Marshall 1974x HW 112 combo ... what are they like?

Y

Young Angus

Kometose Tonologist
I'm looking at buying one of these and to be honest they sound so friggin sweet that I'm almost shaking with excitement at the idea!

What are they like? I'm not looking for something very very loud with tonnes of clean headroom but more for something sweet as sugar dipped in sugar again...with some sugar on top!

Was also wondering what sort of classic high gain territory one of these things could get into with the use of a nice od/distortion pedal in front of it?
 
Re: Marshall 1974x HW 112 combo ... what are they like?

I've never tried one myself but of what I've read there's a huge problem in those amps with the power transformers going very quickly. I was over at the Vintage Amp forum and read of one guy who went thru 3 power transformers in 3 months time. Of what I gather Marshall is very aware of this problem but I really don't know what's been done to correct it. Might be a wise idea to look at some other options.
 
Re: Marshall 1974x HW 112 combo ... what are they like?

I've read of the same problems. If you are looking for an 18 watter you may want to look more at some of the clones. 65 Amps, Trinity, Allan, GDS, S2. All have better reviews than the Marshall RI.


Here's my Ironsounds 18 watt TMB with an OCD. The OCD was only used as a boost on the normal channel so there is much more gain on tap. And this is with single coils, picture this with hb's....sounds wicked.

www.seymourduncan.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88942
 
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Re: Marshall 1974x HW 112 combo ... what are they like?

They looked interesting to me. I wouldn't pay that price for one though. I'll tell you the truth.....I saw the Marshall/Korg booth at the LA Amp Show a couple years ago, and 2 guys were trading off licks.....a guy with a Marshall 18W 1-12 combo and a guy with a Chinese Vox AC-30. I hate to say it, but the Vox sounded way better.

Then, Curly and I went down the hall and heard an 18W amp that sounded better than both the Marshall and Vox.....the 65 Amps London. That is a hell of an amp!
 
Re: Marshall 1974x HW 112 combo ... what are they like?

How much would a 65 amp go for though? I'm looking at spending anywhere up to $2000 AUD on a combo here and a Marshall 18w HW has come up second hand for that much. To tell you the truth I wouldn't mind a vox...and especially wouldn't mind a 65...but I'm sure a 65 would have one hell of a pricetag too :smack:
 
Re: Marshall 1974x HW 112 combo ... what are they like?

You also might want to chek out www.reinhardtamps.com. Bob Reinhardt makes some outstanding amps. He's got an 18 watt Mashall clone combo that sells for about $1,725.00. I've read nothing but good things about his amps.
 
Re: Marshall 1974x HW 112 combo ... what are they like?

I don't know if they have probs or not

but honestly, I rather like the 1974 - very sweet old rock and blues tone. Glassy with a nice break up. I played one for an hour last Friday and loved it. I wouldn't compare it at all to an AC30, because I see it more as a glassy mini-Marshall.

I do feel they are limited in their loudness. They aren't as rich and spongy as a Vox AC30 with blues, but that's just a different sound altogether - Class A etc.

I didn't check out the 65's much at the LA amp show. I thought they sounded rich, but its just not my kinda tone. It's very much a Tom Petty / CCR sound to me, and not so much the Fender/Marshall-y thing I prefer.

I say this with limited 65 experience. Joe knows this stuff, I just him.

I much prefer the 2061 WITH the 2061 Speaker cab - now that has some volume and tone! The 1974 sounds a little small like a little blues box / practice amp. It is very limited volume-wise. It has break up, but I doubt I would take it to mid-size club.
 
Re: Marshall 1974x HW 112 combo ... what are they like?

If you want a similar amp for a lot less money, keep your eyes open for Gibson Goldtones and Trace Elliot Vellocettes. You can still find those from $400-$800, and they sound great.
 
Re: Marshall 1974x HW 112 combo ... what are they like?

i heard an 18w blockhead clone next to a marshall and the blockhead really kicked the crap out of it
 
Re: Marshall 1974x HW 112 combo ... what are they like?

I have tried 2 or 3 of the 18 watt combos and have been very un impressed with them all...I have played a few clones that I thought were lots better and I heard a guy playing through a real deal 18 watter and it was great but the reissues are just so, so IMO...
 
Re: Marshall 1974x HW 112 combo ... what are they like?

I would be very wary of the 1974X. There are plenty of posts at the LPF and Plexi Palace about transformer problems with these amps.

I believe Marshall has changed the OT it uses now, but even so... :smack:
 
Re: Marshall 1974x HW 112 combo ... what are they like?

Nice av, Simon!

I've played the combo, and it sounds like a decent marshall, only quieter. If anything, it wasn't expecially distinctive. but a nice choice if you want a pre-800 marshall tone in a small package...
 
Re: Marshall 1974x HW 112 combo ... what are they like?

I've got the 2061x 20w Head, and i've got to say it's one of the best low wattage amp i've ever played.

Plenty of volume, and it can be cranked for some very nice mini-plexi tones, without it being too loud to use at normal venues. For those of us who don't regularly get to play the giant openair outdoor type gigs!

It's the perfect amp if my Framus is too loud.
 
Re: Marshall 1974x HW 112 combo ... what are they like?

Also, the Fargen Mini Plex is a decent lil Marshall clone.
I agree with Jeremy.....Blockhead amps are great.
 
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