Marshall 2555X Silver Jubilee ⚡️ ZEN Amp Vault Ep22 ⚡️ An enduring classic

Welcome to the amp vault at Zen Amplification in sunny Sydney, Australia. R&D for our very own tube amp is in full swing (more on this below) - but in the meantime we thought we'd have a little fun and invite you into the vault.
🎧 What to Expect:
Good friend and Aussie guitar legend Leon Todd will host what will become an entire series directly from Zen HQ. Leon and a bunch of other great players will showcase every amp in our collection with a minimum of fuss or distraction. No reviews, chatting or zaney clickbait antics here - just pure tube tone, from super clean through to metal.
We'll feature mostly raw samples, plus some full mixes and double-tracked clips for kicks.
Check out Leon's awesome channel if you haven't already: / leontodd
🗂 Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:47 - Full Mix
REFERENCE CLIPS
02:07 - Ref A: Strat Breakup
03:06 - Ref B: PAF Crunch
03:55 - Ref C: Will It Shuck?
04:43 - Ref D: Holt's Day To Die
RAW CLIPS
05:30 - 1. Bonamassa
06:30 - 2. Dirty Strat
07:10 - 3. LP Rocka
07:52 - 4. Boosted PRS
08:26 - 5. Boosted LP
09:12 - 6. Sweet Tele
10:15 - 7. Spanked Strat
10:39 - 8. Dirty Tele
11:28 - 9. James Noodling
11:53 - Recording Info
12:14 - Player Comments
🎼 About 'Reference' Clips
A reference clip is a consistent one that will be used across different videos via the magic of re-amping, i.e. nothing in the chain will change but the amp. This is a good way for those interested to compare amps until we get around to collating them all into a mega shootout.
Typically each video will feature 3 or 4 reference clips of appropriate styles highlighting the signature tones of the amp.
🎴Our Mantra:
In short - tubes still rule.
In an endless sea of digital promises, we firmly believe that traditional tube circuitry still offers so much that simulators just can't. Punch, depth, immediacy, interactivity and attack are some words that come to mind. Not to mention the simplicity and the tactile advantages of real amps.
For us, the feeling of playing through a great tube amp is inspiring, distraction-free and simply brings joy. When this tonal trinity occurs, great music is made and good times are had - and that's what it's all about.
🇦🇺 We built a wall - to keep bad tone out:
The vault houses modern classics from companies such as Wizard, Friedman, Diezel, Bogner, Soldano, 65 Amps, Landry, Splawn, Mesa, Orange, Rivera, Divided by 13, Tone King and Peavey. And of course there's a number of vintage stalwarts around the studio from Marshall, Fender, Vox, Hiwatt and more.
To top it off the vault also houses a similarly impressive selection of vintage and modern guitars from Gibson, Fender, Gretsch, Suhr and PRS.
🎤 Analogue Recording Gear:
• 4x12 cabs close mic'd with a Shure SM57 / Sennheiser E906
• Combos and open cabs close mic'd with a Shure SM57 / SE VR1 ribbon mix
• Pair of Neumann U67 room mics 4.5m back, mixed in just a touch
• Neve 1073 preamps for close mics
• API 3124 preamp for rooms
• Little Labs Redeye3D DI (some clips reamped)
• KHE amp switchers to manage the wall, Mogami cabling, Neutrik connectors
🖥 Digital:
• Recorded via an Apogee Symphony A/D converter
• Waves reverb added to some clips
• Minimal post-processing - just a LPF and HPF to better reflect how it sounds in the room
🎛 The Zen Amplifier:
We can't reveal too much right now but there is a very special amplifier design underway in the Zen workshop. It is an all-tube design that incorporates some next-generation innovations, enabling it to compete with the versatility of digital - whilst retaining the responsiveness and punch of traditional tube amps of course.
More details to come later, but sufficed to say we're very excited about this project and can't wait to share it with you.
Thanks for checking out our channel, and don't forget to subscribe to keep up-to-date with all things Zen.
Special thanks to all our amazing guitar playing friends that helped out - Leon Todd, Joel McDonald, Ryan Thomas, James Norbert Ivanyi, Dave Bleus, Cale Storer, Dave Longo, Voya Milutinovic, Ned Koncar, Odin Wolf, Jesse Turner, Daniel Willington, Alex Wichello, Tim Maxwell, Seb Bartels, Jimmy Lardner-Brown & Cameron Henderson.

