Researching all things Plexi: suggestions wanted

[WiskiTangoFoxtrot]

Take a look at the Ceriatone Plexi51. That’s my next amp purchase. There’s a lot of variations in Plexis through the years and this one lets you have them all. 

[WorstBandName]

If I was going the pedal route, the best thing I've tried is the Origin Effects Revival Drive Hot Rod Edition.  It's expensive, but I don't think I've tried anything else that really does what it does, especially the big one with the ghoting feature.  If I was tryingt to save a few bucks, I would mabe look at a Lovepedal Purple Plexi, but I woud also run it with a boost and EQ to help get there.

[Stike]

12 hours ago, WiskiTangoFoxtrot said:

Take a look at the Ceriatone Plexi51. That’s my next amp purchase. There’s a lot of variations in Plexis through the years and this one lets you have them all. 

I have the Ceriatone JCM52 (2 channel JCM 800) that sounds very good and is very well built so if imagine their Plexis are good as well. The pricing on them is very good and if you can get one used like I did it's a really good deal. Cruise the classifieds on The Gear Page, something should turn up.

[Travis]

55 minutes ago, WorstBandName said:

If I was going the pedal route, the best thing I've tried is the Origin Effects Revival Drive Hot Rod Edition.  It's expensive, but I don't think I've tried anything else that really does what it does, especially the big one with the ghoting feature.  If I was tryingt to save a few bucks, I would mabe look at a Lovepedal Purple Plexi, but I woud also run it with a boost and EQ to help get there.

I do have a boost and an EQ…. 🤔

[Brooks]

I've had this for years, turns any single channel tube amp into a 4 channel RAWK machine;

 

Yesterday I picked this up (basically a stripped down Princeton in an oversized 12" cab);

 

Swapped out a generic Eminence 12" w/ this baby;

 

Sounds KICKARSE!

 

For louder jams w/ bass & drums I have this, which is very marshally played thru my 4x12;

 

Stike, I need to stop by and blast yer amps!

Edited August 8, 2025 by Brooks

[Brooks]

On 8/8/2025 at 10:27 AM, Brooks said:

 

 

Yesterday I picked this up (basically a stripped down Princeton in an oversized 12" cab);

 

Swapped out a generic Eminence 12" w/ this baby;

 

 

Facelift this morning;

 

[Travis]

6 hours ago, Brooks said:

 

Facelift this morning;

 

Much improved. I like it!

[Disturber]

On 8/8/2025 at 4:27 PM, Brooks said:

 

 

Stike, I need to stop by and blast yer amps!

 

 

Very cool amp. I want one!

But hot damn, that was one expensive pedal! 😮 You can buy a JMP 1987X, or a 1989, reissue for about the same price over here.

[seeker]

Super Crunchbox v2.  The original Crunchbox is JCM800 to hotrodded 800, but the Supercrunch has some lower gain settings. Does the glassy Plexi sound very well.  Out of Production, but I found a clone that nails it. 

 

 

[Brooks]

7 hours ago, Disturber said:

But hot damn, that was one expensive pedal! 😮 You can buy a JMP 1987X, or a 1989, reissue for about the same price over here.

I got mine used, it was ~$450 IIRC. Actually just sold it, selling the 4x12 tomorrow. I'm not playing any rock gigs, and if I do again someday I'll use the Fender, its plenty loud.

[bubs_42]

If you want a Plexi, by a F@cking Plexi. If you want the “Brown Sound”, or something specified that is related to a Plexi that path of least resistance is the one you should take. Plenty of things emulate those specific sounds. 

Two pedals that I can recommend are the Lovepedal JMP, and the JHS @ Pedal. These both hit the mark they are shooting for, but even though I do NOT endorse LP that JMP hits the mark. It has that sizzle that the real thing does. It is fascinating how well it will boost an amp and then to have the boost built right into is another bonus. 

Dave Friedman and the Plex. It is no secret why Daves original 50 Watter sounds so good. Fryette is the one that went through that amp and brought it back to its optimal performance. He didn’t modify it, he make it run at as it should.

