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Average Price: $999

High-end/Boutique

$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

What type of power tubes does the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head use?

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.

How many channels does the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head have?

The Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head features two channels, allowing for versatile tonal options ranging from clean to overdriven sounds.

Is the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head suitable for live performances?

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.

Does the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head have built-in reverb?

No, the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head does not include built-in reverb, focusing instead on delivering pure tube-driven tone.

What kind of impedance options does the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head offer?

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.

Uncle Doug

Uncle Doug

1967 Marshall JMP-50 Model 1987 Plexi Lead Amplifier: Tube Rectified and Terrific !!

Video thumbnail for 1967 Marshall JMP-50 Model 1987 Plexi Lead Amplifier: Tube Rectified and Terrific !! by Uncle Doug

1967 Marshall JMP-50 Model 1987 Plexi Lead Amplifier: Tube Rectified and Terrific !!

Uncle Doug

Uncle Doug

Video thumbnail for Marshall JMP50 Smallbox 1971 ⚡️ ZEN Amp Vault Ep04 ⚡️ Timeless Plexi tones by ZEN Amplification

Marshall JMP50 Smallbox 1971 ⚡️ ZEN Amp Vault Ep04 ⚡️ Timeless Plexi tones

ZEN Amplification

ZEN Amplification

Video thumbnail for Original Vintage Marshall 1968 JMP 50 Plexi Head-Sound Demo by Dezzaman (Dezzaman007)

Original Vintage Marshall 1968 JMP 50 Plexi Head-Sound Demo

Dezzaman (Dezzaman007)

Dezzaman (Dezzaman007)

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

  • The H at the end of the serial number confirms a 1976 model, and some Canadian models retained older switch designs.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EQ section is subtle, making external EQ pedals a useful addition for more precise tone shaping.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Suggested mod includes installing a master volume using a speaker out, allowing easy reversion to stock without drilling.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Known for its bright sound, this amp excels in band settings, cutting through mixes well when power amp tubes overdrive.

    Source
  • The market trend towards lighter amps is influencing pricing and desirability, despite the model's vintage appeal.

    Source

User experience

  • Users note these amps require high volume for optimal tone, necessitating either an iso booth or serious attenuation in smaller spaces.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Original transformers can significantly increase the amp's value, with estimates around $4,500, depending on shipping availability and location.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • Cosmetic condition can influence the asking price, with well-maintained units fetching at least $4,000.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hetfield uses Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Dimebag Darrell uses Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head

Dimebag Darrell

Guitarist

Pantera

...
Verified via Photo

Dimebag Darrell used the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head, as shown in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Chris Cornell uses Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head

Chris Cornell

Singer, Guitarist

Soundgarden

...
Verified via Guitar World

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.”

See how Mike McCready uses Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head

Mike McCready

Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via Photo

According to a Guitar Geek rig diagram, Mike McCready used the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head.

See how Tom Petty uses Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head

Tom Petty

Guitarist, Singer

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

...
Verified via Photo

"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.

See how Jorma Kaukonen uses Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head

Jorma Kaukonen

Singer, Guitarist

Jefferson Airplane

...
Verified via Jorma Kaukonen

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.

See how Torsten Kinsella uses Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head

Torsten Kinsella

Guitarist

God Is an Astronaut

...
Verified via Photo

Photo taken of Torsten’s 1969 Marshall JMP 50 in God Is An Astronaut’s Recording Studio

See how Gustavo Nápoli uses Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head

Gustavo Nápoli

Guitarist

La Renga

...
Verified via Photo

Gustavo Nápoli uses the Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on BlogSpot.

J

Joakim

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via CROWDSPACER STUDIO NYC

According to a list of equipment which is used in his studio, Crowdspacer, Joakim is also a user of Marshall JMP50 plexi amp head.

See how Joe Gosney uses Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head

Joe Gosney

Guitarist

Vower

...
Verified via MusicRadar

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."

See how Brent Rowan uses Marshall JMP50 Plexi Amp Head

Brent Rowan

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Rambos

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

Brent states a plexi JMP 50 is in his amp collection.

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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