Marshall

JMP 1959 – 1978 Super Lead 100 Watt

Fully Serviced

A superb 1978 Marshall JMP 1959 Super Lead, one of the most iconic guitar amplifiers ever built. Long before the arrival of the JCM800, the 1959 Super Lead had already cemented its place in rock history, powering the sound of Hendrix, Page, Blackmore, Van Halen and countless other legendary players.

Built during Marshall’s highly desirable late-’70s era, this 100-watt head delivers everything that made the Super Lead the benchmark for British valve amplification—massive clean headroom, explosive dynamics and the unmistakable roar that only a cranked Plexi-style circuit can produce.

This amplifier has been fitted with a genuine Marshall replacement output transformer, preserving its authenticity while ensuring dependable performance. OEM replacement transformers supplied by Marshall have long been accepted as the preferred replacement when originals fail, maintaining the amplifier’s correct specification and characteristic sound.

Specifications

• Model: JMP 1959 Super Lead
• Year: 1978
• Serial Number: S/A 01064K
• Inspection Sticker Date: 08/02/1978
• Output: 100 Watts
• Power Valves: 4 x EL34B - New OEM Marshall
• Preamp Valves: 3 x ECC83 / 12AX7
• Channels: Four Inputs (High & Low Sensitivity – Normal & High Treble)
• Controls: Presence, Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume I, Volume II
• Impedance Selector: 4Ω / 8Ω / 16Ω
• Construction: UK-built PCB construction with flying leads
• Output Transformer: Genuine Marshall OEM replacement transformer

Service Work

• Fully inspected and serviced by Dave Wittering at Prestige Amp Servicing.
• Dave is a former Marshall Senior Service Engineer with over 15 years at the Marshall factory.
• All replacement parts are OEM Marshall where possible
• V1 Preamp replaced - OEM ECC83
• All Pots replaced
• New knob set
• Fuse Holder replaced
• Dedicated Chassis Earth
• Bias feed resistor
• New Set of EL34B output valves/tubes
• Bias set up to factory spec
• PAT safety tested
• Checked for reliability, correct operation and safe performance.
• Ready for immediate studio, rehearsal or stage use.

Tone

The 1959 Super Lead remains the definitive non-master volume Marshall. Loud, dynamic and incredibly responsive, it rewards every nuance of your playing in a way few amplifiers can.

With both channels available for jumping, the Super Lead offers an enormous range of tones—from shimmering cleans and edge-of-breakup blues to the huge, harmonically rich overdrive that has become synonymous with classic British rock. Turn it up and the EL34 power section comes alive with singing sustain, aggressive upper mids and an unmistakable three-dimensional character that has inspired generations of guitarists.

Unlike later master volume models, the overdrive comes largely from the output stage, giving the amplifier a wonderfully open feel and an organic response that simply can’t be replicated.

Whether you’re chasing Hendrix, Page, Angus Young or early Eddie Van Halen, few amplifiers capture that era of rock guitar as convincingly as a late-’70s Super Lead.

Condition

A well-preserved vintage example showing honest signs of use consistent with its age. It retains all of the character expected from a genuine late-’70s JMP and presents beautifully for an amplifier approaching 50 years old.

The original output transformer has been replaced with a genuine Marshall OEM replacement unit at the Marshall factory. The head is in good condition for the year with only minor snags/scuffs to the tolex.

Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

Worldwide Shipping

All of our amplifiers are shipped in custom Overdrive Guitars boxes with extensive internal protection. We regularly ship vintage Marshall amplifiers worldwide using UPS and DHL, with fully tracked and insured delivery. Valves are carefully packed and secured for transport.

We are proud to be an Authorised Marshall Retailer and Marshall specialists, with a dedicated showroom where you can experience and test our amplifiers in person by appointment.