Marshall Amplification Hand-Crafted Amplifiers, 1974X, 2061X, 1959HW, 1974CX User Manual

THE TIMELESS TONE of vintage handwired, all-valve Marshall amplifiers,
such as the 18 Watt model 1974X 1x12” combo (1966-1968), the 20 Watt
model 2061X head (1968-1973) and, of course, the legendary ‘Plexi-era’
(late 1965-July 1969) model 1959HW 100 Watt head, have made them
highly desirable to collectors and sonic connoisseurs alike. Due to
overwhelming public demand, we are proud to introduce authentic,
handwired re-issues of this trio of coveted amplifiers as the first products
in our Handwired Series – a series that celebrates the company’s rich tonal
heritage and revisits the handcrafted traditions and skills that first launched
the Marshall legend.

The first seven products (two heads,one combo and four cabinets) in the
Handwired Series thus far are:

1974X: Handwired re-issue of the model 1974X 18 Watt, 1x12”
all-valve combo.

1974CX: Hand-soldered, 20 Watt, 1x12”, extension cabinet to
compliment the 1974X.

2061X:Handwired re-issue of the model 2061X 20 Watt, all-valve head.

2061CX: Hand-soldered, compact, 60 Watt, 2x12” angled cabinet that

compliments the 2061X. Loaded with Celestion’s critically-acclaimed
G12H30 (75Hz resonance) re-issue speakers.

1959HW:Handwired re-issue of the 100 Watt, all-valve Super Lead ‘Plexi’
(a nickname derived from its Plexiglas front panel) head originally made in
(pre-July) 1969.

1960AHW: Hand-soldered, 120 Watt, 16 ohm, mono 4x12” angled
cabinet boasting metal handles, ‘100’ logo, salt ‘n’ pepper grille cloth and
loaded with aged re-issues of the lower resonance (55Hz as opposed to
75Hz) 30 Watt,Celestion G12H, complete with the original Thames Ditton
label.

1960BHW:Hand-soldered, straight-fronted partner to the 1960AHW cab.

All amps boast meticulous point-to-point, handwired circuits and, in order
to make these re-issues as accurate as possible, we went to incredible
lengths to achieve maximum authenticity
in terms of components, circuitry,
constructional methods, materials,
specifications, aesthetics, signal path,
performance, tonal characteristics and
feel.We are delighted to report that our
suppliers were equally as exacting in their
tasks, none more so than Dagnall
Transformers and Celestion Speakers.

1974X 18 Watt Combo •2061X 20 Watt Head •1959HW 100 Watt Head

“When it comes to producing handwired amps
with extraordinary tone, Marshall hasn’t
forgotten how to do it . . .”

Guitarist magazine, July 2004

1959HW 100 Watt head
1960AHW/BHW 120 Watt cabinets

The 2061X’s point-to-point handwired circuit board.

2061X 20 Watt head
2061CX 60 Watt cabinet

1974X 18 Watt combo

The output and mains transformers are vital components in an amplifier
as they influence performance, sound and feel. Consequently, we worked
extremely closely with Dagnall in order to duplicate the originals in all
areas.To do this we painstakingly studied and analysed the constructional
methods and materials used in the original devices so we could match
everything as closely as possible and also ensure that the all-important
electrical characteristics and performance were identical. With Dagnall’s
expertise and dedication, we’ve done exactly that.

“In these very simple, almost organic designs, it’s the valves and transformers
which count and both amps are superb in this respect. Even at full tilt every detail
of the guitar’s character can be heard with stunning clarity.”

*

Each and every valve used is subjected to rigorous grading/testing
procedures, and all other components are sourced from European and
American manufacturers.

1974X 18 Watt Combo

This eye-catching, two-channel,18 Watt, 1x12” combo houses 3 x ECC83
(aka 12AX7) valves in its preamp, an EZ81 rectifier valve and a pair of
cathode-biased EL84s in its power section. One of the ECC83 trio drives
the second channel’s footswitchable Tremolo circuit.The 1974X’s chassis is
made from aluminium and its front panel is Plexiglas, exactly like the
original.

