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Average Price: $2,376

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$801+

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Description

The Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a legendary artifact that channels the raw energy of rock history. Revered by icons like Townshend, Clapton, and Hendrix, this amplifier head is a faithful reissue of the iconic 1959 Plexi model, delivering those electrifying tones that set the stage for rock 'n' roll’s golden era. With its 100-watt all-tube design, it captures the vibrant warmth and dynamic range that guitarists crave, from crisp cleans to searing leads.

This amplifier head isn’t merely a nostalgic nod to the past; it’s a robust workhorse for the modern musician. Crafted with precision, it features a tonally transparent effects loop with a true bypass option, allowing you to integrate your effects seamlessly or strip it back to pure tone. The EL34 and 12AX7 tubes are the heart of this beast, offering a deep, resonant sound that is unmistakably Marshall. Whether you're aiming to relive the past or forge new sonic paths, the Superlead is your ticket to aural nirvana.

Key Features:

  • 100-watt all-tube amplifier head
  • Faithful reissue of the 1960s Marshall Plexi model
  • Features EL34 and 12AX7 tubes for classic rock tones
  • Tonally transparent effects loop with true bypass option
  • Renowned for its dynamic range and warm, vibrant sound

Product specs

Brand Marshall
Model JMP 1959 Super Lead 2-Channel 100-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) 100
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head?

The Marshall Superlead is renowned for its powerful, aggressive tones with a classic British flavor, ideal for rock and metal genres. It delivers a rich, harmonically complex sound with a tight low end and crisp highs.

Is the Marshall Superlead suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Marshall Superlead, with its 100-watt output, is well-suited for live performances, providing ample volume and headroom to cut through the mix in large venues.

Does the Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head work well with pedals?

The Marshall Superlead is known for taking pedals well, especially overdrives and distortions, which can further enhance its natural tone and versatility.

What types of power tubes does the Marshall Superlead use?

The Marshall Superlead uses EL34 power tubes, contributing to its distinctive British sound and dynamic response.

How many channels does the Marshall Superlead have?

The Marshall Superlead features two channels, allowing for a range of tonal possibilities and dynamic switching during performances.

Woodwind & Brasswind is now Music & Arts

Woodwind & Brasswind is now Music & Arts

Marshall Plexi 1959SLP 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head Standard

Video thumbnail for Marshall Plexi 1959SLP 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head Standard by Woodwind & Brasswind is now Music & Arts

Marshall Plexi 1959SLP 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head Standard

Woodwind & Brasswind is now Music & Arts

Woodwind & Brasswind is now Music & Arts

Video thumbnail for How does a Marshall Super Lead Amp work? by Johan Segeborn

How does a Marshall Super Lead Amp work?

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for How to Bias Marshall JMP 100W Super Lead Guitar Amplifier by Stuart ukguitarampguy

How to Bias Marshall JMP 100W Super Lead Guitar Amplifier

Stuart ukguitarampguy

Stuart ukguitarampguy

Video thumbnail for 1968 Marshall Superlead 100 Head by Denmark Street Guitars

1968 Marshall Superlead 100 Head

Denmark Street Guitars

Denmark Street Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Iconic vintage tone, unmatched by modern replicas

  • Exceptional gain capability, perfect for a wide range of styles

  • Distinctive sound, revered by professional musicians

  • Responsive feel, particularly in non-master volume models

  • Holds value as a vintage investment

  • Excellent for warm vintage clean and natural distortion

  • Highly customizable, with potential for de-modding

  • Classic rock tone that many seek to replicate

CONS

  • Extremely loud, may require attenuation for practical use

  • Heavy and cumbersome to transport

  • Variability in sound between different production years

  • Risk of buying modded or non-original units

  • Some models may be overpriced due to vintage status

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head.

Mods and upgrades

  • Ceriatone offers mods for a Super Lead to switch to a Super Bass, adjusting V1A cathode cap/resistor and tone stack, enhancing tonal flexibility.

    Source
  • Changing 6550 power tubes to EL34s can recapture the classic Marshall tone, enhancing the amp's vintage character.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Super Bass, with shared cathode and different tone stack, offers fuller, darker tones compared to the Super Lead’s split cathode and increased gain.

    Source
  • Super Bass amps, with higher headroom, are likened to Hiwatt for clarity but maintain a vintage thickness akin to JTM45 tweed clones.

    Source
  • Pairing the Super Lead with a Gibson SG and two 4x12 cabs is praised for achieving iconic rock tones.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Super Lead circuit, often associated with classic rock, is renowned for its ability to narrow guitar tones for mixes efficiently.

    Source
  • The 1979 Super Bass is identified as a model 1992N, not commonly listed, suggesting unique production details not widely documented.

    Source
  • Late models might have a hand-wired turret board instead of a printed circuit board, which could affect repair ease and tonal authenticity.

    Source

Build quality

  • The transition from plexiglass to aluminum control panels occurred mid-1969, influencing the durability and appearance of the Super Lead amps.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Inside the amp, a quality control checklist often has initials and a date, providing clues to the production timeline.

    Source

User experience

  • A Fryette Power Station is recommended for its attenuation capabilities, making the amp more practical for modern use while preserving tone.

