Marshall 1974x Guitars

Due to the fact that the EZ81 rectifier valve and also the pair of EL84 output valves attain extremely high temperatures when the amplifier is in use, their bases are made from the highest grade ceramic available.

The way the three ECC83s (V1, V2 & V3) in the pre-amp are utilised is as follows: V1 is dedicated to Channel 1, the non-tremolo channel. As Channel 1's pre-amp has a single gain stage, each half of the valve (the ECC83 being a dual-triode) acts as a dedicated gain stage for the channel's two inputs (which are identical). V2 acts as the amplifier's phase-splitter. V3 is dedicated to Channel 2, the Tremolo channel. To be precise, one half of the ECC83 acts as the single pre-amp gain stage for the channel's two inputs (High and Low) while the other half acts as the oscillator for the amp's tremolo circuit.

There now follows some information regarding the inner workings and build of the 1974X. Valve complement: Three ECC83s (12AX7s) in the pre-amp, a EZ81 rectifier and a pair of EL84 power valves working in push-pull. All valves are of the highest quality available and go through a meticulous grading and testing process.

Like all Marshall valve amplifiers, the 1974X sounds truly majestic when turned up full and because of its relatively low wattage this can be done at ear friendly volumes, making it a wonderful recording tool. In keeping with bigger, non-master-volume, all-valve, Marshall amplifiers such as the 1962 'Bluesbreaker' combo and the legendary 100 Watt 'Plexi' head, the 1974X's sweetly distorted, harmonically rich, thick, musical tones result from the power valves being overdriven. Our proprietary, re-issued and 'aged' 20 Watt Celestion speaker contributes to the combo's unique, punchy yet smooth sound as well. As a result, when 'cranked' the 1974X is incredibly touch-sensitive, cleaning up or, if desired, sitting right on the edge of distortion when the guitar's volume is turned down. It responds well to picking dynamics too, 'sagging' nicely when you play like you really mean it and, once again, cleaning up as you pull back on your picking attack.

As you can see from its top panel layout, the 1974X is an extremely straightforward amplifier. Channel 1 (the non-tremolo channel) only boasts two, self-explanatory controls: Volume and Tone; while Channel 2, the Tremolo Channel, boasts four namely Volume and Tone, plus Speed and Intensity for the valve driven tremolo circuit.

As Jim has already pointed out, 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.

Tone and Tech Talk The 1974X is an all-valve, 18 Watt, two-channel, 1x12" combo with valve driven tremolo and no negative feedback in its cathode-biased output stage. When building this handwired re-issue our goal was both obvious and simple: to make it as close as possible to the original.

Marshall 1974X Overview:

Marshall 1974X USD$1100

Marshall 1974X