This Amp Forever Changed Music...What Is The Plexi Sound?

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2 жыл бұрын

The Marshall Plexi is one of the most iconic pieces of guitar gear in rock music history. Used by many of the greatest guitar players to ever pick up the instrument, the Plexi has left a massive legacy, but what is the Plexi sound?
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Пікірлер: 1 700

@rifflix 2 жыл бұрын

I love the fact Rhett says " most players don't need a 100W Marshall that doesn't mean you shouldn't have one"......all the wisdom I needed to hear today..!!

@tagadabrothersband Жыл бұрын

I admit, I bought one and I don't even play in a band anymore 😅

@RobBCactive Жыл бұрын

moving air is the whole point!!

@hootowl6354 9 ай бұрын

Maybe you don't need one, but if you have one, you'll need a good attenuator. 😂

@marrisonh 9 ай бұрын

Which one? There are many low cost and expensive attenuators

@hootowl6354 9 ай бұрын

@@marrisonh They suck tone. It's debatable that they are even worth using. If you want a THC Hotplate, I'll give you a good deal. I'm selling bridges too.

@qak6 2 жыл бұрын

"Most players don't need a 100 W Marshall, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't have one." (14:20) Indeed!

@davewhitedavewhite 2 жыл бұрын

I was the Music Tech at the high school nearest to Marshall Amplification in Bletchley England, Lord Grey. They were always incredibly generous to us, and for our Battles of the Bands school shows, they would lend us for free, the amps they supplied to the big festivals and legendary performers who might want them for their gigs. It meant I could fill our school stage with enough Marshall full stacks to entirely fill it to the ceiling, left to right, the kids were simply awestruck to plug in to such a monster rig, it made the whole evening special, and I got told off plenty of times for the racket I made whilst setting up during the school day! A wonderful firm, who ALWAYS support the gear they make and sell, and do such a lot for the community of Milton Keynes. Rhett, if ever you are able to pay the factory a visit I know that you would be made welcome and given a tour, we always were when I took our music tech classes there to see what they did, the Marshall Museum of amps is pretty cool as well!

@414deathmetalist 2 жыл бұрын

I love these as a death metal player. One thing that a lot of people don’t mention is how well these amps take overdrives and distortion pedals.

@earanwe Жыл бұрын

So true. They are designed to support lot of power, noise and gain, so they chain so well

@rocksteady309 Жыл бұрын

i was hoping for a reply from Rhett?

@ericv7720 Жыл бұрын

Judas Priest used the plexi pushed by a Dallas Rangemaster during the 70, so all of their early albums were powered by that sound.

@TheHeroJourneys 10 ай бұрын

I am running a Traveler guitar onboard distortion into a Spark Go Plexi emulator and it sounds insane.

@JSaltyfabricator 7 ай бұрын

Literally everyone mentions how they take OD. It's the thing to do.

@Mudder1310 2 жыл бұрын

That big amp feel is unmistakable, addictive, and you feel kinda like a rock star. You can feel it even at lower volumes.

@diegorhoenisch62 2 жыл бұрын

"Fender was not importing that many amplifiers . . . ." It is perhaps significant to mention that the reason why the British created so many amplifiers is that the UK had strict importation quotas on musical instruments. Fender didn't somehow decide to ignore Britain, the UK's government specifically forbade imports until 1959. It took a significant amount of time after 1959 for British consumers to consider Fender instruments even after the quotas were lifted because of the exchange rate and the price differential. Best regards, Alan Tomlinson

@johnc.8298 2 жыл бұрын

Fender amps were ridiculously expensive in England during that time. Possibly due to exorbitant import duties?

@theboofin 2 жыл бұрын

This ^^^^

@audiomonster303 2 жыл бұрын

import duties!!!!

@allanross9154 2 жыл бұрын

Let's not forget Jim Marshall admits that he totally copied a Fender Bassman for the first Marshall heads..

@audiomonster303 2 жыл бұрын

@@allanross9154 truth, most ideas are remakes not originals....... even the first Marshall amp!

@colinwallace5286 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 1967 Ampeg SBT bass rig with two 15” Altec speakers. It is the embodiment of your “moving air” concept, and when you use the “ultra-lo” switch on channel one along with the 3-way mid selector, you get this airy subsonic feel without losing clarity on the notes. It’s also a trip with a five string bass with the low B string. A friend used it for his, and risked repeated hernias just because it was fun to tickle the hairs on everyone’s necks on stage. It’s too bad it’s so big and heavy, because it’s one of those things that should be enjoyed, instead of left in the basement. These gear videos are enjoyable for those of us who don’t get to ask Rick to lend us something amazing. You are a lucky man, Mr Shull.

@cburkill2234 2 жыл бұрын

Reminds me of a time many years ago, when I felt like the luckiest guy in the world. Me and a good friend went on a visit to the Marshall factory in Bletchley. We were hosted by Jim Marshalls son, and shown the whole of the plant. The highlight was when they arranged for us to meet the lead designer for the Vintage Modern, who took us to the Marshall sound stage, and let us jam with him and the most amazing array of amps. The sounds are amazing, but that day made me Marshall for Life

@garyfox8 2 жыл бұрын

I used to play a 50-Watt Marshall half stack with a 79 LP. That set up could peel paint off the walls. Simply glorious!

@VonBluesman 2 жыл бұрын

Marshall Plexi one of the greatest amps for Rock N Roll, not only does it sound great but 40 years later I can credit it to making my ears ring non stop.

@ryanholm2801 2 жыл бұрын

Yep. Me too! Hindsight 20-20, I would have been better about wearing hearing protection. It’s just such an addicting experience playing those plexi’s loud.