    Source
  • Owners note the Super Lead's durability, surviving extensive touring and harsh conditions while maintaining its sound quality over decades.

    Source
  • A 1972 Super Lead purchased in 1987 for $125 has been a staple in multiple recordings, highlighting its long-term value and reliability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners note the Super Lead's loudness can be impractical for home use without attenuation but shines in band settings.

    Source
  • The Super Lead excels in punk band settings, creating powerful, consistent tones that remain prominent in mixes.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

The Legend

Running instead of a jcm900 now because it blew a valve and this thing was what I played in punk bands in the early 90s I spray painted Jony on it ages ago i forgot what an awesome head this was modded so the second volume is a gain knob and reverb. I had my old settings on it being: gain 9 treble 10 bass 5 presence 4 middle 8 reverb 3

Genres:
E

Marshall Superlead

74' Super Lead, great for those warm vintage clean and naturally distorting tones!!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jimi Hendrix uses Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head

Jimi Hendrix

Guitarist

The Isley Brothers

...
Verified via Photo

According to a Christies auction, Jimi Hendrix used a 1966 Marshall Super Lead 100 Watt amplifier head in several concerts from 1967 to 1969.

According to the auction, here are some of the details of the amp head: "...Serial No. 7026, with black covering, front with white plastic Marshall logo, plexiglas control panel with six rotary controls, four inputs, two switches and indicator light, with white stencil lettering J.H.EXP. on the top in two places..."

"...this was likely to be one of the first Marshall amps that Hendrix ever owned and could have been one of three Marshall amps purchased by the Jimi Hendrix Experience on 11 October, 1966."

Marshall have used this amp as a template for their production of a limited edition handwired Jimi Hendrix Signature Super 100JH head.

See how Gustavo Cerati uses Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via Musiquiatra

The personal guitar tech of gustavo cerati, Barakus, tells at 5:05 of the video:

"Cuando yo llegué (al final de la gira Cancion animal) usaba los Marshall, uno era el Super Bass y el otro era el Super Lead."

See how Ace Frehley uses Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head

Ace Frehley

Singer, Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Photo

Ace used these amps in the early years of KISS and they can be seen in this picture.

See how Johnny Ramone uses Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head

Johnny Ramone

Guitarist

Ramones

...
Verified via Photo

This photo is of Johnny Recording 'The Ramones,' New York City, February 1976 according to this Spin article. Premier Guitar writes in this article "when money was finally available, Johnny purchased not one but three Marshall 1959 Mark II Super Lead heads and six Marshall 1960B 4x12 straight cabinets."

See how Keith Urban uses Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head

Keith Urban

Guitarist, Bassist

Artists of Then, Now & Forever

...
Verified via YouTube

During a live performance, Keith Urban discusses his use of the Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head as part of his amp setup, as detailed in the Premier Guitar "Rig Rundown" video at 9:03.

See how Peter Frampton uses Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head

Peter Frampton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In his Marshal arsenal, Frampton has Marshall Superlead amplifier. This one was modded by Jose Arredondo, with master volume and effects loop included.

See how Ron Asheton uses Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head

Ron Asheton

Guitarist, Bassist

The Stooges

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

Marshall 100-watt amps were mandatory to cut through the often-sludgy sound of that era’s arenas and coliseums, Asheton points out. In time, he crafted a double or triple stack, “Where they take 200-watt heads, and they’d use a 50-watt head as a preamp – so I had the big sound,” he said. “If I may use the overused word – it’s awesome.”

See how Lee Kiernan uses Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head

Lee Kiernan

Guitarist

IDLES

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Glastonbury 2019 full set video, Lee Kiernan of IDLES can be seen using a Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head, specifically cross-patched from the low input of channel one to the top input of channel two.

See how Justin Hawkins uses Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head

Justin Hawkins

Singer, Guitarist

The Darkness

...
Verified via YouTube

"There's a real clarity with a Superlead," says Justin Hawkins, at 6:00 in this rig rundown video.

See how Wayne Kramer uses Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head

Wayne Kramer

Guitarist

MC5

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

By then we were involved with John Sinclair and the White Panthers, and we started to see Marshall amps coming over from England. Cream played them; we knew Jimi Hendrix used them because we had opened for him. So we bought a load of the original 100-watt Super Lead heads. We got six of them and two 200-watt bass heads. They were terrific-sounding amplifiers, but incredibly inconsistent; we blew them up regularly. You might get two or three shows out of them and then they’d go up in smoke. We’d have two sets of Marshalls with us on the road and one set in the shop all the time.

See how Jared James Nichols uses Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head

Jared James Nichols

Guitarist

...
Verified via Guitarguitar

But what we did with this record is, I wanted to use higher wattage amps for more headroom, so I had a Blackstar Artisan 100, and then I also had a 69 Super Lead and I ran those two together, and Boy, All Mighty was that the sound? It was just so good.

See how Dan Hawkins uses Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head

Dan Hawkins

Guitarist

The Darkness

...
Verified via YouTube

At 11:43 in this rig rundown, Dan Hawkins mentions his Marshall Superlead, saying it's the one thing in the set "that remains the same. It stays constant."

Album Usage

The Marshall Superlead Guitar Amplifier 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 Superlead Guitar Amplifier Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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jimmarchi1

jimmarchi1

Gear IQ 41029

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