The 1968 Marshall Super Bass: The Secret Weapon Behind Some of Rock's Greatest Tones

When guitar players talk about vintage Marshalls, the conversation usually drifts toward the legendary Super Lead. But hidden in the shadows of rock history is an amplifier that many players now consider the ultimate Plexi: the 1968 Marshall Super Bass.

Originally designed for bass guitar, the Super Bass became an unlikely favorite among some of the most influential guitarists ever to plug into a stack. Its thicker low end, smoother highs, and more forgiving response gave it a character that many players found richer and more musical than its more aggressive sibling, the Super Lead.

Today, an original 1968 Super Bass is considered one of the most collectible amplifiers in the vintage market—and for good reason.

The Birth of the Super Bass...

By 1967, Marshall had introduced two flagship 100-watt heads: the Super Lead Model 1959 and the Super Bass Model 1992. Although they shared much of the same DNA, the Super Bass featured different component values and omitted the bright capacitor that gave the Super Lead its biting edge. The result was a warmer, fuller amplifier with greater low-frequency response and a smoother top end.

The 1968 examples occupy a particularly special place in Marshall history. These were among the final years of the famous "Plexi" era, named for the plexiglass control panels that have become synonymous with classic British rock tone. Many enthusiasts consider late-1967 and 1968 Super Bass heads to represent the peak of Marshall's hand-wired craftsmanship.

Why Guitarists Fell in Love with a Bass Amp...

The irony of the Super Bass is that it became almost as famous among guitarists as it did among bass players.

Where a Super Lead could be bright, aggressive, and unforgiving, the Super Bass delivered a broader frequency response and a smoother overdrive character. Cranked through a 4x12 cabinet loaded with vintage Celestions, it produced a thick, harmonically rich roar that became a cornerstone of classic rock.

Many modern players describe the Super Bass as having more "wood" and depth in its tone, making it exceptionally responsive to a player's touch.

Nashville session ace Tom Bukovac has called the 1968 Plexi Super Bass one of the finest Marshalls ever built, even stating that he buys them whenever he finds one available.

Famous Musicians Who Used Marshall Super Bass Amps...

Jimmy Page

Perhaps the most famous guitar advocate of the Super Bass, Jimmy Page often preferred the warmer, less aggressive voice of the Super Bass over the Super Lead. Its thick midrange and dynamic response suited the enormous sound of Led Zeppelin, helping create some of the most influential guitar tones in rock history.

Paul Kossoff

Known for his expressive vibrato and emotionally charged playing with Free, Kossoff favored the Super Bass for its smooth sustain and rich harmonic content. Many players still chase his legendary tone using vintage Super Bass circuits.

Jack Bruce

As one of rock's pioneering bass heroes, Bruce helped establish the Super Bass's reputation as a serious stage amplifier. His work with Cream demonstrated how powerful and musical Marshall's bass amplifiers could be.

Chris Squire

The late Chris Squire's aggressive, melodic bass tone became a progressive rock benchmark. Marshall Super Bass heads played a significant role in delivering the articulation and power that defined his sound.

Lemmy Kilmister

No discussion of Super Bass amplifiers is complete without Lemmy. His towering Marshall rigs relied heavily on Super Bass heads, proving that the model could deliver not only bass clarity but also earth-shaking distortion and aggression.

Duane Allman

Duane's transition to Marshall amplifiers included the use of Marshall Bass heads, helping shape the singing slide-guitar tones that became his trademark.

Modern Champions

The Super Bass continues to attract elite players today. Musicians including John Frusciante, Adam Jones, and J Mascis have all been associated with Super Bass amplifiers and vintage Plexi-era examples.

The Collectibility Factor...

Vintage amplifier collectors often refer to an original 1968 Super Bass as a "holy grail" Marshall.

Several factors drive this status:

Rarity

Many original Super Bass heads were modified over the years to Super Lead specifications. During the 1970s and 1980s, players often wanted more gain, leading technicians to alter circuits, add master volumes, or perform various modifications. Unmolested examples are increasingly difficult to find.

The Plexi Mystique

The Plexi era occupies a unique place in amplifier history. These amps were hand-wired, built during Marshall's formative years, and became the soundtrack of classic rock. The 1968 models sit right at the sweet spot between early Plexis and the later metal-panel amplifiers.

Growing Demand

Collectors and professional musicians have pushed values steadily upward. Recent listings have ranged from several thousand pounds to well into five figures for exceptional or highly original examples, especially when accompanied by matching vintage cabinets.

Investment Potential

Unlike many vintage gear trends that come and go, demand for original late-1960s Marshalls has remained remarkably strong. Players want them because they sound extraordinary, while collectors pursue them because they represent a defining chapter in rock-and-roll history.

Final Thoughts...

The 1968 Marshall Super Bass occupies a fascinating place in amplifier lore. It was designed for bass players, adopted by guitar legends, and eventually became one of the most sought-after vintage amplifiers ever built.

Its warm voice, dynamic response, and direct connection to the golden age of rock make it far more than just another old amplifier. It is a piece of musical history—one that helped shape the sound of everyone from Jimmy Page and Paul Kossoff to Lemmy and modern tone seekers alike.

For collectors, an original 1968 Super Bass is among the most desirable Marshall amplifiers ever produced. For players lucky enough to plug into one, it's easy to understand why.

Check out our incredible 1968 Marshall JMP Super Bass 100 currently available in store...

Ciao

MEZZO FURIOSO