@VonBluesman 2 жыл бұрын

@@ryanholm2801 LIke Rhett said, the Plexi moves so much air. That feeling along with the killer sounds you get out of one just makes me smile and grin ear to ear. Cranking a 100 watt wide open used to be the closest way we could come to getting the Hendrix sound and the feedback. My Mother (GOD rest her soul) gave up on knocking on the door and used to bust my bedroom door open like a Swat Team raid, then she would yank the power chord out of the electrical socket and give me a 2 second death stare just daring me to say anything, then she would stomp out of the room. LOL 😂 It would take me several seconds to get back to earth because of the great high feeling 100 watts RMS power delivers to the mind and body. LOL 😂

@thumbody1 2 жыл бұрын

It is an incredible feeling of power when playing with a 100 watt tube amp through a sealed back 4-12's cabinet or two, turned up to 5 or 6. Muted chords, turned up loud, will kick you in the back like nothing you have ever experienced. The sustain you get from your guitar because of the feedback loop between the speakers and guitar is quite an experience. Back in the day I had a 120 watt 5150 stack and it was glorious when playing chunk chunk chunk stuff. It will shake your fillings loose. :o)

@wingnutmcspazatron3957 2 жыл бұрын

Fuck yeah.

@amimaster Жыл бұрын

I once had the chance to crank up my Strategy 500 a little during a jig (it was below 12 'o clock on both channels) and.. oh boy. My guitar became like a ball of lava.

@jacobyunderhill3999 Жыл бұрын

For real. That scene from back to the future isn't all that unrealistic.

@cliffords2315 6 ай бұрын

Muted Chords i call the "SHUMP SHUMP" sound some call it the Chunk sound mades the cabs vibrate

@paulsimmons5726 2 жыл бұрын

The "Plexi" tone is a sound I grew up with back in the 70's because it was on so many great LP's and was the defacto backline of the majority of touring bands at the time. The move to using master volumes on amps signaled the beginning of the end for the Marshall Plexi sound. There's simply no substitute for a Marshall stack cranked up, in the hands of a great player, of course! Great video, thanks for posting!

@tagadabrothersband Жыл бұрын

Many guitarists at that time used them on stage but not necessarily in the studio. Jimmy Page is a well-known case for that, even if in photos we are used to seeing him in front of a Marshall.

@RobBCactive Жыл бұрын

@@tagadabrothersband they also became part of the theatre of gigs, Angus Young for example had a vintage amp mic-ed up into PA, but still had a wall so he could move around and it'd sound the same to him, like a bank of monitors. Almost everyone assumes they're hearing his Marshall wall, but in reality it's the PA.

@cliffords2315 6 ай бұрын

@@tagadabrothersband We always used Marshalls in the studio, by 1971 they were used to it, we would turn the cab towards the sound proof wall, and mic it from the front. The Drumer was in a sound proof room do the vocals later

@jimz68 2 жыл бұрын

My late friend Brian, had two Plexi's in his "collection". I remember one night he daisy-chaind them together. What a glorious sound !! Thanks,Rhett for sparking memories of great times with a great friend. Miss You, Brian.

@TheOriginalArchie 2 жыл бұрын

If I had those amps I'd always be late too.

@kodykindhart5644 2 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣🤣

@cliffords2315 6 ай бұрын

God lucky on that, living in CA there were more Fenders and SUNNS available and we learned the daisy chain and changel Jumping, really increased the output of the amps

@Fastfritz63 2 жыл бұрын

Had an early’70’s stock SLP Marshall, sold it to help fund school, wish I still had it!

@Xuxixnywhwj1725 2 жыл бұрын

That amp is proud of you

@216trixie 2 жыл бұрын

School sucks.

@Xaion6 2 жыл бұрын

Man... you're better than me. Idk if I could've done that

@motoramps 2 жыл бұрын

I know, it hurts...I got rid of a fantastic sounding '73 metal panel. The sad part is that I don't remember why I sold it!

@altonreid9726 2 жыл бұрын

You’re not getting off that easily Rhett. We need part 2 and we need it to be an hour long. Those tones are too good.

@AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken84 2 жыл бұрын

I'd rather play guitar than watch someone else play, but that's just me 🤷‍♂️

@rroades 2 жыл бұрын

I’d rather learn what and how AS he plays and gives me a chance to duplicate the work. I’m a sponge, live cautiously and crave knowledge that being away from music and guitar for 30 years has brought to me. So (politely intended), shut up!😀😂

@BangBangBeefyMacNCheesy 2 жыл бұрын

Agree… but it should be an in-depth two hour tone shaping seminar using the Plexi incorporating various guitar / pickup configurations. 😁

@adhaskym.a9536 2 жыл бұрын

An hour? You are crazy. Go back to bed kid.

@johndillon7633 2 жыл бұрын

Would like to see the difference between the 2203 1980? 1980 to 1983 hw is the most sought-after. Why?

@mikebjorgo7985 2 жыл бұрын

I LOVED standing in front of a full stack Plexi in the 70s & 80s, leaning back into that wall of sound pressure, bell bottoms flapping!!

@FabrizioCalderara76 2 жыл бұрын

Plexi is so famous because of its aggressive distorted tone but, believe me, Plexi's clean tone is probably one of the best clean that you can get from a tube amp. It is glorious!

@emilyadams3228 2 жыл бұрын

Hendrix preferred the clean tone of the Marshall, & also of the Strat, cos it responded incredibly well to effects. The few that existed in 1967, anyway. Sort of like painting on a white canvas, instead of one that already has a painting on it. That said, Les Paul + Marshall Crunchy Circuit = Also a good formula.

@jackdarby6080 2 жыл бұрын

They're great but that's very subjective, I much prefer clean tones from Fender amps.

@TheChadPad 2 жыл бұрын

I am building one literally for its clean tone.

@christopherweise438 2 жыл бұрын

@@emilyadams3228 - Tom Bukovac said a '68 Super Bass 100 has the best clean tone of any amp ever. Better than any Fender in his opinion.

