Marshall Model 1962 Bluesbreaker Combo 1970 – 50-Watt Tremolo 2x12, Vintage EL34 Tone, British Classic

No Sales Tax For Customers Outside Of California.

The 1970 Marshall Model 1962 Bluesbreaker is a rare and revered vintage combo amp, delivering the unmistakable tone and styling of one of rock and blues' most iconic amplifiers. A direct descendant of the legendary JTM45 combo famously used by Eric Clapton with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, this 50-watt, EL34-powered version offers increased headroom and output while retaining the warm, harmonically rich tones that made the Bluesbreaker a cornerstone of British amp design.

This UK-made Model 1962 features a pair of Celestion 12” speakers, a classic tube-driven tremolo circuit, and the responsive, dynamic character that has made it a favorite for players seeking vintage Plexi-style overdrive in a combo format. By 1970, Marshall had transitioned to metal panel amps, but these early post-Plexi models still carry much of the handwired craftsmanship and tonal DNA of the original 1960s circuits.

The original transformers and speakers are in place.  Original "mustard caps" bear date codes from the first quarter or 1969.  The original inspection sticker on the chassis dates the final inspection to February 19, 1960.  Speaker date codes are from February of 1970 - "BC19V" and "BC13H".  The original Pulsonic cones are intact, bearing the code 45 102 014. 

The amp has seen some maintenance.  Electrolytic caps on the board have been updated.  The tremolo pedal jack has been changed to a 1/4".  The first preamp tube socket was also swapped out.  The filter cap cans appear to be original.  I can update these for the next owner for additional cost.  I do think it would be wise to update these caps.     

Whether you're chasing bluesy cleans, creamy overdrive, or that edge-of-breakup tone heard on countless records, this amp delivers with authority and vintage mojo. A must-have for collectors, studio musicians, and serious tone seekers, the 1970 Bluesbreaker 1962 is a piece of rock history—still roaring, still soulful.

The amp runs well and absolutely kills.  There is nothing like this tone!  The tremolo works beautifully.  An aftermarket footswitch is included - to turn the tremolo on and off.    We tested the tubes, cleaned the tube sockets and pots, and were just blown away with the sound.

This particular amp spent some time with the Black Crowes.  I'll get more info on this and post it.

This one will be expensive to ship.  We will remove the chassis and ship it in a separate box.  This is the only way to safely ship these amps.  The buyer will need to re-install tubes and load the chassis onto the cabinet.  This isn't difficult, and we can help over the phone.

By 1970, the Bluesbreaker Model 1962 had evolved from its original JTM45 circuit (with KT66 tubes) into a more powerful and modernized version:

• Output Power: Increased to 50 watts using EL34 power tubes instead of KT66s. This offered more headroom, punch, and a more aggressive midrange—closer to the 1987 Plexi head circuit.

• Front Panel Design: 1970 marked the transition to metal faceplates, replacing the earlier Plexi (plexiglass) panels. Though often called “metal panel” amps, early examples retained much of the classic Plexi tone circuitry.

• Tremolo Circuit: The tube-driven tremolo remained, giving the amp its lush, organic modulation that was especially favored by blues and vintage rock players.

• Speaker Configuration: Most 1970 units featured dual 12" Celestion speakers—often G12M “Greenbacks” or G12H30s—known for their warm low-end and smooth upper mids, essential for the amp’s signature tone.

• Construction: While full PCB production was creeping in, many 1970 Bluesbreakers still featured handwired or turret-board construction, depending on the batch and factory practices.

• Case/Cover?: No
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 32"W x  23"H x  10.5"D
• Weight: 85lbs 
• Watts: 50 Watts
• Date: 1970
• Speaker 1 - 2 Brand: Celestion Greenback
• Speaker 1 - 2 Size: 12"
• Speaker Code: See Pics
• Speaker 1 - 2 Cone: Original
• Power Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
• Choke Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
• Output Transformer Brand/Codes: See Pics
• Extension Speaker Out? Yes
  
• Reverb or other effects?: Tremolo
• Power Tubes: 2 x EL34
• Power Tube Brand: JJ
• Preamp Tubes: 3 x ECC83
• Preamp Tube Brand: Mullard, JJ
• Filter Caps: Original
• Pedal: Non Original Included
• Pots/Codes: Original
• Tolex/Tweed: Original
• Grille: Original
• Knobs: Original
• Handle: Original
• Power Cord: Grounded
• Notes: 

Shipping policy:

When you purchase this item you are hereby agreeing to this shipping policy. We remove tubes from amps that could be damaged in shipping.  We remove the chassis from some amps so that the large transformers don't damage a chassis or cabinet.  We remove heavy speakers from some amps so they don't damage baffles.  These cases result in multiple box shipments, and they require the buyer to do some assembly on delivery.  We do this because we have experienced shipping issues in the past, and this is our prevention measure.  Vintage amps are sold as-is because they can need service intermittently.  Everything is tested here in our shop on the way into our inventory, and again before shipping.  We will cover shipping damage, but we cannot be responsible for the failure of vintage components in 20-to-50-plus year old amps. Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.