Marshall 1960B Upgraded Review

TremoJem · Jan 6, 2012

I took a 21 year old Marshall 1960B (w/G75s) cabinet and overhauled it.

New hardware for back panel
Tightened all existing hardware on all four speakers, shocked at how loose they were
Glued two inches of insulation to all surfaces except the surface the speakers are mounted on
Changed wiring from 24 gauge quick disconnect to soldered 14 gauge wire
Replace multi-function jack plate with custom plate and wired for two jacks at 8 ohms

I plugged in my two Tremoverbs (combo w/vintage 30s) without the combo speakers and then with and then without and with...you get it...all three configurations to really see what was happening.

The bass response is great and expected with a four by twelve.

I guess in all it is a really nice addition.

What surprised me was that the effects did not seem as pronounced as when I run the combos speakers. Sure, the combos are 12' from each other and the cabinet has 12" separating the two sides, so yes, stereo separation should be minimal but evident, but it is the amount of delay and reverb that seems diminished.

I have to really investigate this further.

But, in all, the way the cabinet responds and mixes with the combos open back sound really changes the way you attack the guitar. I mean it is subtle but it is really different.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

cyber104 · Jan 6, 2012

Just out of curiosity - why did you insulate the cabinet - this is common practice with Stereo speakers but I've not heard of it being done with guitar cabinets........

TremoJem · Jan 6, 2012

Marshall Forums suggested it. Prevents standing waves, improves tight and focused sound...I guess.

It did not sound like it does now back when I first bought it, but of course I did feed a Mesa into it back then either.

I actually remember 21 years ago when I originally bought two of these hearing about this, but cannot remember where.

Yes, this is one of the two original cabinets of mine that I sold to a friend and bought back. I sold if for around $400 or $500 after I paid around $600 for it, only two years old and in mint condition.

About 15 years later i bought it back in almost unchanged condition and for about $100.

Go figure. It was included in a large package deal that included PA gear etc. and I was not going to argue with the price and really did not have any need for it.

Then I decided to overhaul it and check it out.

I am glad I did.

cyber104 · Jan 12, 2012

Hi Again:

Following your lead I just stuffed some blue cotton insulation in my custom built (by me) closed back ported 1x12 cabinet with a V30.

I use this cabinet with my Rectoverb head for band practice.

Overall the cabinet sounds MUCH better - less boomy and better overall clarity even on the high end.

Thanks!
Chris