@TDig. 2 жыл бұрын

So true, especially with a strat

@TheEnderBand 2 жыл бұрын

This is pretty much the quintessential classic rock sound if there ever was one

@TheEnderBand 2 жыл бұрын

PS nice shirt bro, criminally underrated record

@darionbuck8864 Жыл бұрын

Nah vox ac30 saturated

@cliffords2315 6 ай бұрын

@@darionbuck8864 nobody in the US had Vox Tube Amps only Solid State amps, untill decades later when England finaly started shiping them to the US. The Solid State Vox amps were OK, but not the tone of the British amps

@johnmarshall3903 4 ай бұрын

@@cliffords2315 Those Thomas organ Voxes sucked hard.

@stevendearden8030 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely great amps with an unmistakeable tone. As a home player these days the SV20H does a really good job at getting close, but a cranked SLP is quite an experience and something every guitarist should enjoy at some stage in their musical journey. Great insight Rhett.

@NILGRU 2 жыл бұрын

I use an old ‘Bluesbreaker’ a lot. Despite having other great amps like an AC30 and a Twin Reverb, I always end up coming back to the 1962 circuit. It does everything and does it in spades. It’s a ‘plexi’ in that it’s a JTM45. Usable onstage and brilliant in the studio.

@TheReaper10123 2 жыл бұрын

Dude I would love to see a “What is the *blank* sound?” Series dedicated to groups or albums as well, not just gear. It would be a great way to contextualize the gear you’ve already covered so far and be a goldmine for tips on achieving certain tones. I’d add that you could do a segment not just on recreating the tone verbatim of a popular artist/project, but on taking the gear/techniques they use and adding them to your arsenal in a unique way.

@SergioFlores-ej6mw 2 жыл бұрын

that would probably be a big pain in the ass as far as like copyright claims and stuff goes. I could be wrong but I think when you start name dropping bands and playing licks from albums it can get messy with rights

@ceebee491 2 жыл бұрын

That's a great idea, cover the gear, where the musician was at creativity, the content of how it impacted society etc. Kinda like a 'what makes this song great but not so, theory based...

@braedonmorrissey7548 Жыл бұрын

@@SergioFlores-ej6mw I think even some bands you can say their name and others (cough Eagles) wont even let you mention a thing about them. Now I believe it comes down to their record label or the band management that's above the actual band themselves. I for one think its so dumb to mention a bands name and get copyright claimed but if you're playing their music that's another beast

@MatthewScottmusic 2 жыл бұрын

The sound is 🔥🔥🔥

@rockytobler979 2 жыл бұрын

i wanna hear you on one man!

@travisbickle3797 2 жыл бұрын

@@rockytobler979 I'd love to hear that too! But he's loving that Super Reverb tho.

@timbaker7683 2 жыл бұрын

hey i build amp Marshall jcm 800 the next step 50 watts they sell the builder kits on mojotone all hand wired point to point just like the original ill build plexi or supper leads to but i more interested in teaching how to build theses amp

@squirelova1815 2 жыл бұрын

Yessa. Like hot "Spot" under the stairs from The Munsters show.

@jonnybeck6723 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah Matthew... where've you been hiding your JTM?

@timcorbridge6772 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Rhett. I'm the proud owner since 25 years now of a 1977 MK2 Super Lead (last of the pre Master volumes) I will never get rid of it, and I can concur, there is absolutely no other feeling like it when it is cranked through a 4x12 cab loaded with Greenbacks. Keep up the good work man

@pmphotog 2 жыл бұрын

One of the things I am grateful for is the years of playing live rock through my 1972 100W Super Lead (actually a modded/converted super bass)… as you say it’s an indescribable experience, but sadly one that most current guitarists will never understand.

@strat0871 2 жыл бұрын

In my 1st band, in the early 80's, the other guitarist had a red tolex Marshall head, normally for bass, it sounded fabulous. These are very rare today. In the band we had also an Eko all tube italian amp, kind of AC 30 look but stack, it sounded even better, with a great spring reverb inside ! Cheers from France.

@attanovantotto874 2 жыл бұрын

eko is still around today in italy, and they make fine instruments, in the 80's their quality was at its highest.

@noahbenson585 2 жыл бұрын

Lemmy’s “Murder One” is actually a ‘76 red tolex Super Bass. Cool coincidence

@FabrizioCalderara76 2 жыл бұрын

Probably it was the Eko Viscount model, which is very close to an AC30 because Vox gave them a license to assembly the AC30 during the seventies...and they copied it. Eko is still alive but it's not a real producer as it was during the sixties and seventies, now it primarily acts as a distributor and they also have chinese made products.

@strat0871 2 жыл бұрын

@@FabrizioCalderara76 Yes, it was a viscount of the 60's, I saw on the net, thanks !

@meschadarc141 2 жыл бұрын

@@attanovantotto874 that makes sense. a few years ago a friend gave me a forgotten eko 12-string that just about fell apart. most likely 80's by her story and by the look of it. i restrung it and helped it back up on its feet, so to speak, and it truly plays and sounds amázing. so, in a way eko is still around in belgium.

@russwsoper 2 жыл бұрын

I used to have 2 Plexis years ago - a '67 Super Lead and '68 Super Bass. They were CRAZY unusably loud. This was back when the main attenuator available was the THD hotplate, which changed the tone enough where it just didn't have the 'magic'. But Rhett is spot-on, there is absolutely nothing in the world like taking a Strat or Les Paul and plugging it into a Plexi turned up to 10. It's an experience every guitar player should do at least once - it can't be described, it's just pure magic. I wound up using my master-volume Marshalls instead, mostly a JCM800 2210, but I do miss the Plexis.

@ericandrews1661 2 жыл бұрын

Hard to beat the 2210.

@curtisprice9806 2 жыл бұрын

The Hot plate worked great for me at medium high levels.....if I can't crank up a couple Marshall Super Leads, I practice the guitar unplugged sitting on my bed lol..."the story of my life...but the reason I am a very good guitarist!)

