Calling all Superlead Experts

[marshallmel]

What else is going on here besides the obvious master volume mod? 1971 Superlead I’m going to get. I know basic shit but I might as well try splitting an atom as decipher what’s original and what isn’t much less if it’s kosher.

 

[glip22]

It may have a replaced power transformer. One cap replaced . I have not seen the grey leads coming off teh inputs and V1/V2. They could be stock but they do not look it as the red dye is gone. OT might be original but need a topside shot. These put out over 500 volts to the plates. If the PT was replaced it might not have the correct voltage which will affect the tone. It does not look original. Bypass the death cap also. Many of the turret Marshalls have bad ghosting also.

 

[mixn4him]

All that grey wire is wrong no idea whats going on, v2 coupling cap changed from a Mustard to something, Pre-Phase inverter master volume like a 2203 is added. Bias circuit has been changed from original, Negative FB resistor as well..

Clearly not an original amp but may have some mojo. Do not pay top dollar for this amp..

 

[marshallmel]

Transformers are supposed to be original and look to be as far as I know. I know the gray wires look funky.

 

[marshallmel]

All that grey wire is wrong no idea whats going on, v2 coupling cap changed from a Mustard to something, Pre-Phase inverter master volume like a 2203 is added. Bias circuit has been changed from original, Negative FB resistor as well..

Clearly not an original amp but may have some mojo. Do not pay top dollar for this amp..

What is top dollar for a ‘71 Superlead?

 

[mixn4him]

With a changed transformer as well Id guess no more than $2k probably less with that condition. The ‘73 in the classifieds is a better deal but its $3k

 

[marshallmel]

With a changed transformer as well Id guess no more than $2k probably less with that condition. The ‘73 in the classifieds is a better deal but its $3k

Are you sure a transformer has been changed?

 

[japetus]

 

[SpiderWars]

Need better pics of the transformers. Whoever did the work did really shoddy work. But if it was cleaned up it could be badass. Even the power cord needs to be redone.

 

[marshallmel]

The transformers look identical to every other Superlead I’ve looked at on reverb. Seller also says they’re original. The gray wire mess might be jumpering the inputs internally?? No idea but I’d want that cleaned up. It’s this head and two JCM800 cabs. One straight and one angled. One has white label 75’s and the other has black and white labeled 75’s. Total deal is less than the ‘73 currently in the classifieds

 

[SpiderWars]

The transformers look identical to every other Superlead I’ve looked at on reverb. Seller also says they’re original. The gray wire mess might be jumpering the inputs internally?? No idea but I’d want that cleaned up. It’s this head and two JCM800 cabs. One straight and one angled. One has white label 75’s and the other has black and white labeled 75’s. Total deal is less than the ‘73 currently in the classifieds

That may be true about the transformers but look at the wiring inside, that doesn't look like original PT wiring from '71. They might be period correct though.
That said, It sounds like a workable deal if you're willing to deal with all that.

 

[marshallmel]

He offered another JCM800 cab for $300. I’d be getting a 71 Superlead and three JCM800 cabs for $3300.

 

[psychodave]

I’m trying to figure out the death cap. It’s got a grounded plug, but I can’t tell if the death cap is still hooked up.

 

[Greazygeo]

I’m trying to figure out the death cap. It’s got a grounded plug, but I can’t tell if the death cap is still hooked up.

Mine are all like that. I thought that was for the polarity switch, can’t remember if any of mine ever had two prong power cords though.

 

[marshallmel]

Mine are all like that. I thought that was for the polarity switch, can’t remember if any of mine ever had two prong power cords though.

My ‘74 had a 3 prong plug but no idea if it was original or added.

 

[Racerxrated]

Transformers look original but re wired in a non factory manner. No bright cap either; and you won’t find a vintage Lemco 5K anywhere. You can always put another ceramic in though. 3300 for all of that is a great deal imo. If that amp were totally stock with original factory wiring it’s a 5K amplifier.

 

[glip22]

The transformers look identical to every other Superlead I’ve looked at on reverb. Seller also says they’re original. The gray wire mess might be jumpering the inputs internally?? No idea but I’d want that cleaned up. It’s this head and two JCM800 cabs. One straight and one angled. One has white label 75’s and the other has black and white labeled 75’s. Total deal is less than the ‘73 currently in the classifieds

From topside it looks original

 

[marshallmel]

Picking everything up tomorrow. The 3 cabs are easily worth 2/3 of his asking price. I’ll sell 2 and keep the best one. The amp has a hole or two in the back so I might just get that mess inside cleaned up, leave the MV and have a loop put in.

 

[SpiderWars]

Just my opinion but if it is set up anything like a Superlead, even with a MV, a loop is essentially useless. Most of the distortion in a Super Lead is in the phase inverter and power section. The best way to run a loop for ambient delay or reverb is after distortion so you’ll need a Powerstation or equal.

 

[Racerxrated]

Just my opinion but if it is set up anything like a Superlead, even with a MV, a loop is essentially useless. Most of the distortion in a Super Lead is in the phase inverter and power section. The best way to run a loop for ambient delay or reverb is after distortion so you’ll need a Powerstation or equal.

Or a line out box....then any separate power amp cheap to spendy will do + a stereo cab or just run 2. IMO sounds better than any attenuator; and a decent distortion pedal last before the amp can work well as a MV. As long as you want to play with gain vs a clean tone.