What is the primary purpose of the Marshall 1959 Amp Series Pedal?

The pedal is designed to emulate the legendary overdrive and crunch tones of the classic Marshall 1959 'Plexi' amplifier in a compact, portable stompbox format.

Is the pedal suitable for live performance?

Yes, it features a robust build designed for the demands of gigging and includes an illuminated foot pedal for better visibility on dark stages.

What kind of power supply does the Marshall 1959 pedal require?

Like most standard guitar pedals, it typically requires a DC power supply. Always check the specific voltage requirements on the unit to ensure safe operation.

Does this pedal produce fuzz or overdrive?

It is designed to produce authentic overdrive and crunch tones. While it can reach high saturation, it is distinct from fuzz pedals like the Electro Harmonix Big Muff.

Can I use this pedal for heavy metal?

While it excels at classic rock crunch, it may require a boost or an additional distortion pedal for modern high-gain metal genres. It provides a solid foundation for 'Plexi' style grit.

Is the pedal difficult to dial in?

No, the pedal features straightforward tone controls designed for quick and hassle-free sound shaping, making it accessible for players of all levels.

How does the illuminated foot pedal work?

The foot pedal is backlit to ensure the user can clearly see the status and position of the effect even in low-light environments typical of live music venues.

What is the typical price for this pedal?

The Marshall 1959 Amp Series Pedal is typically priced at approximately £119, making it a mid-range option for guitarists.

Is this pedal a digital or analogue emulation?

Marshall designed this pedal to provide an authentic recreation of their 1959 circuit's response. It is intended to behave like a valve amplifier's preamp stage.

Can this pedal be used with a bass guitar?

While designed for electric guitar, many guitarists use Marshall-style drives on bass for added grit. However, it is voiced specifically for guitar frequencies.

Does the pedal include a noise gate?

No, it does not have a built-in noise gate. Players using high gain settings may wish to pair it with a dedicated unit like the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor.

Who is the target audience for this pedal?

It is aimed at touring musicians and hobbyists alike who want the iconic 'Plexi' sound without the need for a large, expensive vintage amplifier head.

Gear article

Marshall 1959 Amp Series Pedal

The Marshall 1959 Amp Series Pedal is a compact guitar effects unit designed to emulate the overdrive and crunch tones of the historic Marshall 1959 'Plexi' amplifier. It provides a portable alternative to full-sized valve heads for guitarists seeking traditional rock sounds in a pedalboard-friendly format.

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Overview

The Marshall 1959 Amp Series Pedal is a modern stompbox designed to capture the essence of rock history. It aims to replicate the legendary sound of the iconic Marshall 1959 amplifier, commonly referred to as the 'Plexi'. The pedal is engineered for musicians who require authentic Marshall crunch and overdrive without the logistical challenges of transporting a vintage valve amplifier.

Design and Build Quality

Constructed with a focus on durability, the pedal features a robust chassis designed to withstand the rigours of touring and frequent gigging. A standout functional feature is the illuminated foot pedal, which provides high visibility and ease of control on dimly lit stages. The layout is intentionally straightforward, allowing for quick tone shaping during live performances or recording sessions.

Sound and Character

The pedal focuses on delivering authentic overdrive and crunch tones. It is designed to mimic the saturated power-amp character of the original 1959 hardware, offering the harmonic complexity and mid-range punch associated with classic rock. The controls allow users to shape their sound efficiently, ranging from light grit to more aggressive, saturated textures.

Market Position and Suitability

At a retail price point of approximately £119, the pedal is positioned as an accessible option for both hobbyists and professional touring musicians. It serves as an effective solution for players who use clean platforms (such as those pairing it with a Yamaha FC7 Expression Pedal or Boss DD-3T Digital Delay) but require a dedicated 'Plexi' style drive channel. It is often used alongside utility pedals like the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor to maintain signal integrity during high-gain use.

Comparison to Alternatives

While boutique manufacturers offer various 'Plexi-in-a-box' solutions, the Marshall 1959 Amp Series Pedal provides an official brand alternative. Compared to high-gain pedals like the Electro Harmonix Big Muff with Tone Wicker, the Marshall pedal offers a more traditional amp-like overdrive rather than fuzz. For players seeking modulation, it can be complemented by pedals like the Fender Hammertone Flanger or the Behringer UC200, though its primary role remains core tone generation.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Marshall 1959 Amp Series Pedal?: The pedal is designed to emulate the legendary overdrive and crunch tones of the classic Marshall 1959 'Plexi' amplifier in a compact, portable stompbox format.
Is the pedal suitable for live performance?: Yes, it features a robust build designed for the demands of gigging and includes an illuminated foot pedal for better visibility on dark stages.
What kind of power supply does the Marshall 1959 pedal require?: Like most standard guitar pedals, it typically requires a DC power supply. Always check the specific voltage requirements on the unit to ensure safe operation.
Does this pedal produce fuzz or overdrive?: It is designed to produce authentic overdrive and crunch tones. While it can reach high saturation, it is distinct from fuzz pedals like the Electro Harmonix Big Muff.
Can I use this pedal for heavy metal?: While it excels at classic rock crunch, it may require a boost or an additional distortion pedal for modern high-gain metal genres. It provides a solid foundation for 'Plexi' style grit.
Is the pedal difficult to dial in?: No, the pedal features straightforward tone controls designed for quick and hassle-free sound shaping, making it accessible for players of all levels.
How does the illuminated foot pedal work?: The foot pedal is backlit to ensure the user can clearly see the status and position of the effect even in low-light environments typical of live music venues.
What is the typical price for this pedal?: The Marshall 1959 Amp Series Pedal is typically priced at approximately £119, making it a mid-range option for guitarists.
Is this pedal a digital or analogue emulation?: Marshall designed this pedal to provide an authentic recreation of their 1959 circuit's response. It is intended to behave like a valve amplifier's preamp stage.
Can this pedal be used with a bass guitar?: While designed for electric guitar, many guitarists use Marshall-style drives on bass for added grit. However, it is voiced specifically for guitar frequencies.
Does the pedal include a noise gate?: No, it does not have a built-in noise gate. Players using high gain settings may wish to pair it with a dedicated unit like the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor.
Who is the target audience for this pedal?: It is aimed at touring musicians and hobbyists alike who want the iconic 'Plexi' sound without the need for a large, expensive vintage amplifier head.