The Silver Jubilee Series was created in 1987 to celebrate the 25th
anniversary of the founding of Marshall Amplification and 50 years of Jim
Marshall being in the music business. This Limited Edition series of all-
valve amplifiers and speaker cabinets looked stunning in silver vinyl
covering, with the amps having chrome-plated control panels.
Based on JCM800 2203 and 2204 Master Volume models, the Silver
Jubilee amplifiers were the first Marshall products to feature a valve output
stage that could be switched from full power to half power. The series
had a somewhat unusual preamp circuit too, featuring three gain ‘modes’
which were ‘Clean’, Rhythm Clip (Boost), and Lead Channel. ‘Clean’ to
Rhythm Clip was controlled by a pull switch, as was the footswitchable
channel change. The Bass, Middle, Treble & Presence controls, although
shared between channels, were re-designed and offered more tonal
variation than any other Marshall product had before.
The Silver Jubilee 2555 head caused a sensation when it was launched in
January 1987 and has since become a collector’s piece. But the real
reason the 2555 acquired legendary status is because of the playing
public, who took it to their hearts. As a result, since it was discontinued in
1988, one of the most common questions we have been asked is, “when
are you going to re-issue the Silver Jubilee 2555?” So, by popular
demand, we have created the 2555X, which is a modern re-issue of the
2555 head, with exactly the same sonic characteristics and functionality.
Introduction
“Thanks are due to you and the veritable army of musicians
who by their appreciation of, and skill in using Marshall
Amplifiers over the years, have helped us to create this
memorable Jubilee Series.”
- Jim Marshall, 1987.
The above is the late, great Jim Marshall quoted from the original Silver
Jubilee owner’s manual. The sentiment he expressed then is extended to
you now for choosing to purchase the 2555X – our thanks are indeed due
to you. We hope you enjoy your new 2555X.
- The Marshall Team
1. Input Jack
Plug in here to connect your guitar to the amplifier.
2. Input Gain Control/Rhythm Clip
The Input Gain control adjusts the overall sensitivity of the input circuit. It
controls the gain level of the clean/crunch Rhythm mode. The pull switch
function activates the Rhythm Clip mode, providing heavier, more driven
tones. N.B. The apparent drop in volume when Rhythm Clip mode is
selected may be overcome by increasing the level of the Output Master
(No. 5).
3. Lead Master
When the Lead Channel is active (No. 5) the Lead Master adjusts the
output level of the Lead Channel.
4. Lead Channel L.E.D.
Indicates red when the Lead Channel is selected.
5. Output Master Control/Lead Channel
The Output Master controls the output of the preamp section to the power
stage. The Lead Channel is selected using the footswitch (supplied).
The channels can also be switched by using the push/pull function of the
Output Master control. The amount of gain applied to the Lead Channel
can be controlled using the Input Gain control (No. 2)
6. Treble Control
Adjusts the amount of upper frequencies in the sound.
7. Middle Control
Adjusts mid-range frequencies in the sound. High settings will provide a
fatter sound by boosting the mids. Lower settings cut the mids, providing a
more ‘scooped’ sound, accentuating the Treble and Bass frequencies.
8. Bass Control
Adjusts the low frequency content of the sound.
9. Presence Control
This is a power amp function which adjusts the ‘brightness’ of the whole
amplifier in conjunction with the Treble control.
Front panel functions
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