Every old Marshall kinda has it own fingerprint from part tolerances, wavering, service, tubes and 50 plus years of use. So if what you are chasing is a certain sound from a record, or live show you have many ways of getting there. If you want the sound of a real 1987 then you only have one choice. 

My personal experience was pure chance. I walked into my local GC smack dab in the middle of the pandemic and there sat a 1976 50 JMP. I looked it all over, plugged it in and turned everything on 10. The floor noise was relative quiet, and consistent. I left it on like that for a few minutes to let everything heat up before I bought it. I took it home, plugged it into a single 1x12 loaded with vintage G12-65. It took me about 5 minutes to find my sweet spot with the amp. Presence about 6 Bass around 3, mids almost to 10, highs about 6, volume one around 7, volume two “IF I USE IT” around 3. Volume two I use just to fill out the sound if I need it. Everything is in the guitars volume knob. I will hit the front end with an Echoplex Pedal, and lift it with a Way Huge STO. For Slide or when I just need make it sound like it’s on 10 a Way Huge Angry Troll. Still everything works from the guitars volume knob, or just the touch of your fingers an or pick. 

Attenuation: Look if you cant play loud in the house ever, well maybe a modeler with headphones is where it’s at. I personally use the Fryette Power Station 2 for the Marshall. I whole heartedly believe that they are a marriage made in heaven. I can play that JMP and match it to the 99% and then bring it down to a whisper. I still have the Karrang, Pick Scrapes, and touch sensitivity. The one thing that you can’t do is replace the speakers reaction of being hit as hard as it was. I feel that speakers have their sweat spot to and everything is a balance. 

Speakers: Well three speakers work the best for me with my JMP. Vintage Celestion G1265’s, 55hz WGS Reapers, and vintage EVM12L’s. 

Replicas: Well did the manufacturer go for the Plexi or JMP tone, or of a specific record or player? A Plexi and a later JMP are not the same but I have found it way easier to make a Plexi sound like a JMP than I could take a JMP and make it sound like a Plexi. I didn’t want to take the JMP, Fryette out of the house so when I stumbled upon a Rockitt Retro 50 at another GC, I took the trip and tried it out, and ended up bringing it home. A day later, I’m on the phone with Kevin from RR for almost 2 hours discussing Marshalls, getting my education, taking about what I don’t like and do like, who are my players, and setting suggestions. He has spent multiple phone conversations, emails, and yes I have his cell #. And this is the service I get when I buy a used amp, let along a new one. 

Bright Caps: One last thing, look having bright cap options are great if you pulling the amp low enough to actually make use of it. Pete Thorns Marshall  videos are there it is at. He does such a fantastic job of working those amps, explaining how to get tones. You can really hear the differences in the 70’s amps, to the 60’s amps, to the Suhrs and Friedman’s. Then don’t even get me started on the Jose Modded Mick Mars Amp. 

Another day we can get into JCM800’s. I am still waiting on he right one. It will happen one day. 

[RobB]

On 9/7/2025 at 8:34 AM, bubs_42 said:

Another day we can get into JCM800’s. I am still waiting on he right one. It will happen one day. 

Great post, Brooks! This should be in every booteek amp builder’s FAQ page. 

There is an ‘83 JCM800 at our jam space. Not mine (I wish). The magic with 800 lies in backing off the preamp gain and cranking the master. Of course, it’s louder than a jet engine and completely unusable. A Power Station is the best option, but I ain’t dropping close to a grand for one. The Legendary Tones Mr. Scary module is also a good choice, but I ain’t dropping $300 on someone else’s amp, either. 

My JCM800. search began with a 22w Splawn SS combo (currently owned/cherished by LucSulla), and ended with my 22w Competition head. It rips, with foot switchable gain stages and solo boost. The fx loop control acts as an overall master, so it rips at a reasonable level. 

This said, I would LOVE to own my own 800, but I’m very happy with the Splawn. I haven’t heard a better, “modded Marshall”, sound. 

