Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (19)
$2,299.99
Guitar Center
$2,299.99
Reverb
5.0 (7)
$1,599.00 26 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$2,299.99
zZounds
5.0 (9)
$2,299.99
Thomann
5.0 (21)
$1,725.00 $1,699.00 $26.00 · All time low

Average Price: $2,083

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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

What kind of music genres is the Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head best suited for?

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.

Does the Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head have an effects loop?

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.

How does the Marshall 1987X handle pedals?

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.

Is the Marshall 1987X suitable for live performances?

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.

What are the main tonal characteristics of the Marshall 1987X?

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.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Marshall Plexi 1987x

Video thumbnail for Marshall Plexi 1987x by ProGuitarShopDemos

Marshall Plexi 1987x

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Which Marshall Would You Choose – JTM45 or 1987x Plexi? by That Pedal Show

Which Marshall Would You Choose – JTM45 or 1987x Plexi?

That Pedal Show

That Pedal Show

Video thumbnail for Dan Hawkins - The Darkness | 1987X  Playthrough | Marshall by Marshall Amplification

Dan Hawkins - The Darkness | 1987X Playthrough | Marshall

Marshall Amplification

Marshall Amplification

Video thumbnail for Plexi Amp Comparison | Head & Cab | JTM45, 1987X, 1959HW by Marshall Amplification

Plexi Amp Comparison | Head & Cab | JTM45, 1987X, 1959HW

Marshall Amplification

Marshall Amplification

Video thumbnail for Marshall 1987x Amp Head | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Marshall 1987x Amp Head | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for 1987X | Official Demo | Marshall by Marshall Amplification

1987X | Official Demo | Marshall

Marshall Amplification

Marshall Amplification

Video thumbnail for 2020 Marshall 1987x 50w Amp by Daniel Cook

2020 Marshall 1987x 50w Amp

Daniel Cook

Daniel Cook

Video thumbnail for Putting A Marshall 1987X Plexi Through Its Paces! - In-Depth Demo With Different Guitars & Pedals! by PMTVUK

Putting A Marshall 1987X Plexi Through Its Paces! - In-Depth Demo With Different Guitars & Pedals!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for FRIEDMAN SMALL BOX | And compared to a Marshall 1987X & JCM800 2203 by Euge Valovirta

FRIEDMAN SMALL BOX | And compared to a Marshall 1987X & JCM800 2203

Euge Valovirta

Euge Valovirta

Video thumbnail for The Marshall 1987X (aka MK II) 50 watt head by Elmo Karjalainen

The Marshall 1987X (aka MK II) 50 watt head

Elmo Karjalainen

Elmo Karjalainen

Video thumbnail for Marshall 1987x 50 Watt Plexi Head Unboxing / Playthrough by Hollywood Rare Guitars

Marshall 1987x 50 Watt Plexi Head Unboxing / Playthrough

Hollywood Rare Guitars

Hollywood Rare Guitars

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

  • The 1987X lacks a master volume, making it difficult to control loudness without additional equipment like an attenuator.

    Source
  • The effects loop on the 1987X is reported to outperform the DSL model, particularly in handling drive and modulation pedals.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • 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

  • The amp can fill an auditorium and may require an attenuator like the Marshall Powerbreak to manage volume for smaller venues.

    Source
  • It's noted that the 1987X pairs well with a 1936 Lead 2x12 cabinet, enhancing overall sound quality and projection.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the 1987X can be overwhelmingly loud, potentially surpassing a 100W JCM 900 in raw volume output.

    Source
  • Users note that jumpering channels enhances tonal flexibility by balancing the bright and dark tonalities, not merely to increase gain.

    Source
  • Owners enjoy the extensive tonal possibilities, describing the amp as having "myriad of tones" waiting to be discovered.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users prefer alternatives like the Jubilee reissue or JVM for more manageable volume control without sacrificing tone.

    Source
  • Jumpering channels on the 1987X allows blending of bright and normal channels, differing from the gain increase in JMP models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Marshall 1987x Amp Amplifier Review | tonymckenzie.com

tonymckenzie.com

While the Marshall 1987X 50-watt head reissue captures the vintage charm and tone reminiscent of classic rock legends, it falls short of being an exact replica of its iconic predecessor. The addition of an effects loop might irk purists, and the amp's volume can be overwhelming for modern settings. However, the reissue impresses with improved reliability and a more accessible price point, making it an attractive choice for those seeking classic Marshall sound without the maintenance woes of vintage models. This amp delivers the sonic essence of a bygone era, but with modern practicality.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
andris_gabor

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.

daniel_souvigny

Classic Marshall tone

Crank it up, and experience the genuine sonic happiness of plugging into a good ol' Marshall Plexi.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stijn Vanhoegaerden uses Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head

Stijn Vanhoegaerden

Guitarist

Brutus

...
Verified via Marshall

Stijn's main amp for recording and touring, as shown on his artist page on Marshall's official website.

See how Peter Stroud uses Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head

Peter Stroud

Guitarist

Pete Droge & The Sinners

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, the Marshall 1987X amplifier head can be seen on the left side of the photo.

See how Rafael Martinss uses Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head

Rafael Martinss

Singer, Guitarist

Selvagens à Procura de Lei

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video by Leo Leomil titled "Guitas e Pedais do Rafael do Selvagens à Procura de Lei," Rafael Martinss is shown using the Marshall 1987x 50 watt head amplifier.

See how Lolly Vasquez uses Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head

Lolly Vasquez

Guitarist

Redbone

...
Verified via Photo

Lolly Vasquez uses the Marshall 1987x 50-watt head amplifier, as shown in the user-uploaded photo.

See how Gabriel Aragão uses Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head

Gabriel Aragão

Singer, Guitarist

Selvagens à Procura de Lei

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video by Leo Leomil titled "As guitarras e o teclado do Gabriel do Selvagens à Procura de Lei," Gabriel Aragão is shown using a Marshall 1987x 50 watt head amplifier.

See how Angus Clark uses Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head

Angus Clark

Guitarist

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

Well, two things. One is the 50-watt plexi, a 1987X. That to me is where it’s at. As for lead, in a studio here in Brooklyn

See how Dez Dickerson uses Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head

Dez Dickerson

Guitarist, Composer

Prince

...
Verified via YouTube
See how Gustav Larsson uses Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head

Gustav Larsson

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Gustav Larsson uses a Marshall 1987X 50 Watt Head, as evidenced by a post from Silverpapyrus on YouTube, showing it in his rehearsal room.

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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