Which Marshall Would You Choose – JTM45 or 1987x Plexi?

Two iconic Marshalls - which one would you choose?

Welcome to the show! A very simple proposition today - take two classic Marshalls, give ‘em a hammering and see what’s what.

Both amps are modern reissues: a 2245 JTM45 and a 1987x ‘Plexi’. They are both non-master volume amps that you will hear through the same cabinet. No attenuators, no direct sounds, no cab modelling, no post EQ or plugins – just the amps, speakers and microphones.

Big thanks to our mate Jake Loosemore for selling us the JTM45!

Questions arising…

How are you switching the amps?
With a Radial Headbone VT, remote switched via TheGigRig G3 - links below

What is the speaker cabinet?
A Marshall 1960AX 412 with Celestion G12M Greenback speakers

Why two mics?
There’s an Austrian Audio OC18 and an AKG D190e. I recorded them both and mixed them to taste. (Mick here, hello).
There’s also a goodly dose of stereo room mics in the mix - 2 x AKG C414XL.

Why no FX loop discussion for the 1987x?
You can’t use the FX loop when using the Headbone VT

What is that blue guitar at the end?
A lovely chap called Dean Cutler came to a TPS Experience Day recently and brought a couple of his builds. We asked if he would leave one with us. His business is Cutler Custom Guitars, although there’s no formal website yet.

Enjoy the show!

Pedals used in this show
• Sonic Research Turbo Tuner ST-200

• Tru-Fi Two Face

• Boss DS-1W Waza Craft Distortion

• ThorpyFX Heavy Water Boost

• PRS Wind Through The Trees Dual Analog Flanger

• Source Audio Collider Delay & Reverb

• The Gigrig G3

• Radial Headbone VT (switching the amps between one cab)

Interesting Bits & Go-To Sections
0:00 Intro playing
2:57 What are we doing today?
3:33 A bit of history on the two amps
8:00 Rectifiers
12:05 What are our questions?
13:07 Normal & High Treble channels
13:55 Normal channels sounds
15:40 High Treble channel sounds
16:05 Jumping the channels
20:02 Clean tone & edge of OD JTM45
22:50 Clean tone & edge of OD 1987
26:00: Why no FX loop?
26:35 Clean tones both amps, Strat
27:45 Presence and negative feedback
28:50 Add some delay and reverb
33:35 Both amps on 4
35:20 Bright cap mod?
36:32 JTM45 Les Paul & more gain
38:35 What about a boost?
39:20 Can you put reverb in the front?
41:00 1987x Les Paul & more gain
43:50 Strat & fuzz o’clock
47:35 LP Junior & DS-1, both amps
50:40 S-type with a humbucker?!
52:00 Closing thoughts

Guitars in this video
• Gibson Custom True Historic ’57 Les Paul Goldtop. Murphy Aged - no video yet
• Cutler Custom Guitars Panama Classic
(Dean Cutler came to an Experience Day just recently and left one of his builds with us for a while. We like!)

Amps in this video
• Marshall 1987x

• Marshall JTM45

• Marshall 1960AX 412 cab with Celestion G12M Greenback speakers

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[DarkTideOffroad]

These hour long videos where yall really get into nuts and bolts of things leaving no stone unturned are very appreciated!

[thoretornado]

Fantastic comparison! I own one of these 1987x reissues, which is actually a very versatile amp which delivers 100% dynamic and detailed tones, from "clean" to overdriven as long as you use a decent cabinet. For those who complain about it's agressivity: this is relativ. 1) In a band environment it's a total different picture. 2) You may use the lower inputs as well, which are way smother, cleaner and controllable in certain situations. Don't forget, you can use the jumper in any diagonal way! 3) You can use the tone pot on your guitar as well to smothen the sound. 4) Experiment with the speakers or try a different cab. Playing through these amps is so much fun though it needs time to find your sweetspots due to its versatility!

[Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

It's a long story but I got my first Marshall 1987 in '71 when playing for Prog Rock band Tallis in London UK. I chanced on Ron Wood playing at a club where he had his jam band that he had so he could have a fun Blues band. He enjoyed playing small mainly obscure clubs where he hopefully would not have to deal with the celebrity thing. We had a long talk about his 50 watt Marshall. I wanted one but had no money so he arranged for me to get a mint used one on the cheap that he used in a studio. It is a long story but I paid for it and picked it up at the Selmer store.Twice I had to sell my 1987 but at 75 I think my now 3rd one will see me out. As for the old vs the new x model the difference is not a lot. The old one is just a bit more wooly and it has bit less bite. I can recommend either. As the guys mentioned you just need a little of the brite channel. Any Strat sounds great thru the amp but I really recommend if you use a guitar with Hummies you put in a Gibson 57 Classic.

