Getting the most of Marshall 50th Anniversary 1w amps: Share your stories!

[vintmodJCM]

It's now 60 years since Marshall Amplification (aka Jim Marshall Products) was founded. Ten years have passed since the "50 Years of Loud" celebration and the loss of Jim Marshall. A lot has changed in the industry and with Marshall. As of this post, there doesn't seem much going on to celebrate 60 years of loud, but we have had time to test drive, creatively use and enjoy the 50th Anniversary 1 watt lunchbox heads & combos. Here is a chance to share personal stories of how valuable they are, and have been, in recording, gigging, practicing, tone shaping and more!

 

[V-man]

I liked my JMP and my JCM H models, especially the fact that you could run FX after them in 0.1w mode. The extra gain on the JMP was pretty cool as well.

My complaint was the knob layout was piss poor, especially seeing the DSL and JVM offered closer to full knobs with them all being designed and built around the same time. The 0.1w option was the one feature of relevance for these guys since 1W puts you way too loud for anything that a JCM turned down couldn’t do at low vol., and can’t do a thing for live music.

The second they made the JTM-1m “offset” series, I had a sinking feeling about Marshall shitting on its Anniversary legacy. Then I saw the DSL-1 and knew the writing was on the wall. It wasn’t long before the Studio Series emerged to turn these guys into the cool toys they were, essentially doing all they did in a more useful package. It was a fun few years having them, but the best JMP-1/Studio Vintage platform I have ever owned is a 1959 going through a Captor X.

 

[vintmodJCM]

I liked my JMP and my JCM H models, especially the fact that you could run FX after them in 0.1w mode. The extra gain on the JMP was pretty cool as well.

My complaint was the knob layout was piss poor, especially seeing the DSL and JVM offered closer to full knobs with them all being designed and built around the same time. The 0.1w option was the one feature of relevance for these guys since 1W puts you way too loud for anything that a JCM turned down couldn’t do at low vol., and can’t do a thing for live music.

The second they made the JTM-1m “offset” series, I had a sinking feeling about Marshall shitting on its Anniversary legacy. Then I saw the DSL-1 and knew the writing was on the wall. It wasn’t long before the Studio Series emerged to turn these guys into the cool toys they were, essentially doing all they did in a more useful package. It was a fun few years having them, but the best JMP-1/Studio Vintage platform I have ever owned is a 1959 going through a Captor X.

But did you use it for anything other than a toy? There are a number of uses for these 1w amps that the Studio Series are impractical for - portability, slaving and studio use to name a few. Cost is also still a factor. I have many personal stories to share here eventually and have heard many others as well. Versatility and tone are their reputation.

 

[johan.b]

I used my DSL1 head as a preamp through an EH Caliber 44 for years as a super compact rig for local gigs where i could get to the venue on the bus or subway... worked out great
J

 

[Jubilee23]

I have a JTM-1C , it is incredible, I bought it 3 years ago, put some nice old Telefunken and Mullard tubes in it.. it’s one of the best amps I’ve ever owned.. I have 2 kids under 5, I play the amp all the time while they are sleeping no problem. I love the way it sounds plugged into my original silver jubilee 4x12 cab!! I take it to a buddy’s house for jams aswell, it sounds great in a low volume jam… although it can get loud enough to piss people off if you wanted lol … I love it , it sounds great if one guy is playing an acoustic and I’m on my Les Paul , really nice tones that can accompany an acoustic player very nicely

 

[Mr. Natural]

I've got a JTM1C too. It's got great tone, even at the 0.1W setting. At 1.0W, I can set it on the hearth facing the fireplace, open the damper, and "entertain" my next door neighbor when he's in his backyard.

But, seriously, it really is a good little amp.

 

[Minor6]

I have the DSL1H and I love it. I play mostly on the 0.1w setting at home and I enjoy the tube feeling in such a low volume.
I recently bought a Mini Silver Jubilee head and I wonder what is the best way to run the DSL1 into the Jubilee to use it in rehearsals and small gigs.