@el0blaino Жыл бұрын

Great discussion and demonstration of the characteristics of this legendary amp. Thanks for putting this together, I learned a lot.

@t3hgir 2 жыл бұрын

My guitar teacher is a neoclassical shred guru, his main setup is a dimed 100W Plexi with an attenuator into a 1960 4x12. That's it, no boost, no OD. Sounds crunchy yet liquid-y and full of harmonics.

@cliffords2315 6 ай бұрын

We just played everything on 10, and ajusted the gain with our volume knobs on our guitars, a Dimarzio Super Distortion would also help gain with a cranked Plexi, we did burn up allot of Power Tubes though.

@amalgamaudioLV 2 жыл бұрын

What i love about the Marshall early history is that the most notable 'change' - the increased negative feedback - was an error, the designers didn't account for the NFB change going to 8 or 16 ohm output instead of 2 ohm of the Bassman. And that one change makes a huge difference - it flattens the frequency response, it is much flatter/fuller sounding and lends itself much better for overdrive.

@anotherheadlessdemo 2 жыл бұрын

The 100-watt Super Lead was the most incredible sounding amp I've ever owned (sadly, it's long gone). The "thud" was incredible. Also, if you have a full stack and you angle yourself a certain way in front of it, the sound pressure will cause you to lose your balance. Always fun!

@jonnybeck6723 2 жыл бұрын

It may cause you to lose more than that... your paint, your leaf, your mind, your hearing, your facial hair, your better judgement, your marbles and last but not least, your virginity (not that there's anything wrong with that)

@johnnybrown9581 2 жыл бұрын

Can’t agree more with this statement. The power and headroom of these amps is absolutely insane. The pick attack will cause a nuclear reaction

@sundial6919 2 жыл бұрын

@@johnnybrown9581 yeah the plexi Really clean , i built 50w plexi clone , and had a 50w 4input jcm head from 1974 , it was much more aggressive and i liked it much better , it would certainly keep the rock rolling

@zapzarap5600 Жыл бұрын

My ears hurt only from reading your comment

@joepierce1672 Жыл бұрын

@@jonnybeck6723 I've got one that I bought new after seeing Hendrix blow the whole back out of one. I have to agree with everything you said. That's why it stays in storage. Besides, now that I'm old It takes a crane to move it.

@adityap8746 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for doing such videos Rhett! What’s also awesome to see/hear is you playing through the amp in the form a proper track.

@elvillegas1211 2 жыл бұрын

What a sound ! I don't have a 100W head but a 50W Plexi (1987 model), and it's a killing rock machine with great warm clean sound and kick-ass crunch.

@johnquevillon8753 2 жыл бұрын

Loved the explanation, history and applications of this amazing time piece, thank you Rhett!

@mattw.6726 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely agree on the 100W x 4x12 thump and the interplay between the guitar and the amp. I've got a Marshall JVM410H that I run through a 1960A cab, and sounds gigantic and crushingly loud even with the master on 2. I love it when I'm playing a lead and sustaining a note, then I turn the front of my Les Paul towards the cab and it just gets this wonderful, musical feedback that could go on for days.

@jmanzemail 2 жыл бұрын

Such a well thought out, entertaining, informative channel! Thanks for paving away at so many great topics covered so well! You must have a great team!

@toneattic2292 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Rhett! Your comments at the 14:00 min mark are so important to what Rock-N-Roll is. I once played large clubs and concert halls in a band called Rellik and ran a '69 Plexi and a JCM800 cranked. I would take that statement about the interaction between the guitar, amp, and air movement one step further and say it borders on magic. You are essentially riding the electricity. It was also very different at sound check than live. I think it is a symbiotic relationship between the audience energy, your energy as a player standing there pouring out your soul, AND the energy of the universe manifesting through the Marshall. I never knew what exactly the Marshall was going to do, and just went along for the ride. My arm hairs standing on end!

@thebeefmaster74 Жыл бұрын

My guitar player in my band insists on bringing his 80's 50 watt marshall to all our gigs. Even when it's a shitty little dive bar, and I hate having to deal with helping bringing everything in but there's sound like it. Everyone that hears it always tells him how good his tone is. Undeniably rock n roll.

@mjeffn2 Жыл бұрын

A shout out to all those Hammond B3/Leslie players that used to be out there back then too, LOL

@buzzcuzzz388 6 ай бұрын

Well your Not a Person that’s Dedicated to Your Music or Sound Quality if your going to Beach about what it takes to sound good, you sound like a typical lazy ash piece of Crap

@eliwebster509 2 жыл бұрын

Loved this! Never knew about the different inputs as I've never had the chance to play through one but it's my favorite amp ever made. Nothing else sounds like it.

@theangelbluerevolver2863 2 жыл бұрын

This video was so informative and so well done.. Amazing how much information can be taught / imparted when ego is left out of the frame.. Best 15 + minutes I’ve spent learning in months..

@bluesbubba7429 2 жыл бұрын

Rhett, I purchased a Marshall 1987X from a guy who purchased it on a whim years ago. I got all the warranties, brochures, and the amp in the box. I will NEVER get rid of it. You are right about the guitar and amp becoming as one; especially with a Les Paul.

@U2WB 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you ! I REALLY enjoyed this video. While I never owned one of these, I was fortunate enough to have been in a high school gymnasium when a local player cranked his up, and I know exactly what you mean about the THUD. The word “concussive” about covers it ! That feeling when the player strikes a chord and you feel as though the guitar punched you in the gut, but it’s somehow a GREAT feeling. It’s magical and it’s powerful and it’s somehow almost sensual. Raw rock and roll. Man, growing up in the 60s I was so lucky to be around all of that. While the only Marshalls I have owned were a JTM30 and JCM60, I did own a Sound City 120 head with 2 4x12 Sound City cabs. It was a completely different sound, though, apparently they were rebranded Hiwatt amps (I may be misinformed about this). Always wanted a Super Lead 100 though.

