Marshall MR1974X

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Marshall MR1974X

Marshall

MR1974X

4.9 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 171170
Brand: Marshall
Model: MR1974X
Price: $2,308.90

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

This MR1974X is a genuine piece of Marshall history, capturing the essence of a '60s British combo. It’s an 18-watt marvel that’s surprisingly versatile for a single-channel amp, offering everything from sparkling cleans to gritty blues tones. Ideal for players seeking a focused, vintage Marshall experience in a smaller package – think recording studios, intimate gigs, or home practice.

Product Description

Marshall MR1974X, Guitar Combo

The Marshall 1x 12" combo with the model number" 1974 "is one of the most coveted collectors' items ever to leave Jim Marshall's Amp Factory. These probably most purist of marshals were made only from 1966 to 1968, and then replaced by richer equipped models. But the secret of their direct and defined sound character lies in their minimal equipment. Connoisseurs especially appreciate that this amp is not lacking in versatility, because its tube rectification enables the 1974 in conjunction with the 18 watt EL84 power amplifier, if necessary, to become a boldly overdriven Bluescombo, as soon as the volume controller is properly cranked.

Of course, the rare Celestion Greenback T1221 15 Ohm / 20 Watt Speaker (with ceramic magnet) had a big part in the characteristic sound of the 1974 Combos. For the 2004 HandwiredReissue of the classic, the model 1974X, this Celestion Speaker was reproduced exactly according to historical specifications. The hand-wired reissues of the old classics perfectly reproduce the sound of their originals. There are small differences in some equipment details:

  • In contrast to the 1974X the original had no impedance selector and the speakers and footswitches were hardwired. Additionally
  • the anodes and mains fuses were not accessible from the outside
  • but without these improvements the new 2004 edition would probably hardly be timely. Finally
  • the additional 1974CX did not exist at that time. Furthermore
  • the original was of course not provided with the relevant features such as a euro mains plug
  • flame retardant fabrics
  • fibreglass soldering strip and aluminium protective grid for tube cover. The reissue thus represents an authentic reproduction with user-oriented improvements. In terms of sound
  • equipment
  • production process and materials used (for example the classic aluminum chassis)
  • both device variants are of course exactly identical.
  • Tube amplifier (3x ECC83
  • 2x EL84
  • 1x EZ8)
  • Completely handwired
  • Original reproduction of the 1974 Combos
  • 1 x 12" Greenback Special Edition Speaker
  • 18 Watt amplifier
  • Tube rectification
  • Two input channels
  • Tube tremolo
  • Includes vintage footswitch
PROS
  • • Authentic 1960s Marshall tone, remarkably clean and responsive.
  • • EL84 power tubes deliver a classic British overdrive when pushed.
  • • Vintage Celestion Greenback speaker provides a raw, punchy, and articulate sound.
  • • Tube rectification contributes to the amp’s dynamic response and compression.
CONS
  • • Limited wattage makes it unsuitable for very loud stage environments.
  • • Premium-priced, reflecting its historical significance and limited production.
  • • Single channel design restricts versatility for players needing extensive tonal shaping.

Product Video

Key Features

Power (Watts) 18
Tubes ECC83 (12AX7) x 2 Preamp, ECC83 (12AX7) x 1 Phase Inverter, EL84 x 2 Power
Speaker Celestion Greenback T1221 15 Ohm / 20 Watt
Channels 1
Effects None
Weight 38 lbs

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Greenback delivers a tighter, more mid-focused tone with a raw, almost vocal quality – less scooped than many modern Celestions, offering more vintage character.
While it can handle some crunch, its 18 watts and Greenback speaker are best suited for blues, classic rock, and lighter genres; heavier styles might feel underpowered.
Tube rectification gives the amp a softer feel and more natural compression compared to solid-state rectification, resulting in a more dynamic and responsive playing experience.

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