Summary of the Comparison
The Marshall Plexi 1959 is ideal for purists who seek classic British rock tones with dynamic touch sensitivity, but it requires high volume for optimal sound. The Friedman Small Box offers a more versatile, lower-volume-friendly solution with added gain and flexibility, making it perfect for modern players needing vintage tones with contemporary conveniences.
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The Friedman Small Box
The Marshall Plexi 1959
Main Differences
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- Marshall Plexi 1959: Classic British rock tone, non-master volume, needs to be cranked for full saturation.
- Friedman Small Box: Modern take on Plexi, master volume, added versatility with multiple gain stages.
- Plexi is raw and open; Small Box is tighter and more refined.
- Small Box has a dedicated high-gain channel; Plexi relies on boosting.
- Friedman has effects loop; Plexi does not.
- Small Box is more pedal-friendly at lower volumes.
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Specs Comparison
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| Feature | Marshall Plexi 1959 | Friedman Small Box |
|---|---|---|
| Wattage | 100W | 50W |
| Channels | Single-channel | Two-channel (Clean & Overdrive) |
| Tubes | 4 x EL34 (Power), 3 x 12AX7 (Preamp) | 2 x EL34 (Power), 3 x 12AX7 (Preamp) |
| EQ Controls | Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence | Treble, Middle, Bass, Presence, Gain Controls |
| Master Volume | No | Yes |
| Effects Loop | No | Yes |
| Ideal Musical Styles | Classic Rock, Blues, Hard Rock | Rock, Hard Rock, Metal |
| Approximate Price Range | $3,500 – $4,500 | $3,000 – $3,500 |
| Target Skill Level | Advanced / Professional | Intermediate to Professional |
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Best Situations for the Marshall Plexi 1959
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- Classic rock and blues tones with rich harmonic overtones
- Perfect for live performances with a loud, punchy presence
- Ideal for vintage-inspired studio recordings
- Responsive to playing dynamics and guitar volume adjustments
- Great for cranking up to achieve natural overdrive and distortion
- Works excellently with boost and overdrive pedals for added flexibility
- Iconic British tone reminiscent of legendary rock guitarists
- Suited for players who love raw, uncompressed amp sounds
- Delivers thick mids, warm lows, and sparkling highs
- Best in environments where volume is not a major concern
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Best Situations for the Friedman Small Box
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- Perfect for classic rock, hard rock, and blues players
- Versatile two-channel design for both vintage and modern tones
- Ideal for players who love rich, British-style overdrive
- Compact 50-watt amp suitable for gigs, rehearsals, and studio work
- Responsive to dynamics, great for expressive playing
- Built-in effects loop for seamless pedalboard integration
- Works well at lower volumes without losing tone quality
- Great for those wanting the Friedman BE-100 sound in a smaller format
- Excellent edge-of-breakup cleans on the gain-backed first channel
- Second channel delivers thick, harmonically rich distortion
- Perfect for gain-stacking with overdrives and boosts
- Handwired quality and boutique craftsmanship
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Find the Boss Katana that Works for you
Which Boss Katana amp should I buy? (Quiz)
This quiz has seven questions that will help you decide between the six main versions in the Boss Katana amp series. The only one we've left out is the Katana Air. If you have questions feel free to drop them in the comments section below. Click the green start button to begin:
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Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Roundups
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