Marshall PA-20 Model 1917 Tube Amplifier (1972)
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Item # 12306
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Marshall PA-20 Model 1917 Model Tube Amplifier (1972), made in London, England, black tolex covering finish.
Marshall amps are certainly a rock legend, with a sound that has defined both an entire style and era of music. Despite its comparatively diminutive size, this less commonly seen "mini" PA-20 head is a fierce little beast in its own right. All Marshall amps owe their humble beginnings to the Fender Bassman 5F6-A, re-interpreted using English components and originally sold exclusively through Jim Marshall's Hanwell, London shop. Both the circuit design and sound soon evolved from the Fender paradigm into something entirely their own.
Early Marshalls powered the sound of the Who, Cream, Hendrix and beyond, de rigeur among top UK groups by 1968-9.
By 1966 Marshall had also become very involved in PA equipment, as their distributor Rose-Morris wasn't particularly interested in the large guitar amps (perhaps they were related to Dick Rowe at Decca who turned down the Beatles!). The Super PA head is actually not altogether that different from the guitar units, and has gathered a strong following among guitarists in more recent years, used perhaps most notably by J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr.
This little PA-20 amp is the smallest of the PA models, still featuring two channels but a slimmed-down layout of two inputs each and a volume and tone control per channel (the channels can still be jumpered if desired!). True to its name, the PA-20 features two EL84 tubes yielding around 20 watts into two 4x8 columns, which was the originally intended compliment for the head.
A super cool unit despite its diminutive size, this little amp certainly wins points for perhaps being the cutest Marshall head around! Still packing a serious tonal punch, this is a perfect studio weapon or stage worthy for those looking for a highly portable lower-wattage, controlled volume head with the Marshall tonal character.
Height is 8 1/4 in. (21 cm.), 20 in. (50.8 cm.) width, and 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this little PA head remains in really well-preserved condition for its age. The black Tolex covering is in fantastic shape and only shows VERY minor scuffing overall. Both the original handle and the gold piping on the head remain in great condition for their age, with the handle hardware showing typical signs of corrosion. The aluminum front panel is in great condition as well, showing hardly any wear overall. The original knobs are all nicely intact, free of cracking and none are missing! The original cream logo is present and fully intact as well.
Electrically, this amp is nicely original. The amp's power and output transformers appear to be original, the latter coded C2116. All pots retain undisturbed solder joints throughout and all appear original to the amp as well. The amp has otherwise seen our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, install of a new grounded 3-prong power cord, all sockets, pots and jacks cleaned and power section biased to spec. The amp is currently wired for a 8 ohm speaker output for ease of compatibility, but can easily be rewired for 16 ohms and/or 4 ohms, if desired.
NOTE: the amp is compatible with 230/240V input ONLY and comes with a step-up transformer for use in the US.
A fabulous example of perhaps the most reasonably-powered (by today's standards) Marshall head ever made, fully serviced and as they say, "Ready To Rock". Overall Excellent Condition.
Marshall amps are certainly a rock legend, with a sound that has defined both an entire style and era of music. Despite its comparatively diminutive size, this less commonly seen "mini" PA-20 head is a fierce little beast in its own right. All Marshall amps owe their humble beginnings to the Fender Bassman 5F6-A, re-interpreted using English components and originally sold exclusively through Jim Marshall's Hanwell, London shop. Both the circuit design and sound soon evolved from the Fender paradigm into something entirely their own.
Early Marshalls powered the sound of the Who, Cream, Hendrix and beyond, de rigeur among top UK groups by 1968-9.
By 1966 Marshall had also become very involved in PA equipment, as their distributor Rose-Morris wasn't particularly interested in the large guitar amps (perhaps they were related to Dick Rowe at Decca who turned down the Beatles!). The Super PA head is actually not altogether that different from the guitar units, and has gathered a strong following among guitarists in more recent years, used perhaps most notably by J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr.
This little PA-20 amp is the smallest of the PA models, still featuring two channels but a slimmed-down layout of two inputs each and a volume and tone control per channel (the channels can still be jumpered if desired!). True to its name, the PA-20 features two EL84 tubes yielding around 20 watts into two 4x8 columns, which was the originally intended compliment for the head.
A super cool unit despite its diminutive size, this little amp certainly wins points for perhaps being the cutest Marshall head around! Still packing a serious tonal punch, this is a perfect studio weapon or stage worthy for those looking for a highly portable lower-wattage, controlled volume head with the Marshall tonal character.
Height is 8 1/4 in. (21 cm.), 20 in. (50.8 cm.) width, and 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this little PA head remains in really well-preserved condition for its age. The black Tolex covering is in fantastic shape and only shows VERY minor scuffing overall. Both the original handle and the gold piping on the head remain in great condition for their age, with the handle hardware showing typical signs of corrosion. The aluminum front panel is in great condition as well, showing hardly any wear overall. The original knobs are all nicely intact, free of cracking and none are missing! The original cream logo is present and fully intact as well.
Electrically, this amp is nicely original. The amp's power and output transformers appear to be original, the latter coded C2116. All pots retain undisturbed solder joints throughout and all appear original to the amp as well. The amp has otherwise seen our typical maintenance and servicing, including replacement of all electrolytic capacitors, install of a new grounded 3-prong power cord, all sockets, pots and jacks cleaned and power section biased to spec. The amp is currently wired for a 8 ohm speaker output for ease of compatibility, but can easily be rewired for 16 ohms and/or 4 ohms, if desired.
NOTE: the amp is compatible with 230/240V input ONLY and comes with a step-up transformer for use in the US.
A fabulous example of perhaps the most reasonably-powered (by today's standards) Marshall head ever made, fully serviced and as they say, "Ready To Rock". Overall Excellent Condition.