Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,300

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 50-watt". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 50-watt amplifier head is a nod to rock history, offering the pure, unadulterated power of its predecessors with a touch of modern refinement. Crafted for those who crave the legendary Marshall crunch, this amp head is built to deliver classic, vibrant overdrive that sings with every note. Its simplicity in operation belies the rich tonal complexity it can produce when you crank it up, making it a favorite for purists and tone chasers alike.

The 1987X features two channels that can be linked for an even wider tonal palette, allowing you to mix and match your sounds to suit any musical mood. The addition of a series effects loop with a true bypass switch ensures that your original tone remains untouched when effects are not in use, providing seamless integration with both stompboxes and rack units. Whether you're looking for the thundering roar of a stadium or the gritty edge of a blues club, the Marshall 1987X is your ticket to sonic bliss.

Key Features:

  • 50-watt output delivering authentic vintage Marshall tone
  • Equipped with 3 ECC83 preamp tubes and 2 EL34 power amp tubes
  • Classic 3-band EQ for versatile tone shaping
  • Presence control for further tonal refinement
  • Series FX loop with true bypass to maintain pure signal integrity

Product specs

Type Tube
Number of Channels 2
Output 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 type of tubes does the Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 50-watt use?

The Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 50-watt amplifier uses two ECC83 preamp tubes, one ECC83 phase splitter, and two EL34 power tubes.

Does the Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 have an effects loop?

Yes, the Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 features an effects loop with a bypass switch on the back panel for integrating external effects.

Is the Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 suitable for live performances?

With its 50-watt tube power, the Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 is well-suited for live performances, offering enough volume and headroom for most venues.

Can I blend the channels on the Marshall JCM800 Model 1987?

Yes, you can blend the High Treble and Normal channels using a patch lead and the two volume controls for versatile tone shaping.

What are the output options on the Marshall JCM800 Model 1987?

The Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 provides two 1/4" outputs with selectable impedance options of 4, 8, or 16 ohms for compatibility with various speaker cabinets.

Andy K

Andy K

Marshall JCM800 1987 - straight in!

Video thumbnail for Marshall JCM800 1987 - straight in! by Andy K

Marshall JCM800 1987 - straight in!

Andy K

Andy K

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 50-watt.

Features and functionality

  • The 1987 MkII is essentially a Plexi with a different model name, offering a vintage tone experience.

    Source
  • The JCM800's preamp gain should be above 7 for the expected tone; the bright cap effect diminishes at this level.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 1987/1959 models used the same PCB as the JMP series, ensuring robust build quality before the shift to PCB mounted jacks and pots.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for high-volume environments, this amp can be fully utilized without attenuation in settings like home recording studios with tolerant neighbors.

    Source
  • A 100-watt JCM800 is designed for stadium performances, making it overkill for home use unless heavily attenuated.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The JCM800 2205 is noted for its versatility and usable master volume compared to other models.

    Source
  • The Friedman Smallbox 50 is recommended as an alternative with a better master volume control than the JCM800.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend avoiding cabinets with Celestion Seventy80 speakers, suggesting Greenbacks, G12 Vintage, G12T-75, or Vintage 30s for better sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Playing a 100-watt JCM800 at home without attenuation is impractical due to its extreme loudness, even at low master volume settings.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Gary Moore uses Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 50-watt

Gary Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified

Gary Moore is confirmed to have used the Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 50-watt amplifier, as evidenced by its listing in a Bonhams auction titled "Gary Moore: A Marshall JCM800 1987 SL50 Amp, 1987."

See how Adrian Smith uses Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 50-watt

Adrian Smith

Guitarist

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via YouTube

In this youtube music video, Adrian can be seen using 4 input Marshalls JCM 800.

See how John Norum uses Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 50-watt

John Norum

Guitarist

Europe

...
Verified via Johnnorum

Taken from John Norum's website. John's JCM 800 1987 model has orange tolex and is modded by Dave Friedman.

See how Alejandro Marcovich uses Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 50-watt

Alejandro Marcovich

Singer, Guitarist

Caifanes

...
Verified via YouTube

you can see behind him he has a Marshall JCM 800 with the 4 input and a 4 x 12 cabinet minute 1:57

Album Usage

The Marshall JCM800 Model 1987 50-watt 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 JCM800 Model 1987 50-watt, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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