This Marshall 1987X Vintage Reissue Amplifier Head recreates the character of Marshall's celebrated 50-watt non-master-volume amplifiers, delivering the dynamic cleans, powerful crunch and unmistakable upper-mid bite associated with classic Plexi-era British amplification.

Made in the UK, the 1987X is an all-valve 50W head built around three ECC83 valves and two EL34 power valves, with two bridgeable channels, four inputs and the traditional independent Normal and High Treble volume controls.

Unlike the original vintage circuit, the reissue adds a switchable series effects loop, making it easier to integrate delays, modulation and other effects while retaining the simple front-panel architecture.

This example is presented in Very Good Condition and has been serviced. A full service note is supplied with the amplifier, documenting the work carried out.

An amplifier cover is also included.

At A Glance

Detail	Specification
Brand	Marshall
Model	1987X Vintage Reissue
Type	Valve Guitar Amplifier Head
Output	50W
Technology	All-Valve
Channels	2, Bridgeable
Inputs	4 x 1/4" High/Low Sensitivity
Preamp Valves	3 x ECC83 including Phase Splitter
Power Valves	2 x EL34
EQ	Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence
Channel Volumes	High Treble / Loudness I, Normal / Loudness II
Effects Loop	Switchable Series
Speaker Outputs	2 x 1/4"
Impedance	Selectable 4Ω / 8Ω / 16Ω
Country of Manufacture	UK
Condition	Very Good
Service Status	Serviced
Included	Amp Cover & Full Service Note

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This Marshall 1987X Vintage Reissue is presented in Very Good Condition.

It shows some cosmetic signs of previous use consistent with careful ownership while remaining fully operational.

As with any pre-owned amplifier, minor signs of use may be visible across areas such as:

• Cabinet covering
• Corners
• Control panel
• Handles
• Knobs
• Hardware

These are reflected in the Very Good condition grade.

Serviced Amplifier

A particularly valuable point with this example is that the amplifier has been serviced.

A full service note is supplied with the amplifier, giving the next owner a documented record of the work carried out.

No unsupported assumptions are made regarding specific replaced components or valve changes beyond the information contained within that service documentation.

What's Included?

✔ Marshall 1987X Vintage Reissue Amplifier Head
✔ Amplifier Cover
✔ Full Service Note

✘ Speaker Cabinet Not Included

No additional accessories are included unless pictured or stated.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Marshall amplifier has been checked for general operation.

Assessment includes:

• High Treble channel
• Normal channel
• High-sensitivity inputs
• Low-sensitivity inputs
• Channel volume controls
• Treble control
• Middle control
• Bass control
• Presence control
• Effects loop
• Speaker outputs
• Impedance selector
• Valve-amplifier operation
• General switches and controls
• Cabinet condition
• General functional performance

Service Documentation

The supplied service note accompanies the amplifier and provides a useful record of its servicing history.

This is particularly valuable on a valve amplifier, where documented maintenance provides useful information for the next owner.

The service note should be retained with the amplifier for future reference.

What Makes The Marshall 1987X Special?

The 1987X is built around one of Marshall's most important amplifier formats: the classic 50-watt, two-channel, four-input non-master-volume head.

Rather than creating distortion through a dedicated preamp-gain control, the amplifier develops its signature crunch as the channel volumes and valve stages are driven harder. This gives it an exceptionally dynamic relationship with the guitar's volume control and the player's picking attack.

At lower settings it can deliver bright, open cleans; pushed harder, it moves into the aggressive crunch and singing lead character closely associated with classic British rock.

50W All-Valve Output

The 1987X delivers:

50 watts

through a pair of EL34 power valves.

Compared with a 100-watt Marshall head, the 50-watt format typically reaches power-stage drive at a somewhat more accessible level while still providing substantial stage volume and headroom.

This remains a powerful professional amplifier.

EL34 Power Section

The power amplifier uses:

2 x EL34

EL34 valves are fundamental to the traditional British Marshall sound, contributing:

• Strong upper mids
• Harmonic richness
• Firm low frequencies
• Dynamic compression when driven
• Classic rock crunch

ECC83 Preamp Section

The amplifier uses:

• 2 x ECC83 preamp valves
• 1 x ECC83 phase splitter

The ECC83 architecture contributes to the familiar Marshall gain structure and responsive interaction between guitar, amplifier and power stage.

Two Bridgeable Channels

The amplifier has two channels:

High Treble / Loudness I

The brighter channel provides:

• Greater upper-frequency presence
• More bite
• Aggressive classic-rock attack
• Strong articulation

Normal / Loudness II

The Normal channel provides:

• Fuller low frequencies
• Smoother treble
• Warmer clean tones
• Broader body

Four Inputs

Each channel provides:

• High-sensitivity input
• Low-sensitivity input

giving a total of:

4 x 1/4" instrument inputs

This traditional arrangement allows different input levels and channel configurations.

