Marshall 1974X Handwired Guitar Combo Amplifier (18 Watts, 1x12 in.)

zZounds Gear Experts Say...

Dripping with tone, this reissue of the classic Marshall 1974 stays true to the original. Each channel has 2 inputs, while channel 2 features a rich tremolo.

Overview

The Marshall 1974X is a handwired reissue of the classic, late '60s guitar amp. The original versions of this 18 watt amp (made from 1966-1968) are now extremely rare and highly sought after. The new, all-valve combo (3 x ECC83s* in preamp, 1 x EZ81 rectifier, 2 x EL84s in power amp) features two channels and a valve-driven Tremolo circuit (on Channel 2). Each channel offers two inputs plus volume and tone controls. Channel 2 also has Speed and Depth controls for the Tremolo.

A contributing sonic factor in the original 1974 is the way the sound of the Celestion Greenback speaker softens with age. For the 1974X, Celestion revisited the recipe for the original 20 Watt, ceramic magnet, 15 Ohm, Greenback T1221 speaker, and 'aged' it. The result is a new speaker proprietary to Marshall that yields all of the sonic characteristics of the original.

Newly added, user-friendly features on the rear panel include two speaker output jacks (the original internal speaker was hardwired to the output transformer) and an impedance selector. In addition, both the Mains and H.T. fuses are now accessible via the rear panel (in the original, fuses were internal and difficult to access and change). Most importantly, these new features have no tonal impact on the amplifier whatsoever.

Features
18-watt, all-tube, 1x12 in. combo with Tremolo

Authentic, handwired reissue of the late '60s classic

All-tube design: 3xECC83, 1xEZ81 and 2xEL84

Point-to-point, handwired, tag-board circuit

Two channels,… read more one with valve-driven Tremolo

Dagnall made, exact-replica transformers

Butt welded, Aluminium chassis

Exclusive, "aged" reissue of the original 20-watt, ceramic magnet, Celestion Greenback T1221 12 in. speaker

Exact-replica, diecast Tremolo on/off footswitch included

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item: Shipping Weight: 51 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 31 x 26 x 26 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 1974X-U

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-877-6863

Reviews

(43 ratings)

Submitted May 12, 2006 by a customer from optonline.net

"Classic Marshall Plexi sound in a small package"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

Probably around 6 months...but that's just me.

Sound

A very good vintage sound. I would describe it as a "pre-Van Halen Brown sound/high gain-saturated heavy metal JCM 800", if that makes sense. It is very much a "plexi" sound, and even has a plexi control panel. It is a cleaner sound than the Clapton/Bluesbreaker Beano album sound, unless turned up. Then it gets a nice crunch, tube distortion.

Features

This amp makes no misconceptions that it is anything less than 100% simplicity. 2 channels; a volume and a tone knob on each are all that you have to shape your tone. It has a tremolo on the 2nd channel with speed and intensity. I wish it had a master volume to let me get some more gain at reaonable levels, but Oh, well.

Ease of Use

Like I said: 2 channels and two knobs. Turn up the tone knob for more treble and turn up the volume for more gain and distortion.

Quality

Handwired Marshall. Need I say more?

Value

It is very edxpensive. But compared to other handwired, low production boutique amps it is a great deal.

Manufacturer Support

Not needed...yet, at least.

The Wow Factor

Vintage Marshall. The sound that gave birth to the hard-edged, classic rock and blues that we all love. And the tones we love.