1995 Marshall Acoustic Soloist AS80R - Rare

The Marshall AS80R is 2-channel 80-watt (40W x 2) solid-state stereo acoustic combo amplifier. Marshall produced the Acoustic Soloist AS80R between 1994 and 1999. Launched in 1994, the AS80R was Marshall's first dedicated acoustic amplifier and the founding model of their successful AS Acoustic Series. Featuring two 10-inch custom-voiced Celestion speakers and two polymer dome tweeters for high-end clarity. It provides three channels (microphone, magnetic/aux, and transducer) with independent EQ, built-in analog chorus, and reverb. Renowned for a warm, natural sound, it includes anti-feedback filters. Manufactured in the United Kingdom.

Key features of the Marshall AS80R include:

• Power and Speakers: 80 Watts (Stereo, 40W per side) driving 2x10" Celestion K10L-50 speakers and two tweetere.
• Channels: Three distinct channels allowing for simultaneous use of a microphone, magnetic pickup, and piezoelectric transducer.
• Effects & Control: Built-in stereo analog chorus and spring reverb, plus two feedback-fighting filters (FB1/FB2).
• Design: Produced between 1994 and 1999, it features a distinctive brown covering.
• Usage: Ideal for live acoustic performances, providing high-fidelity, studio-quality sound in a portable combo format. 
• Origin: Manufactured in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. 
• Dimensions & Weight: 22"W x 15.5"H x 10.25"D; weighs approximately 51 lbs.

Channel Features

• Channel 1 (Microphone): Features a balanced XLR input, active volume, 3-band EQ, and a phase switch to prevent frequency cancellation.
• Channel 2 (Magnetic/Auxiliary): Designed for magnetic or piezo pickups, or for backing tracks/drum machines. A shift switch re-voices this channel for clean electric guitar (ideal for jazz or country).
• Channel 3 (Transducer): Specialized for piezo transducers, including a sweepable mid-range EQ, two anti-feedback filters (FB1 and FB2), and a unique Pick Attack control to adjust plectrum noise. 

Effects and Connectivity

• Built-in Effects: Includes stereo analog chorus (with resonance, intensity, and rate controls) and stereo spring reverb.
• Anti-Feedback: Features two narrow notch filters and a global Phase Reversal switch on the rear panel to eliminate unwanted overtones.
• Rear Panel Ports: Equipped with stereo line outputs (for PA/recording), an effects loop with stereo returns, and a footswitch jack for remote effect switching. 

Marshall Serial Numbering System: 1992 - 1997

In October of 1992 Marshall began using stickers printed with serial numbers and bar codes. These were comprised of nine digits in the format of xx-xxxxx-xx (though not always). These serial numbers can be decoded as follows:

• The first two numbers indicate the last two digits of the year of production.
• The middle five numbers indicate the production number.
• The last two numbers indicate the week of the year 01 being the first week of the year through to 52 being the last week of the year.

952760228

• 95 -1995
• 27602 - Production number
• 28 - 28th week: July 10 - 16, 1995

Used – Excellent

Price

$500

+ $250 Shipping

Published 12 years ago on April 28, 2014 By Jonathan Graham

Music giants Marshall Amplification are celebrating 20 years of one of its most successful guitar amplifier series’ to date.

Despite Marshall’s association with hard hitting electric guitar tones, since 1994 the iconic Bletchley-based amplifier brand has been producing their popular Acoustic Series and have now sold over 148,000 AS combos worldwide over the last 20 years.

Designed to be ultra clean and highly versatile, the Acoustic Series has been well road tested over the past 20 years and is today used by prestigious artists across the music industry, including songwriter Corey Taylor from Slipknot and Stone Sour, and acclaimed solo acoustic guitarist Pierre Bensusan.

The launch of the AS80R saw the beginning of the series in 1994. Following its success, the AS100D was introduced in 2000 and the latest addition to the Acoustic Series came in 2007 with the AS50D. The AS100D and AS50D have since gone onto become the first choice of many acoustic musicians.

Craig Glover, Brand Director at Marshall Amps, said:

“The AS Series has, from day one, combined faithful and detailed acoustic instrument amplification with workhorse dependability and over its 20 years it’s become the an industry benchmark for acoustic instrument amplifiers.

“Its longevity and continued popularity are testament to the AS Series’ straightforward design and its great sound.”

The 50 Watt AS50D has two specially designed 8″ Celestion speakers and a high fidelity polymer dome tweeter, for rich clean tones and brilliant highs.

Created for a variety of different acoustic instruments, the AS50D has a range of input features, so it can accommodate instruments with magnetic pickups, piezos and microphones, whether passive or condenser.

The digital FX, which includes studio-quality reverbs, are assignable to either or both channels, and can be balanced with FX in the FX loop. The AS50D is the perfect amp for intimate acoustic gigs.

Priced from £279 for the AS50D and from £500 for the AS100D, the range is available to buy through approved Marshall dealers.

Marshall has been designing and manufacturing guitar amps for five decades, and in recent years has successfully expanded the brand into state of the art music speakers (Hanwell and Stanmore), and personal headphones. The majority of their all-valve products are handmade at the company’s Bletchley production facility, and it’s this technology which produces that authentic, unmistakable Marshall sound.