The Marshall Plexi is one of the most revered and sought-after guitar amplifiers in the history of music. Its distinctive sound and rugged construction have made it a favorite among legendary guitarists, from Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating story of the Marshall Plexi, exploring its origins, features, and the significant impact it has had on the music world.
Introduction to the Marshall Plexi
The Marshall Plexi, officially known as the Marshall Model 1959SLP, is a guitar amplifier designed and manufactured by the renowned British company Marshall Amplification. The amplifier’s name “Plexi” is derived from the type of plastic used for the amplifier’s control panel, which was made from a type of plastic called Plexiglas. The Marshall Plexi was first introduced in the late 1950s and quickly gained popularity among musicians due to its unique tone and reliability.
Design and Construction
The Marshall Plexi is known for its simple yet effective design. The amplifier features a single-channel configuration with a pair of inputs, a gain control, a tone control, and a master volume control. The amplifier’s circuitry is based on a modified version of the Fender 5F6A Bassman amplifier, which was popular among American musicians at the time. However, the Marshall Plexi’s use of EL34 power tubes and a GZ34 rectifier tube gives it a distinctively British tone.
The amplifier’s construction is also noteworthy, with a sturdy plywood cabinet and a reinforced chassis that provides excellent protection for the amplifier’s internal components. The Marshall Plexi’s control panel is made from a durable type of plastic, which has become a hallmark of the amplifier’s design.
Sound and Tone
The Marshall Plexi is renowned for its warm, rich, and harmonically complex tone. The amplifier’s use of EL34 power tubes gives it a distinctive mid-range emphasis, which is perfect for rock, blues, and jazz music. The amplifier’s tone control is also highly effective, allowing musicians to shape their sound to suit their individual style.
One of the key features of the Marshall Plexi is its ability to overdrive. When the gain control is turned up, the amplifier produces a beautiful, smooth overdrive that is perfect for solos and heavy riffs. This feature has made the Marshall Plexi a favorite among rock and metal musicians, who value its ability to produce a wide range of tonal colors.
The History of the Marshall Plexi
The Marshall Plexi has a rich and fascinating history that spans over six decades. The amplifier was first introduced in the late 1950s, when Jim Marshall, the founder of Marshall Amplification, was looking to create a guitar amplifier that would meet the needs of British musicians.
The Early Years
In the early 1950s, Jim Marshall was running a music shop in London, where he sold guitars, amplifiers, and other musical equipment. However, Marshall was not satisfied with the quality of the amplifiers that were available at the time, and he decided to start building his own.
Marshall’s first amplifiers were based on American designs, but he soon began to develop his own unique approach to amplifier design. The Marshall Plexi was one of the first amplifiers to feature a single-channel configuration and a master volume control, which allowed musicians to control the overall volume of the amplifier.
The Golden Era
The 1960s were a golden era for the Marshall Plexi, with many famous musicians using the amplifier to create some of the most iconic music of the decade. Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Pete Townshend were just a few of the legendary guitarists who used the Marshall Plexi to shape their sound.
The Marshall Plexi was also used by many other famous musicians, including Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Angus Young. The amplifier’s unique tone and reliability made it a favorite among musicians, and it quickly became an essential part of many rock and blues bands.
Impact and Legacy
The Marshall Plexi has had a profound impact on the music world, and its legacy continues to be felt today. The amplifier’s unique tone and design have influenced countless other amplifiers, and it remains one of the most sought-after amplifiers among musicians and collectors.
Influence on Music
The Marshall Plexi has been used to create some of the most iconic music of the past six decades, from rock and roll to blues and jazz. The amplifier’s unique tone and ability to overdrive have made it a favorite among musicians who value its ability to produce a wide range of tonal colors.
The Marshall Plexi has also been used by many famous musicians to create some of the most iconic guitar riffs and solos in rock music. From Hendrix’s “All Along the Watchtower” to Clapton’s “Layla”, the Marshall Plexi has been used to create some of the most enduring and influential music of all time.
Collectibility and Value
The Marshall Plexi is highly collectible, and original models from the 1950s and 1960s can sell for thousands of dollars. The amplifier’s value is due to its rarity, condition, and historical significance, as well as its unique tone and design.
Many musicians and collectors are willing to pay top dollar for a vintage Marshall Plexi, and the amplifier has become a highly sought-after item among music enthusiasts. However, it’s worth noting that the Marshall Plexi is not just a collector’s item, but a fully functional amplifier that can still be used to create great music today.