[stevebailey]

"Beautiful clean sounds... but that's not what you're here for!" You know, I have to say, Marshall cleans are some of my absolute favorites. I think they have so much personality and have a real body and spank to them that I just don't get from the Fender camp. Got into them from those early Pretenders records and what James Honeyman-Scott and Robbie McIntosh had going on. Love those OD sounds as well, but Marshalls are underrated for their clean sounds and I think you guys successfully demonstrated why that shouldn't be. Well done!

[jimcairns]

I just want to say thank you guys. It's an absolute pleasure to watch high quality video and audio. We all know that 99% of youtube is just horrible clipped audio. Thanks for doing it right!! Round of applause

[alecschingel]

Watching Dan's expression at minute 34 is incredible! The sudden shift to the 1987 and the wincing face followed by his slowly getting giddy with ROCK! He looks like a superhero who just suddenly discovered his powers. Also looks like every pimply faced 15 year old who plugs into a loud amp in the garage for the first time. Amazing to see your childlike enthusiasm for this stuff is still very alive and kicking! Great show

[basdenchris]

The pure joy on Dan’s face when he plays is so heartwarming. Love you guys!

[oygzbfh]

Man, that clean tone on the JTM45 with the strat is amazing!

[dwaynedelario]

I had a JTM45 made for me recently in LA by one of the greats, and as much as I am a die hard Fender guy, this amp quickly shot up to my number one. The weight of the transients on the nearest edge of breakup are absolutely insane. Massive. I have never felt so connected to an amp when I play, it's quite something to behold.

[lucistired]

I would love to hear a modern bassman reissue compared to the JTM 45

[jonhale]

Talk about an 'Andy Timmons' moment - Dan's playing at 32:00 through the JTM45 is just sublime...

[Kyle-mwnv]

An amp pairing video is a must. Marshall with matchless, ac30 with fender. Match made in heaven combination or combinations that most people wouldn't think of. Great Video!

[murph]

Wow Dan! Your clean tone playing was excellent. I was moved. Great playing, sir!

[sparknado]

JTM45 sounds so freaking good for what I want to hear in an amp and what I'd use it for. A+ guys!

[qeuqheeg]

I love this video..explains a lot of history between the two amps and their specs..but i really appreciate how you give the clean and volume to point break up a lot of playnwith different guitars..people always just turn marshalls way up in these vids vs really showcasing the dynamic ranges possible..love the zztop at end too

[simonsmith]

Best video lately, reminds me why I started watching That Pedal Show. Good old fashioned knob turning and going into detail with classic gear. Great watch.

[VedranDakic]

Never been much of a Marshall fan as most of their amps was a bit too fizzy for me. My journey "back" to Marshall started a couple of years ago when I bought Victory Sheriff 44 after hearing it on one of your shows. Just liked the way it sounded and still do - it's a kick-ass Marshally-amp without being way-too Marshally. JTM is a completely different beast. I treated myself to it roughly a year ago. Played it, did some due dilligence, checked some of your 1987X videos, heard you mention it more than a few times over the years, checked reviews from some other channels and decided to pull the plug. And the rest is history - it's a spectacularly good amp. Easy to get a fantastic clean sound and that Marshall OD. Works well with pedals, and any guitar I plug into it sounds fab without too much fiddling. And this comes from a Boogie fan - I like Mesa-type fiddling :) Don't care about the "old Marshalls are better" snobism - JTM45 is a kick-a%% good amp. And it's not crazy-expensive, which is a plus. 1987X is just a bit too-Marshally (brash) for me. Although that has its uses, of course :) This video is a perfect description why I like JTM45 so much - it has everything that it needs to have, and it's controllable and user friendly :-)

[stanislavmigra]

Great video and great showcase how Marshalls thru the years are very different, but also still Marshalls.

The JTM45 has couple of sweet spots that were just briliant. Gunned with reverb and Les Paul? Thats my dream Blues sound <3.
Also with Junior and without DS1, that was rock sound of the ages.

[DelReiRock]

Nice video. Love you, guys!
For my taste, there is no jumping channels. Only High input on 7. That’s pure rock n roll. Just a perfect ACDC tone.

[tomshoemaker]

I’ve rewatched this episode several times for a variety of reasons, but Dan’s face at 34:12…no better marketing for Marshall can be done than his expression right at that moment!!