
The Marshall Bluesbreaker Amp is a legendary guitar amplifier that's been a favorite among blues and rock musicians for decades. It's known for its rich, full-bodied tone that's perfect for playing the blues.
The Bluesbreaker Amp was originally designed in the 1960s by Marshall's founder, Jim Marshall, and his team. It features a 2x12" speaker configuration, which is a key factor in its distinctive sound.
This amp is a great choice for guitarists who want a warm, vintage tone that's perfect for playing the blues. It's also relatively easy to maintain and repair, thanks to its simple design.
The Amp
The Marshall 1962 Bluesbreaker Tube Combo Amplifier is a reissue of the iconic JTM45 amp, widely considered to be the definitive '60s Marshall. This legendary amp is based on the JTM45, with 30-watts of power channeled through dual 12" Celestion G12M Greenback speakers.
The 1962 Bluesbreaker's sonic sweetness comes courtesy of a GZ34 tube rectifier, which imparts the natural sustain and compression the JTM45 was famed for. You'll love how it sounds – and feels – to play through this amp.
The Marshall 1962 Bluesbreaker Tube Combo Amplifier has a straightforward control set that's all you need to craft a range of vintage '60s guitar tones.
Here are the key features of the Marshall 1962 Bluesbreaker Tube Combo Amplifier:
- Accurate reissue of the legendary JTM45 amplifier, with two 12" Celestion G12M Greenback speakers
- 30 watts of power – perfect for gigging and recording
- GZ34 tube rectifier adds natural, smooth compression and sustain to your tone
- Footswitchable tremolo sounds amazing
- Straightforward control set is all you need to craft a range of vintage '60s guitar tones
Features
The Marshall Bluesbreaker amp is a classic. It's great for blues and rock music, and its handwired circuitry is a big part of its sound.
This amp is known for its clear and articulate tone, with a strong midrange presence that's perfect for cutting through a mix.
1962 Combo Amp Specs
The 1962 Bluesbreaker Combo Amp is a significant piece of equipment, and understanding its specs is crucial for guitar enthusiasts.
It measures 29-1/4"W x 23-3/4"H x 10-1/2"D (740 x 600 x 265mm).
If you're planning to purchase this amp, be aware that it weighs 66.6 lbs. (30.2kg).
Musician's Friend offers free standard ground shipping for the 1962 Bluesbreaker Combo Amp, but this service is only available for the contiguous 48 states.
Orders placed before 3 p.m. ET usually ship the same business day, which is great for those who need their amp quickly.
Every guitar or bass purchased from Musician's Friend comes with two years of protection from manufacturer defects, giving you peace of mind.
For your interest: Marshall Dsl Combo Amp
1971 Marshall 1962
The 1971 Marshall 1962 is a true rock amplifier. Internally, it appears to be in pristine condition with no signs of modifications.
This amp was leaving the factory around May 1971, as indicated by the inspection label. It's still fitted with pre-Rola Greenback speakers.
These speakers, paired with the Marshall amp, create a great sounding combo with an evocative tone. Sometimes all you need is a dimed Marshall and a guitar lead.
It's worth noting that these amps are quite large and heavy, but their impact on rock music is undeniable.
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Pros and Details
The Marshall Bluesbreaker amp is a great choice for anyone looking for a classic sound. It has an extremely faithful build that's reminiscent of the original amps from the 60s.
One of the standout features of this amp is its organic, natural-sounding tone. This is perfect for musicians who want to capture the authentic sound of the original blues and rock music.
If you're looking for an amp that looks as good as it sounds, the Marshall Bluesbreaker is a great option. Its classic looks will add a touch of nostalgia to any stage or studio setup.
Modification

The Bluesbreaker's design is rooted in the Fender Bassman, and in fact, it's possible to create a similar sound by modifying a Bassman.
In February 1993, Guitar Player magazine published a modification to create an approximate Bluesbreaker by tweaking a Bassman.
This modification shows that with some adjustments, you can get close to the Bluesbreaker's iconic sound.
The original Bluesbreaker was released in the late 1960s and quickly gained popularity among guitarists.
Its unique tone and versatility made it a favorite among many musicians.
Pros
One of the standout features of this product is its extremely faithful build. It's clear that a lot of attention to detail has gone into creating a product that feels authentic and natural.
The organic, natural-sounding tone is a huge plus, making it perfect for those who want a more traditional sound. The classic looks are also a big draw, giving the product a timeless feel that won't go out of style anytime soon.
Listening and Experience
The 1962 Bluesbreaker amp is a legendary piece of history that still proves incredibly popular among players today. It's a pure piece of heritage that exudes amazing tone.
The amp's vintage dual-channel design allows you to plug into either the normal or bright channels, with only one volume control active. Alternatively, you can use a small jumper lead to connect both pairs of channel inputs, making both channels active.
The Normal channel is quite dark, while the Bright channel is very bright, especially if you use a guitar with single coils. In jumper mode, you can use both volume controls to mix and blend the two channels to taste.
Turn the volume controls up around halfway and you'll start to hear the amp respond in a very organic way - almost alive. This is where the magic happens, and the KT66s start to overdrive and fatten up the tone.
Using a guitar with a good Les Paul, such as a PAF-loaded Standard, will get you close to duplicating Clapton's classic tones on tracks like All Your Love and Double Crossing Time. Just turn the amp up all the way to 10 and go for it - the response is organic and alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Bluesbreaker a JTM45?
The Bluesbreaker is similar to a JTM45, but with a unique twist: a bias-driven tremolo circuit is added to the classic design. It's not a direct copy, but rather an evolution of the iconic JTM45.
What Marshall amp did Van Halen use?
Van Halen used a 1967 or 1968 Marshall 1959 Super Lead on their first six records. This iconic amp helped shape the band's signature sound.
How many watts is a Bluesbreaker?
The Marshall 1962 Bluesbreaker Tube Combo Amplifier produces 30 watts of power. This makes it suitable for live performances and recording sessions.
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