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Average Price: $799

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$801+

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Description

Unleashing the essence of rock 'n' roll, the Marshall JMP 1987 50W guitar amplifier head is a legendary piece of gear that has shaped the sound of countless iconic performances. Revered for its all-tube design, this amplifier head offers a distinctively rich and organic tone, making it a staple for serious guitarists. The JMP 1987 is celebrated for its ability to deliver the classic Marshall crunch, while still providing the versatility needed for a variety of musical genres.

This model generates 50 watts of pure power, enough to fill any venue from small clubs to larger stages. It's equipped with two channels, allowing you to switch seamlessly between clean and overdriven tones. The amp's simple control interface includes four knobs to adjust presence, bass, middle, and treble, allowing you to meticulously craft your sound. Plug into this amp and experience a dynamic response that captures every nuance of your playing, whether you're using single-coil pickups or humbuckers.

A staple in the rigs of many guitar legends, the JMP 1987 is a must-have for players seeking to capture that unmistakable vintage Marshall sound. Its road-ready design ensures durability, making it as reliable on tour as it is in the studio.

Key Features:

  • 50 watts of power
  • All-tube design for authentic tone
  • Two channels for clean and overdriven sounds
  • Presence, bass, middle, and treble controls
  • Classic Marshall look and sound
  • Perfect for a variety of musical styles and settings

Product specs

Brand Marshall
Model JMP 1987 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Black, Red, White
Year 1967 - 1975
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Direct Output No Direct Output
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 50
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What type of power tubes does the Marshall JMP 1987 50W use?

The Marshall JMP 1987 50W uses EL34 power tubes, which are known for their classic British rock tone and high headroom.

How many channels does the Marshall JMP 1987 50W have?

The Marshall JMP 1987 50W features two channels, allowing for a versatile range of tones from clean to overdriven.

Is the Marshall JMP 1987 50W suitable for live performances?

With its 50-watt output, the Marshall JMP 1987 50W is powerful enough for live performances, especially in rock settings where its classic tone can cut through the mix.

Does the Marshall JMP 1987 50W have built-in reverb?

No, the Marshall JMP 1987 50W does not have built-in reverb, allowing it to deliver a pure, uncolored tone.

What are the impedance options available on the Marshall JMP 1987 50W?

The Marshall JMP 1987 50W offers impedance options of 4 ohms, 8 ohms, and 16 ohms, providing flexibility in speaker cabinet pairing.

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

This is what the Marshall Plexi 1987 LEAD and 1986 BASS versions EXCEL at!

Video thumbnail for This is what the Marshall Plexi 1987 LEAD and 1986 BASS versions EXCEL at! by Johan Segeborn

This is what the Marshall Plexi 1987 LEAD and 1986 BASS versions EXCEL at!

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Marshall Gain Comparison - 2204 vs 1987 by Johan Segeborn

Marshall Gain Comparison - 2204 vs 1987

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers iconic "Marshall Sound" with classic AC/DC and Hendrix to VH tones

  • Extremely loud with powerful punch, can knock pictures off walls

  • Excellent versatility; offers both sparkling cleans and aggressive overdrive

  • Loves pedals, expanding its tonal range and flexibility

  • Circuit board model after '73 circuit offers a unique sound profile

  • Original transformers and nearly original condition praised by collectors

  • Visually appealing in a large box head cabinet

CONS

  • Not hand wired, contrary to some claims

  • Considerable price variation based on production year and condition

  • Requires careful volume management, potentially needing additional equipment like a Hotplate

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall JMP 1987 50W.

Features and functionality

  • The Marshall 1987X is a non-master volume amp, requiring it to be cranked high for overdrive tones.

    Source
  • The Plexi's effects loop is reportedly more effective than the DSL 100's, enhancing pedal performance, particularly with drive and modulation effects.

    Source
  • Channel jumping on the Plexi is used to blend bright and normal channels for a balanced tone, not for increased gain.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners often find the 1987X louder than expected, likening its volume to a 100W amp's sheer power.

    Source
  • Owners find the volume at noon to be "deafening loud," emphasizing the amp's power even at lower settings.

    Source
  • Owners recommend using an attenuator, like the RockCrusher, to manage the Plexi's volume in home settings without sacrificing tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A 50W Marshall can produce around 90W peak output, suitable for venues where a drummer might ask for volume reduction.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Installing a master volume in the back post-power stage is a common mod to increase practical use for gigging.

    Source
  • Some suggest using a JHS Little Black Box in the effects loop to manage volume without sacrificing tone.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Running a 50W head through a 50W cab is risky; measuring output is crucial as full volume can exceed 88W, potentially damaging the cab.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users note that the DSL 100 is louder overall, but the Plexi's non-master volume design makes it seem louder at lower settings.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Lifeson uses Marshall JMP 1987 50W

Alex Lifeson

Guitarist

Rush

...
Verified via guitarworld

In this interview with Guitarworld, Alex talked about his gear on previous albums. He mentions a 50W Marshall he used on " Fly by Night" and " 2112" albums.

I was using a Gibson ES-335 then, and I had a Fender Twin and a Marshall 50-watt with a single 4x12 cabinet. An Echoplex was my only effect.

I used the ES-335 again and a Strat, which I borrowed for the session; I couldnโ€™t afford one at the time. I used a Marshall 50-watt and the Fender Twin as well.

See how John Norum uses Marshall JMP 1987 50W

John Norum

Guitarist

Europe

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post John Norum shares his european tour rig

See how Alvin Lee uses Marshall JMP 1987 50W

Alvin Lee

Guitarist

Ten Years After

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Alvin Lee & Ten Years Later - Live At Rockpalast 1978," Alvin Lee is seen using a custom-made Marshall JMP 1987 50W amplifier with four speaker outputs, connected to four Marshall 1982 4x12 cabinets (G12H30). This performance was recorded at the Grugahalle in Essen, Germany, on September 15, 1978, and is available from Repertoire Records.

See how Roland Grapow uses Marshall JMP 1987 50W

Roland Grapow

Guitarist

Helloween

...
Verified via Facebook

As seen in this photo from Roland's studio.

See how Chris Impellitteri uses Marshall JMP 1987 50W

Chris Impellitteri

Guitarist, Composer

Impellitteri

...
Verified via Photo

Bottom left Marshall head directly behind Chris in this Marshall ad.

See how Tonie Joy uses Marshall JMP 1987 50W

Tonie Joy

Guitarist

Moss Icon

...
Verified via reverb.com

"Starting with Moss Icon, Joy used a stock '85 Japanese Squier Stratocaster , through a โ€˜70s MXR distortion+, a Marshall JMP 1987 head, and an โ€˜80s Peavey cabinet with four Celestion 12" speakers."

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 JMP 1987 50W, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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peterglavanov

peterglavanov

Gear IQ 713

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