@durstgt 2 жыл бұрын

the sv20h is freaking awesome and i don't know why i waited 20 something years to get my first marshall. that being said, even in 5 watt mode it IS NOT a bedroom amp unless you have an attenuator

@yearginclarke 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I've got one too and even 5 watts is WAY too loud for bedroom/apartment usage. I have an attenuator but wish I could play it without it.

@mp-kq3vc 2 жыл бұрын

That was very helpful, thank you.

@cyberpunk409 4 ай бұрын

I've got the SV20C and every Wednesday I get to play it at 20 watts for an hour or two... My day off, no one else at home, neighbours out. Some of the most enjoyable hours in my week 😁

@scottleonard6651 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video!! There is no shortage of Marshall history videos. Yours knocks it out of the park. It can't be easy to cover so much in a few minutes. That being said, I took a journey with a 1968 Bastian a few years ago. It's a 40watt 6L6 platform. I paid $500 for one that had been modified and restored, which had reduced It's collectability since a hole had been drilled through the back panel for an effecs loop. I had my amp tech "Amphead" from Portland Oregon "Marshallize" the tone stack and modify the circuit which includes a Gain control (lots of options for this). I later had him work in a presence control to help tighten up the bottom end. What I have is a 40watt amp with many of the characteristics and qualities of the Plexi that works in most rooms. Total cost... $900. I will add that the face has barely been altered from the original Bassman. I had the tech use one of the inputs to place a volume control. Other than that, it looks like a 1968 Bastian, but sounds like a beast that can cut through anything. Cheers!

@theariesexperiment4642 2 жыл бұрын

Out of all the Strats on YT,....that Black w/gold hardware Custom Shop Strat speaks to me the most. It sounds like what I hear in my head when I'm in a music store searching for "THE ONE". Most of us don't realize that sound in our head is always there. We chase it constantly. We blow huge amounts of cash trying to acquire it. But that beautiful Strat,....is "THAT SOUND" for me. Your a very Blessed human.

@TheActressAndBishop 2 жыл бұрын

I love the sound of those amps .. what I find most interesting is that as much as they have "a sound", they are also remarkably transparent. What I mean by this is that countless great players used them and all of these players sound different. Clapton, Beck, Hendrix, Townsend, Moore, Schenker, Young and Van Halen (and countless others that I couldn't remember at midnight as I write this) all sound quite distinctive and unique despite the fact that their gear was surprisingly similar .. and it's notable that it's still one of three sounds that so much current equipment chases and references shamelessly .. Good video, man .. enjoyed that :-)

@fisheyelens876 2 жыл бұрын

I get what you are laying down, but all of the players you mentioned used different iderations of amps, there is really no one amp that makes all the music that one can lump into one type of amp.

@superjim3998 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds awesome Rhett! I can't wait to hear what your recordings sound like when your 4x12 and Plexi arrives. I feel like these massively powerful amps sound much better through a cab than an attenuator or whatever. But 100 watt Marshalls from those earlier years or the reissues from nowadays sound just holy when powering a 4x12. It's a beautiful thing.

@TheJeffcurran 2 жыл бұрын

You are making a REALLY important point about that symbiotic relationship between the guitar and the amp. And I find this to be one of the most overlooked aspects of the guitar/amp relationship. Back around 2001 I had a Bogner Shiva EL34 with a Bogner 2x12 Vintage 30 closed back cabinet. It was deadly loud. We didn't have reactive load boxes at the time. I had a THD Hot Plate attenuator at the time. And it was good enough. I was playing in a small space. I was using a Fender Strat. I was able to achieve that nirvana where the guitar and the amp and I became one. We all vibrated at the same frequency. Once you experience that phenomenon, you never forget it. It becomes your baseline and benchmark. I believe that this played a huge role in the way that guitar music was created in the late 60s and early 70s. Pushing the air from the speakers has such a profound effect on the experience. In today's world we're really missing out on this. When you and the guitar get within 3 feet of that speaker cabinet everything becomes one. It's not good for your ears, but MAN, it's good for your soul.

@peterhorvath-howard8947 2 жыл бұрын

I owned one of those JCM 45 offset prototypes from 1970 to the nineties when I asked Michael Doyle to come and see it. He wrote books on the history of Marshall Amps and through him I sold it back to Jim Marshall. It’s in the Marshall museum and I see it from time to time on various videos etc. It was my prize possession as a kid and I was so lucky to have owned it but it was good to see it “go home”. When I tell the story people often don’t believe me. Thanks for taking me back !!

@carlitosfreetos 2 жыл бұрын

That’s crazy. I went to the the Marshall factory and I saw that amp there.

@truthserum9157 Жыл бұрын

I’ve seen this amp in many book and magazine articles, what an incredible piece of history.

@absea7918 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! I recently picked up a Marshall 20-watt "Plexi" its called the Studio Vintage. I'm sure it's not identical to an original, but sounds great, and has a 5-watt mode as well, and FX loop. Its a loud 20-watts that can be heard easily with a drummer. I jump the two channels, and blend, depending on the room.

@wheelchairtestdummy3059 2 жыл бұрын

The most beautiful sound in music 😀 I grew up in this era, so it sounds like home. Thanks for this wonderful video.

@StevenAnthonyGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, I've been waiting for this one. I fell in love with the plexi sound just a few years ago, but ever since I'm hooked. Glad you're finally getting one as well!

@tubentruss9628 Жыл бұрын

Tube n Truss UK guitar tech and vintage amp tech. Old school from the 60s and 70s. I just found your channel. You give a refreshingly accurate overview and cut through some old myths with sympathy. One thing I may be able to inform is the trade embargo between US and UK after WW2. It lasted into the 60s and made it difficult or impossible to import US goods. Hank Marvin managed to get one of the first Strat imports. When I tell young blokes these days about backline competing with vocal PA, they find it hard to imagine. You put that very well, thanks.