A contributing factor to the coveted sound of the vintage 1974 is the
way the original 20 Watt,Celestion Greenback loudspeaker’s tone softens
with age. To recreate the gorgeously smooth sounds of a 35-year-old
Greenback Celestion did two things at our request. Firstly, they revisited

the 1967 recipe for the original T1221
speaker and meticulously duplicated
every critical parameter. Secondly, they
came up with a proprietary way of
“aging” the speakers by matching the
magnetic flux to that of our vintage
references and specially manufacturing
the cone material to be more ‘pulpy’,
recreating the ageing effect.

“. .. we were blown away by the rich depth and biting attack that exploded from
the specially-aged Celestion Greenback loudspeakers of the 1974X and 1974CX
extension cab.”

*

2061X 20 Watt ‘Lead & Bass 20’ Head

This twin-channel, all-valve beauty houses 2 x ECC83 valves in its preamp
and a pair of cathode-biased EL84s in its power stage. The 2061X is an
aggressive and surprisingly modern sounding amplifier, while still possessing
that unmistakable and highly desirable, vintage all-valve tone. Its gold,
brushed anodized aluminium front panel and box-section, 16-gauge mild
steel chassis are exactly as our original reference units.The 2x12” 2061CX
cabinet compliments the 2061X head perfectly,both sonically and visually.

1959HW100 Watt ‘Plexi’ Head

The 1959HW is a handwired re-issue of an amazing sounding original
all-valve (3 x ECC83s, 4 x EL34s),100 Watt, two-channel Super Lead ‘Plexi’

head made in 1969 (pre July).To many players and pundits, the 100 Watt
‘Plexi’ is the amp that defines “the sound of rock” and, to this day,is still the
standard by which all others are judged. Consequently, 1959s from the
so-called ‘Plexi-era’ are considered the Holy Grail of tone by a veritable
army of voracious vintage collectors and guitar aficionados.The glorious
sounds and all-important feel of the 1959HW instantly explains what all the
fuss is about and is already a ‘must-have’ item for those obsessed with the
quest for the perfect tone – especially when paired up with the 1960AHW
and 1960BHW cabinets as the resulting partnership truly is a marriage
made in tonal heaven!

Words are one thing but the only true way to appreciate these
handsome, hand-crafted amplifiers is to see them in the flesh and, better
still, experience their sonic majesty by actually playing one. Visit your
Marshall dealer today and discover the joys of plugging into point-to-point
perfection.

“. ..it’s literally plug in and turn up for some of the best vintage rock and
blues sounds you’ll ever hear.It’s real classic Marshall stuff, with all the warmth
that vintage amp lovers crave.”

*

*

NOTE: All quotes from a 1974X/2061X review in Guitarist magazine, July 2004.

To find out more about the Handwired range and other Marshall products contact:

Marshall Amplification plc Denbigh Road, Bletchley,Milton Keynes, MK1 1DQ or visit the official Marshall website:www.marshallamps.com

Features 1974X 2061X 1959HW

Head No Yes Yes
Combo Yes No No
Output (RMS) 18 Watt 20 Watt 100 Watt
Tremelo Yes No No
Speakers G12M-20 Special No No
Pre-amp Valves 3 x ECC83 2 x ECC83 3 x ECC83
Power Amp Valves 2 x EL84 2 x EL84 4 x EL34
Valve Rectifier 1 x EZ81 No No
Footswitch (supplied) PEDL-10034 No No
Dimensions (mm) 610 x 508 x 226 510 x 208 x 206 740 x 275 x 210
Weight (Kg) 19 10 22

Features 1974CX 2061CX 1960AHW/BHW

Angled No Yes Yes
Base Yes No Yes
Speaker Type G12M-20 Special G12H-30 Special G12H-30 Special
Speaker Configuration 1 x 12” 2 x 12” 4 x 12”
Power (RMS) 20 Watt 60 Watt 120 Watt
Impedance 16 Ohm 8 Ohm 16 Ohm
Dimensions (mm) 610 x 508 x 226 643 x 643 x 300 760 x 830 x 360
Weight (Kg) 14 24 36.4

Amplifiers Extension Cabinets

Whilst the information contained herein is correct at the time of publication,due to our policy of constant improvement and development, Marshall Amplification plc reserve the right to alter specifications without prior notice.

CATS-00086