Marshall Silver Jubilee: every version
Every version, how to tell them apart, how to date one, and what to check before you buy. 5 versions, 1987–present.
The Silver Jubilee was a limited 1987 range marking Marshall's 25th anniversary, in silver covering with a silver panel. Its JCM800-derived preamp gives three sounds, clean, Rhythm Clip and Lead, and it was the first Marshall whose output valves can be switched to triode to halve the power. The model number tells you the wattage and the format, and the reissues are easy to tell from the 1987 originals.
The versions, in order
Silver Jubilee heads: 2555, 2550, 2553 (1987)
Silver Jubilee
100-watt (2555) and 50-watt (2550, 2553 short head) heads in silver covering, with Rhythm Clip and a triode half-power switch.
How to spot one
- Silver vinyl covering and a silver front panel, with JCM 25/50 anniversary branding.
- Three gain modes: clean, Rhythm Clip (pull the Input Gain knob) and Lead, footswitchable.
- An output switch puts the power valves into triode mode and halves the power: 100/50 W on the 2555, 50/25 W on the 2550 and 2553.
- Model 2555 is the 100-watt head, 2550 the 50-watt head and 2553 the 50-watt short (mini-stack) head.
Specs
| Rectifier | Solid-state (silicon diodes) |
|---|---|
| Phase inverter | Long-tail pair |
| Preamp tubes | 3 × ECC83 |
Silver Jubilee combos: 2554, 2558 (1987)
Silver Jubilee
The 50-watt Jubilee circuit in a 1×12 (2554) or 2×12 (2558) combo.
What changed from the Silver Jubilee heads: 2555, 2550, 2553
- The 50-watt circuit in 1×12 and 2×12 combo cabinets.
How to spot one
- The 50-watt Jubilee circuit with the same clean, Rhythm Clip and Lead modes.
- Model 2554 is a 1×12 combo; model 2558 is a 2×12 combo.
- The output switch drops them from 50 to 25 watts.
- Silver covering and panel, like the heads.
Specs
| Power tubes | 2 × EL34 |
|---|---|
| Rectifier | Solid-state (silicon diodes) |
| Phase inverter | Long-tail pair |
| Rated power | 50 W / 25 W |
2555SL signature edition (1996 (limited edition))
Signature
A limited run of 3,000 heads, with matching cabinets, built on the 2555 circuit.
What changed from the Silver Jubilee heads: 2555, 2550, 2553
- A limited 1996 re-run of the 2555, sold with matching cabinets.
How to spot one
- A limited edition of 3,000 amps, sold with matching cabinets.
- The 2555 circuit and 100-watt format.
- Built nine years after the originals, so its parts and serial date from the mid-1990s.
2555X reissue (2015 on)
Reissue
The 100-watt Jubilee reissued from the original diagrams, with improved switching and heaters.
What changed from the Silver Jubilee heads: 2555, 2550, 2553
- Reissued in 2015 with revised switching to cure relay flicker and improved heater wiring for lower noise.
How to spot one
- Model 2555X on the back panel and silver covering like the original.
- The circuit follows the original 2555 diagrams, keeping the high/low output switching.
- Revised switching avoids the relay flicker of the originals, and improved heater wiring lowers noise.
2525H / 2525C Mini Jubilee (2016 on)
Mini
A 20-watt head and 1×12 combo with the Jubilee preamp and a 20/5 W output switch.
What changed from the 2555X reissue
- The preamp scaled down into a 20-watt head and combo with a 5-watt setting.
How to spot one
- Model 2525H is the head and 2525C the 1×12 combo, with a Celestion G12M-25 Greenback in the combo.
- 20 watts, switchable to 5 watts.
- The preamp circuit is taken from the Jubilee diagrams.
Specs
| Rated power | 20 W / 5 W |
|---|
Silver Jubilee buying checklist
Date it
- Original Silver Jubilees were made in 1987 as a limited anniversary run.
- A model number ending in X (2555X) or a 2525 model number means a modern reissue.
- The 2555SL dates from 1996 and was made in a limited run of 3,000.
Check it’s original
- Silver covering is easy to recover or fake; check the model number, the serial and the circuit, not just the colour.
- Look for replaced transformers and output valves, and for added mods around the Rhythm Clip circuit.
- Originals and the 2555SL predate the 2555X's switching revisions; a 1987 head with modern switching parts has been modified.
What usually needs work
- Relay flicker or erratic channel switching is a known issue on originals; check the switching relays and their supply.
- Old filter capacitors on a 1987 amp should be checked or replaced.
- The silver covering and panel mark easily; cosmetic wear is common and doesn't affect the circuit.
Questions buyers ask
What does 25/50 mean?
The range marked Marshall's 25 years of amp building (1962–1987) and its founder's 50 years in music.
Is the Silver Jubilee a JCM800?
It's derived from the JCM800 but has its own preamp with three gain modes (clean, Rhythm Clip, Lead) and a triode half-power switch.
What does the half-power switch do?
It switches the output valves from pentode to triode operation, halving the power and softening the power-amp distortion.
Were Silver Jubilees made after 1987?
Not in the original run. The 2555SL followed in 1996, the 2555X reissue in 2015 and the 20-watt Mini Jubilee in 2016.
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