Marshall Amplification JCM800 Series Handwired Amplifiers, Gary Moore, Bernie Marsden

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Handwired Amplifiers

1959HW Head 2061X Head 1974X Combo 1960AHW/BHW Cabs 2061CX Cab 1974CX Cab

Gary Moore

“Nothing else is like a Marshall,you don’t just hear the sound,you feel it!”

Bernie Marsden

“I was too young the first time,but I sure ’aint missin’it the second time.”

From left to right:

1974X Combo

1959HW Head

1960AHW Cab

1960BHW Cab

2061X Head

2061CX Cab

The timeless tone of vintage handwired, all-valve Marshall amplifiers have made them highly desirable to collectors and sonic connoisseurs alike. Due to overwhelming public demand we are proud to introduce meticulous, handwired re-issues of three of our most sought-after amplifiers as the first products in our new Handwired Series – a Series that celebrates the company’s rich tonal heritage and revisits the handcrafted traditions and skills that first launched the Marshall legend.

1959HW Head & 1960AHW/BHW Cabinets

To the minds and ears of many, the mythical 100 Watt “Plexi” heads of the late ’60s are considered the “Holy Grail” of great rock tone. Our handwired 1959HW transports us back in time to that celebrated era and the result is a breathtaking re-issue that’s authentic in every detail – from those world-famous front panel legends to the oversized, custom-built, “drop through” mains transformer that lies at the very heart of the beast. Good looks and impressive specs aside, the 1959HW’s real beauty lurks in its unique and highly responsive tone.

To complement the 1959HW’s sonic and visual majesty, we offer the 1960AHW (angled) and 1960BHW (straight) 4x12" cabinets that boast Basket Weave fret cloth, metal handles, “100” logos and are loaded with Celestion’s highly-acclaimed G12H-30 (55Hz) re-issue speakers.

2061X Head & 2061CX Cabinet

An authentic, handwired re-issue of the original 20 Watt 2061 head (1968-1973), this compact, twin-channel, all-valve beauty houses

2 x ECC83 valves in its preamp and a pair of cathode-biased EL84s in its power stage. The 2061X features a solid-state, silicon diode rectifier and is a very aggressive and surprisingly modern sounding amplifier, while still possessing that unmistakable and highly desirable, vintage all-valve tone. Just like the original, the 2061X boasts a point-to-point, handwired, tagboard circuit, a mild-steel chassis and Dagnall transformers.

As the perfect sonic and visual partner for the 2061X, we offer the 2061CX – a compact, angled-front 2x12", 60 Watt cabinet loaded with Celestion’s renowned G12H-30 (75Hz) re-issue speakers.

1974X Combo & 1974CX Extension Cabinet

The 1974X is an authentic re-issue of the fabled 18 Watt 1974 combo of the late sixties (1966-1968). Just like the original, it boasts a point-to-point, handwired, tagboard circuit housed in an aluminium chassis, plus a valve-driven tremolo circuit. At the very heart of its simple, but effective, two channel design can be found six valves: three ECC83s in the preamp, an EZ81 rectifier and a pair of cathode-biased EL84s in the power stage. The output and mains transformers are vital components in any amplifier because they influence performance, sound and feel, so we worked extremely closely with our associates at Dagnall in order to duplicate the original, “off-the-shelf” transformers in all areas. Another major contributing factor to the distinctive sound of vintage 1974 combos is the way the original 20 Watt, ceramic magnet, Celestion Greenback T1221 loudspeaker’s tone has softened with age.

In order to recreate the gorgeously smooth tones of a 35-year-old vintage Greenback, Celestion not only revisited the 1967 recipe for the speaker, they also came up with a proprietary way of “aging” the speakers so they sound and feel like the originals made in the late ’60s! The same exact, exclusive “aged” T1221 Greenback speaker is also found in the 1974CX, a 1x12" extension cabinet for the 1974X.

CABINET SPECIFICATION

FEATURES

1960AHW/BHW

2061CX

1974CX

Cabinet Type – Angled

(AHW)

No

Cabinet Type – Base

(BHW)

No

Speaker Configuration

4 x 12"

2 x 12"

1 x 12"

Speaker Type

G12H-30 (55Hz)

G12H-30 (75Hz)

G12M-20

Power (RMS)

120 Watt

60 Watt

20 Watt

Impedance

16 Ohm

8 Ohm

16 Ohm

Dimensions (mm)

AHW - 762 x 826 x 362

650 x 665 x 305

610 x 535 x 230

 

BHW - 765 x 820 x 364

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weight (kg)

36.4

24

14

AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATION

FEATURES

1959HW

2061X

1974X

Head

No

Combo

No

No

 

Output (RMS)

100 Watt

20 Watt

18 Watt

Tremolo

No

No

 

Speakers

No

No

1 x G12M-20 Special

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Amp Valves

3 x ECC83

2 x ECC83

3 x ECC83

 

