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Pricing and availability

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Description

Step back in time with the Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi, a guitar amplifier head that epitomizes the classic rock sound of the late '60s. Known for its iconic all-tube circuitry, this amp head delivers rich, dynamic tones that have powered countless legendary performances. Whether you're chasing the raw power of classic rock or the punchy clarity of blues, the Plexi’s versatile tonal palette makes it a staple for both stage and studio.

The 1968 50 Watt Plexi is revered for its unique, responsive dynamics, making it a favorite among guitarists who value expressive playability. Its intuitive control panel provides easy access to a range of tones, from warm cleans to crunchy overdrive, all while maintaining the amp's signature vintage character. This amplifier head is designed for those who appreciate the authentic, unadulterated sound that defined an era.

Ideal for musicians who crave vintage authenticity with modern reliability, the Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi is a testament to the enduring legacy of Marshall amplification. Crafted to offer the same sonic experience as its predecessors, this amp head is perfect for those seeking to capture the timeless tones that have shaped music history.

Key Features:

  • All-tube circuitry for classic, rich tones
  • 50-watt power output, suited for both stage and studio use
  • Four input channels for versatile connectivity
  • Simple, intuitive control interface
  • Renowned for its dynamic response and expressive playability
ProGuitarEurope

ProGuitarEurope

ProGuitar presents:1968 Marshall 50 Watt Plexi by Thomas Blug

Video thumbnail for ProGuitar presents:1968 Marshall 50 Watt Plexi by Thomas Blug by ProGuitarEurope

ProGuitar presents:1968 Marshall 50 Watt Plexi by Thomas Blug

ProGuitarEurope

ProGuitarEurope

Video thumbnail for 1968 Marshall plexi 50 Watt 2 by conjering

1968 Marshall plexi 50 Watt 2

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conjering

Video thumbnail for 1968 Marshall plexi 50 Watt 1 by conjering

1968 Marshall plexi 50 Watt 1

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conjering

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi.

Comparisons

  • The 1987 model will achieve breakup at a lower volume than the 1959 model, making it better for those seeking earlier overdrive without ear-splitting volume levels.

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  • The 100W versions have tighter and stiffer low-end response due to increased filtering in the power supply compared to the 50W models.

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  • Late 70s and early 80s models have increased gain and highs, similar to JCM800 amps, catering to heavier tones.

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  • A 50W JCM900 was used effectively in bands with multiple drummers, indicating its capacity to handle intense volume demands.

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Features and functionality

  • The 100W Plexi provides a wider dynamic range and stays cleaner at higher volumes, ideal for players needing super clean sounds and powerful bottom end.

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  • The 1987 model has less power supply filtering and uses two-phase rectification, contributing to its earlier breakup and different tonal characteristics than the 1959 model.

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  • Jumping channels on handwired models activates both high and low gain channels for richer sound.

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  • After the transition to PCB boards, successive models incorporated more gain, altering tonal characteristics.

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  • The amp's high gain is described as "fizzy" and can get lost in the mix; maintaining high mids and using less gain improves clarity.

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Use cases and applications

  • For achieving Hendrix tones, a stock Marshall amp combined with a fuzz pedal can replicate his sound; however, specific Hendrix clone amps might yield closer results without modifications.

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  • A 50W Marshall tube amp, like the JCM2000, is noted to be excessively loud for most scenarios, often not requiring more than 3-4 on the volume dial.

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  • A 50W tube amp reportedly delivers 75% of the volume of a 100W amp, showcasing its capability to handle large venues without being mic'd.

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Build quality

  • Handwired models from 1968-1971 are highly coveted for their robust construction and superior loudness.

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User experience

  • Owners report that 100W models, especially from early 70s, are exceptionally loud and best when cranked up.

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Mods and upgrades

  • An EQ pedal is recommended to control muddiness and harsh highs at high volumes; a Tube Screamer can also be used as a clean boost for mid-range enhancement.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It's advised to check for biasing issues on the JCM2000, as improper bias can degrade sound quality or damage the amp.

