Marshall 1959RR Randy Rhoads Signature MKII Super Lead 100-Watt Head 2009

2009 Marshall 1959RR Randy Rhoads Signature MKII Super Lead 100-Watt Head

A very clean example of one of Marshall’s most sought-after modern limited-edition amplifiers, the 1959RR Randy Rhoads Signature MKII Super Lead 100-Watt head.

This 2009 example has seen only light home use and is presented in excellent condition overall. There are a few markings that are worth pointing out, and we have included some high-contrast photographs to make these easier to see. There are some marks to the top and one side of the head, including what appear to be the initials “RR” written on the cabinet at some point, along with some red markings to the rear. These were only really noticed under the strong studio lighting and may well clean off, but we would rather show everything clearly and let the photographs tell the story.

The 1959RR was produced as a highly faithful recreation of Randy Rhoads’ famous white Marshall 1959 Super Lead, the amplifier he had specially modified by Marshall after visiting the factory in 1980. The original was used extensively with Ozzy Osbourne and became an important part of the sound associated with Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman. Marshall were given access to Randy’s original amplifier, which had been preserved by his family, and used it as the basis for the 1959RR.

The 1959RR is far more than a standard 1959 Super Lead with Randy’s name on it. Marshall recreated the cascading gain modification found in Randy’s original amplifier, giving the amp considerably more preamp gain and allowing the two stages of the preamp to be cascaded for a much more saturated and harmonically rich overdrive. It retains the essential character of a 100-watt Super Lead but delivers considerably more gain and aggression when pushed.

The specification is classic Marshall: 100 watts, two channels, four inputs, three-band EQ and Presence control, with three ECC83 preamp valves and four EL34 power valves. The amp has selectable 4, 8 and 16-ohm speaker outputs and is built in the UK.

Tonally, this is a serious amplifier. The clean-to-driven transition has that unmistakable big Marshall authority, but once the cascading gain stage is brought into play it moves into the thick, singing and highly responsive overdrive that made Randy’s modified Super Lead so distinctive. There is enormous volume and headroom on tap, combined with a very aggressive upper-mid character, tight low end and plenty of harmonic content. It is an amp that really comes alive when allowed to work.

The 1959RR was a genuine limited-edition Signature Series model, with contemporary examples documented as part of a run of just 600 units worldwide. That makes these considerably rarer than a regular-production Marshall 1959, and complete examples with their original accessories are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

This example comes particularly well equipped. Included are the original Marshall slip cover, Certificate of Authenticity, original box and packaging, together with the additional accessories that accompany the amp.

At the time of listing, we also have two matching Marshall 1960 4x12" cabinets available. If you're looking to put together the full Randy Rhoads-style stack, please get in touch and we can discuss the matching cabinets with the head.

A very special Marshall for the Randy Rhoads enthusiast, collector or player, hugely powerful, wonderfully overdriven and about as close as you can get to the famous white Super Lead without owning Randy’s original.