Probably the BEST sounding Plexi Marshall JTM 45 out there... read on!

1965 Marshall JTM 45 Model 1987 lovingly restored by Steve Dove @ SA Ampworks

Where it all began. So much more than a bassman copy, this amplifier has defined the sound of British rock guitar, what more is there to say.  

Cosmetically this head is in good condition. There is some light marking to he tolex but nothing that stone through or any signs of tearing. A string is missing and the piping on the front has been broken and fixed back in place.

This amp used to belong to Phil Swan, guitarist with The George Hatcher Band back in the 70's and 80's. Hence the GHB stencil on the top. George Hatcher Band did some pretty big gigs back in the day including the 1977 Reading festival (see pics) and still exist in some form today.

Steve Dove contacted us about this amp and kindly informed us that both transformers are original but have been rebuilt. This is what Steve went on to say about this amp -

'Dave at Danbury Electronics Nr Chelmsford Essex did this resto under consultation with Marshall company experts. I have a lot of experience with JTM’s,and this one I thought a bit special! I have just done a huge revival of one for a very well known Sultan of Geordie land, from a pair I have looked after for him, over 20 odd yrs. I put a huge amount of work into this JTM. And from the pics, looks like it is all still in place.Thought i’d follow up on this one, it was a big fave in my workshop for the period I had it.'

And we can testify, it really does sound surreal. It is by far the best sounding JTM45 we have had here and to hear it flat out (via an OX Box) is really quite something...

The amp came to us having sat unused for a while due to the sad death of Phil Swan. As such we decided to take it over to Chris at Rift Amps so that he could cast his expert eye over it. The Bulgin plug has been replaced with an IEC alternative but thankfully there was no need for any more work to be done on the amp and it was given a clean bill of health.  

During the check up it was noted that the chassis had been bent at some stage which accounts for the additional wooden pieces and the new holes having been drilled in the base of the case.

Internally there have been some changes, nothing you wouldn't expect. Resistors and some smaller value capacitors have been changed as have all the potentiometers due to rust. The larger capacitors and valves have been changed.

This is a great sounding head, which will come as no surprise I’m sure. Plenty of those classic tones on tap with enough volume to keep up.

From Marshall’s first iconic period, this would make an excellent addition to any collection or even out on the highways and byways, smoking up stages wherever it lands. Grab it before it gets away…