Jcm 900 q

[Grandturk]

OK - I'm very familiar with the Dual Reverb models, but limited otherwise.

I was checking out a 50W 2x12 combo today - non-reverb. Sounded awesome. It had the switchable master volumes - i.e. no clean channel. And was marked "Mark III."

Were the "Mark III" 900's essentially the same as the SL-X? I couldn't tell how many preamp tubes it had - the combo bracing was in the way. I know the SL-X had 4 and the Dual Reverbs had 3.

Anyway, seemed like a decent price - anyone have some history with these?

[DonP]

Sounds good, descent price, what's to think about?

No, I haven't had much experience with 900s. I skipped over them and went to the DSL100 when it first came out in 1998.

[Grandturk]

Sounds good, descent price, what's to think about?

Oh you know... do they blow up? That kind of thing...

[mattsmusiccenter]

I know the 900 series is one of the least popular in the Marshall line but I played through a couple recently and REALLY liked them. I'm considering getting a head myself but I also don't know the difference between the different versions.

[Grandturk]

The internet is AWESOME!!! I've nearly gotten all of my answers to my original question!

The 2100 and the 250x have different schematics than the Dual Reverb - so its really a different amp, apparently. The SL-X is the same as the Mk III with an additional tube in the preamp replacing the diode clipping. Apparently in the Mk III "diode clipping" is used in a different way/place than in the Dual Reverb.

[DonP]

The internet is AWESOME!!! I've nearly gotten all of my answers to my original question!

The 2100 and the 250x have different schematics than the Dual Reverb - so its really a different amp, apparently. The SL-X is the same as the Mk III with an additional tube in the preamp replacing the diode clipping. Apparently in the Mk III "diode clipping" is used in a different way/place than in the Dual Reverb.

Try comparing the Mk III to the 2550. The Silver Jub had diode clipping.

[Grandturk]

The Silver Jub had diode clipping.

yeah, but the 2550's are going for stupid money.

[Trussrod]

I have a JCM 2000. It's a great amp and I have no need to upgrade. I think Marshall has a combo with the 2000--or something similar--too.

[Grandturk]

I have a JCM 2000. It's a great amp and I have no need to upgrade. I think Marshall has a combo with the 2000--or something similar--too.

Way too many knobs - that's why I dig the 900.

[Strat God]

I've had many 900 heads -sold a few to members here too. YES, they are cheap (right now) but gaining once again in popularity. I love the sound and they are bullet-proof.

I recall Yngwie saying he bought all those non-master volume plexi heads because everyone wanted the master-volume models and they were practically giving those old plexi's away. Hello 900's.

[Racerx2k]

From what I've noticed, you can do fine, getting as 900, so long as it's one set up to run EL34s. The 5881 ones seem to be less desirable, for this reason.

[Grandturk]

I've had many 900 heads -sold a few to members here too. YES, they are cheap (right now) but gaining once again in popularity. I love the sound and they are bullet-proof.

I recall Yngwie saying he bought all those non-master volume plexi heads because everyone wanted the master-volume models and they were practically giving those old plexi's away. Hello 900's.

That's why I'm trying to make my move now... strike while the iron is hot, as they say.

I've got to catch at least one bargain in my lifetime!

[DonP]

Way too many knobs - that's why I dig the 900.

The DSL? You've got to be kidding me. Show me the 900 and how many knobs it has.

[Grandturk]

The DSL? You've got to be kidding me. Show me the 900 and how many knobs it has.

Gain (preamp stage 1)
Sensitivity (preamp stage 2 [goes to 20!])
Pres
Bass
Middle
Treble
Master 1
Master 2

The DSL has like push buttons and reverb and all that gobblity-gook.

[DonP]

Gain (preamp stage 1)
Sensitivity (preamp stage 2 [goes to 20!])
Pres
Bass
Middle
Treble
Master 1
Master 2

The DSL has like push buttons and reverb and all that gobblity-gook.

The DSL has a Gain, Volume and Reverb for each channel, and an optional boost.

Then the same EQ section (pres, treb, mid, bass).

Then a bass boost and a mid cut button.

It's not like a TSL or a JVM.

But hey, what can I say. If you don't like it you don't. All I know is that it can do classic Priest, Maiden, Metallica, etc. very well. So well that I've pretty much given up on a Silver Jubilee. I could have scored a Silver Jub full stack (small box - either 2x12s or 4x10s) for about $2K and I passed. I bought this Orange Crush 1/2 stack new, and I think it will be my last.