Guitar World Video Showcase
Watch On
What is it?
As a child of the 2000s, I vividly remember the wave of chart-topping hits from Green Day’s American Idiot that dominated MTV.
Listeners were captivated not just by the lyrics and visuals of tracks like the title song, Holiday, Wake Me Up When September Ends, and the ambitious Jesus of Suburbia, but also by the astonishing guitar tones that accompanied them.
Billie Joe Armstrong, the band’s frontman, had already established his prowess in crafting guitar sounds long before that, with their 1994 album Dookie being especially renowned for its distinctive tone; a sound that has been emulated through various iterations of MXR’s Dookie Drive pedal.
A critically important element in Armstrong’s signature sound has been his pair of modified Marshall amplifiers, specifically two Super Lead reissues he acquired during the Dookie era. These amps have been pivotal in shaping his sharp,aggressive tone,leaving an indelible mark on rock music throughout Green Day’s illustrious career.
In tribute to armstrong, Marshall has crafted a hand-wired signature amplifier, inspired by those iconic Super Leads featuring the ‘Dookie mods’.
The model number for the 100-watt Super lead is 1959 (which is not related to the year, a common misconception), leading to the designation of this amp as the 1959BJA.
specifications
- Price: $3,999 | £3,099 | €3,699
- Type: Valve-powered amplifier head
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Output: 100 watts RMS
- Speaker: None
- channels: 1
- Controls: Presence, Bass, Middle, Treble, Master, Gain
- Connectivity: Front panel 2x ” instrument inputs – Low and High gain. Rear panel 2x “ speaker outputs (selectable impedance, 16, 8 or 4 ohm)
- Footswitch: None
- Weight: 20.1 kg / 44.3 lbs
- dimensions: W 741mm x H 294mm x D 210mm
- Contact: Marshall
Build Quality
Build quality Rating: ★★★★
Stay updated with the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox!
As anticipated, given its premium price and elite status, this amplifier head is meticulously crafted in the same factory that has been producing these iconic amps for decades. It features hand-wiring, British craftsmanship, and high-quality components that ensure durability and performance.
The front panel showcases ‘Master’ and ‘Gain’ labels printed in a nostalgic style reminiscent of vintage amp modifications. Additionally, a brass commemorative plate adorns the top corner, featuring the model name, the ‘Dookie’ logo, and Armstrong’s signature, adding a personal touch without overwhelming the design.
Though, similar to other Super Lead models, the corners of the head shell lack protective features. This could be seen as a drawback in terms of durability, especially compared to more utilitarian black Marshall amps.
But do you really want that stunning blue Tolex getting scratched and damaged?
functionality and Features
Functionality and Features Rating: ★★★☆☆
it may not be the most practical amp, but once it’s set on a cabinet, the BJA’s aesthetic charm makes you overlook the discomfort of carrying it… almost.
The design is wonderfully traditional, but it also comes with some old-school drawbacks.It features a single handle on top,and due to its considerable weight,it tends to tilt awkwardly while being transported. While it may not be the most user-friendly option,once placed on a cabinet,the BJA’s appearance is striking enough to almost make you forget the back strain.
the front panel reveals much about the amp’s character even before powering it on. Notably, it has two inputs instead of the typical four found on the super Lead-just Low and High for varying gain levels. Additionally, it includes Gain and Master Volume controls, which hint at a design more akin to the later JCM 800 model rather than the Super Lead. Quite intriguing.
On the rear panel, you’ll find speaker outputs, impedance settings, and mains voltage selectors, along with a stylish silk-screened signature of Armstrong. However, it lacks many modern features, notably an effects loop, which limits the use of effects pedals, particularly for delay or reverb.
Sound Quality
Sound Quality Rating: ★★★★★
It delivers a bright, punchy, and resonant clean tone; quintessentially Marshall.
I tested the BJA using a classic Marshall 1960A cabinet, paired with my humbucker-equipped Les Paul, which is typically the perfect match for most Marshalls, along with my cherished 1962 SG/Les Paul Junior. Given Armstrong’s long-standing preference for Juniors, this seemed like the ideal guitar to start with.
Starting with the Low input and setting the Gain and EQ controls around the 12 o’clock position,I found a bright,punchy,and ringing clean tone-truly classic Marshall. As I increased the Gain,I reduced the Bass to maintain a tight low-end. The BJA began to showcase those iconic ‘Plexi’ overdrive characteristics that have graced countless recordings.
The Master volume allows for this to be achieved at *somewhat* more manageable levels, but make no mistake-this amp is incredibly loud. Even at just 10 o’clock on the dial, I was causing seismic disturbances throughout Bedfordshire. I once measured a fully cranked Marshall DSL100 at 124dB, and I have no doubt the BJA would exceed that. Ear protection is essential.
And that’s just the Low input. With the Gain set around 10 o’clock and the Master near noon,there’s already an abundance of gain,with the P-90 in my Junior producing feedback without any prompting. The ‘Dookie’ modifications truly shine here, delivering the sound that every Green Day enthusiast envisions-rich, full of midrange punch, yet with excellent clarity in the highs.
At higher Gain settings, the amp ventures well beyond Green Day’s sound, reaching classic metal territory, especially with a Les Paul. As the controls suggest, the BJA operates similarly to a JCM 800, offering a comparable amount of gain, but the tonal character remains distinctly Super Lead. In a word? Outstanding.
Final Thoughts
Artist signature Marshall amplifiers are rare,and while thay are often exceptional,they can be tough to acquire-often becoming collector’s items that enthusiasts buy for speculation,leaving the general public with limited access. This may also be the case with this model-does it deserve a wider audience?
Imagine if it were a widely available 20-watt Studio model with the same tonal characteristics. One can only hope.
Indeed, it’s excessively loud for nearly any setting outside of Green Day’s stadium performances. It’s impractical and lacks modern features; there’s no power scaling or reactive load, and it doesn’t even include an effects loop. The most contemporary feature is the master volume control.
If this were a mass-produced amplifier, these limitations would likely hinder its appeal.However, the market for this hand-wired prestige item may not be concerned with such drawbacks. When you find yourself in a room with one and a quality guitar, you tend to forget all of that as it delivers an exhilarating experience-turning your brain into Brain Stew, if you will.
This review may seem irrelevant to many who wouldn’t find a use for such an amp, even if it were accessible. But just imagine if it were a readily available 20-watt Studio model with the same tonal qualities.We can only dream.
Guitar world Verdict: the Marshall 1959BJA marks the first artist-signature Marshall amp in over a decade. While it may remain elusive for many, the modified Super Lead tone in a format reminiscent of the master-volume JCM 800 offers a truly remarkable playing experience. If you get the chance, give it a try.
|
Test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Build Quality |
This is a hand-wired Marshall,and the craftsmanship is evident. The baby-blue covering is visually striking. |
★★★★ |
|
Functionality and Features |
As a vintage tube amp, it offers few modern conveniences, making it less practical in many scenarios. |
★★★☆☆ |
|
Sound Quality |
Once again, it’s a hand-wired Marshall. It captures the essence of Green Day and delivers all the excitement of the 100-watt Marshall experience. Five stars barely do it justice. |
★★★★★ |
Overall Impression
A classic, uncompromising amplifier that delivers an exceptional sound experience.
★★★★☆