Conclusion
The Marshall Plexi is a truly iconic amplifier that has had a profound impact on the music world. Its unique tone, design, and reliability have made it a favorite among musicians for over six decades, and its legacy continues to be felt today. Whether you’re a musician, a collector, or simply a music enthusiast, the Marshall Plexi is an amplifier that is sure to inspire and delight.
In terms of its features and sound, the Marshall Plexi is a highly versatile amplifier that can be used to create a wide range of tonal colors. Its ability to overdrive and its warm, rich tone make it perfect for rock, blues, and jazz music, and its sturdy construction ensures that it will withstand the rigors of frequent use.
Overall, the Marshall Plexi is an amplifier that is steeped in history and tradition, and its unique tone and design continue to inspire musicians and music enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re looking to create great music or simply to own a piece of rock history, the Marshall Plexi is an amplifier that is sure to deliver.
| Model | Year | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1959SLP | 1959 | Single-channel configuration, master volume control, EL34 power tubes |
| 1987X | 1968 | 100-watt output, four inputs, bass, middle, and treble controls |
- The Marshall Plexi is known for its warm, rich tone and ability to overdrive
- The amplifier features a single-channel configuration and a master volume control
What is the Marshall Plexi and why is it considered legendary?
The Marshall Plexi is a guitar amplifier that was first introduced in the 1950s by Marshall Amplification, a British company founded by Jim Marshall. The Plexi, short for “Plexiglas,” was named after the material used for its front panel. This amplifier quickly gained popularity among musicians due to its unique tone, which was characterized by a warm, rich, and slightly overdriven sound. The Plexi’s design and sound were influenced by American amplifiers of the time, but it had a distinct British flavor that set it apart from its competitors.
The Marshall Plexi’s legendary status can be attributed to its widespread use by famous musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Pete Townshend. These artists helped to popularize the amplifier and cement its place in rock music history. The Plexi’s tone and versatility also made it a favorite among a wide range of musical genres, from blues and rock to metal and punk. Today, the Marshall Plexi is highly sought after by collectors and musicians, and its influence can still be heard in modern music. The amplifier’s enduring popularity is a testament to its innovative design and the significant impact it had on the development of rock music.
What are the key features of the Marshall Plexi amplifier?
The Marshall Plexi amplifier is known for its simple yet effective design, which features a single channel with two inputs, a volume control, and a tone control. The amplifier’s circuitry is based on a modified version of the Fender 5F6A Bassman amplifier, but with several key differences that give it a unique sound. The Plexi’s power amp section uses a pair of EL34 tubes, which provide a warm and harmonically rich tone. The amplifier also features a GZ34 rectifier tube, which helps to give it a distinctive sag and compression.
The Marshall Plexi’s tone is also shaped by its transformers, which were designed and built by the company’s founder, Jim Marshall. The amplifier’s output transformer is particularly notable, as it helps to give the Plexi its characteristic mid-range warmth and low-end punch. The Plexi’s cabinet is typically made of plywood and is loaded with four 12-inch speakers, which provide a clear and balanced sound. Overall, the Marshall Plexi’s combination of innovative design, high-quality components, and careful craftsmanship have made it one of the most beloved and respected amplifiers in the world of music.
How did the Marshall Plexi influence the development of rock music?
The Marshall Plexi played a significant role in shaping the sound of rock music in the 1960s and 1970s. Its unique tone and versatility made it a favorite among many famous musicians, who used it to create some of the most iconic and influential music of the era. The Plexi’s ability to produce a wide range of tones, from clean and crisp to heavily overdriven, made it an ideal choice for a variety of musical styles, from blues and folk to hard rock and heavy metal. The amplifier’s influence can be heard in the music of bands like The Who, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones, who all used the Plexi to create their signature sounds.
The Marshall Plexi’s impact on rock music can also be seen in its influence on the development of new musical genres and sub-genres. The amplifier’s heavy, distorted sound helped to pave the way for the creation of heavy metal and punk rock, and its use by bands like Black Sabbath and The Sex Pistols helped to define the sound of these genres. Today, the Marshall Plexi remains a highly influential and iconic amplifier, and its sound can still be heard in a wide range of musical styles. The amplifier’s enduring popularity is a testament to its innovative design and the significant impact it had on the development of rock music.