@brodiehutchins8049 2 жыл бұрын

Great coverage as always. The Studio Vintage 20 is a fantastic (and practical) option, to 100 watts.

@stewartmatheson3101 2 жыл бұрын

I bought one of the last one's in UK I could find about a year and a half ago. Never regretted it once. It's a total showpiece for the studio and you just can't get the feel from anything else. i've used it ever since. Not all the time but what an amp to use when it's needed. Absolute GEM of an amp. You defo need a load box for home studio use though!!! Great video m8.

@richarddehart7672 Жыл бұрын

Great review. Thank you for explaining the little details. Some don't bother to take the time to care to share

@peterburi2727 2 жыл бұрын

In my youth I had a JCM45 but it didn't seem loud enough so a friend of mine sold me his Marshall Major which he never used, that thing was brutal. It ate those 25 watt Celestions like candy and your pants would flap in the wind if you stood near it.

@soarornor 2 жыл бұрын

Your version of 1983 was excellent. Really well done as was the camerawork.

@kenzuercher7497 2 жыл бұрын

I've been playing since the 60s and was a Fender Amp guy due to the availability and cost. I had a few more affluent friends with "Plexi" stacks and it was a force to be reckoned with. At the age of 16 I got to see Jimi Hendrix (for $2!) and my life changed after that night! I never bought a head and cabinet but did have a JCM800 combo for awhile. Recently a student of mine bought a JVM 800 from the 70s that had been heavily modified and asked me to make it work. After removing all of the unnecessary mods and returning it to the 1959 circuit it came to life and sounds like the one in the video. Amazing and it had 6550s! I asked him if he wanted it switched to EL34s but he liked it as it was. If you find a JVM 800 it might not be stupid expensive and can be made to do what this one does...

@DeWittPotts 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video. I love the Marshall sound that you demonstrated here. I am just a 'weekend warrior' so my gigging is in small clubs and such. In my area 100 watts would be unusable unless you attenuated it or lugged around an ISO-cabinet to use. I use my 40 watt Mashall DSL combo mostly and even that can be a bit much. Eddie Van Halen used a 100 watt super lead but he used a Variac to dial the amp to 90 volts instead of running it at 120 line voltage. That is part of what gave him that unique compressed sound.

@salviadivinorum1762 2 жыл бұрын

'1983' by Hendrix..I was celebrating that one at 17 years old (in 1983) in high school, what a trip. I don't know how Jimi and the rest recorded that stuff, so beyond our time.

@arthurgoncalveslima4879 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Rhett! Plexi does should amazing. In fact, I'm finding that most of the amps played loud enough sound great. I rehearse with my friend in a studio and the has a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and it blows my mind, even on the drive channel! Regards from Brazil!

@Ayrton3201 2 жыл бұрын

Tenho um Hot Rod Deville (versão de 60w 4x10') e a única parte triste são as limitações que existem por causa do volume titânico dele. É impraticável usar um desses em casa e em gigs pequenas, mas o som de um valvulado é belíssimo.

@frankspikes7858 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Rhett great playing as usual. You elegantly explained how the amp works. I'm actually a drummer and bassist. I love hearing that saturated big blues sound. It has a certain mojo to it. Marshall's are great for that!! I saw Robin Trower live indoors some years ago. I want to say he uses plexis, or a custom Marshall based off the jcm 800. His tone was so good I wanted to cry.

@markn4526 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! I've owned a '72 Marshall Super Lead since the late-90's that I bought for only $535!!! It's the best amp I've ever played (especially with Greenbacks). As you said, it sort of blends and interacts with the guitar creating one instrument more so than any other amp I've ever played. The versatility of the amp is usually not talked about as much as it should be. There are many different tonal "flavors" available once you learn how to use it to it's full potential. Most of the learning curve is in understanding the interactive nature of the tone controls and the blending of the bright and normal channels. I bought my Super Lead with a post phase inverter master volume modification so the volume is somewhat more controllable than it would otherwise be. The magic begins though when the power amp tubes start to breathe.

@joelhabrial3897 2 жыл бұрын

This is the first video on plexi’s that I’ve seen where Angus Young (AC/DC Guitarist) wasn’t mentioned. He is the quintessential plexi sound in my mind. Love the series! All the best!

@sgeggbub1008 2 жыл бұрын

And malcom young too! Just the way he gets the punchiest sound with hardly any distortion at all

@_RLP 2 жыл бұрын

Really dig this series. Would love to see an episode on the Twin Reverb, the Super reverb and the SSS (I know you did one on the dumble sound, but I think the SSS deserves its own episode and you could use Taylor's iteration). Thanks for sharing.

@MrGregthomasmusic 2 жыл бұрын

This has quickly become my favorite channel. Excellent video!

@ryananthony4840 2 жыл бұрын

Great informative video! Came across this in my feed, worth watching for sure!

@vaportrails7943 2 жыл бұрын

I have to say - this is the best tone I’ve ever heard you get in any video. If it was through a cabinet it would undoubtedly be even better. And I agree - a 100W amp through a 4x12 cabinet is a whole other level of electric guitar that has to be experienced to be understood. It’s what it’s supposed to be. Most of us can’t justify that setup, but it is the ultimate ideal.

@123Andersonev 2 жыл бұрын

Tweed deluxe is up there too for natural overdrive

@kenschachsieck1357 2 жыл бұрын

I played thru a Marshall full stack once, pretty unforgettable, but..if you flubb up..there's nowhere to hide!!

@jonsanders1296 2 жыл бұрын

I had a friend that had a prototype for the Marshall Lead. He took it in to get tube work and the local store offered him 3 full Marshall stacks for the Amp head. He still has it and I have heard it has a great sound.

