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Average Price: $1,393

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Meet the Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head, a remarkable reincarnation of the vintage "Lead and Bass" classic from the swinging 60's. This two-channel titan is not only an extraordinary studio amp, but it also pairs flawlessly with single-coil Fenders and triple-humbucker Gibsons alike. With its 20 watts of unadulterated power brewed from twin EL84 tubes, it's the perfect companion for small to medium-sized gigs. For an unrivaled, rich tone, link the two channels and crank up the gain for an intoxicating overdrive that leaves boost pedals in the dust.

Key Features:

  • Painstaking recreation of the vintage "Lead and Bass" from 1967
  • Two-channel blues machine perfect for both studio recording and live performances
  • Pairs equally well with single-coil Fenders and triple-humbucker Gibsons
  • 20 watts of power from twin EL84 tubes
  • Potential for luscious overdrive when channels are jumpered and gain is pushed.

Product specs

Brand Marshall
Model 2061X Handwired JMP Reissue 2-Channel 20-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Black
Year 2004 - 2017
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 20
Power Tube Type EL84
Reverb None

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head?

The Marshall 2061X offers a classic British tone with rich, harmonic overdrive and a tight low-end response, making it ideal for rock and blues. Its all-valve design with EL84 power tubes provides a warm, dynamic sound.

Is the Marshall 2061X suitable for gigging with a drummer?

Yes, the 20-watt output of the Marshall 2061X is capable of delivering enough volume for small to medium-sized venues, especially when paired with an efficient speaker cabinet. However, it may require additional amplification for larger venues.

Does the Marshall 2061X Handwired Amp Head take pedals well?

The Marshall 2061X is known for its excellent pedal compatibility, particularly with overdrive and distortion pedals, due to its straightforward signal path and responsive tube circuitry.

What is the benefit of the handwired construction in the Marshall 2061X?

Handwired construction provides a purer signal path and potentially greater reliability and ease of repair. It also contributes to the amp's authentic vintage tone, as it replicates the original 1960s build techniques.

How many channels and inputs does the Marshall 2061X have?

The Marshall 2061X features two channels and four inputs, allowing for a variety of tonal options and the ability to blend channels for a more complex sound.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Marshall 20 Watt Head 2061x

Video thumbnail for Marshall 20 Watt Head 2061x by ProGuitarShopDemos

Marshall 20 Watt Head 2061x

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Online Guitar Lessons - Marshall 2061x Head 20 Watt Hand Wired Sound Test by PlayRockZone

Online Guitar Lessons - Marshall 2061x Head 20 Watt Hand Wired Sound Test

PlayRockZone

PlayRockZone

Video thumbnail for Marshall 2061x Amp Demo by Guitar Gear Demos

Marshall 2061x Amp Demo

Guitar Gear Demos

Guitar Gear Demos

Video thumbnail for Marshall Handwired Shootout! 1974X vs 2061X by Johan Segeborn

Marshall Handwired Shootout! 1974X vs 2061X

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Marshall Handwired 2061X 20 Watt Handwired, All-Valve Reissue Head by Bananas at Large

Marshall Handwired 2061X 20 Watt Handwired, All-Valve Reissue Head

Bananas at Large

Bananas at Large

Reviews

PROS

  • Maintains clear, articulate hand-wired tone

  • Compact and lightweight for easy portability

  • Handwired construction enhances reliability and repairability

  • Offers massive, well-rounded Marshall sound at lower volumes

  • Effective tone control for shaping sound

  • Compatible with various speaker cabinets, including vintage 4x12

  • Ideal for capturing classic rock and blues tones

  • Excellent pedal platform, especially with boosters and overdrives

  • Cathode biased for hassle-free tube replacement

  • Collectible due to its handwired nature and manufacturing origin

CONS

  • May be too loud for some home environments

  • Lacks an FX loop, limiting on-board sound shaping options

  • Not suited for beginners due to its professional-level features

  • Some may find it overpriced

  • Not ideal for metal genres without specific pedals

  • Limited to a 20W output, some may prefer more power

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head.

Comparisons

  • The Marshall 2061X is favored over the Friedman Dirty Shirley Jr. for its simplicity and preferred tone, despite the latter offering more features.

    Source
  • While the 2061X offers remarkable crunch and cleans, it's noted for its higher cost, emphasizing the premium quality compared to other amps.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Works effectively as a pedal platform at lower volumes, but delivers classic Plexi tones when cranked, especially with humbucker pickups and an SD-1 pedal.

    Source
  • It's praised for achieving great clean tones, making it versatile for various music styles beyond just classic rock.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate the straightforward design and tonal quality, preferring fewer high-quality options over many that are less satisfying.

    Source
  • The 2061X delivers impressive crunch tones at manageable volumes, providing satisfying sound without overwhelming loudness.

    Source
  • The amp's tone and character vary greatly depending on the guitar plugged in, allowing for diverse sound profiles.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The amp excels in producing clean tones as well as crunch, making it adaptable for both pedal platforms and standalone use.

