Marshall JCM 800 questions

[Dreamland_Rebel]

i'd go for the Marshall JVM 210c or 410c, if a combo is what you're looking for.

[broken_fusion]

Just buy a Splawn Quick Rod. Its like having 3 Marshalls in one amp.

[Big D]

Just buy a Splawn Quick Rod. Its like having 3 Marshalls in one amp.

I'm sure the Splawns are awesome, but...they ain't a Marshall. Some of us like to have the real deal.

[Shawn Lutz]

JCM800 2203 is as good as it gets. basic once channel...you want one with the vertical inputs.





This is an 83 with 6550's and best one I've ever had and I had a bunch of 2203/04's. I do like the look of the JMP2203/04 better but this one is a keeper. Just pure Marshall balls and and tone, simplicity at its finest. A Boss SD-1 in front in your metal heaven

[Psh511]

how about my JMP in the emporium...would also make a great platform for a voodoo mod ...(shameless plug)

[Partial @ Marshall]

'81 to '83 2203 100 watt, vertical inputs. 6550s, no effects loop but you get used to it. Not much for the reissues myself.

[Firebird V]

'81 to '83 2203 100 watt, vertical inputs. 6550s, no effects loop but you get used to it. Not much for the reissues myself.

+1

[Chief_CrazyTalk]

I'd recommend the 800s. I've owned a few Jubilee combos and heads; the 50W ones sounded pretty good, but the 100W Slash head was a big disappointment.

The best one I've ever owned, by far, is a 1981 50W combo, the 4210 model, with reverb. It does seem to need a pedal in front of it for anything heavier than classic rock tones though...but with a Metal Zone in front and my greenback cabs, it sounds incredible...even at apartment levels.

The 800s are CLASSIC!

[veemagic]

So what I am gathering is you guys are preferring the 50 watt over the 100 watter. Regardless if its the Jubilee or the 800jcm. Can you give me some reasons why?

[Mr.Shreddy]

More gain at lower volumes

[Chief_CrazyTalk]

I think the 100 watt amps are great - I'd love a 2210! But it's true you get more distortion sooner with the 50-watters, and they are nearly as loud as the 100s.

I've heard that the older Marshalls used different transformers than the newer reissues - iron frame vs plastic? - but they all seem to sound pretty good.

I don't see any special about the Zakk heads...they're just 2203s. The KK heads have what, a 10-band EQ and a noise gate, integrated into the amp? Other than that, they are just 2203s as well.

The Slash head I owned sounded just like the Black Crows, and I could never get a good metal sound out of it. I think it needed better tubes and/or a rebias, but I never bothered once I got the 800.

[markD]

Well guys I appreciate all of your insight. I have listened to a few you tube clips of the Silver Jubilee and have decided thats what I am after. Now just to find the right one! Any opinions on the 25/50 watt or the 50/100 watt models?

i had the black tolex version of the 25/50 watt head. i liked it better for the grind on the lead channel, but didn't think it gave enough head room on the clean channel. so i guess it would depend on your needs regarding the clean channel.

[markD]

'81 to '83 2203 100 watt, vertical inputs. 6550s, no effects loop but you get used to it. Not much for the reissues myself.

+ .5 i agree with the years, but would go after a 2204, vert input. mine was a fire breather. even at 50 watts it was TOO loud. it sounded so sweet though....

[Tim_B]

I've had my 2205 about 15 years, and for me, it's THE Marshall sound ... cranked thru a 4x12 it's THAT tone ... that's the only tone it does, but I don't want any other
I got the 100W 2x12 combo version as well, and I've got to agree, it's probably too loud ... as in vol on 3 against a 5kW PA

if you want more gain, a stomp box can give it, but a higher gain amp won't have that tone if you try to clean it up ...

in a nutshell, if you want the sound of a 20 year old Marshall, get a 20 year old Marshall !

[jcm800x]

I've used the same 2203 since 91' or so, just find a killer pedal and your all set.