@greglee2785 2 жыл бұрын

I have several different Marshall amp I play through, my 1959 lead 100 watt head will no dought move lots of air, when I get in that mood. Great video indeed a hell of alot of power in the "plexi"

@spideymarino 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. I’ve had a couple of plexis over the years which were stunning. I am currently using the yjm100. You’re quite right, once you’ve played a cranked plexi, nothing else compares for that type of tone. With regards to the top right hand input, looking at pics of Clapton live in the Cream era, that was the one he used.

@DillonBerkley 2 жыл бұрын

Is the YJM100 worth the money compared to other amps in its price range? My next amp will be a Bray 4550 but I want a YJM to go with my Yngstrat at some point.

@billsmith2212 2 жыл бұрын

I grew up with these groups and saw them live . Alvin Lee of Ten Years After had 4 Marshall Stacks when he did The Fillmore East . The sustain was endless ! About 3 years ago when 2 members did a show in a 200 seat venue , the guitarist had a Fender with , I believe a single 12" . I said to him , they went from 32 - 12" speakers and 400 watts to 1 - 12" and about 50 watts . He cracked up . The bottom line is get the TONE and a good sound person will take care of you . Save your hearing . Way back , the stage volume was deafening because the PA's were not sophisticated and could not keep up . Most volume came from the stage .

@telecomex 2 жыл бұрын

re: your last three minutes of this video: You so accurately articulated what has never been put into words before! You really verbally captured the mechanics and acoustics that happen when you are driving 48" of sound, and how it interacts with the room, the amp and the guitar - (and of course, you and your audience!) I have never heard it put this way before but you are bang on. That is why practicing at home with headphones is so uninspiring. I want to hear what my speakers can do when everything is demanded of them. I want the Thud! That is when the sum of all parts blend, and the results are mystical. Certainly legendary. Thanks for this interesting clip. You play very well. I envy you! ss

@Superjet113 2 жыл бұрын

Dude, I gigged 4 nights a week for 7 years straight in the 80's with a 1977 Marshall 100 watt twin with fawn nomex and I NEVER knew about jumpering the channels! Man, I was missing out then I think. It still had huge balls with a Tom Sholz power soak. Great video Mr. Shull! Thank you.

@greghoyt4061 2 жыл бұрын

While it’s not a “true” Super Lead, I do have a YJM100 that I absolutely love. The tone, texture and articulation is out of this world. And that “thud”... just wow...

@greghoyt4061 2 жыл бұрын

@David Lacey I’m well aware of that; I watched quite a number of comparison videos and did a good amount of research before acquiring the YJM haha. I was just pointing out the fact that it’s technically a different model than the SLP, due to the added features. Other than that, it’s pure plexi heaven!

@Turboy65 2 жыл бұрын

Being the owner of three Superleads, one being a '69 Plexi, I appreciate this video. I like to Variac the '69 down to 90 volts and this gives it a browner crunchy sound and also reduces its max volume level considerably, making it merely LOUD rather than BRUTALLY LOUD when cranked.

@cherrysunburst1959 2 жыл бұрын

You got this idea from EVH

@Turboy65 2 жыл бұрын

@@cherrysunburst1959 Gee, ya think????😃

@cherrysunburst1959 2 жыл бұрын

@@Turboy65 you should have mentioned the legend

@thediminish8517 2 жыл бұрын

Can I ask you a quetion? How big is the difference between a 60's amp and a 1959hw?

@Turboy65 2 жыл бұрын

@@thediminish8517 It's not a lot of difference. But I have to qualify that statement because there can be a substantial difference between one original 1959 and another. They changed the specs several times over the years. A '75 Superlead is not quite the same thing as a 71, or a '69, or a '67.

@glassslide 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video, Rhett, really enjoyed it, super interesting and informative--please do more like this, they are a credit to the channel. Btw, great playing and KILLER tones!!!

@brianhensien 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, high quality and super informative!

@stevenmiller9773 2 жыл бұрын

It's 2022, and amps like the Blackface Super Reverb, 59 Bassman, Marshall JTM45 and Plexi are still among the best sounding amps out there. They were perfect then, and still are. I still struggle to decide whether I like Plexi cleans or Fender cleans.

@clgmafnas 2 жыл бұрын

You're not alone. Their circuits are similar enough to cover similar ground and yet different enough to have their own voice.

@barters8124 2 жыл бұрын

For me I needed fender cleans. So went the fender with as good of a plexi in a box pedal I could find. Gets me close enough for low to mid gain.

@hkguitar1984 2 жыл бұрын

I have struggled with that question since I purchased my Fender Twin Reverb back in 1976. I can tell you that several years ago I found a solution, I now use both my Twin Reverb and a Marshall 1987x with a 2x12" Greenbacks Cab. At first this pair-up sounds like I've finally got my cake and can eat it too, that isn't the case though, moving this rig is difficult due to weight.

@slowhandblues187 2 жыл бұрын

The correct decision is BOTH! 🙂

@hkguitar1984 2 жыл бұрын

@@slowhandblues187 The correct answer indeed.

@slideguitarist 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this, Rhett. I suggest you (and all Plexi users) try plugging in with a Y cable, instead of jumpering. I think it is less common because the Y cables are not widely available. Duane Allman (and Eric Johnson) used Y cables, and the resulting tone is legendary.. The Y cable lets you go straight into the top input jacks of both channels and that unleashes even more gain and a broader tonal response. You will probably need to drastically rethink the amp tone control settings compared to what you would use when jumpering. Those Y cables for guitar are not too hard to find (or make), and are worth seeking out.

@mahlonkisner9016 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks nice tip..

