Marshall 2061x hand wired 2x12 half stack
This review will be shorter than my previous review of the Marshall 1974, as much of my comments will be redundant.
The 2061x head w/ extension cabinet is a reproduction of the old classic Marshall 20 watt Lead/ Bass amp also from the 60’s. It utilizes two EL 84’s for the power amp section and, a pair of 12ax7’s for the preamp section respectively.
This amp has two channels similar to the non master volume Marshall Super Leads and such. As is present on those amps this amp has two distinctly different sounding channel, one bassy and one trebly. When combined they sound absolutely fantastic and makes getting a consistent sound w/ single coil and humbucking guitars a breeze.
The overdrive on this amp is breathtaking; I dare say even better then the 18 watter. This I think is due to the combining of the channels, but mostly I think it’s from the cabinet (which incidentally hold two greenback special formula speakers). The amp seemed to be a much better fit to the Strat especially.
The Les Paul sounded great through it, especially when cranking the treble channel at 10 and the bass channel at about 7 or 8. What a great sound!
Now honestly I cannot see myself lugging this 20 watt half stack around to gigs for the obvious reasons (stage size, weight and portability). Plus it’s so damn pretty that if anyone knocked it over or such I would have to beat them silly w/ an 8 track version of Led Zeppelin 2.
This amp seems to be a more versatile amp then the 1974x w/ the additional headroom and tonal capabilities, but for my applications it does not sport enough clean headroom to be the “A” amp.
This amp I feel is well worth the money although I don’t think it’s a steal breadwise like the 1974x is. If I had to choose between the two, I would pick the 1/2 stack for its versatility of tones and its ass kicking sound and the combo for its monolithic no frills, can’t mess it up simplicity.
Joey Leone fall 2005