Unbranded Marshall JTM 45 MK IV Bluesbreaker Model 1962 Copy Black
This Marshall Bluesbreaker is a bit of an enigma.
The amp is built with vintage parts, including the transformers. Mustard caps date to 1967 and 1968. Even the pots are vintage, though one is a modern replacement.
By late 1966 – early 1967, Marshall stopped using the GZ34 tube rectifier in all the models and started using a solid state rectifier instead. This amp is tube rectified, and two KT66 power tubes serve up the goods as did Marshalls from 1965 to 1967.
The cab has the appointments of Model 1962 amps from 1968 and 1969. The cabinet appears to be a reproduction. It is simply too clean and perfect to be from the late 60s.
The chassis is similarly clean. It is dimensionally correct, and the placement of mounting screws, etc is correct as well. All the screws that hold parts to the chassis look vintage.
The speakers do appear to be from the late 60s. They were reconed at some point and the original gaskets were replaced, removing the date codes that would help me nail down exactly what year they were made. The cable and plug that connect the speakers to the amp appears to be original 60's Marshall issue.
I bought this amp as part of a collection. There is no history that passed to me with the amp. I've stared at it, reviewed the pics, compared to vintage examples online. Perhaps someone had a mid-60s Bluesbreaker with a badly damaged chassis, and they re-housed it in a repro chassis, found a repro cabinet, and thus resurrected this beast.
I've had a couple 60s-looking Marshalls that were counterfeit reproductions - likely made by Music Ground in the UK. They became notorious for these builds as they were passed off as the real thing. There were signs with each of their amps that they were fakes, but they were quite realistic just the same. Unlike this amp, the parts were close, but not exactly correct compared to the originals. Transformers were robbed from Selmers and other vintage UK built amps. This amp's parts are correct. My experience with the counterfeit/copy amps gives me confidence in making the conclusion I did above.
The amp sounds absolutely amazing. There is no substitute for the tone you get from this configuration. The clean sounds are rich and punchy - you can feel the air move! The natural output stage overdrive is unmistakable. The amp runs strong and quiet. As mentioned, the parts all seem to be vintage. The input jacks are a little loose as such, and the bass potentiometer has one spot in it where the response bumps a bit. These parts work fine, they just have a little quirkiness to them.
This amp will blow your mind!
Case/Cover?: No
Color: Black
Dimensions: W30.25" x H22.5" x D10.5"
Weight: 70 lbs
Watts: 35 Watts
Date:
Where is Date Noted?:
Speaker 1 - 2 Brand: Celestion G12 M
Speaker 1 - 2 Size: 12"
Speaker Code: See Pics
Speaker 1 - 2 Cone: Original
Power Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
Choke Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
Output Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
Extension Speaker Out? No
Reverb or other effects?: Tremolo
Rectifier Tube: 5AR4
Rectifier Tube Brand: Sovtek
Power Tubes: 2 x KT66
Power Tube Brand: Gold Lion
Preamp Tubes: 4 x 12AX7
Preamp Tube Brand: Phillips, ?, Mazda, JJ
Filter Caps: Original
Pedal: Original
Pots/Codes: Original
Tolex/Tweed: Original
Grille: Original
Knobs: Original
Handle: Original
Power Cord: Original
Notes:
Shipping policy:
When you purchase this item you are hereby agreeing to this shipping policy. We remove tubes from amps that could be damaged in shipping. We remove the chassis from some amps so that the large transformers don't damage a chassis or cabinet. We remove heavy speakers from some amps so they don't damage baffles. These cases result in multiple box shipments, and they require the buyer to do some assembly on delivery. We do this because we have experienced shipping issues in the past, and this is our prevention measure. Vintage amps are sold as-is because they can need service intermittently. Everything is tested here in our shop on the way into our inventory, and again before shipping. We will cover shipping damage, but we cannot be responsible for the failure of vintage components in 20-to-50-plus year old amps. Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions. If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com. Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.
Buyer to pay prior to shipment via Paypal, wire transfer, credit card or other electronic means. Payment must clear before shipping. Certified checks and trades are accepted, however checks must clear before we will ship and trades must be received here and evaluated prior to shipment of our item.
All orders ship within three business days of the receipt of an order, usually faster. Tracking information will be automatically forwarded to all buyers. Buyers must retain all shipping materials in the event a return is necessary.
Returns accepted if the purchaser responds within 48 hours of receipt of an item and there is a discrepancy relating to the condition or originality of an item. Returns are not accepted for items that do not meet the needs or sonic tastes of clients due to the subjective nature, unless such concern is stated prior to the purchase. Any return for reasons other than incorrect advertising of condition or originality on the part of Mahar's Vintage Guitars shall be the responsibility of the buyer, which shall result in the buyer paying all shipping costs (to and from) their location.