Edited September 8, 2025 by RobB

[JES1680]

An update to my recommendation. Yes I’d still recommend the Marshall SV20 with a power station, but last I week came across a Friedman Plex new for less than a used one, couldn’t pass it up. I’ve had several Freidmans over the years and they always sound good at first, but then I tire of the “idealized” Marshall sound they typically have. The Plex is different and so far (fingers crossed) I”m really liking it. There are a lot of sounds in this thing. The cleans are much better IMO than his typical clean channels and it does the Plexi thing very well and the bright switches are really useful. It can be bright and crisp but can also set to be warm with a bit of sag (low input and VAC engaged). 

The MV is OK, not good at TV levels as it adds gain at very low MV settings (barely cracked open), and sounds fizzy to me. I’m running it through a Boss TAE mainly to drop the volume a little add verb and delay, and get away from the fizz when I have to go really low in the house, also the cab I’m using does not have my favorite speakers currently so the TAE allows me to EQ it and fix some of the speaker issues. 

Overall I’m pretty impressed but not selling the SV20 yet. Time will tell. 

Edited September 10, 2025 by JES1680

[Jakeboy]

You have to decide what Plexi means and what P,exi tone you are looking for. A JTM-JMP-1974-2061 are all actual Plexis. When most people,e talk about the Plexi sound, they mean the JMP 1959 100 watter or the 1987 50 watter. But it can mean the JTM or the Bluesbreaker (JTM combo). And the  70s JMPs got hotter and brighter as the decade went on concluding with the JCM. 
The 1968 JMP circuit is considered by many t9 e the best, but horses for courses. My Valvetech 25 will do t(e tweed 5f6axJTM and JMP tones. My TopHatMini Junior HG has the 1968 preamp and will do  5f6a-JTM-JMP-JCM I like the versatility and those circuits varied based upon component values. Decide what Plexi tone/circuit  you want and grab one that is built to those specs and match speakers accordingly. The 50 watt JMP circuit with a 20 watt 6v6 power section does it for me at sane volumes and sounds like, well, a Plexi. Plenty great Marshall builders out there.

[RobB]

Why’re you confused, Brooks? Did l stutter?

[Dave Scepter]

On 9/7/2025 at 1:45 PM, RobB said:

I’m very happy with the Splawn. I haven’t heard a better, “modded Marshall”, sound. 

Agreed... Clink! 🍻

[LucSulla]

On 9/8/2025 at 5:17 PM, JES1680 said:

An update to my recommendation. Yes I’d still recommend the Marshall SV20 with a power station, but last I week came across a Friedman Plexi new for less than a used one, couldn’t pass it up. I’ve had several Freidmans over the years and they always sound good at first, but then I tire of the “idealized” Marshall sound they typically have. The Plex is different and so far (fingers crossed) I”m really liking it. There are a lot of sounds in this thing. The cleans are much better IMO than his typical clean channels and it does the Plexi thing very well and the bright switches are really useful. It can be bright and crisp but can also set to be warm with a bit of sag (low input and VAC engaged). 

The MV is OK, not good at TV levels as it adds gain at very low MV settings (barely cracked open), and sounds fizzy to me. I’m running it through a Boss TAE mainly to drop the volume a little add verb and delay, and get away from the fizz when I have to go really low in the house, also the cab I’m using does not have my favorite speakers currently so the TAE allows me to EQ it and fix some of the speaker issues. 

Overall I’m pretty impressed but not selling the SV20 yet. Time will tell. 

Those Plex's are the business. I have yet to actually play mine at a gig or even know how it will be useful beyond having. But I also know if I sell it, that also means giving up on owning a straight up Plexi. I have a Bogner Helios 50 too, which is killer in it's own way, but it's still not what this thing is as far as being the real deal. Skip the variac setting, crank the master, and set the bright switches the way they would be on a stock Plexi and you pretty much have a vintage, non-MV Marshall. I've never played a 68 Plexi, much less the one it's modeled on, but I've played more than a few old four-holers. It delivers the krang when cranked and will also absolutely humiliate you if you're playing a bit sloppy and not digging in for your life like an old Marshall. 

You're also right in that the MV is a bit dodgy, but I'm running it through a Fryette PS-2 anyway to have a loop. Amazing how close those things will get to being the same just quieter. 

I also agree about it vs. other Friedmans. Like I said in an early comment, it's a different animal than even the JEL series stuff, which is already far more open and raw than his other amps. 