[@LordFingers1]

Amps sounds great. You sir. Have been recognized by the Lordfingers mark of excellence in tone and the distribution of killer tones! This is a very rare and prestigious award. Very, very seldomly distributed amongst amp collectors. But your collection is so tasteful, so rare, so expensive, and so epic we decided to give you the glorious mark of excellence! We believe that in Australia, this is even harder to achieve unless one truly lives for glorious guitar tones. You sir, Mr. Zen, HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED!

[@zenamplification]

You know we were almost satisfied with our recent Emmy, Grammy and Oscar wins - now we can really gloat! We unhumbly accept this Lordfingers award and can't wait for the after party 🤘🏼

[@geraldrauch1701]

that waz funny...cheers!!!

[@staggs5034]

Guys. Hell of a job. Hands down The best demo video I’ve seen in years.

[@zenamplification]

Many thanks! Cheers for stopping by.

[@DennisTrovato]

4:44 Good choice on the Exodus riff considering that the latest Exodus album was recorded with a Jubilee.

[@dizzyastr989]

My absolute favorite amp! I've owned one for about 4 years now, and really put it through the paces! When compared to "higher gain" amps, this one can definitely hold its own with a great boost or OD. Without any pedals it really is just a rock n roll monster! The one thing I tell people that stands out most, is the "note bloom" that happens when the amp and lead master are both above 6. Even full chords just hit in the most sonically gooey way that I have yet to find elsewhere. I use it for my metal band, as well as The Cult tribute act, and it has yet to leave me unsatisfied! Awesome video, made me run right over and fire them tubes up!

[@zenamplification]

A man of fine tastes right here folks!

[@dizzyastr989]

@@zenamplification 🙌🤘

[@stevestarr6395]

Hey Dizzy, what brand tubes you like using in it?

[@BeautifulGuitars365]

What OD pedal do you like in front of it?

[@dizzyastr989]

@@stevestarr6395 all stock! Don't fall into the pit of tube swapping, lol.

[@eliasbarnes8061]

a pleasure watching you play this beast of an amplifier

[@purplelookplay2364]

Great job !❤

[@braxal6983]

This is great you show the control settings and speakers used. Now all we need is the mics used and if you used any enhancements to the sound. Yes this is the way I like to see a demo. All review channels should do something similar. Great job!!! Thank you!! - opps amending I see the mics used at the end my bad. - This is a great example on how to review an amp!!! I wish everyone did something like this. Thanks for raising the bar!!!

[@zenamplification]

Thanks for checking it out! There’s some info in the description as well about the recording, but please shout out if there’s anything further you wish to know. Keep rockin’ 🤘

[@lynyrddeville]

Every single amp demo I've heard here has sounded fantastic!

[@cheyneluke9330]

Great video once again team! Once you've been through all your amps I would love a video on a single riff but going through each amp. For example one video with just "will it shuck" but with all the amps. Another video with all the Holts day riff, strat breakup, tool riffs etc etc. Would be awesome to compare a single riff across the entire amp collection!

[@michaelgallegos8811]

Great video guys 🤘😈🎶🎶🎶🍻🛸

[@stevestarr6395]

I've got an original 87' 2555 and Marshall did a great job on the reissues!

[@MrSpillify]

Another great demonstration! This used to be the one that would compete for attention with my Ecstasy. I just did a shoot out of the two of them, and just like they used to compare: (1) the Ecstasy is more liquid under the fingers and rich but (2) the Jube just has more: more low end with the bass above 8 (that boost in the lows is amazing at lower volume), more nasty mids,and more high end presence and chirp. When you get the power section cooking, it can do a decent metal tone for what it is, but it practically begs for 80s Sunset Strip sleaze. Another Easter egg is cranking both the gain and master past 6-7 on the rhythm channel to cop plexi tones. Great video as always!

[@jimshomestudio4669]

I have 8 444 cone speakers and don’t know what to do with them. I had them in cabs but the modern Greenbacks won them over. Great to see them here. What I’m missing out on. Awesome, every time Zen folks.

[@zenamplification]

They can sometimes be a bit dark and thick but we've mostly had good luck. Setting up the amp a little more aggressively can help, or mixing them in a cab with a brighter speaker of course works great. As we mostly use our cabs for recording though things like mic technique also play a role - for example the mics are typically a little closer to the centre for darker speakers.

[@megatodd707]

Super cool video! Wow. Very informative. I learned a ton. 😃 You guys can seriously play. 👍

[@zenamplification]

Cheers!