 

[Freddy78]

i have the JCM1C , great little amp for practicing and recording at low volumes

 

[blue]

I have a JTM1c, which is a lovely little amp on it's own. Plugged into my old Orange 4x12, with or without a treble booster up front, it sounds amazing! And at a volume that doesn't kill local wildlife and smash windows. I've also put a Bad Cat Unleash between the amp and cab for more volume and added a nice spring reverb in the Unleash's loop, and that just sounds beautiful

 

[Biff Maloy]

I've had all of them since they came out in 2012.

I don't think there's anything i haven't done with them. Experiments with different speakers, pedal combinations, running 2 or 3 together. Etc. Right after i got them i put together a PA for my jam space. All miked and adjusted for backing track mixes. Some off the internet and some i made up. This was a lot of fun. Later, my boss had a band. Heard me play and instantly asked me to join as lead guitarist. I couldn't have found a better setup for the time. I played and gigged a lot in my 20s and early 30s but hadn't in a long while. The 50ths were all i had at the time. The drummer played a Roland set. The 50ths were perfect for them miked up. Practices allowed me to audition each one with different cabs and speakers until i found what worked best.

Right now they are all i have Marshall wise. I dumped all the Studio and overseas models but kept the Anniversaries. To me the Studios fall more into an in between amp. A bit too loud for everyday home use but lack power in a live situation. The 50ths are perfect for home use without having to reign them in. Those and a Germino Lead 55LV is all i have but I still use the 1 watts all the time.

 

[tce63]

I have this, I play it all the time, JTM1h and Cab Offset

 

[vintmodJCM]

I just picked up a Fryette PS-100 to tame my '68 Marshall Super Lead (Rev. 7a circuit) and decided to amp up the 50th Ann. JMP1H through the Fryette into my '69 1960B with OG T1221 Pulsonics and I was floored by how BIG & authentic it sounded!! I've tried other experiments with these little amps, but this absolutely made it indistinguishable from the Big Boy!!

The Fryette has a nice complement of EQ options including Presence and Resonance which complete the missing EQ options of the JMP1 and JTM1. The only appreciable difference in tone between the JMP1H and '68 Marshall is that the '68 is biased for 88v to run through my Ohmite VariAC. Marshall really outdid themselves with these little monsters!!

I'll post some clips very soon...

 

[jimmyace2006]

I've had all of them since they came out in 2012.

I don't think there's anything i haven't done with them. Experiments with different speakers, pedal combinations, running 2 or 3 together. Etc. Right after i got them i put together a PA for my jam space. All miked and adjusted for backing track mixes. Some off the internet and some i made up. This was a lot of fun. Later, my boss had a band. Heard me play and instantly asked me to join as lead guitarist. I couldn't have found a better setup for the time. I played and gigged a lot in my 20s and early 30s but hadn't in a long while. The 50ths were all i had at the time. The drummer played a Roland set. The 50ths were perfect for them miked up. Practices allowed me to audition each one with different cabs and speakers until i found what worked best.

Right now they are all i have Marshall wise. I dumped all the Studio and overseas models but kept the Anniversaries. To me the Studios fall more into an in between amp. A bit too loud for everyday home use but lack power in a live situation. The 50ths are perfect for home use without having to reign them in. Those and a Germino Lead 55LV is all i have but I still use the 1 watts all the time.

Any idea where I might be able to acquire a JMP1C here in the USA?



.....

 

[Biff Maloy]

Any idea where I might be able to acquire a JMP1C here in the USA?



.....

Internet search turned up nothing. Found a JTM1-C on Reverb. You'll have to keep an eye out.

With the prices of these now compared to when they came out, as much as I've enjoyed them, I wouldn't pay 4 figures for one. The DSL1HR. It isn't a 50th Anniversary but is a fun little amp that covers low volume duty and is very reasonably priced.

