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Marshall 1959HW Handwired Plexi Amp Head

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Marshall 1959HW Handwired Plexi Amp Head

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$2,499.00 to $3,199.99 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (16)

1 Review

Find out who is using Marshall 1959HW Handwired Plexi

15 wishlisted

24 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (13)

$3,199.99

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5.0 (4)

$3,199.99

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5.0 (1)

$3,199.99

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4.0 (10)

$2,780.62 8 available New

$1,999.99 10 available Used

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5.0 (13)

$3,199.99

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$3,199.99

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4.7 (22)

$2,499.00

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£2,199.00

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Average Price: $2,910

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

In the Guitar Amplifier Heads category, Marshall 1959HW Handwired Plexi Amp Head is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Marshall 1959HW Handwired Plexi Amp Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Step into the golden era of rock with the Marshall 1959HW Handwired Plexi Amp Head. Authentic to its core, this amplifier resurrects the classic tones of the '60s, the age of rock revolution. Masterfully handwired by the artisans at Marshall, the 1959HW guarantees an optimum tone that resounds with the sweet, iconic Plexi tones that reverberate through the annals of rock history.

The 1959HW is not just an amplifier, it's a piece of musical heritage. With a 100-watt, two-channel design, this is not a piece for the faint-hearted. When cranked up, it roars to life, producing a tone that has shaped the sound of rock for generations. The three ECC83 preamp tubes and four EL34 power tubes provide the amplifier with its characteristic raw power and rich sonic texture. With a 3-band EQ and presence control, the 1959HW offers a wide spectrum of tone shaping options.

The true charm of the 1959HW lies in its two non-footswitchable channels, each with high- and low-sensitivity inputs to accommodate a variety of guitar pickups. This allows musicians to bridge the two channels using a patch cable, unlocking a whole new level of tonal versatility.

Key Features:

Handwired construction for optimum tone and reliable performance
Packs 100-watts of power into a 2-channel design
Three ECC83 preamp tubes and four EL34 power tubes for rich, iconic Plexi tones
3-band EQ and presence control for tone shaping
Two non-footswitchable channels with high- and low-sensitivity inputs
Features 2 speaker outputs for connecting extension cabinets
Gold Perspex front and back panels, just like the original '60s model.

Product specs

Type	Tube
Number of Channels	2
Total Power	100W
Preamp Tubes	2 x 12AX7 (preamp), 1 x 12AX7 (phase)
Power Tubes	4 x EL34
EQ	3-band EQ, Presence
Inputs	2 x 1/4" (ch 1), 2 x 1/4" (ch 2)
Outputs	2 x 1/4" (4/8/16 ohms)
Effects Loop	No
Bias Type	Adjustable Fixed
Construction Material	Black Tolex
Power Source	Standard IEC AC cable
Height	8.27"
Width	29.13"
Depth	10.83"
Weight	48.5 lbs.

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Marshall 1959HW Handwired Plexi Amp Head?: The Marshall 1959HW is renowned for its classic British rock sound, offering a powerful, articulate tone with rich harmonics. It delivers a dynamic range from crisp cleans to a raw, aggressive overdrive, making it ideal for rock and blues genres.
Is the Marshall 1959HW Handwired Plexi Amp Head suitable for live performances?: Yes, with its 100-watt power output, the Marshall 1959HW is well-suited for live performances, providing ample volume and headroom to cut through the mix on stage.
Does the Marshall 1959HW Handwired Plexi Amp Head have an effects loop?: No, the Marshall 1959HW does not feature an effects loop, which means effects pedals should be placed before the amp in your signal chain for optimal performance.
How does the handwired construction of the Marshall 1959HW impact its performance?: The handwired construction of the Marshall 1959HW ensures superior build quality and reliability, often resulting in a more responsive and dynamic tone compared to mass-produced circuit board amps.
Can the Marshall 1959HW Handwired Plexi Amp Head be used with different speaker cabinets?: Yes, the Marshall 1959HW offers multiple output impedance options (4, 8, or 16 ohms), allowing it to be easily matched with a variety of speaker cabinets for flexible setup configurations.

Videos

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Guitar Gear Demos

Marshall Handwired 1959HW Super Lead Plexi 100 Amp Demo

Guitar Gear Demos

1959HW | Product Demo | Marshall

Marshall Amplification

Marshall 1959HW Hand Wired Plexi 100 Watt Tube Amp | Inside Out in Depth Review | Tony Mckenzie

tonymckenziecom

Marshall JCM 800 2203 vs Marshall 1959HW Handwired Super Lead Plexi

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Reviews

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PROS

Iconic late 60's and 70's rock sound revered by legendary guitarists
Handwired construction for easier maintenance and superior quality
Produces both clean and saturated tones with simple adjustments
Excellent tonal fidelity, providing authentic rock n' roll overdrive
High-quality internal components ensure durability and performance
Capable of pairing well with various speaker cabinets for versatile sounds
Offers a unique, dynamic, and responsive playing experience

CONS

Extremely loud, requiring high volume for optimal tone
Heavy and cumbersome, making transport and setup challenging
Lacks modern features like an effects loop
Tubes need periodic replacement, adding to maintenance requirements
Some units have quality control issues with physical construction
Generates loud popping noises in some cases, indicating potential defects

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall 1959HW Handwired Plexi Amp Head.

Features and functionality

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The bright cap on channel 1 is phased out around volume 7, creating a significant tonal shift often described as "weaponized tinnitus."
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Without jumpering, channel interactions are subtler but still present, affecting the final output tone.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners often jumper channels for a fuller sound; blending channel 2 for body and channel 1 for brightness is a common practice among users.
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A 50-watt Plexi is noted as extremely loud, making an attenuator necessary for use in smaller venues.
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Comparisons

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Some users note that Angus and Malcolm Young's use of channel 2 for fuller tones contrasts with Hendrix and Page, who used different amps or channels without jumpering.
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The JTM45 is likened to a Fender Bassman with a less aggressive sound than the 1987x, which is brighter and has more gain.
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User experience

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The amp's loudness is emphasized, making it suitable for large venues where moving air is possible for optimal sound crafting.
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One user describes the Plexi as their "baseline" for judging all other gear, emphasizing its iconic Marshall sound.
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Build quality

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The 1959HW reissue is handwired, offering a different build approach compared to the PCB-based JTM45 and 1987x models.
Source

Mods and upgrades

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Owners find the 4n7 bright cap on the Plexi too much and suggest swapping it for a 220p, though accessing the solder joints is difficult due to PCB design.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 16 Ratings

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2 star

1 star

michael_carter

180

almost 10 years ago

Very nice amp but extremely loud.

This amp was on my "want" list not my "need" list. I love the headroom it has and the sweet sound it has. It's the 2005 hand wired head so it's sweeter than a normal 1959. It's a basic no frills amp. Like my 2061, I jump the channels together now so I can adjust out the sometimes piercing shrillness of the stratocaster. This amp is loud. This amp makes the vibro king seem normal, and that's a loud amp. Seriously, without some attenuation it would be very difficult to use this anywhere but outside and stadiums. It's playable at lower levels but it's not warm until you get the volume up to around 4. At at that volume it's unbearable in a confined space. I'm going to try putting the cabinet on it's back to see if that works so the sound it's jetting forward in a deafening way. I'm only running it through a Marshall 2 12 cabinet. I can't imagine a 4 12. Don't get me wrong I love this amp and I'll keep it for life. But if you are pondering one and trying to justify how you will use it in your rig playing small venues, borrow one before you buy. Still, it's the real thing everyone lusts after. Dynamic, responsive, warm and loud, really, really loud.