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Critic Reviews

Marshall JMP50 “Plexi” | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The 1968 Marshall 50 Watt Plexi is a pinnacle of rock history, offering the quintessential "Marshall sound" that defined legendary rock tones. With its EL34 tubes, solid-state rectification, and distinctive circuit design, it delivers a bold, punchy crunch that became synonymous with British rock. It's the sound of icons like Hendrix and Page, making it a must-have for those seeking authentic vintage tone. Yet, its power can be overwhelming for smaller settings, and its classic build might not suit modern versatility seekers. Still, for purists, it's a sonic treasure.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Tony Iommi uses Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi

Tony Iommi

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Groundguitar

Used in the late 60s prior to entering the studio with Black Sabbath.

See how Eric Johnson uses Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi

Eric Johnson

Singer, Guitarist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via Premierguitar

This is the Marshall Plexi that he usually uses for his Lead Guitar sound.

See how George Lynch uses Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi

George Lynch

Guitarist

Dokken

...
Verified via YouTube

George Lynch’s guitar tech, Jerry Ganaden, talks about the Marshall ’68 Plexi in this video interview from Premier Guitar. At 3:30. he says, “That’s a ’68 Plexi. It’s bone stock. There’s a lot of people that speculate that it’s been modded at some point, but it hasn’t been. Some of the guys that have done work on this amp, to either do maintenance or even restore it, look at it and it’s like it doesn’t need anything. It’s just a straight up bone stock amp.”

See how Doug Martsch uses Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi

Doug Martsch

Guitarist

Built to Spill

...
Verified via Archive

Doug Martsch uses a custom 1968 Marshall 50 Watt Plexi, built by Jim Roth in a Twin Reverb chassis, as detailed by imlikeajungle in the Archive source.

See how Christoph Lupus Lindemann uses Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi

Christoph Lupus Lindemann

Guitarist

Kadavar

...
Verified via YouTube

On 0:05 you can see a Marshall Plexi next to a Hiwatt Custom 50. On Instagram he wrote its a 50 Watt Mk2.

See how Michael Nesmith uses Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi

Michael Nesmith

Guitarist, Singer

The Monkees

...
Verified via Photo

Seen here in 1968 during the filming of head

See how Steve Farris uses Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi

Steve Farris

Guitarist

Mr. Mister

...
Verified via HRI // The Archives

In this interview from Guitarist magazine, volume 2 number 11, April 1986 Steve says,

“I’ve got four amps. I use an old 50 watt Marshall, I use a Howard Dumble amp, which is a great amp. Those two don’t go on the road though, they’re like special, one of a kind things. I’ve got a Jim Kelly amp as well, which is great, and I’ve got a Fender Twin reverb amp that I got off Paul Rivera. Paul’s a really nice guy and really brilliant. He’s done a lot of work for me and he actually re-wacked the whole thing. In fact, he was in England and he picked up some special English parts – English transformers and some valves – and he converted it all to a lot of English stuff that he liked. It’s really good now.
 Those are the four amps I use, plus I even have a Super Champ, which I use for certain things, because there are so many applications. But all my amps are unusual, real customized, except for my Marshall – I think I only had one little mod done to that, but nothing drastic.“

See how Derek Wells uses Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi

Derek Wells

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 48:40 in the "Derek Wells Studio Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour" video by Premier Guitar, Derek Wells is seen showcasing his Marshall 50 Watt Plexi amp head.

See how Graeme Naysmith uses Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi

Graeme Naysmith

Guitarist

Pale Saints

...
Verified via Pinterest

Graeme Naysmith of Pale Saints is shown using a 1968 Marshall 50 Watt Plexi amplifier in a guitar rig photo on Pinterest, curated by Daniel Brophy Music & DJ.

See how Pete Marshall uses Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi

Pete Marshall

Guitarist, Bassist

Iggy Pop

...
Verified via Photo

A user-uploaded photo captures Pete Marshall using his modified 1968 Marshall 50 Watt Plexi, featuring gain and master volume adjustments.

Album Usage

The Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi 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 1968 50 Watt Plexi, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

1 alternative for Marshall 1968 50 Watt Plexi, curated by the Equipboard community.

Line 6 Flextone 60-Watt 1x12" Digital Modeling Guitar Combo
similar sound

The Line 6 Flextone has a model named "Brit Classic", which is described in its manual as being modeled after a "Marshall Plexi ... (ca. 1968)"

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