Differences between JTM 45 and 1987x and other questions...

[Zeppelinfan8790]

Hey all,

In my beginnings of a search for a new amp, I was at GC today, and I played a JTM 45 with a 1963 strat. That was probably the best tone I've heard from me in a long, long time. I didn't turn the amp up loud enough to get some crunch tho.

Anyway, what are the main differences between this amp and the 50 watt 1987x plexi? I've been gassing for the plexi more, but cant find one to play.

Also, could someone explain why use a short cable on two of the inputs? I see that on Marshalls alot, but dont understand why they do that. My guess is so that you can have one volume down and the other higher to get more crunch, but I honestly have no clue.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Differences between JTM 45 and 1987x and other questions...

The biggest difference is that the 45 has a tube recifier for the output and the Plexi does not. The rectifier gives a sag and squishy quality to the amp and it also puts out a little less power. I personally much prefer the Plexi output, much more explosive on the note, and with lower filtering you can still add some lovely squish to the sound. This is purely a taste issue as the 45 is a legendary amp. I just happen to dig the Plexi more.

 

[Stevo]

Re: Differences between JTM 45 and 1987x and other questions...

Also, could someone explain why use a short cable on two of the inputs?

You can use both channels at the same time. One is bright and one is not. I dial in the bright tone first and mix in the other channel for fatness.

I just got a 1987x RI and never looked back. It's a sweet amp. To me, this is the way a rock guitar is supposed to sound The crunch is pure and sweet, the clean tone is very nice too. Do it!