[@megatodd707]

@@zenamplification Much thanks to Kyle bull for sending me your way. I gotta check out your videos! 😍 Have a great weekend

[@cliffords2315]

Man that Les Paul Custom sounds so smooth

[@AlexandreCriado]

I wish for more amp clips with the classic lead 80's. This speaker seem vastly underrated

[@zenamplification]

Yeah cool speaker, very versatile.

[@firststep7750]

Fantastic review as always. I played a 2555X through a Marshal cab (unknown speakers) and really didn't enjoy the spikey top end. However, the Orange and Friedman cabinets rounded off those spikey frequencies. The Friedman cabinet with GM12 Reissues - to my ear - being the most pleasing tone. 2555X can definitely 'shuck' and as such an amp worth considering for rock particularly when given its retail price compared to the boutique brands. The one critique I have to this amp which can't be addressed, is the reflective chrome chassis.

[@zenamplification]

Yep it can be a little brash - a good G12M or Classic Lead 80 works great though. Amp looks cool in person, but is a real pain to photograph!

[@watcharasathianprasertsang8242]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@shortie5033]

That pepper dirty tree pedal sounds awesome. Very Adam jones vibes there

[@zenamplification]

Yeah cool pedal. Very simple, but that's all you need with a good amp.

[@wendelllanders8439]

Great demo!!Good job guys!!Mine is coming at the end of February!!!

[@zenamplification]

Great amp, enjoy it in good health!

[@wendelllanders8439]

I am receiving my Jubilee at the end of February via Sweetwater!!!

[@zenamplification]

Enjoy!

[@dominikpohli2381]

this amp nails the acdc sound in combination with with celestion g12m greenback m and h very well

[@mattloughran9817]

Great work gents! Thanks for the Amp Vault Productions! How does the Vintage Modern compare to this Silver Jubilee? Obviously the SJ is a top tier Marshall with a choke, can the Vintage Modern come close?

[@zenamplification]

Cheers Matt! They are voiced quite differently - the VM is thicker, throatier and has a more old school feel generally, even though it has quite a bit of gain.

[@GeoffField-ks8mp]

How did you find these players? Seriously great stuff and the tones are amazing!

[@truthfactreality6814]

I have this amp. It’s awesome !!

[@Auen73]

Outstanding Jubilee demo......I've been admiring/surprised by the ZEN demo G12T-75 . It seems to have a Greenback quality to it? The bass response seems looser & smoother than every other G12T-75 I've heard. The mids & highs sound smoother & warmer. Do you think the aging is the reason for this? Or were the very early versions of this speaker voiced or made different? Thanks. Again, outstanding demo.

[@zenamplification]

Thanks man! The 80's version of the T75 is very different to the later ones. It sounds pretty close to a G12 65, which is really a fatter sounding, high wattage G12M greenback of sorts. We've not had much luck with 90's and later T's, quite a harsh voicing.

[@simonr344]

At those master volume settings the amp must've been deafening!

[@Tiger1016.]

10:16 What artists are well known for doing a lot of this kind of style in the Spanky Strat part, especially ones that stay rooted into the Rock arena rather than more traditional funk? This is a style that I have stumbled into myself over the years with my playing, but I haven't really come across bands in my exploration that I can learn from and get some more inspiration from. The only options close to this that I have come across so far are Tom Morello and to a lesser degree John Frusciante.

[@zenamplification]

Good question, there has to be a few but no one really springs to mind. Dave Navarro heads into that territory with Jane's Addiction at times.

[@Tiger1016.]

@@zenamplification Cool! I'm going back to refresh on what I have been overlooking with Dave. Found some pretty interesting and lengthy tutorial interviews with him during his stint with RCHP, which have the potential to be a treasure trove if there is some directionally relevant stuff in there! If not, it will at least be a fun hour of guitar nerdery entertainment along with a 90's retro flash back!

[@Imi631]

Hi You really convinced me, I also want the Jubilee, but I don't know how to solve the solo highlighting, could you help me with this?

[@zenamplification]

If you want just a little more drive for your lead tone then the simplest solution is just your guitar volume knob, Angus style! Next option is adding a boost or mild overdrive pedal. If you want a volume boost into an already dirty amp, a clean boost or EQ in the loop works great. If you want both, then a combination will be required.

[@Imi631]

@@zenamplification Thank you for your answer, I have a problem with increasing the volume of a distorted sound, the boost pedal does not increase the volume

[@fuzzbear7837]

How does the clean channel respond to drive pedals?