What are some of the most notable users of the Marshall Plexi amplifier?
The Marshall Plexi has been used by a wide range of famous musicians over the years, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Pete Townshend. These artists helped to popularize the amplifier and cement its place in rock music history. Other notable users of the Plexi include Jimmy Page, who used the amplifier to create the iconic sound of Led Zeppelin, and Angus Young, who has used the Plexi to create the distinctive sound of AC/DC. The amplifier has also been used by a wide range of other famous musicians, including Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore, and Tony Iommi.
The Marshall Plexi’s widespread use by famous musicians has helped to make it one of the most recognizable and iconic amplifiers in the world of music. The amplifier’s association with these musicians has also helped to cement its place in rock music history, and it continues to be celebrated as one of the most influential and innovative amplifiers of all time. Today, the Marshall Plexi remains a highly sought-after amplifier, and its sound can still be heard in a wide range of musical styles. The amplifier’s enduring popularity is a testament to its innovative design and the significant impact it had on the development of rock music.
How has the Marshall Plexi been reissued and reinterpreted over the years?
The Marshall Plexi has been reissued and reinterpreted in a variety of ways over the years, with the company releasing several updated versions of the amplifier. In the 1980s, Marshall released the JCM800, which was a more modern version of the Plexi that featured a number of updates and improvements. The JCM800 was highly successful and helped to introduce the Plexi’s sound to a new generation of musicians. In the 1990s, Marshall released the Vintage Modern series, which featured a range of amplifiers that were inspired by the Plexi’s design and sound.
In recent years, Marshall has released a number of limited-edition versions of the Plexi, including the Handwired Series and the Vintage Reissue Series. These amplifiers are highly sought after by collectors and musicians, and they offer a unique opportunity to experience the sound and tone of the original Plexi. The Marshall Plexi has also been reinterpreted by a number of other companies, which have released their own versions of the amplifier. These amplifiers often feature updated components and designs, but they are still inspired by the original Plexi’s sound and tone. Overall, the Marshall Plexi’s enduring popularity has led to a wide range of reissues and reinterpretations, each of which offers a unique take on this iconic amplifier.
What is the current market value of a vintage Marshall Plexi amplifier?
The current market value of a vintage Marshall Plexi amplifier can vary widely, depending on a number of factors such as the amplifier’s condition, age, and rarity. In general, vintage Plexi amplifiers are highly sought after by collectors and musicians, and they can command high prices. A mint-condition 1960s-era Plexi can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, while a more common 1970s-era model may sell for several thousand dollars. The amplifier’s condition and originality are also important factors in determining its value, with amplifiers that have been modified or repaired often selling for less than those that are in original condition.
The market value of a vintage Marshall Plexi amplifier is also influenced by its provenance, with amplifiers that have been owned or used by famous musicians often selling for higher prices. For example, a Plexi that was once owned by Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton may sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars, due to its historical significance and association with these legendary musicians. Overall, the current market value of a vintage Marshall Plexi amplifier reflects its enduring popularity and the high demand for these iconic amplifiers. Whether you’re a collector, a musician, or simply a fan of rock music, a vintage Plexi is a highly sought-after and highly valuable item.
Can the Marshall Plexi amplifier be replicated or cloned, and what are the challenges involved?
The Marshall Plexi amplifier can be replicated or cloned, but it is a challenging and complex process. The amplifier’s unique tone and sound are the result of a combination of factors, including its circuit design, component selection, and construction. To replicate the Plexi’s sound, a clone must accurately reproduce these factors, which can be difficult due to the availability and quality of modern components. Additionally, the Plexi’s tone is also influenced by its age and wear, with many vintage amplifiers developing a unique patina and character over time.
Replicating the Marshall Plexi’s sound and tone requires a deep understanding of the amplifier’s design and construction, as well as access to high-quality components and materials. Many companies and individuals have attempted to clone the Plexi, but few have been able to accurately capture its sound and tone. The challenges involved in replicating the Plexi include sourcing authentic components, such as vintage-style transformers and tubes, and accurately reproducing the amplifier’s circuit design and layout. Additionally, the Plexi’s sound is also influenced by its cabinet and speakers, which must be carefully selected and constructed to achieve the desired tone. Overall, replicating the Marshall Plexi amplifier is a complex and challenging process that requires a high degree of expertise and attention to detail.