• Registered: 2014-02-12
  • Posts: 23

Topic: Marshall 1974x vs Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue?

A few months back I picked up a Marshall 1974x combo, and got a crazy good deal on it (1,300), but since I've had it I find that it really is doing it for me. The top end is brittle, and even with an overdrive pedal it just sounds very thin. Now the other day on a whim I tried out a tweed Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue with my board, and absolutely loved the way it sounded. Maybe it was because I was in a rehearsal with a full band and couldn't hear it quite right, but I was very easily able to get the smooth but aggressive tone (ala Eric Johnson, Bonamassa, etc.) I wanted. I've heard that these amps are kind of lackluster, so am I missing something? What do most people think? If I sold my Marshall to get one I could likely have about a grand to spare, which is definitely an attractive proposition. Keep in mind I only ever use the clean channel with a tube screamer clone in the front. Thanks!

  • macg1
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,020

Re: Marshall 1974x vs Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue?

Who cares what we think?! If you found a piece of kit that is doing the job and you like, that is all that matters. The 1974x is a killer amp, but if it's not cutting the mustard for you, then why keep it?

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • From: Massachusetts, USA
  • Registered: 2014-04-12
  • Posts: 663

Re: Marshall 1974x vs Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue?

I agree with macg1 completely. If the sound is to your liking, will that change based on the opinion of others? There in no one amp that everyone agrees on. I've got a Marshall DSL40C, and I've heard opinions that run the full spectrum, from love it to hate it, and you know what? I don't care, I like it.

Play some cards & drink black coffee,
How I’d love to see you smile....
JBLP Std Goldtop
2015 R9 LP
  • Registered: 2009-10-10
  • Posts: 438

Re: Marshall 1974x vs Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue?

I used to be a die-hard Marshall fan. That was all I played for years. But I had an unbelievable experience a few years ago with a friend's Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and a few pedals. I took that up a few notches and went to old Blackface Fenders and have never been happier. Most Fenders love pedals. I saw Kenny Wayne Sheperd a few weeks ago and his tone with Fenders and pedals was incredible. His low E string sounded like a piano. But I am not dissing Marshall's, the right Marshall cranked is killer too. I just find Fenders and a few pedals more flexible and more to my liking. Everybody has a different tone quest in their head. Go with what sounds good to you and inspires you to play.

  • macg1
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,020

Re: Marshall 1974x vs Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue?

Yeah same here, I always thought myself a british-style amp guy. Granted I still have a couple of those, my main flavor lately has been a 1963 Brownface deluxe.

Shameless plug: hey benkaunitz sell the marshall and pick up the Budda Twinmaster Plus I have for sale in the marketplace here. It will sit right in the middle of Fender and Brit.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Marshall 1974x vs Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue?

as stated before if you like what you hear your search is done
cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • Registered: 2010-12-06
  • Posts: 122

Re: Marshall 1974x vs Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue?

Most of the complaints about the Blues Deluxe are about the OD channel.  Since you're not going to use it, no problem.