 

[Stike]

12 hours ago, RobB said:

Why’re you confused, Brooks? Did l stutter?

Maybe because you said Brooks when you were quoting Bubs?

[kizanski]

8 minutes ago, Stike said:

Maybe because you said Brooks when you were quoting Bubs?

Yes, that can be confusing.

[RobB]

1 hour ago, Stike said:

Maybe because you said Brooks when you were quoting Bubs?

Oh. So my brain stuttered. Woopsie.

[topekatj]

Anyone have any experience with the JTM45 Reissue that was produced during the early 2000’s? Would seem to check many boxes

• 2x 5881
• 3 x 12AX7
• GZ34 recto
• 4 inputs 
• 30 watts output

I realize that it’s not PTP, but

[MPR]

Have you looked at the Kingsley Constable? It's a proper JTM45 preamp in pedal format, which you can run into the effects return of your Friedman to bypass the amp's front end and drive the power amp directly. For full-on Plexi overdrive at lower volumes, put a Kingsley Hatchet after the Constable.

The Hatchet is basically a phase inverter tube in a pedal, so you can slam it with a high output volume from the Constable and get overdrive the way a Plexi does by pushing the power section, and then drop the Hatchet's output volume for whatever you actually want coming out of your amp (or to feed other pedals you might want post-distortion, such as delay and reverb).

I haven't personally tried these, but I use the Kingsley Juggler (Dumble ODS preamp) and Page TS in my main rig, and they are killer. Here's a demo from Simon, the guy who makes all these (and a fantastic guitar player): 

 

[Kookaburra]

On 8/6/2025 at 7:28 PM, Jakeboy said:

Ok…you prolly know what I am gonna say..,here are two KILLER options:

1. TopHat Mini Junior High Gain (HG) combo in 20 watts..,a 1968 JMP preamp married to a 20 watt 6v6 output section. Does tweed Bassman-JTM-JMP-JCM with some preamp tweaks. A perfect plexi for me. Order one and wait for Brian to build it…or..,

2. Retro Rockitt 50 watt JMP Plexi head in black and tan, I’ll meet you in St Louis to deliver, we’ll have a couple Old Fashioneds and you can pay the true owner (HFC mystery) if you like it.,,which you most certainly will.

Both are fucking rocking plexi options.

 

Oh, and @RobB is so very correct, a treble booster into a plexi is a wonderful thing.

I’ve a Rockittretro 50, with the PPIMV option.  Supersmallbox option, which is an option a guy in India talked Kevin into, because he used public transit.  Worked for me, because I was using light rail in Phoenix.  Killer amp.

[Disturber]

On 10/3/2025 at 6:12 AM, MPR said:

Have you looked at the Kingsley Constable? It's a proper JTM45 preamp in pedal format, which you can run into the effects return of your Friedman to bypass the amp's front end and drive the power amp directly. For full-on Plexi overdrive at lower volumes, put a Kingsley Hatchet after the Constable.

The Hatchet is basically a phase inverter tube in a pedal, so you can slam it with a high output volume from the Constable and get overdrive the way a Plexi does by pushing the power section, and then drop the Hatchet's output volume for whatever you actually want coming out of your amp (or to feed other pedals you might want post-distortion, such as delay and reverb).

I haven't personally tried these, but I use the Kingsley Juggler (Dumble ODS preamp) and Page TS in my main rig, and they are killer. Here's a demo from Simon, the guy who makes all these (and a fantastic guitar player): 

 

It sounds really great. But not really mean and bold like a plexi (or a JTM45). Something is missing. It's to polite and polished.

[LucSulla]

*Fast forward to the playing around 2:05. I don't have a VO mic here, so my voice is just what the speaker mic picked up in room. The guitar is A LOT louder.*

I made this incredibly shitty video today for my local post selling my Vintage Modern. The one thing good about it is that it does run through all the sounds pretty well. 

It makes me not want to get rid of it, but I just own too many amps. This one hurts the least. I'm also not trying to sell it here, but I thought some of you might appreciate hearing what they sound like since I've been going on about it for a couple of years now. 

I only use the most flattering camera angles as well. 
 

 

Edited December 27, 2025 by LucSulla