The patina of the OPT end bell covers appears to match the patina on the power transformer end bell covers with a little less rust on the lamination plates so it does look original to my eyes and Obeid Khan knows his Marshall's well so chances are it is original or was the Marshall replacement in the early to mid 70's if it did blow up at one time judging by the patina. Marshall supposedly used the Dagnall C1998 Output transformers from 1968 until 1973 but some amps could have come with Drake models 1209-3 Power transformers and 1202-99 Output transformers probably due to whatever Marshall had in stock at the time.
Good info. There are a few other Dagnall part #, used as PTs during that time like the T3556. My 72 came with a later 70s T4145, but I scored a vintage T3556 for a good price and it puts out that super high PV like 500+.....Beastly.
I was kind of surprised actually I thought they only used the Drakes in the 50 watters in the 69-73 time frames. I always thought the Drakes started showing up in the mid to late 70's JMP 100 watters like 1977 when the JMP 2203''s hit the market I know my 1979 2203 had Drakes in it..... but according to that snippet of information it was much sooner than that.
I guess you learn something every day...........
Could spend a lifetime learning all this amp history.I was kind of surprised actually I thought they only used the Drakes in the 50 watters in the 69-73 time frames. I always thought the Drakes started showing up in the mid to late 70's JMP 100 watters like 1977 when the JMP 2203''s hit the market I know my 1979 2203 had Drakes in it..... but according to that snippet of information it was much sooner than that.
Really trying my best to not rush my decision although I don’t think I can lose in choosing either amp. I’m a little hesitant on another wizard primarily because of the mids - I was always trying to REALLY dig in and bang those G and B strings when playing the MC to get the upper mids to pop and they just wouldn’t. I would wear picks out like a MFer. I fear the MTL would be the same if not even more difficultI’ve got an MTL I could send ya. You know the terms…
Yes a 79 2203, 72 50 watt SL and a 68 plexi with all NOS parts built by me. I've owned the 79 2203 since 1985. I also owned a 1970 50 watt Marshall SL. I also built a period correct 1969 Super Bass that I converted to a Super Lead with all NOS parts, it was a real screamer as well but I used the plexi NFB values so it was more 68 plexi than 69 metalface.
That copper band(on the PT) signifies Dagnall, no? Also, the older Dagnalls did have the small sticker on the bells like the future 50w Drakes....I always thought the older Drakes having the numbered black stamps on the tops of the bells....but, I've only had 1 plexi (67 50T); my 72 50 does have the Drake codes though, on both Trans.Yes a 79 2203, 72 50 watt SL and a 68 plexi with all NOS parts built by me. I've owned the 79 2203 since 1985. I also owned a 1970 50 watt Marshall SL. I also built a period correct 1969 Super Bass that I converted to a Super Lead with all NOS parts, it was a real screamer as well but I used the plexi NFB values so it was more 68 plexi than 69 metalface.
I figured your transformers were original, did he confirm that your output transformer was a Drake 1202-99?
I have always believed that original transformers and chokes are the most important items regarding vintage Marshall plexi's and superleads and your clip of your 71 shows that you got a good one.
Your suspicions are correct. The MTL has a strange tonality to it and lacks the midrange warmth that other amps have. Maybe it was intentional because it's a metal amp. I preferred the Modern Classic II when I had it. I ended up selling both in the end. Marshalls just sound better to me.
I remember my 79 2203 PT had a copper band on top as well so if that designates Dagnall then it might have had a Dagnall PT but I remember seeing DE Drake stickers on them but it's been a long time. The output transformer had the Drake sticker on it for sure. I think I see a DE on top of the right side end bell in this pic below that has that copper strip on top of the laminations but some say that it is a Dagnall sticker on some.
