Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $4,075
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Marshall JTM-45 (1965)". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the heart of rock 'n' roll history with the 1965 Marshall JTM-45, a legendary amplifier that changed the sound of music forever. With its roots tracing back to the iconic first Marshall amplifier ever created, this piece isn’t just an amp—it’s a piece of musical heritage. Its distinctive tone, powered by the unique blend of ECC83 preamp tubes and KT66 power amp tubes, offers a sound that's as raucous as it is refined. Perfect for collectors and musicians alike who seek to embody the spirit of the '60s rock revolution in their play. Own a piece of the legacy that continues to resonate through generations of music.
Key Features:
- Iconic 1965 model, embodying the original Marshall amplifier essence
- Unique tonal quality, thanks to the ECC83 preamp tubes and KT66 power amp tubes
- Inspired by the 1959 Fender Bassman, with a distinctively Marshall voice
- Highly sought-after by collectors and tone enthusiasts
Owner's manual
Marshall JTM-45 (1965) User ManualProduct specs
| Available since | October 2009 |
| Powerrate in W | 30 W |
| Power Amplifier Tubes | 5881 |
| Channels | 1 |
| Reverb | No |
| Footswitch | No |
FAQs
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What is the power output of the Marshall JTM-45 (1965)?
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The Marshall JTM-45 (1965) has a power output of 30 watts, making it suitable for both studio recording and small to medium-sized live performances.
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What type of tubes does the Marshall JTM-45 use?
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The Marshall JTM-45 is equipped with 5881 power amplifier tubes, contributing to its warm and classic tone.
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Does the Marshall JTM-45 include built-in reverb?
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No, the Marshall JTM-45 does not feature built-in reverb, focusing instead on delivering a pure and clean tone.
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Is the Marshall JTM-45 suitable for modern rock genres?
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The Marshall JTM-45 is known for its clean tone and warm sustain, making it ideal for classic rock and blues. It may need additional pedals for high-gain modern rock tones.
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Can the Marshall JTM-45 be used with a footswitch?
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No, the Marshall JTM-45 does not support the use of a footswitch, as it is designed with a single channel for straightforward operation.
Videos
Sam Vilo
1965 Marshall JTM45 cranked
Reviews
PROS
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Authentic vintage tone reminiscent of the original 1960s JTM-45
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Excellent pedal compatibility for versatile sound customization
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Powerful enough for various performance settings without losing clarity
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Harmonizes beautifully with a wide range of guitar models
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Offers a boutique-quality sound at a more affordable price point
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Retains low noise levels, ensuring clean output
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Matches well with both 1X12 and 2X12 cabinets
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Delivers classic tones perfect for fans of legendary guitarists like Jimi Hendrix
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Provides a nostalgic experience with both sound and aesthetics
CONS
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Reports of crackling noise after warm-up indicating potential soldering or tube issues
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall JTM-45 (1965).
Features and functionality
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The tremolo version of the JTM45 is noted for its rarity and historical significance, especially in the "Bluesbreaker" configuration.
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The Friedman Little Sister is highlighted for its appealing sound quality, with users expressing satisfaction in noise rock settings.
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A Torpedo Captor load box reduces volume by 20dB, allowing higher amp volumes without ear damage, ideal for bedroom players.
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A treble booster or EQ pedal can help manage the JTM45's excessive bass, cutting frequencies below 100Hz.
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Use cases and applications
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The Carr Mercury V is suggested for those seeking Marshall-like tones in a compact combo format, with a recommendation to consider used options for budget-friendliness.
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A PRS HDRX20 is noted for achieving Hendrix-like Superlead tones, offering fat bass without muddiness, ideal for vintage rock enthusiasts.
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Single P90 pickups are frequently mentioned as an ideal match for achieving a distinctive punk and garage rock tone with the JTM45.
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Channel jumping on the JTM45 blends low and high frequencies, essential for bass control; works best when amp is loud.
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A 4x10 cab with 10" Greenbacks tightens bass response, ideal for small rooms to avoid overwhelming low end.
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Mods and upgrades
Comparisons
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The Traynor YBA-1 is praised for its pedal compatibility and affordability compared to the JTM-45.
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The Friedman Twin Sister offers 95% of a Germino Classic 45's vintage tone while adding versatility with a master volume and effects loop.
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Owners highlight the JTM45's flexibility with different power tubes, noting a shift from KT66 to EL34s from 1966-67.
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The JTM45 is notably louder than the Bassbreaker 15, necessitating an attenuator for home use to achieve distortion at manageable volumes.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Whilst it was a JTM-45 2x12 combo that Clapton used at the Bluesbreakers 'Beano' album recording sessions at London's Decca Studios in April 1966, he played through an early Marshall JTM-45 head with a block logo, identical to this amp, through a white grille cloth 4x12 Marshall cabinet whilst on stage with John Mayall's Blues Breakers as photographed here. It is reputed that at the end of the infamous Glands residency in Greece, a twenty year old Clapton left his Marshall amp there and returned with only his Les Paul guitar thereby losing the amp. It is possible that it was the set-up in the photograph that was lost and Clapton began using the combo amp instead. It follows that Clapton's recordings that pre-dated the Glands trip including Telephone Blues, I Am Your Witchdoctor and Bernard Jenkins with John Mayall were in fact recorded, not with a 'Bluesbreaker' combo amp, but with a JTM-45 head like the one included here through a 4x12 cabinet.
Album Usage
The Marshall JTM-45 (1965) has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Marshall JTM-45 (1965), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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I submitted a correction
The Dirty channel features a tone stack voicing switch that delivers the sweeter JTM tone control voicing and balanced gain response in one position, and the more in your face JMP voicing in the other. The Gain control knob cascades through multiple tube gain stages in a unique way that starts out with Classic Plexi tones early on the dial giving way to scorching High Gain tones later on. The Gain Boost switch engages even more gain as well as kicking in our unique clipping diode circuit that gives you the sustain and precision of a ‘Jose’ but retains the organic Plexi clarity when backing off of the guitar’s volume control. See below for a description of each of the three individual amp voices available in the dirty channel.
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