 

[Georgiatec]

It's now 60 years since Marshall Amplification (aka Jim Marshall Products) was founded. Ten years have passed since the "50 Years of Loud" celebration and the loss of Jim Marshall. A lot has changed in the industry and with Marshall. As of this post, there doesn't seem much going on to celebrate 60 years of loud, but we have had time to test drive, creatively use and enjoy the 50th Anniversary 1 watt lunchbox heads & combos. Here is a chance to share personal stories of how valuable they are, and have been, in recording, gigging, practicing, tone shaping and more!

Plenty of stories, tips and anecdotes here.

The official 1 watt thread.

I did a search of the forum and couldn't find a thread where owners of the 1 watt Marshall amps can discuss their cute little tone monsters and get the best from them. There are threads on the best speakers to use, settings, re-amping them, best tubes to use etc., etc. I just though it would be...

marshallforum.com

 

[kisschicken]

Anyone in the US willing to sell their JCM1C?

 

[cccc]

Any idea where I might be able to acquire a JMP1C here in the USA?



.....

Used ones are so sought after that the price has DOUBLED . If Marshall wanted to make a killing they would offer the JMP 1 watt and the JCM 800 1 watt as year round stock items . The currently offered DSL 1 watt does not compare in any way shape or form.

Marshall JMP1C 50th Anniversary Custom Shop 1-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo 2012 - Black​

$1,850

Marshall JMP1H 50th Anniversary 1970s 1-Watt Guitar Amp Head 2012 - 2013 - Black​

$1,674.08

 

[tonedover]

The currently offered dsl1 tone doesnt equate to any marshall tone ive heard on a record. There is an argument to be made that its a bad sounding amp.

I realky DISliked the dsl1 for the week i had it.
I was disappointed for two reasons
1. The classic channel was shrill, gain channel abrasive and the voicings were not complementary designs for a shared eq
2. It misinforms new players to what a marshall tone is.

 

[jimmyace2006]

Used ones are so sought after that the price has DOUBLED . If Marshall wanted to make a killing they would offer the JMP 1 watt and the JCM 800 1 watt as year round stock items . The currently offered DSL 1 watt does not compare in any way shape or form.

Marshall JMP1C 50th Anniversary Custom Shop 1-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo 2012 - Black​

$1,850

Marshall JMP1H 50th Anniversary 1970s 1-Watt Guitar Amp Head 2012 - 2013 - Black​

$1,674.08

I actually have the JMP1H and a cabinet. But I am somewhat interested in a combo instead. I am aware of everything that is on reverb and ebay. The one in your post has a special look that is similar to the JTM1. I would probably be more interested in the stock look. Plus that one is $1850. I think the going rate is between $1200-1400. It is more of a "nice to have" since I already have the head. And I have the JTM1C & JTM1H & JTM145 Andertons head.



.........

 

[Neville]

I love them! I wonder which one is the most sought after.

Combo vs head: the combos look great and are perfect for home use. But there is no doubt that the speakers (and housing) are too small and they all sound better when conectet to a bigger cab. The Heads on the other hand had no matching cabs. My opinion over all: both are desirable.

As far as the different models go:
- I think the offset and the Andertons version hurt the value of the JTMs
- the Studio SV is fishing in the JMPs water. But don't forget about the JMPs boost switch!
- the Studio SC id fishing in the JCM water. Also here: boost switch!
- the chinese DSL1, although different enough, surely hurts the value of the DSL. Actually the chinese DSL seems like a better deal having build in reverb.
- the JVM came in the tattoo outfit, so it was not exactly rare back at the time. Also you could get a new big JVM for an equal price

I only own the JTM combo and the JCM head. Soundwise those deliver 100%. I also played a JVM at one point and was impressed how this is really a JVM reduced to the max. The sound was really great.

If I would come across a JMP1 (combo or head) or a JVM1 (head) at a good price I would buy them in a heartbeat.

So what do I think is the most sought after? I'm not sure, but all of them are pretty rare on the used market, so that tells us something. Maybe the JMP, but as I said, they are all great.