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Reviewed on 1/17/01 by
Jim DiSanto
(61)
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Rating: 
I chose this over various Fender tube amps for the overall tone because I like more bottom end. If lost or stolen I would definately like to get another one. I don't know why you'd want to improve a "re-issue" especially since the idea of this amp was to capture a particular tone. But since asked, I suppose to make this the "ultimate" amp for me I guess I would include a reverb and an effects loop. Only critical opinion I've come across came from an amp builder friend of mine. He beleives in order to make the amp sound exactly like the original, there is a cap modification that people do to it to brighten up one of the channels more. He also prefers Alnico speakers to the Greenbacks. I like mine just how it came. No mods. If you are like me and like to play Blues/Country/BeBop/& good ol Rock and Roll you'll dig this amp. |
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Model Year: 1999
Price: $trade (used)
Where Obtained: Studio musician
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Features:
5881 power valves and GZ34 valve rectification.
Two channels with separate volume controls.
Classic Treble, Middle, Bass and Presence tone network.
Built in Tremolo effect with speed and depth controls.
2X12 Celestion Greenbacks.
No effect loop.
One channel is brighter than the other which allows you to jumper and blend tones.
Has input for external cabinet w/Speaker ohm switch.
Basically a Marshall JTM45 head with gold plexi and everything in a combo.
Standby Switch |
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Sound Quality:
Outstanding Blues amp. Granted it's not the orignial but it comes very close for tone. I use it stock. Ultra low noise. You might forget you turned it on. Of course I'm use to solid states and all the noise they seem to be more susceptable to. I do run a Line 6 DM4 Tube Driver or Tube Screamer setting in front of it. I don't use the built in tremelo. Would be nice if it came with reverb like the Fender amps I was considering but the tone on this amp just kills in comparison IMHO. One of the amps I was considering was a Hot Rod Deville 2X12. Also this amp doesn't have an effects loop. My Gibson Les Paul clean sounds incredibly rich and warm. My Fender Telecaster just cuts you in two. Awesome with the Tele because the Greenbacks are darker than say Alnico type speakers and the Tele seems to give some needed higher end. I personally prefer the bassier tone of the Greenbacks. I have a couple Fender solid states with Celestion Vintage 10s which I split my signal through to go along with this Marshall. Those Vintage 10s in the Fenders with this Bluesbreaker amp is just the ultimate tone to me. |
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Ease of Use:
This is Marshall's first amp design so it is as basic as it gets. Plug in and go. This is the first tube amp I've owned. I've played through many. Passing along an important tip. Make sure that there is a load (speakers) plugged in before turning on your amp to aviod damage to tube circuit. I haven't done this but having always played through solid states it's something I wouldn't have thought of. |
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Durability:
Don't worry about the amp. Just make sure you're durable. This baby is h-e-a-v-y. I haven't traveled with it much. Very durable. So far no problems. |
