I realized I've started collecting Marshall amps. This is a JTM60 watt all tube 1-12" combo.
It's 12 years old and has 4 12AX7 preamp tubes and 2 EL34's in the power stage.
This model has had it's share of issues but after I retubed the whole thing it has an AMAZING tone. I got it from the original owner in NYC over the weekend.
The chassis is folded over to accommodate the small cabinet so it looks a bit weird out of the cradle, but the setup is unique: 2 channels - clean and gain. Both have channel volumes and the gain channerl also has saturation along with volume- then there is an overall master volume too. This allows you to overdrive the power stage EL34's at a comfortable volume level.
I assumed I would replace the preamp tubes with NOS Mullards ( I have a stash -they are hard to find) but after a standard full tube replacement this amp doesn'r need them.
I really wasn't expecting this quality tone but it's remarkable.
CHANNEL1: Clean has headroom and is warm and round.
CHANNEL 2:With the gain on 5 and the channel vol on 7 and the master anywhere over 3 you get this "Sunshine Of Your Love" solo tone - like a woman's voice. Dime the gain and vol and you get Metallica -really - but with DEFINITION. You can play cluster-chords and hear every string and note. And it's loud enough for gigging but with the master vol you can play it with full gain in your bedroom.
These are not expensive amps here in the states and if you come across one -seriously think about picking it up. It may need $100 in new tubes but I think it's well worth it.
~j
