Author Topic: 1959 plexi (Read 11599 times)

love_o_rock · « **on:** February 05, 2006, 01:29:06 AM »

Does anyone know if its the "holy grail" it supposed to be? Is it good for classic rock? Ive heard bad things about the '03 models inparticular. Is there a good place to find it cheaper than others? Feel free to recomend anything else you think sounds as good. Also whats a good cab to compliment one?

Twinfan · « **Reply #1 on:** February 05, 2006, 12:09:23 PM »

Depends what sound you're after.

They really need cranking, so be aware that it'l sound pants at low volumes. I personlaly reckon you can get similar sounds from something more flexible.

The DSL50 and DSL100 heads are cheaper and offer more versatility. If you're getting a Marshall head you need a Marshall cab for their tone. The do 2 or 3 models with different speakers, so you might want to try them out somewhere.

Hell Hound · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2006, 12:24:54 PM »

IMHO I think Marshall cab are cr@p, you can get the same voicing with a better cab. For a plexi voicing you have to find one with Celestion G12M (greenback) or G12H. And as twinfan said you need to crank it up real loud for it to shine. A DSL50 or a JCM800 50w head would be easier.
My 2 cents.

Ratrod · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2006, 04:08:16 PM »

As an alternative you could try a Roccaforte or Splawn.

Floyd Pepper · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2006, 04:11:06 PM »

I had a late 60's Marshall Plexi. I was the worst sounding amp I ever had. I used to record with a mid 80's Marshall transistor combo as it sounded better. However...I got the Plexi in the mid 80's and I think some bozo had tried to hot rod it. How it sounded in it's original form I never found out as I sold it.

I kept the early 70's Marshall cab that I brought with the amp. Best cab I've ever had. It's got post rola Greenbacks and sounds very smooth.

I guess the moral is if you're after an old amp make sure it's still wired as nature intended.

Hell Hound · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2006, 06:48:30 PM »

yea, I forgot to mention some old Marshall cabs are REALLY good, but pricey and hard to find :lol:

March · « **Reply #6 on:** February 05, 2006, 06:52:30 PM »

I have an early 70's 1959 SL and to be honest, it's one of the best sounding amps I have ever heard. You definately have to crank it to get the best out of it.

Having heard a 1959 SLP from the late 60's (I know someone with two, although he won't let me have one...), the SL sounds very similiar but has a tad more gain IMHO. The modern reissues do not even get close to my ears.

Depends on what your tonal bench marks are in terms as to what is the holy grail. I have a fair few amps and each one exhibits a characteristic that others cannot attain.

Do you need the volume? If you are playing pubs or small to medium venues I would strongly recommend a Matamp King Street head and cab. It's in the early Marshall ballpark but sonically far more versatile, is built like a tank and the attention to detail something else. I should know... I have one!

It's conservatively rated at 15 (clean) watts, but when dimed it's probably nearer 30. However... I used mine at band practice last week and it was easily heard over a 100 watt Engl head... the tone was amazing as well.

Hell Hound · « **Reply #7 on:** February 05, 2006, 07:01:29 PM »

I reharsed once with a small Epiphone all tube 5w combo plugged into a 4x12" with a dist stompbox in front and was perfectly audible. So power is not anything :lol:

March · « **Reply #8 on:** February 05, 2006, 07:05:42 PM »

Quote from: Hell Hound

I reharsed once with a small Epiphone all tube 5w combo plugged into a 4x12" with a dist stompbox in front and was perfectly audible. So power is not anything :lol:

I know - I have a Minimat... 2 watts into a 2x12 cab, my ears are still ringing! :lol:

Hell Hound · « **Reply #9 on:** February 05, 2006, 07:26:33 PM »

I'm thinking of doing a DIY Firefly amp from http://www.ax84.com, 0.5w of pure tube lust lol
back to the subject, some of those little 50w Laney head could be a good alternative, those got a Marshall kind-of voicing.

Floyd Pepper · « **Reply #10 on:** February 05, 2006, 10:07:25 PM »

I've had a Marshalll JCM 800 Super Lead for about 10 years now. The Super Lead has the 4 inputs like the old plexis and is not master volume. I've read the circuit is very similar to the old plexis but then it's not just the layout that gives an amp its sound.

It's a great amp but totally unplayable in the house due as the minimum volume is very LOUD. Anyone know how they compare to how a plexi should should?

love_o_rock · « **Reply #11 on:** February 06, 2006, 02:37:01 AM »

Lets say I got a Power brake or a Hot Plate. Would you recommend a DSL, JCM 800, Plexi, or something else for classic, blues-based rock to almost metal/hard rock sound?

Twinfan · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2006, 09:50:12 AM »

A DSL should cover everything from Hendrix to Metallica...

jt · « **Reply #13 on:** February 06, 2006, 05:34:59 PM »

:D It really depends on the sound your after. Personnally i love the sound of the Plexi, but if i was playing Thrash metal i wouldn`t use one. Remember you can allways use an attenuater with it so you can really drive the valves at lower volume levels.

:D 8)

love_o_rock · « **Reply #14 on:** February 06, 2006, 08:26:03 PM »

What about HIWATT custon 100 or DR103. I think they are the same but I've read nothing but good things about the cleans. How's the gain on one?