Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $799
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$300
$801+
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Description
The Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head is a legendary piece of gear that embodies the classic rock sound of the late '60s and '70s. Perfect for guitarists seeking that iconic British crunch, this amp head is celebrated for its authentic tone and robust build. Designed with a straightforward interface, it provides musicians with a dynamic range that's both expressive and powerful.
The JMP50 Plexi is renowned for its all-valve design, which ensures a warm, organic tone that responds beautifully to your playing dynamics. This amp head is equipped with two channels, allowing for seamless transitions between clean and overdriven sounds. The simple yet effective EQ section lets you shape your tone with precision, while the presence control adds a further layer of versatility to your sonic palette.
One of the standout features of the JMP50 Plexi is its 50-watt power output, which delivers enough volume for both stage performances and studio sessions. Despite its powerful output, this amp maintains clarity and definition, even at high volumes. Whether you're playing blues, rock, or metal, the JMP50 Plexi provides the tonal flexibility needed to achieve your desired sound.
Key Features:
- All-valve design for authentic, organic tones
- 50-watt power output suitable for live and studio use
- Two channels for a wide range of tonal options
- Simple EQ section with presence control
- Classic British sound with dynamic response
Product specs
| Brand | Marshall |
| Model | JMP 1987 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head |
| 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
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What type of power tubes does the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head use?
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The Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head uses EL34 power tubes, which are known for their warm, harmonically rich tone and are a staple in classic British amplifier design.
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How many channels does the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head have?
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The Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head features two channels, allowing for versatile tonal options ranging from clean to overdriven sounds.
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Is the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head suitable for live performances?
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Yes, with its 50-watt output, the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head is powerful enough for live performances, providing ample volume and headroom for gigging musicians.
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Does the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head have built-in reverb?
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No, the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head does not include built-in reverb, focusing instead on delivering pure tube-driven tone.
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What kind of impedance options does the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head offer?
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The Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head offers multiple impedance options, including 4 ohms, 8 ohms, and 16 ohms, allowing for compatibility with a variety of speaker cabinets.
Videos
Uncle Doug
1967 Marshall JMP-50 Model 1987 Plexi Lead Amplifier: Tube Rectified and Terrific !!
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head.
Build quality
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The H at the end of the serial number confirms a 1976 model, and some Canadian models retained older switch designs.
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Features and functionality
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The EQ section is subtle, making external EQ pedals a useful addition for more precise tone shaping.
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Mods and upgrades
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Suggested mod includes installing a master volume using a speaker out, allowing easy reversion to stock without drilling.
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Use cases and applications
User experience
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Users note these amps require high volume for optimal tone, necessitating either an iso booth or serious attenuation in smaller spaces.
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Value and pricing
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Original transformers can significantly increase the amp's value, with estimates around $4,500, depending on shipping availability and location.
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Recent sales data suggests a realistic market price in the $2,000 range for the head, with an additional $1,000 for a matching cabinet.
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Cosmetic condition can influence the asking price, with well-maintained units fetching at least $4,000.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
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In the YouTube video "The Guitars of Metallica: Kill Em All era" by CIRCLE OF TONE, it is discussed that James Hetfield used a Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head during his early days with Metallica.
Dimebag Darrell used the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head, as shown in a user-uploaded photo.
This GuitarWorld article states that on Superunknown, Chris Cornell’s tone came from a blend of a Marshall JMP50 head (not the combo which was previously submitted) and a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier. It is quoted from this article; “Most of Cornell’s guitar tracks were recorded using a Marshall JMP 50 half stack and Mesa-Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo half stack blended together. On Black Hole Sun, the Marshall provided brighter tone with defined string attack, while the Mesa delivered darker tone with bigger body and bottom-end girth, and both amps were set to moderate levels of overdrive.”
According to a Guitar Geek rig diagram, Mike McCready used the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head.
"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..." - "PAL" Adam Stafford.
Kaukonen mentioned 1967 50W Marshall Plexi amplifier on his website, which is likely the JMP50. The amp was used for Hot Tuna's Last Waltz tour in 2023, according to 2023 Guitar World interview.
Jorma about the amp, (source:)
Moving right along. When it came to live with me it was covered in decaying white tolex and purported to be a metal face. It required some work by Dr. Amp up in Canton to make it functionk. He did the best he could do, but it was really boogered up. I was trying to make it reliable enough to use it full time on the stage with limited success. George Allessandro the high end amp builder in Philly came to see us play… he’s a buddy of Jacks. Anyway, he was appalled at the condition of the amp. Turns out he’s one of the leading classic Marshall amp guys in the world. He took it back to his shop and under all the junk found it to be a ’67 plexi. He replaced all the tubes, caps and pots with new/old original Marshal parts and recovered the the head with new/old original stuff. It now looks and plays like it did when it left the show room floor in 1967. I’ve got a lot tied up in this old beauty so it is not going gentle into that good night.
Photo taken of Torsten’s 1969 Marshall JMP 50 in God Is An Astronaut’s Recording Studio
Gustavo Nápoli uses the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on BlogSpot.
According to a list of equipment which is used in his studio, Crowdspacer, Joakim is also a user of Marshall JMP50 plexi amp head.
Assuming its the selected amp but not quoted as to the exact version:
"Aside from firing up a cornucopia of living-the-dream amp heads, including a Marshall Plexi, Diezel VH4 and Orange Thunderverb, Joe’s other great discovery on All That Divides was a quick-fire alternate tuning. While he usually opts for D standard, with the odd drop-C sledgehammer thrown in, he explains that one small tweak was behind a number of the album’s highlights and his now-trademark chord drones."
Album Usage
The Marshall JMP50 Plexi 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 JMP50 Plexi Amp Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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