominantly a pedal platform, and then maybe get Luke Caley (from Press to MECO) in to chat about his JTM45 and how he uses it as a pedal platform?
Looking forward to many more vids about these two brilliant amps! Thanks chaps! 😀
Rewatched today. Such a treat this video. Dan‘s playing is phenomenal in this video. Around the 30 minute mark I hear strong Jeff Buckley style chords and sounds and when Dan grabs the SG Junior….outstanding, really. By the way…I’m about to get a JTM45 again in addition to my 1987x. There’s some magic in both that justifies having both 😉✌️🎸💯☮️
Ah, cheers mate
Quality content! Loved the details in comparison AND would love to see 1959 in the same way. I think the internet deserves that.
I’ve been looking forward to this since mentioned on vcq. Thanks guys have a great weekend 🤘🏻
If using a treble booster IMO it’s best to only play thru the normal channel…. and fantastically tasteful playing by the two of you! Really enjoyed this one.
Awesome show! I think clean marshall thing is incredible. Also the room reverb was epic.
Thought I would maybe prefer the JTM in this one but preferred the Plexi. I thought the Les Paul into it when the Tele was clean was such a great tone. Well done. I am always reminded that the jangly intro on INXS "Need You Tonight" is a Marshall. They do sound glorious cranked up though. Thank you for all you do.
did you prefer plexi? but which one? because they are both plexi
I don’t know if I just have a weirdo amp, if it’s biased differently or if it is just the way it reacts to the ohm rating of its 2x12” Greenbacks but my Marshall Bluesbreaker is the loudest clean pedal platform I’ve ever owned. Mine stays clean until around noon, where it is so loud I’d have to leave it in the car to stay welcomed in my band. My last bar gig I ran my board into the low gain input on the normal channel, treble and mids on 6, bass and pres on 4 and volume on about 1.5! Headroom for days and my Protein Pedal sounded enormous! Best tone I’ve ever had. It’s only about 4-5 years old, so maybe they are doing something different, but I love it. It uses 5881 power tubes. I play humbucker guitars (Les Paul, Firebird, ES335). Thanks guys, love this show!
Epic upload. Made my Friday a glorious one. Thank you and much love from California. Cheers lads!
: )
I have a 2003 1987x love it, my last amp! I play metal, blues, rock name it!!! I'M sure i would love the JTM45 too!
For a nice clean on the 1987x, use the high on channel 2, then jumper the low/2 with high/1… presto! If you use attenuation on the 1987x (depending on how much) it allows for even more control over the clean. I’ve to the been using a Plexi (the 1987x) for some time now, and thought without jumping the two channels you may not notice any “bleed over”, but it does exist. Even though you’re plugged into one or the other, there is a subtitle effect by turning the other. (A good plate reverb set low is where the magic is on a Plexi) Great video 👍🏻
I have a 1979 2204 and I use a ds1 infront and keep the pedal fairly low gain just to add a tad bit to what the amp already does. Sounds awesome. That p90 sings!!
This was a fun vid! I’ve got a Metro Amp kit JTM-45 and it breaks up as early as 2. Definitely a better choice for lower volume needs, I’m glad you have one now as it will probably sound better in your setup 👍🏻
My '99 JTM45 reissue breaks up at around 4, which already is a considerable amount of volume, but I need that clean headroom
Very nice episode. Both amps sit in a very different space frequency wise and hence can be used for different purposes. I have been using a JTM45 as my main pedal platform amp since some time now and absolutels love it to bits. It has character by itself and takes pedals extremely well. I don't if I really want to thank you, because it kind of wants me to get an 87 for that unapologetic and brutal Marshall in your faceness.
I like to think that the thumbnail isn't Mick protecting his ears but he's blocking out the sound of someone saying their multi-effects can do just as good. Love the show
Ha! No it’s the high treble channel on the 1987x when it’s not cranked. Eeeuwwwww
So,
I have the hand wired JTM45 and there is definitely some cross over between the 2 channels. Running the volume 1 ( treble channel) with nothing plugged into Volume 2 there is some effect when the volume on 2 is blended in. Maybe something to do with it having tremolo?
You can also get a very subtle tremolo when running both channels bridged.
For my money , although it’s considered a classic match, the G12Ms aren’t my favourite speaker and I much prefer G12H speakers for firming up the bass plus a more balanced speaker. Also a great amp with V30s , firmer bass and more focus in mids and upper range - well worth a try.
