Which 1987 plexi reissue?

[RLee]

If you were given a choice of 3 plexi models to choose from, for the same price, which would you choose: 1. The most recent 1987XL reissue, with effects loop, 2. The previous 1987X reissue, no effects loop, 3. The oldest reissue, the limited-run 1987S.

And the second part of the question: why?

 

[pinto79]

Re: Which 1987 plexi reissue?

I would go 1987XL. Everything I've read points to this reissue being the most true to the original. The FX loop can be removed from the signal path if you don't need/want it.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Which 1987 plexi reissue?

I'd choose the 1987XL, mostly because an FX loop is an important feature to me on such a one trick pony amp.

For instance, you could put a reverb unit in the loop which also has input/output knobs, and use the output knob as a second master volume. You can squeeze a bit more gain out of the amp that way, while bringing down the overall level. Plus, Marshall tones are nice with a little bit of reverb.

Also, you can utilize the amp's power section if you need to. You can run a preamp, modeler, or floorboard into the FX return. Your amp can now double as a power amp.

 

[RLee]

Re: Which 1987 plexi reissue?

Thanks for the responses... I was actually leaning more towards picking up the 1987S, for various reasons -- vintage-looking front panel with the roman numerals instead of numbers, the drake transformers, and the fact that it might appreciate in value more. But I'll check around and see if I can find any used XL's.

 

[Stevo]

Re: Which 1987 plexi reissue?

Some players don't like the effects loop for purity reasons. I understand that but I think it is a pretty worthy effects loop if you need one.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Which 1987 plexi reissue?

I don't mind the loop, but the one Marshall uses is poo.

Go with one that has no loop, and install a proper one if you feel you need it.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Which 1987 plexi reissue?

i've been gasing a vintage reissue Plexi Marshall for quite a few years myself... but if given the choice to have an FX loop i'd go with it... not that i ever really use FX Loops anymore... once in a blue moon i have a delay in one but not very often...

 

[RLee]

Re: Which 1987 plexi reissue?

I actually picked up a used 1987x reissue shortly after I started this thread. It was made in 1996, no effects loop, and I've already put a Lar/Mar post-phase MV in it, and I'm totally blown away by how good it sounds (to my ears at least). Exactly the tone I was going for. I may, at some point, put a quality effects loop in it, if I feel I need it. There are a few high quality kits available for that. But I'm just going to enjoy it as-is for awhile... it makes me smile every time I turn it on.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Which 1987 plexi reissue?

So you want to have a reissue amp.

Generally that's saying that you like the sounds of the old amps.

Back then, the guys would line up their effects and plug into the input, so all that stuff was inline.

But you want an effects loop.


Doesn't quite make sense to me...

 

[shredaholic]

Re: Which 1987 plexi reissue?

A loop gives you more options, unless your bothered about looks its just a bonus really.

FWIW I've always tolerated the sound of Marshalls loop, and you can guarantee its 100% out of the signal path when switched off. The downside for me is that its still before the phase inverter, where I get a lot of distortion - you can see here in an article on one of my websites that it connects just after the treble control.