    Source
  • The amp's simple circuit design makes it highly sensitive to both tube and speaker changes, affecting its tonal character significantly.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend replacing stock transformers with Classic Tone 18w PT and OT for improved sound quality.

    Source
  • Some consider rewiring the phase inverter for a long-tailed pair (LTP) to achieve more rounded gain, though it remains a debated modification.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Marshall 2061X Amplifier & Cab Reissue Tube Amp Review

tonymckenzie.com

The Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head is a nostalgic nod to its vintage predecessor, offering authentic classic rock tones without the deafening volume. Its EL84 tubes, while atypical for Marshall, deliver that iconic sound, especially when paired with the 2061CX cab. The amp's simplicity in tube management and compact size are highlights, but its hefty price tag and specific cab necessity might deter some. For those chasing the classic vibe and willing to invest in old stock tubes, this amp is a sonic gem, earning a 9 out of 10 rating.

positive
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

total beast

these amps are great, old or new.... basically a diode rectified 18 watt without tremelo. There's a lead and a bass channel each with a single guitar-style tone control that's best left close to wide open. They're punchier then an 18 and they actually have a clean sound that can compete with an old deluxe reverb volume-wise. More true midrange then a plexi when recorded through a quad box fulla celestions. Very marhsally, less vox flavor then the 18. It would be hard to choose between these 2 similar circuits but this is overall more of a rhythm amp that can hang with a drummer whereas the 18 watt is all about full bore lead riffage.

michael_carter

A great amplifier.

I love my vibro king, but have been wanting to build a small and large Hendrix rig. I chose this amp for the small rig. I join the two channels. I run the volumes around 2-4 for home practice and 4-6 out. It's a loud 20 watts. I run it into a 2-12 with either Cessation vintage 30s or G12ms. It's not as warm as the fender sound and I'd like to use and A/B box to run both. But, this amp is great for emulating Hendrix. It's a small very portable amp head. I run in pretty clean, but warm and toasty. I use either an Hendrix 70th Fuzz or a J. Rockett Archer to get the dirt. This amp is a great pedal platform. It really doesn't have any negatives. It's simple but it works.

jimmarchi1

if you can keep an 18 or 20 watter pretty clean and still hear yourself over a drummer through a 2x12 then god bless you! not that I am criticizing these circuits, big fan actually

seb_astian

Simple and Perfect

I bought this amp from my very dear friend and phenomenal musician Justin Lavash...

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jeff Beck uses Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head

Jeff Beck

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Rig Rundown - Jeff Beck," Jeff Beck discusses using the Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head. He notes that the amp, with all settings cranked, delivers great sound despite needing to keep up with his other amplifiers in terms of volume.

See how Paul Gilbert uses Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head

Paul Gilbert

Guitarist

Racer X

...
Verified via Photo

He uses various Marshalls in the studio and live, but this is the one listed on his site.

See how Andy Bell uses Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head

Andy Bell

Guitarist, Bassist

Oasis

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Andy Bell is listed as using the Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head in his gear collection, as detailed in the Premier Guitar article "Ride’s Andy Bell: Addicted to Noise."

See how Hammock uses Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head

Hammock

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Hammock

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo, the band Hammock identifies a new amplifier that use live as a Hand Wired 20-Watt Marshall head.

See how Richard Hawley uses Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head

Richard Hawley

Singer, Guitarist

Pulp

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:07 he says that he has a little handwried 2061x amp.. before that he said that he uses a lot of marshall amps.

See how Mike Cooley uses Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head

Mike Cooley

Guitarist

Drive-By Truckers

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"Mike played his Thinline Telecaster through a Jack Brossart Prescription Electronics Vibe-Unit on the chorus setting. The amp was a 20-watt Marshall 2061X Handwired Lead/Bass head driving a ’80s Marshall 4x10 1965A cabinet."

See how Johnny A. uses Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head

Johnny A.

Guitarist

The Yardbirds

...
Verified via Photo

"Just finished putting my 'lil rig together. Two 20 watt Marshall Amplification 2061Xs with custom 2x10 Swanson cabs loaded with Celestion Speakers Alnico Golds. Killer sounding set-up for small stages."

See how Crispian Mills uses Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head

Crispian Mills

Guitarist

Kula Shaker

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video of Kula Shakers - Infinite sun you can see the Marshall at 0.36 It is run through a fullstack; it is placed on top of the Selmer amp at the buildup of the 'stage'

See how Anthony Pirog uses Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head

Anthony Pirog

Guitarist

The Messthetics

...
Verified via EarthQuaker Devices

In this interview Anthony discusses his pedal board and amplifiers.

"I’m running two amps. Not stereo, just a mono blend. I have an early 1965 Deluxe Reverb without the logo on the grillecloth, and then I’m also running one of those 18-watt hand-wired Marshall heads through their 1x12 extension cabinet."

Album Usage

The Marshall 2061X Handwired 20W Amp 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 2061X Handwired 20W Amp Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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