Channel Bridging

One of the defining techniques associated with four-input Marshall amplifiers is channel bridging, sometimes called jumping the channels.

A short patch cable can link the two channels, allowing their respective volume controls to be blended.

This gives the player control over the balance between:

• Bright High Treble character
• Fuller Normal-channel response

and greatly expands the amplifier's tonal range.

Non-Master-Volume Design

The 1987X uses the traditional non-master-volume architecture.

There is no separate preamp Gain and Master Volume arrangement.

Instead, the amplifier's overdrive develops as the channel volumes and valve stages are pushed.

This provides:

• Strong touch sensitivity
• Excellent guitar-volume response
• Natural valve compression
• Rich harmonic overdrive
• Highly interactive playing dynamics

Traditional EQ

Tone controls consist of:

• Treble
• Middle
• Bass
• Presence

The EQ works interactively, as expected from a traditional Marshall valve amplifier.

Presence Control

The Presence control operates within the power-amplifier feedback circuit rather than functioning as a conventional additional treble control.

Increasing Presence can give the sound:

• More bite
• Additional cut
• Greater perceived immediacy

This becomes particularly useful when balancing the amplifier against different speaker cabinets.

Switchable Series Effects Loop

Unlike the original vintage 1987 design, the reissue includes a:

Switchable series effects loop

This allows suitable effects to be placed later in the signal path.

It is particularly useful for:

• Delay
• Reverb pedals
• Modulation
• Rack effects
• Multi-effects processors

Selectable Speaker Impedance

The amplifier provides selectable speaker loads of:

• 4Ω
• 8Ω
• 16Ω

The amplifier must always be connected to a suitable speaker cabinet with the impedance selector correctly matched before use.

Dual Speaker Outputs

Two 1/4" speaker outputs allow suitable cabinet configurations to be connected.

Correct total impedance must always be observed.

Made In The UK

The Marshall 1987X is made in the UK at Marshall's British manufacturing facility.

This places it within Marshall's UK-built Vintage Reissue range.

Classic Plexi-Inspired Styling

The 1987X carries the traditional visual identity associated with vintage Marshall amplifiers, including:

• Black covering
• Gold front panel
• White script Marshall logo
• Classic control layout
• Compact 50-watt head cabinet

Suitable Speaker Cabinets

The 1987X can be partnered with an appropriately rated:

• 1x12
• 2x12
• 4x12

provided the cabinet can safely handle the amplifier's output and its impedance matches the selected amplifier setting.

Classic pairings include cabinets loaded with British-voiced speakers such as Greenback- and Creamback-style designs.

Pedal Platform

Although celebrated for its natural valve overdrive, the 1987X also responds exceptionally well to pedals.

Particularly effective choices include:

• Treble boosters
• Overdrives
• Fuzz pedals
• Boost pedals
• Wah
• Delay
• Modulation

A boost or overdrive into an already working 1987X can produce some of the most recognisable classic-rock guitar sounds.

Guitar Volume Interaction

The non-master-volume circuit responds extremely well to changes from the guitar.

With the amplifier driven, rolling the guitar volume back can clean the sound considerably without requiring a channel change.

This allows experienced players to move between:

• Cleaner rhythm
• Crunch
• Full overdrive

directly from the guitar.

Who Is It For?

Classic-rock guitarists – One of the definitive Marshall amplifier formats.

Blues-rock players – Dynamic valve breakup responds beautifully to touch.

Hard-rock players – Powerful crunch and upper-mid attack work exceptionally well for heavier rhythm.

Pedal users – Excellent platform for boosts, fuzz and overdrive.

Vintage-amp enthusiasts – Traditional four-input control layout with the practicality of an effects loop.

Studio guitarists – Highly responsive and capable of producing a wide range of classic British tones.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Classic rock
• Blues rock
• Hard rock
• Rock
• Heavy rock
• Garage rock
• Vintage-inspired metal
• Alternative
• Indie
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Pedal-based rigs

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Guitar Amplifier Head
Brand	Marshall
Model	1987X Vintage Reissue
Range	Vintage Reissue
Technology	All-Valve
Output Power	50W
Channels	2, Bridgeable
Inputs	4 x 1/4" Instrument
Input Types	High / Low Sensitivity
High Treble Volume	Loudness I
Normal Volume	Loudness II
EQ	Treble, Middle, Bass
Additional Control	Presence
Effects Loop	Switchable Series
Built-In Effects	None
Preamp Valves	2 x ECC83
Phase Splitter	1 x ECC83
Power Valves	2 x EL34
Speaker Outputs	2 x 1/4"
Output Impedance	Selectable 4Ω / 8Ω / 16Ω
Width	660mm
Height	260mm
Depth	205mm
Manufacturer Weight	Approx. 34 lbs
Country of Manufacture	UK
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good
Serviced	Yes
Included	Amp Cover & Full Service Note

Speaker Cabinet Safety

This is an amplifier head and must not be operated without a suitable speaker load connected, unless used with specialist equipment specifically designed to provide the correct load.

