Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,954
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Marshall 1987x 50 watt head, a must-have for any musician seeking a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern reliability. This gem is part of the esteemed Marshall Vintage Series, boasting a design as true to the originals as humanly possible while also incorporating a new series effects loop feature. With the capability to mix two channels together, the 1987x offers a unique sound experience that is distinctly Marshall.
The 1987x is defined by its simplicity of operation, allowing musicians to focus on what truly matters - the music. Its superb natural valve tone produces a warm, vibrant overdrive when cranked up, delivering pure, majestic tones uncluttered by unnecessary circuitry. This lends itself to a full, round, sustain for solos and a percussive attack with a natural sounding break up for chord work, allowing each note to ring out in a glorious musical crunch.
Key Features:
- Part of the Marshall Vintage Series
- Ability to mix two channels together for a unique sound
- New series effects loop feature
- Authentic vintage Marshall look and feel
- 50-watt output
- 3 x ECC83 preamp tubes and 2 x EL34 power amp tubes
- 3-band EQ
- Presence control
The Marshall 1987x 50 watt head is your ticket to a world of sweet, warm singing sounds packed into every nook and cranny. A faithful reproduction of the original, this amp is just what you're looking for!
Product specs
| Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Total Power | 50W |
| Preamp Tubes | 2 x ECC83, 1 x ECC83 (phase splitter) |
| Power Tubes | 2 x EL34 |
| EQ | 3-band EQ, High Treble |
| Inputs | 2 x 1/4" (ch 1), 2 x 1/4" (ch 2) |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (4/8/16 ohms) |
| Effects Loop | Yes |
| Bias Type | Adjustable Fixed |
| Construction Material | Black Tolex |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 10.2" |
| Width | 26" |
| Depth | 8.1" |
| Weight | 34 lbs. |
FAQs
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What kind of music genres is the Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head best suited for?
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The Marshall 1987X is renowned for its classic rock and blues tones, thanks to its vintage Plexi design and tube-driven circuitry. It excels in producing warm, rich overdrive and crisp, articulate cleans that are perfect for these genres.
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Does the Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head have an effects loop?
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Yes, the Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head features an effects loop, allowing you to integrate external effects units seamlessly into your signal chain for greater tonal flexibility.
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How does the Marshall 1987X handle pedals?
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The Marshall 1987X is well-regarded for its ability to take pedals effectively, especially overdrives and distortions, enhancing its already robust tonal palette for a variety of soundscapes.
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Is the Marshall 1987X suitable for live performances?
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With its 50-watt power output and robust sound projection, the Marshall 1987X is well-suited for live performances, providing ample volume and presence for small to medium-sized venues.
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What are the main tonal characteristics of the Marshall 1987X?
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The Marshall 1987X is known for its rich, dynamic tones with a strong midrange presence, delivering the classic Marshall crunch and sustain that is favored by rock and blues guitarists.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Marshall Plexi 1987x
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head.
Features and functionality
Mods and upgrades
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Installing a master volume at the amp's back is recommended to make it practical for gigs, costing around $150.
Source
Use cases and applications
User experience
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Owners report that the 1987X can be overwhelmingly loud, potentially surpassing a 100W JCM 900 in raw volume output.
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Users note that jumpering channels enhances tonal flexibility by balancing the bright and dark tonalities, not merely to increase gain.
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Owners enjoy the extensive tonal possibilities, describing the amp as having "myriad of tones" waiting to be discovered.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings
319
This is the iconic Marsall plexi sound
Equipped with EL32 tubes it will sound bigger than a JTM45 or any other 6L6-equipped amp. It might be only 50 Watts butin clubs it is not a useful amp. After 2 it starts to scream. Do the bright cap mod and you will have a vintage Marshall sounding amp.
Classic Marshall tone
Crank it up, and experience the genuine sonic happiness of plugging into a good ol' Marshall Plexi.
Artist usage
Add artist
At 11:07 in this video Paul Gilbert says that he used a Marshall 1987x amp for the recording of 'Vibrato'.
"Taking a look at the other amps in his repertoire – such as a ’59 Fender Bassman Reissue, a Fender Vibro-King 60 watt combo, a ’69 Marshall JMP50 Plexi head and a Marshall 1987X Vintage Series 50 watt tube head, among others..." states this article, by Pro Audio Land, about Tom Petty's gear. "Then, I came across this old red Marshall on the road, and I started using that." Your welcome, Tom RIP.
Michael's most notable amplifiers are both Marshalls,The 1987x MKII 50 Watt series and JCM800 2205 series,in UFO and MSG eras respectively.
In the video (@ 3:26), made on tour in 2018 Robin Trower explains that he used to use 100 watt Marshalls, but now uses the 50 watt units: the Marshall 1987X reissues. Comparing the old Marshalls to his new 50 watt ones: "I don't think they were much louder than these. These, these, these are really loud." Live, he has three. one he uses to drive two basket weave Marshall 4 x 12 cabinets with greenbacks; he uses another to drive a Marshall 4 x 12 cabinet with Vintage 30s. The third, I have to imagine is for backup.
On Steve Hackett's official website, he lists Marshall 1987x 50 heads among his amplifiers.
rian Baker tours with a pair of early 1990s Marshall 1987X 50-watt plexi handwired Reissues. Both amps have the "dookie" mod that creates a cascading gain structure that allows you to control the input volume. After watching the AC/DC Rig Rundown, Baker took the idea of the Kikusui PCR4000M Power Supply that Angus Young used and applied it to his rig. He doesn’t have the financial standing to tour with those, but after some online sleuthing, he found a cheaper solution in the AmpRX BrownBox that gives his amp safe, consistent power. (One of the heads was actually a loner from Billie Joe Armstrong, but fortunately for Baker, Armstrong hasn't missed the head so he's been enjoying it onstage for years.)
On Tracii Guns Facebook from November 24, 2015. He included a picture with this amp.
Album Usage
The Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head 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 1987X 50 Watt Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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