The Amp That Built Rock
Few pieces of gear have shaped the sound of modern music as much as the Marshall Plexi, officially known as the Super Lead 1959. First introduced in the mid-1960s, this 100-watt tube amplifier quickly became the weapon of choice for guitarists looking to push rock into louder, heavier, and more expressive territory.
What Made the Plexi Special?
Unlike earlier amplifiers designed for clean headroom, the Plexi thrived when pushed to its limits. Cranking the volume past halfway drove its EL34 power tubes into a warm, natural overdrive that no pedal could match at the time. Paired with the now-famous Marshall 4x12 cabinet, the Plexi delivered a wall of sound—thick, harmonically rich, and loud enough to fill stadiums.
The Plexi’s Legacy
From Hendrix to Van Halen, shaved punk heads to mullets, the Plexi has been at the heart of countless iconic guitar tones. It became synonymous with raw power and musical aggression.
If you’ve ever heard a ripping rock anthem from the late 60s through even today, chances are you are hearing a Plexi, or an emulation trying to be one.
The Plexi isn’t just a relic—it’s still the benchmark for “big rock tone”. Even when modern bands aren’t lugging vintage heads, they’re often using Plexi reissues, boutique clones, or digital modelers (like Kemper/Helix) programmed with Plexi profiles.