Power Amp Valves

4 x EL34

2 x EL84

2 x EL84

 

Valve Rectifier

No

No

1 x EZ81

 

Footswitch (supplied)

N/A

N/A

PEDL-10034

 

Dimensions (mm)

744 x 305 x 210

510 x 225 x 210

610 x 535 x 230

Weight (kg)

22

10

19

 

12

Marshall Amplification Product Catalogue

Marshall Amplification Product Catalogue

13

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Contents CATS-00131 Jim Marshall History Roll of Honour Amplifier Specification JVM2 Series AmplifiersJoe Hoare Modes of ToneFeatures JVM410H JVM410C JVM4 Series AmplifiersJason Hook JVM410H Head & JVM410C 2x12 ComboCabinet Specification Vintage Modern AmplifiersPaul Mahon Ray ToroBernie Marsden Handwired AmplifiersGary Moore Simon Neil Vintage Re-Issue AmplifiersYngwie Malmsteen Tim Skold William J BrownJCM800 2203 Head JCM900 4100 HeadJCM2000 DSL Amplifiers Allison RobertsonLarry Hibbitt DSL100 & DSL50 HeadsJCM2000 TSL Amplifiers Sean MartinPhilip Sneed TSL100 Head & TSL122 ComboFeatures TSL60 Bruce KulickSteve Mazur Common GroundDave Navarro Mode Four AmplifierJohn 2203KK Kerry King Amplifier Kerry King2203KK Head Slayer 2203KK is my main head and always will beCabinet Specifications 100JH Jimi Hendrix AmplifierJimi Hendrix Super 100JH Head1992LEM LemmyAmplifier Best of British BassCustomise Corner 1992LEM1959RR Randy Rhoads Amplifier Randy RhoadsBeginning What’s inside?Pedal Specification RG-1/RF-1/EH-1 Effects PedalsRG-1 Regenerator RF-1 ReflectorCharlotte Hatherley Dan Fisher Features Speaker CabinetsSteve Harris Jeff HannemanCabinet Specification MC412A/B & MC212 Corey BeaulieuMG Series Amplifiers Wayne Static MG50DFX ComboMG100HDFX Head Static-XRack Power-Amp Products Power AMP SpecificationPhil Campbell Jerry HortonFeatures AS50D Pierre BensusanAziz Ibrahim AS50D ComboMani StanWatt Valve Bass Amp VBC412 & VBC810 CabinetsMB Bass Series Amplifiers LemmyPaul Brewis MB4410 ComboMB450H Head MBC115, MBC410, MBC810Packages & Accessories ContentsSlayer MG10KK heavier than a pair of concrete boots Zakk WyldeZakk Wylde MG15MSZW Microstack Kerry King MG10KK ComboMS-2 & MS-4 Micro Amps From left to right

JCM800 Series specifications

Marshall Amplification is synonymous with rock music, and the JCM800 series is one of its most iconic models. Launched in the early 1980s, the JCM800 series redefined high-gain amplification and became a staple for countless rock and metal guitarists. Known for its raw power and tonal versatility, the JCM800 has left an indelible mark on the music industry.

One of the defining features of the JCM800 series is its pure, aggressive sound. At the heart of these amplifiers lies a high-gain preamp circuit, which delivers a rich, harmonically complex tone that is ideal for modern rock styles. The JCM800 offers a variety of wattage options, typically ranging from 50 to 220 watts, allowing players to choose the right power for their sound and performance environment.

The classic EL34 power tubes serve as the backbone of the JCM800's tone. These tubes provide a warm, dynamic response and a pronounced midrange that perfectly complements the heavy distortion and sustain the amp is known for. The two-channel setup—commonly featuring a "Normal" and a "Overdrive" channel—grants players flexibility in their sound. The Normal channel is perfect for achieving clean tones, while the Overdrive channel unleashes an intense crunch that can be dialed in to suit any style.

Control features on the JCM800 amplifiers are straightforward yet effective. Simple tone controls—bass, middle, treble—allow players to sculpt their sound easily. The added presence and resonance controls enhance the amp's response, delivering everything from bright, cutting tones to thick, powerful sounds ideal for heavy riffs.

Another key technology in the JCM800 series includes the use of PCB (printed circuit board) design, improving reliability while maintaining an accessible serviceability profile. Marshall also incorporates features like series effects loops, allowing musicians to integrate their favorite pedals effortlessly.

The JCM800 has become a beloved choice for many legendary guitarists, with its sound frequently associated with iconic recordings from bands such as Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Nirvana. Available in various configurations, including heads, combos, and cabinets, the JCM800 series remains a cutting-edge line of amplifiers that capture the essence of rock music. Its rich history, combined with its powerful features, continues to inspire guitarists around the world. With the JCM800, Marshall Amplification has solidified its status as a pillar in the foundation of rock tone.