The Marshall Super Lead 1959 model, produced from 1965 to 1976, was designed by Ken Bran and Dudley Craven in response to a request from Pete Townshend, guitarist of The Who, for a 100-watt amplifier.
A variant of this model with a tremolo feature, the 1959T, was available until 1973, and that's the model we have here.
This particular 1959T “Super Tremolo” Plexi model, produced in 1967, is essentially a 1959 with the added tremolo option.
The full stack was owned by Dominique Ruiz, guitarist for the French hard rock band “Pictures of Life,” which was active from 1969 to 1971 in Reims, the birthplace of champagne. The band's name is stenciled on the back of the amplifier and speaker cabinets. “Pictures of Life” performed at the renowned “Golf Drouot” in Paris, a venue where many bands launched their careers.
Dominique Ruiz played in several bands between 1969 and 1978 and was the lead guitarist for Mammouth from 1971 to 1972, when this picture was taken, showing the Marshall full stack in use.
All parts of this stack are marked with “PICTURES OF LIFE” on the back, but it may have been purchased partially new (the tall cabinet) and partially second-hand (the amplifier and slant cabinet):
- The amplifier, made in 1967, has a serial number of 10535.
- The slant cabinet appears to be from before October 1969 (featuring 2 Celestion G12H and 2 Goodmans speakers).
- The tall cabinet, model 1935B from 1970, contains 4 Celestion G12M speakers dated 1970.
Details of the 1967 Amplifier:
The amp still has its original Dagnall transformers, U frame choke and has recently been serviced (with original parts available). Serial number ST/10535 on the back. It is the EL34 equipped version (Marshall started using EL34 in early 1967). Inspection tag with only inspector signature visible. Tremolo functions perfectly, and a modern Marshall footswitch is included. It retains a rare original bulging plug and a DIN connector for the tremolo. The shop sticker is still attached on the top, reading: "FROM JOHN KINGS – IN KINGSTON."
Details of the Pre-October 1969 Slant Cabinet:
This cabinet features a small logo and the correct old tolex. It was likely manufactured before 1970, as the band's name is stenciled on the back (the band was active between 1969 and 1971), but it has no handles. The cabinet still has slanted screws and signs of the model plate. It might be a repaired cabinet with the correct grill, logo, and tolex. It is equipped with 2 Celestion G12H and 2 Goodmans Power Audiom speakers:
- Top Right: Goodmans Power Audiom 50W likely late 60s (reconed with cone code 412597).
- Top Left: Goodmans Power Audiom 50W likely late 60s (reconed with cone code 412597).
- Bottom Left: Celestion G12H dated 29LA (November 29, 1968) with cone 20 102 003.
- Bottom Right: Celestion G12H with unreadable date but for sure 1968/69 (reconed with cone code 412597).
Details of the 1970 Tall Cabinet:
Model 1935B. The “Bass” logo is almost entirely faded, with only the letter "S" remaining. It has metal handles and contains 4 Celestion G12M Greenback Pre-Rola speakers dated 1970:
- Top Right: T1511, dated JC15R (September 15, 1970) with cone 19 102 014.
- Top Left: T1511, dated JC14W (September 14, 1970) with cone 17 102 014.
- Bottom Right: T1511, dated JC14W (September 14, 1970) with cone 29 102 014.
- Bottom Left: T1511, dated JC15R (September 15, 1970) with cone 29 102 014.
The shop sticker is still attached on the back, reading: "HOWER CONDER." (Howard Conder is a British session drummer, songwriter, manager, sound engineer and producer).