[@zenamplification]

Haven’t done much of that but it seems fine. It’s more Fendery than your typically Marshall though, so the cleaner boosts don’t seem to work as well as something that pushes the mids more.

[@joshsmith7033]

1:24

[@mcsstudiosunderdevelopment6257]

Awesome Video, wish I had the selection of cabinets you have, I only have 3 haha Really informative fellas, great to see how you placed the mics on angled cabs...I've only done it on the angled part, might try it on the lower part to see what it'll sound like. I have this amp and I can say it is an amazing sounding amp, takes a big getting used to with lead master and output master (cleans insanely loud then lead channel not as loud etc I've got all the mics you have besides the u67, so it's great to see you can achieve great tones with affordable mics (even though the Neuman's were only subtly blended in) Did you use a soak or actually run it that loud? Cause its insanely loud, but not as loud as my afd100 ahaha

[@zenamplification]

Yep just a little of the room but frankly we could've done without them - they don't add much value really. No attenuators used, we like it loud!

[@joshnolte]

​@@zenamplification omg hahah all out or nothing 🤟 You using a reamper or di box at all? If so what would you recommend?

[@zenamplification]

Yep a number of the clips are reamped generally. The Creation Labs MW1 and Little Labs Redeye are our favourites.

[@mcsstudiosunderdevelopment6257]

@@zenamplification When you Mic the cabs the orange 4x12 at 1:19, are there 3 mics? e906, sm57 and the silver one...what is it as i've seen it also at time 3:29.

[@zenamplification]

@@mcsstudiosunderdevelopment6257 The silver one is a Shure 545 but it's not in use.

[@luca4352]

What's the exact post processing of the 'Will it Shuck?' Clip?

[@zenamplification]

Very little really. A HPF set quite low and gentle (~70Hz, 6dB slope) and some peak limiting at the end to avoid clipping. Doubled tracked and hard-panned.

[@luca4352]

@@zenamplification LPF as well? Sounds very smooth on the top.

[@zenamplification]

No, only required on the high gain stuff generally. Mic positioning helps with the high end of course, and that speaker is a killer one.

[@PMCGuitares]

Hello guys, what is the song played by Ryan at 5'30 ?

[@zenamplification]

‘Blue and Evil’ off Joe’s 2010 album Black Rock.

[@PMCGuitares]

@@zenamplification Thanks guys ! And thanks for your work on this channel with all this great amps.

[@zenamplification]

Thanks for your support!

[@dominikpohli2381]

how close is the heritage g12h 75hz to the pre rola one

[@zenamplification]

Same ballpark, but hard to beat or match those Pulsonics. Also 50 years between them, so hardly a fair comparison!

[@dominikpohli2381]

​@@zenamplification i personally like creamback h more than the heritage one it has more midrange and nails vintage tones better and for metal h tones i use the wgs reaper hp

[@javiover8042]

Absolutely stunning review! I am about to purchase this amp. I have a recto standard 4x12 cab... But I am considering buying the Marshall 2x12 matching jubilee cab with marshall V30. Have you tried this amp with the jubilee 2x12 cab? Does it sound great with it??

[@zenamplification]

Thanks! No experience with that particular cab but we're pretty confident it would sound great. The Jubilee is a very flexible amp and works well with most speakers really.

[@javiover8042]

Thank you so much! Some people are telling me not to go with the Marshall vintage because I own a recto OS 4x12 and they tell me that it will sound better with my cab. But watching some clips... There's something with the recto cab paired with a marshall head that sounds kind of weird to me on the mids spectrum... I kind of like better with Marshall vintage cabs despite the more harshness in the high frequencies...that’s why I am considering de marshall 2536 cab!!!

[@zenamplification]

Vintage 30's are great but worth at least trying a G12M greenback cab with this amp. More classic Marshall, less aggressive in the upper mids. If you already have a Recto cab it's worth a shot!

[@javiover8042]

I like this amp with both output master and lead master above 7. I am afraid that being so loud it would destroy a 25w greenback speaker...????? I don't now.... Maybe I am wrong... I’ve never had experience with greenbacks...

[@BeautifulGuitars365]

@javiover I agree, I’ve played Marshall’s into my Recto cab and it doesn’t sound right. It’s like too harsh somehow. Sounds smoother into a Marshall cab

[@kierenmoore3236]

When did people start putting zebra pickups that way around? The bobbins (but not the poles) look the wrong way around … 🧐🤔