Marshall Model 1987 – The 50-Watt Secret Weapon

                 If the 100-watt Model 1959 was the amp of rock arenas, the Model 1987 was the one for everything else: clubs, studios, rehearsals, and stages where your bandmates begged you to turn it down. But don’t be fooled, the 1987 might be rated at half the power, but it still packs a full-force Marshall punch.

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What Is It?

The Model 1987 is Marshall’s 50-watt lead amp head; a more “manageable” version of the 1959. It’s powered by two EL34s (instead of four), but retains the same basic circuit layout and tonal DNA: dual channels, four inputs, shared EQ, and that unmistakable midrange growl. It’s every bit as aggressive and articulate, just with a bit more sag and breakup at lower volumes.  And, let’s be honest, is exactly what many guitarists are after.

Why Players Love It

The 1987 lets you get into that magical Marshall overdrive zone earlier on the dial. It’s still loud, but it responds faster and more dynamically, making it a dream for blues-rock, classic rock, and early metal players.

You get the same presence, bass, middle, treble, and dual volume control layout, so channel jumping is still on the menu. It’s just a little more forgiving in smaller spaces and sounds glorious when recorded cranked through a good mic.

Matching Cabinet Setups

The 1971 catalog offered the 1987 in the following setups:

• 50/1 Setup
  Model 1987 head with a single 1960 cabinet — 4 x 12” Celestion speakers. Classic tone machine with huge projection and punch.
• 50/2 Setup
  Model 1987 with a 1982 cab — the high-power 4 x 12” version rated for 120 watts. Tighter low end and a little more headroom.

Both setups give the amp more than enough speaker to breathe; perfect for that rich Marshall growl without risking speaker damage.

Who Was Using It?

The 1987 didn’t get quite as much stage time as its 100-watt cousin, but it was a go-to for players who valued tone over volume. Studio pros especially loved it for its touch sensitivity and thick, juicy midrange. Today, it’s a favorite among any amp lover who appreciates being able to control dynamics and feel.