I don't think a bad sound can get through this amp. (I don't mean it will help bad playing or cover up bad playing.) It loves effects pedals and they do NOT come through fuzzy/buzzy. Don't try this if you love the amp you have, it will break up that relationship. It sounds so nice you won't miss reverb, it doesn't have it remember. It really is all that people say it is and it is good to have so I don't go thinking my transistor amps sound so hot. Be careful, this amp will change your ears.

I don't know what to say here. It's best feature is it doesn't have many. It's just a pure old time tube amp. The effects send/return can be switched out of the circuit and that is a new feature for this model.

I don't really know, I'm not an electronics engineer. It probably isn't the very best in the world, but it sounds great, looks great, and people recognize this amp as a true ICON in the business.

The price didn't go up in the US, the US dollar was devalued by about 40%.

The support in the UK is incredible, don't know about the States. I hear bad things about support in the States, but no experience there.

It's like knowing you have a proper foundation to build upon. It's an amp everyone should have the opportunity to play to measure the sound of their own amp. I bought it for it's sound.

extensive

whatever sells

Plexis are known for three things only: 1. Great cleans 2. Super rich organic overdrive when cranked 3. Ear-splitting volumeThis 1987x provides just those three things. The cleans are the best in the Marshall family. Turn it up, and you have that coveted vintage drive everyone is trying to emulate. Just bring an attenuator or some nice earplugs!

As simple as it gets, yet very versatile. three-band tone stack with presence control and two independent channels with their own volumes. Bridging the two channels opens an unlimited number of tones by mixing them together at your preferred levels. Add an attenuator or stand in another room and turn it up: you'll get the thickest, most harmonic-laden overdrive you've heard in years. Boost it with a drive pedal, and you're in new uncharted territory. Love the clean sound, but need more versatility? This amp takes drive pedals better than anything else I have tried. Even cheap Boss distortions can sound good through it because of its distinct EQ shelving. I was surprised at the way it handled pedals. I've frequently heard "this amp handles pedals well" and blew it off, as everyone says that about their amps. This is the first time I've actually experienced a SIGNIFICANT difference in drive or dirt pedal handling. You won't be disappointed. The effects loop on the xl version also adds a new versatility not usually found in these amps. FAR superior to the clones and the "simple interrupt" loops, this active, buffered loop retains the sound of the amp while bringing out the best in your pedals or rack gear. Selectable levels, and a true-bypass loop disconnect button for purists.

Easiest thing ever.1. Plug in guitar.2. Twiddle a coupla knobs3. Experience great toneHow much easier does it get?

I alluded to this before. Removing the chassis for inspection showed a pleasant surprise. Pots were wired to the board, not connected directly. Same with the loop daughter board and the tubes. It's refreshing to see tube sockets that weren't mounted to the board. This cuts way down on any heat-issue-related failures, and makes maintenance a breeze. the main board is also true to the original simple design. Traces are thick and beefy. Layout is simplistic and unaltered. Built as well as you can ask for an amp like this. Sure, a handwired PTP turretboard model is always everyone's big dream, but with the way this one is built, I can't see the reliability being any less.

Value is good+. I'd say great if it were priced the same as the clones, but the value of it being a Marshall Plexi does carry enough weight that I would choose this over any small company clone. But value comes down to the end-user's needs. Your best bet if you're not sure is to try one first. But once you do, be prepared to whip out the plastic, because you'll be in love.

Being in the US, I've never tried to deal with Marshall support. They might be awesome, I don't know. However, if you're going to spend money on any good tube amp, you better either know how to maintain it, or know someone else who does. Tube amps will last lifetimes as long as they're properly maintained and serviced. But no man-made item is 100% foolproof. Don't kid yourself into thinking ANY amp will work forever when you plug in, play at 100% volume, drag to shows, don't change tubes, and don't maintain it. I've seen so many people put down quality of MANY different high-end tube amps because they aren't educated enough in the maintenance requirements of one. If you want a BMW, you need to know a mechanic. Get used to that idea or settle for cheap Line6 junk.

The actual question to fill out this section says: "Is there something about this gear that makes you want it even if you could make good music without it?"Answer: Yes. I own other amps. I have boutique amps. I have production amps. I have vintage amps. But this is the closest I have found to that Holy Grail vintage Marshall sound. It's not a high-gain flash amp. If you're into that, get a cheaper amp. This is the real deal vintage tone. There are too many people out there buying super high gain boutique stuff because they want that "vintage tone". Sorry guys... unless by "vintage" you mean "Metal Church", you're not getting what you SAY you're getting.

30+ year professional (PAID) musician.

Rock, classic rock, hard rock.

If you just cant live without that classic rock and B.B. King sound then this is a must have. Combined with a Gibson 59 Standard Reissue there is nothing you cant do. The 1987X and the 1959SLP are basicly the same just more power. I like the 50 watts because you get the famous crunch at lower volumes.

Like another person said this head's best feature is that it has little. No knobs to get in the way of the sound you want. I would recomend using a good Reverb pedal though.

This head will last you a life time.

For the sound it gives you its a steal.

Marshall or your dealer will do what ever it takes to fix anything. Not that it will ever break to begin with.

Marshall Plexi's in low light or concert lighting. Thats the end of other wanna be stacks. We all know what the women say when they see a Plexi.

Active Musician, Recording Engineer

British Rock

really smooth warm marshall sound, especially when cranked really loud. could use a marshall power brake. it breaks up real nicely.

the amp by itself is good enough for me.

it's a lot easier than the old ones to get distortion from.as i said.... the marshall power brake u may need.

-good quality-

it's good, but a vox ac30 is about $600 cheaper with about the same quality

pretty easy 2 reach-

it's prctically the amp of the 70's- u can't resist it

studio guitarist

classic rock

15+ year hobbyist

Hard rock, old school metal

Retired touring guitarist

Classic Rock . Southern Rock and Blues

There is & will be a debate whether they sound as good as vintage plexis. The bottom line is that this is a great sounding amp on it's own. for me this is what Marshall is all about. It's loud as ****, but it sounds amazing. It's probably worth to mention that this amp needs a really good cabinet to sound its best.

Well, not much that this amp has. If you like switching through 100 different sound when you play live, it's probably not for you.

Looks like a Marshall.

Active Musician

active musician

classic rock

Awsome tone, i love it and i'll never part with it and, not to mention, it's LOUD for being a 50 watt head. Ahh the sound of an all tube head... it's music to my ears!

It's simple, plug and play, there aren't a bazillion knobs to mess with so you'll hear the true tone and not a generic one.

It's a marshall.. need i say more?

You get what you pay for...

Vintage = Sexy