Before switching the amplifier on:

1. Connect a suitable speaker cabinet using a proper speaker cable.
2. Confirm the cabinet impedance.
3. Set the amplifier impedance selector correctly.
4. Confirm the cabinet can safely handle the amplifier's output.

Do not use a standard guitar/instrument cable as a speaker lead.

Valve Maintenance

Valve amplifiers require periodic maintenance.

The exact service requirements depend on use, valve condition and operating environment.

Marshall specifies that replacement power valves require correct bias adjustment.

The supplied full service note provides useful documentation relating to this individual amplifier's servicing.

Service History Advantage

Buying a serviced valve amplifier with accompanying documentation offers a useful advantage over an amplifier with no maintenance information.

The supplied service note can help future owners and technicians understand the amplifier's recent maintenance history.

Power Requirements

The Marshall 1987X is a mains-powered valve amplifier.

Always ensure the amplifier is set for the correct local mains supply before use.

No external power supply is required.

Amplifier Cover

An amp cover is included.

This provides useful protection against:

• Dust
• Light surface marks
• Storage wear

when the amplifier is not in use.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

The Marshall 1987X Vintage Reissue is one of the purest routes into the classic 50-watt Marshall sound.

Its non-master-volume architecture, bridgeable High Treble and Normal channels, EL34 power section and traditional four-input layout provide the dynamic response and harmonic overdrive that helped define generations of British rock guitar.

The addition of a switchable series effects loop gives the reissue a useful practical advantage while preserving the straightforward vintage-style signal path.

This particular example is especially appealing because it has been serviced and comes with a full service note documenting the work, giving the next owner valuable maintenance information.

Presented in Very Good Condition and supplied with an amplifier cover, it is a strong choice for players looking for an authentic UK-built Marshall valve head with documented servicing.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Every pre-owned amplifier at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed so its condition, included accessories and important service information are clearly represented.

This Marshall is offered with:

• Very Good condition
• UK-made construction
• 50W all-valve design
• Serviced
• Full service note supplied
• Amp cover included

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with pre-owned amplification
• Pre-owned equipment individually assessed
• Clear condition grading
• Important servicing information clearly disclosed
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing amplifier, guitar or other equipment could help towards your next purchase.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current equipment could be worth towards this Marshall 1987X Vintage Reissue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Marshall 1987X in?

It is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some cosmetic signs consistent with careful previous use while remaining fully operational.

Has the amplifier been serviced?

Yes. The amplifier has been serviced.

Is there documentation for the service?

Yes. A full service note is supplied with the amplifier.

What exactly was carried out during the service?

The detailed work is documented in the supplied service note. No additional service work is claimed beyond that documentation.

Does it come with a cover?

Yes. An amplifier cover is included.

How powerful is the 1987X?

It is rated at 50W.

Is it a valve amplifier?

Yes. It is an all-valve amplifier.

What power valves does it use?

It uses 2 x EL34 power valves.

What preamp valves does it use?

It uses 2 x ECC83 preamp valves plus 1 x ECC83 phase splitter.

How many channels does it have?

It has two bridgeable channels: High Treble and Normal.

How many inputs does it have?

It has four 1/4" inputs, with high- and low-sensitivity inputs for each channel.

Can you bridge the channels?

Yes. The two channels can be linked using a short patch cable, allowing the High Treble and Normal channel volumes to be blended.

Does it have a master volume?

No. It is a traditional non-master-volume design.

How does it produce overdrive?

Its characteristic overdrive develops as the channel volume and valve stages are driven harder.

Does it have an effects loop?

Yes. It has a switchable series effects loop.

Does it have built-in reverb?

No.

Does it include any built-in effects?

No.

What speaker impedance does it support?

It offers selectable 4Ω, 8Ω and 16Ω operation.

Does it include a speaker cabinet?

No. This listing is for the amplifier head only.

Can it be used without a speaker cabinet?

It must be connected to a suitable speaker load during normal operation. Never run a valve amplifier head without the correct load.

Is it made in the UK?

Yes. The 1987X is Made in the UK.

Is the 1987X a Plexi-style amplifier?

Yes. It is part of Marshall's Vintage Reissue range and recreates the company's classic 50-watt non-master-volume amplifier format.

Is 50W loud?

Yes. A 50W valve amplifier can produce extremely high sound-pressure levels and is suitable for professional stage use.

Is it good with pedals?

Yes. The 1987X works exceptionally well with overdrives, boosts, fuzzes and other traditional guitar effects.

Does it require power-valve biasing?

Marshall specifies that replacement power valves need to be correctly biased.

Can I part-exchange another amplifier against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of amplifiers, guitars and other musical equipment.