1969-1970 Marshall Bluesbreaker 1961 Tremolo 4x10

1969-1970 Marshall Bluesbreaker Model 1961 50w Tremolo 4x10 JMP Plexi

Nope, this is not a geared up Marshall Popular or Artist. This probably is the worlds most famous guitar amplifier ever made: The legendary Marshall Bluesbreaker, model 1961.

This beast was made in England somewhere in between 1969 and 1970 and it is exactly why everyone wants a Plexi. It features the super rare 4x10 speaker configuration (model 1961, model 1962 is the 2x12) and has a fire breathing 50 WATTS output. The amp is all original except for a couple of replaced electrolytic capacitors and a changed speaker but the rest of the circuit is original including all of the transformers. It still has 3 x original matching Celestion 10" 9384 BC19 BC19 and DC9 Greenback speakers with 002 Pulsonic cones and a replacement Celestion 10" 9384 speaker from 1973. They're like the G12M in 10" size! Doesnt have the tremolo footswitch but you can either find a replacement or connect the 2 outter pins on the footswitch input connector.

The chassis label is signed off on September 25 1970 but most parts and components date to 1969. The original transformers (Drake OT 784-139, Drake PT 1202-118) are typical of the earlier versions (1967-1969) and all parts like the knobs, pots, electronics, board, wiring, stained basket weave grill cloth, tolex, chassis, cabinet, etc are original. The amp is in pretty good shape for its age and shows a lot of wear and tear from a hard but honest life on the road. The basket weave grillcloth has some stains to it (probably from hauling beers and moonshine up onto those chicken wired red neck stages) but overall the amp looks amazing and it has all the road warrior patina you ever wanted.

• Oh, and we almost forgot: this mammoth has THE SOUND!!!! *

The Bluesbreaker, which derives its nickname from being used by Eric Clapton with John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, is credited with delivering "The sound that launched British blues-rock in the mid-1960's." It was Marshall's first combo amplifier and was described as "arguably the most important in the company's history" and "the definitive rock amplifier."

According to the most widely accepted story, Eric Clapton wanted an amp that would fit in the boot of his car, so he asked Jim Marshall (whose store in London he frequented) to make him a combo amp powerful enough to use on stage. According to Robb Lawrence's The Early Years of the Les Paul Legacy, Jim Marshall initially gave Clapton a Model 1961 with 4×10inch speakers, which was soon replaced with a 2×12" Model 1962. Clapton used the combo amplifier with his 1960 Gibson Les Paul Standard nicknamed "Beano" after the comic book Clapton read on a picture on the John Mayall album.

Marshall's Model 1961/1962 combo amplifier entered the market at an affordable price: one third cheaper than a Vox AC30 and half the price of a Fender Bassman combo. It's reputation was cemented when Clapton, who had rejoined John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, used one to record Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton - a set of sessions now widely regarded as "historic". After that, the combo became known as the "Bluesbreaker."

Due to it's iconic status amongst collectors, the original '60's Bluesbreaker has become one of the most collectible and valuable vintage guitar amplifiers in the world.