Marshall Model 1976 P.A. Column Cabinet

The Marshall Model 1976 is one of the most powerful and visually imposing cabinets in the brand’s early P.A. speaker lineup. With its quad 12-inch speaker configuration and columnar form factor, the 1976 was built to deliver serious output and clarity across wide stage spaces—marking it as a top-tier option for live performance systems in the early 1970s.


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Technical Overview

Each 1976 cabinet contains:

  • 4 x 12-inch Celestion high-power speakers

These drivers were specifically selected to handle high headroom vocals and instrumentation without the tonal coloration often associated with guitar cabinets. The total output capacity was rated at 120 watts per column, making it one of the most powerful P.A. cabinets Marshall had ever produced at the time.

The large cone surface area gave it substantial low-end authority while maintaining crisp mids and clean high frequencies—ideal for vocals, keyboards, acoustic instruments, and even playback systems.


Cabinet Design and Dimensions

As listed in the May 1971 catalog, the 1976 featured a staggered column design, standing tall and narrow for focused vertical dispersion—a critical asset in indoor venues or outdoor setups requiring distance projection.

This cabinet measured:

  • Height: 48 inches (121.90 cm)
  • Width: 14 inches (35.56 cm)
  • Depth: 10 inches (25.40 cm)

Though large in presence, it was slim enough to flank a stage without consuming valuable floor space—one of its key design strengths.

Construction and Features

The 1976 was built to Marshall’s high touring standards, with:

  • Seasoned wood shell construction
  • Black vinyl covering
  • Supplied waterproof covers and dual 21' speaker leads

It was designed for use in pairs with the Model 1966 (200-watt P.A. amplifier), forming one of Marshall’s most powerful P.A. systems of the era.


Ideal Applications

The 1976 was used in the 200-watt P.A. Set-Up No. 200PA/1, where two cabinets were paired with a single 200-watt head for unmatched projection. These cabinets were ideal for larger venues, festivals, and any setting where vocal clarity, reach, and power were critical.

Its focused vertical design and wide frequency response also made it an excellent choice for early arena-sized club gigs and high-output rehearsal rooms.

Collector Appeal

Original 1976 cabinets are rare survivors. Their size, weight, and specialized use mean many were lost, repurposed, or modified over the decades. Cabinets with intact Celestion 12-inch high-power drivers and original coverings are especially sought after by collectors and studios seeking authentic vintage Marshall live sound systems.


Own a Marshall 1976 or other rare P.A. column?
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