@elmaffo 2 жыл бұрын

When you talked about the "thump" of the 100W Marshall.... that immediately made me smile by reflex :D

@ziccuj 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great video Rhett! Now that you're asking, I'm definitely into this sound - been for quite a while. I have four 50-watters in my possession as we speak: a '67 Plexi (bass model), a '68 Plexi (lead model, pretty much museum condition), a '72 Metal panel (lead model, an exceptionally aggressive rock'n'roll beast) and a '73 Metal panel (tremolo model, one of the very last hand-soldered examples - talk about a rarity!) - as well as four vintage cabinets - each loaded with different vintage Celestions - all with Pulsonic cones. So much tone - and you can definitely use a bass model for guitar and vice versa - it all comes down to your personal preference! I would like to point out a couple of things. When referring to "Plexi" amps, also the back panels had a plexiglass layer on them at least between 1967 and 1969, not just the front panels. Also, the plexis were still made for a few months in '69, so not just pre-'69. The transition happened somewhere mid-'69, but actually the Marshall logo changed earlier from gold-on-white to all-white. By the way, it's next to impossible to find a plexi with an original gold logo that hasn't shattered in pieces or disappeared. My '68 Lead actually still has one. The last time I saw an original '68-69 era gold Marshall logo for sale online, it was 500 bucks or more. It sounds crazy, but the amps of that era with the logo still there are highly sought after by collectors, so there you go... If you ever find yourself in Finland, please let me know and maybe we'll have a little test run! :)

@stevegardiner8473 2 жыл бұрын

I used the 50w version for years. That was plenty loud enough, although it had less clean headroom than the 100's. I eventually had to move to a different setup for that very reason. A fantastic sounding rock/bluesl amp though.

@michaelhotten752 2 жыл бұрын

I started going to rock concerts around 1980. there were a lot of general admission shows back then. we would always try to spend at least some time near the stage. not so much to see our heros up close, but to get away from the PA mix and closer to the stage sound. and many of our heros were on marshalls. we wanted to hear what those amazing players wanted everyone to hear and feel: that chirp, that movement of air.

@joelevens9666 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for such an inspirational and informative video. I particularly liked the history of the plexi and your comments on the relationship between the amp, speakers, and guitar while gigging. I have a 2204 and feel a 100w is just too much for me at clubs. I find that from gig to gig, the relationship between amp, speaker cab, and guitar varies greatly, and I have yet to sort it out and control it and make it predictable, but it certainly helped to hear you talking about it. Cheers.

@antro_oner 2 жыл бұрын

Your delivery and story telling is excellent, great video Rhett.

@instant_coffee_is_evil 2 жыл бұрын

I am such a Plexi nerd! It's big, it's loud, it's awesome. Man the first time I played one full volume in a rehearsal room, I thought my heart would stop! They're expensive though. I built a replica with good trannies and components. Sounds mighty. The circuit is fairly straightforward and you don't need to be the brightest crayon in the box to maintain them.

@Ron4roc 2 жыл бұрын

What kind of tubes did you use?

@dvs6121 Жыл бұрын

What "maintenance" does a guitar amp need?

@instant_coffee_is_evil Жыл бұрын

@@dvs6121 changing the power tubes, biasing, at some point you'll have to change the filter caps, some resistances (because manufacturers don't put res that can handle the power and heat in some critical places) clean contacts, jacks etc.

@nickturgeonguitar 2 жыл бұрын

not quite the same, but i have one of the sv20’s in a head and it’s been my main gigging amp for a while! i absolutely love it, makes every guitar sound amazing

@RelicOnMaui 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Rhett! Amazingly, as a high schooler, my dad found a 60's Brit Marshall 100 8x that a guy's son had had in his closet for 3 years, caters, covers like new. Had mains jumper pins for US power. FILLED a VW "squareback" station Wagon. Law showed up everytime I took the thing anywhere. I'd be deaf without hearing protection. Was a heavy head, and pretty "inconvenient" to pack around. Needed to use ext reverb. But that physical interaction between air from 8x12" and a solidbody simply cannot be replicated by a blackbox. It's feedback unlike microphonic squeal/howl. I read long ago that Mitch Mitchell was working at the Marshall shop through drumming, before Jimi had arrived in London. A favorite quote from an old jam pal from those days.. "It takes THREE Marshall stacks.... to change the world." Indeed

@priesty4783 2 жыл бұрын

So good to see the wealth of respect, intelligence and knowledge in the comments from the people attracted to this posting.. What a nice change. Well played, Rhett.

@jackbinkleymusic 2 жыл бұрын

That fire bird is absolutely beautiful and I’m itching to pull the Trigger and snag one

@stevemd6488 2 жыл бұрын

Still the best amp ever. I used one for years in my cover band when attenuators came available. Oh and BEAUTIFUL Les Paul you have.

@rogerrussian9750 2 жыл бұрын

Happy New Year Rhett to you & your family ! Great video as usual, in answer to what else but similar to this amp & other, when I was working for bands in the early 70's, yes, big (& lots) of Marshalls were the go for most rock bands. One thing I marveled at though was the fantastic sounds, tones & volume you could with a Les Paul through a Fender Twin Reverb. The Twin Reverb turned up with the gain also turned up produced a great rock sound when teemed with the Les Paul. Maybe do a clip on that ? All the best !

@less_concerned1221 2 жыл бұрын

I had a 1959 reissue before the effects loop. It had a ton of clean head room. A few times I turned it to 10 and I thought it was going to blow out the windows. I now have a 1970 50w in the small head box and a 1971 normal version. These are both brushed aluminum panel amps, but basically have the same guts as the late plexi’s. The 1970 is actually a pa amp that plexi palace converted channel one more into a lead circuit. Great sounding amp! Sorry for the long story! Loved the intro; it sounded great!

@vanessajazp6341 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been getting into the Synergy system, and they have Plexi module that I’m planning to buy. Some amps are just THE sound. The Fender Twin or Deluxe Reverb … the Roland JC120 … the Marshall Plexi … the Peavey 5150 … Mesa Boogie anything … nothing else will do but the best!

@matthewduncan9405 Жыл бұрын

The module just does not nail the feeling though 😢

@chrispercival9789 2 жыл бұрын

I had a '76 JMP100 with 2 x 4x12 cabs when i was 18. Damn it was incredible, tone forever and outrageously loud...i wish I'd kept it but i had to sell when i left the UK cos damn it was bulky