SOLD! - 1965 BigM Marshall model 1960 slanted cabinet 4x12 G12 T0652 Alnico T652
What A Find
From the epic collection at one of the most legendary Recording Studio's in The Netherlands, this 1965 "Big M" Marshall model 1960 slanted cabinet was used for decades by many many famous rock stars among which Jeff Beck when recording Mick Jagger's second solo album "Primitive Cool" on December 12, 1986. Beck plays on the entire album and used this cabinet extensively on several recordings! In 2024 we were finally able to add this stunning example to our private collection.
The History
In the early/mid 60's when Marshall wanted to broaden their horizon, they started looking outside the UK for markets in Europe and when they started to become successful, soon they encountered a problem: In Germany there was a trumpet manufacturer with the same name who owned the trademark to the Marshall brandname! To avoid legal issues, Jim Marshall had to change the name of his products and rebranded his amps and cabinets into BigM to continue importing into the German market. It only lasted for a very short time untill Marshall was able to buy the brandname and deliver Marshall products into Germany under their own name again.
The Cab
This cabinet is in used but pretty original condition with it's original black levant tolex with green/blue hue, original pinstripe grillcloth ripped to the core, original BigM logo on the front and 4 x original 1965 Celestion G12 T0652 Alnico date stamped 15EK on the front gasket (15 May 1965) with the original 9/H1777 and 8/H1777 cone stamps. The leather handles are high end aged reproductions and it has been rewired. The offset jack input was changed into double DIN-plug inputs to accommodate usage in the studio but it was changed back and restored into a single off set jack plug this year.
The Sound
Want to know what "mindblowing" actually means? Check out Johan Segeborn on youtube. (search for "Ultimate Marshall Tone? 1965 JTM45 ALNICO HALF STACK!!") Old dry wood and old Alnico speakers make this thing ring like a bell and bang like an Indian Powwow drum! "This must be very close to the Ultimate Marshall Tone..." What else is there to say that's not already been said. Holy Grail sound? I really wouldn't know where to go from here to get a better Marshall sound. To me, this is it. Final.
Credit for the last Jagger/Beck picture is for Dutch Photographer Rob Verhorst, Getty Images