I have one of each of the first reissues and they both sound fantastic going out of a stereo chorus pedal so for me Best of Both Worlds
My dream amp is a JTM45, but either a vintage one or some sort of a new one with the tremolo circuit from the Super Tremolos.
To that end, I own a Fender Bassbreaker 45 which to me is a poor man's Plexi. The specs on the Bassbreaker would lean you to believe that it is closer to a JTM45, since it has a modified Bassmanc preamp, and a 45W EL34 power amp. But I can't believe how gainy the Bassbreaker is! I am amazed by the fact that I can turn it up quite loud, put a tubescreamer style pedal in front and it just does all those late 70s Marshall tones. It is very gainy. For that reason, I find the Bassbreaker 45 to sound very similar to a 1987X, specially when you put it into a 4x12 with greenbacks or you change the speakers on the combo (which I did).
So, if you are like me, and you want that classic Marshall tone but can't afford any of these two heads, or the Bluesbreaker combo, the Fender Bassbreaker 45 is a good option.
And by the way, I went into the store predecided that I was going to buy either a DLS40 or an Origin 50, and the Bassbreaker won in a straight shoot out for the classic Marshally tones I wanted. It just sounded more vintage to my ears. And in that same shootout, I tried a Fender Deluxe Reissue and it was very different from the Bassbreaker. That Bassbreaker 45 is just well voiced to sound like a classic Marshall.
That's why i have both too, amazing amps.
The 45 is such an inspiring amp
Only one suggestion for higher volume settings the eq must be changed due to the less effect of the brighi cap...so more treble circui then normal channel and less bass...also more presence for heavier tones
In this context and set like this also the jtm could generate amazing rock sounds
What's the main difference between them? What's louder? What's best for distorsions using pedals? Thanks!
@@francesco0185 volume wise 1987 much louder, but jtm 45 is already loud for 80% of the guitarist around! With pedals i would suggest the jtm without any doubt! Unless you play really heavy stuff only
Thanks so much for showing us all the different sounds of both amps. I think many guitar players will never get the chance to play and try those vintage amps. Most loved sound for me - Dan with the SG Junior playing over the JTM 45 and the DS 1. Man....what a fat but clear sound. Beats many modern High gain amps. But what about your ears, Dan? You don´t need to save them like Mick? Greetings from Bavaria Wolfgang
Dan has plugs in all the way through today! Thanks Wolfgang!
When you do the Bassman vs JTM 45, make sure you try both through the same cab, and also with the v1 swapped to the same 12AY7. Very similar at that point. Speaker speaker speaker.
Had both... The JTM45 is the most versatile amp I have ever owned.
I have builds of both (actually JTM50 with tube rec) and your right, not much headroom on the 87X, especially with meaty humbuckers. It gives classic overdrive at around 4 or 5. They are so different, the Tele is great through the Lead with bass all the way up.
This video sets the gold standard for amp A-B shootouts.
just got a new jtm 45 with a soldano 2x12 baby blue coloured baltic birch and wicker cab... what a sound!
Iv been wangin through a Marshall origin 50h lately, listening to the amps its supposedly aimed at assimilating, this has been not far off from my experience even on a budget. Great reference for better understanding my new amp! Thank you.
I have the same amp, very good with pedals and amazing cleans
JTM45 for clean and Clapton’s crunch tone, 1987X for 70s rock and hard rock tones 🤘 🔊
I think you have nailed a description succinctly. You will want both amps if you can have them!
I'm having this huge psychic disconnect: when you talk about the differences, I say "oh yeah, give me the 1987x". But when I listen, my ears say "the JTM 45 is vastly superior."
The main thing that I love about a plexi is cranking the bright channel all the way up as the bright cap is defeated as you raise the level. This smooths out the amp and gets rid of the extreme shrillness. The issue is that it's so loud you'll go deaf if you are exposed to it directly. A really good attenuator is key.
Loved it, something I wanted to see, thanks fellas! I need a JTM 45!
wow you are both such talented players, and after all the detail in that video, I still don't know which one I like better! incredible pair of amps.
Great historical context, fantastic tones! Thanks for making my Friday evening full of Bletchley’s finest.
Cheers Thorpy! Hope the move is going well geezer!
@@ThatPedalShow great thanks, slowly but surely.
This has to be one of your best videos yet guys. Explained well, played well...oh wait that's the same as all your videos 🥰😎🤘(edit: Thank you Thank you for using a 4x12 cab)