Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

YJM_Rocks

YJM_Rocks

New member
It's a 2203. He said he is pretty sure its a 1982. He said it is in great condition with no rips in the tolex and the cab is a pretty new 1960a. There are no mods. Its in original condition. He wants $900 for the amb and cab. Almost sounds too good to be true. Hope it isn't.

What should I look or listen for on the amp to make sure it is in working order? I don't want to be a piece of junk.
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

That really does sound too good to be true. Make sure the inputs are vertical and NOT horizontal. The 2203/2204s made until about 1983 had vertical inputs, after that they were horizontal. Both are good but the horizontal models have the jacks and pots connected directly to the PC board, which can be less reliable. Doesn't mean it's a bad amp though.

Also, take a screwdriver so you can either remove the cab handles or the back of the cab and confirm that the speakers are the original Celestions. Also check the transformers to be sure they are the originals as well.

Cheers,

CJ
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

Right. Just confirm serial number and let it warm up/work it out for a good bit... say 30-40 minutes at a minimum. If there's anything wonky it'll usually start to show up in that time frame but not in the first 10 or 15 minutes.

Output transformer should be a Drake. It'll probably have a paper tag & red lettering... maybe with a triangle kinda symbol? I'd have to look at my amp to confrim... but if it's an '82 it should be a Drake.

There might be the usual scratchy pots & stuff, but it's gonna be LOUD before it gives up "the tone".

Good luck!
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

Should I stop by a guitar shop and buy an SD-1 before I go play it? lol. Gonna need an overdrive.
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

Serial number is Y07141 Says so in his craigslist post. It is a JCM800 MK2 2203. So whats going on with this amp? What's the MK2 mean and what does the serial mean? He says he though it was an '82. Is that BS? Hmmmm....
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

According to the serial number it is a 1990 model, which is the last year they were made (small crossover from when the 800's ended and the 900's began). The Mk2 is just the designation assigned to the 2203/2204 Master Volume circuits back in the 70's when they were JMP's.

Since it's a 1990 model, that means it has horizontal inputs rather than vertical, jacks and pots are mounted to a PCB, and it probably does not have Drake transformers. This doesn't mean it's not a good amp. It's just as favorable as '84 and earlier 2203/2204 models.

Go try it out. If it rocks, buy it from him. If not, walk and keep looking.
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

Ok, I'm still gonna go try it. I'm going to be more careful, because it sounds a little fishy.
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

Definitely do. Now, if it turns out that he is throwing a line out there and it turns out to be a JCM900 MkIII 2100 or 2500, SNAG IT!! Those are gems that haven't received enough recognition.
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

If it was made in 1990 will it still be a true 2203? Without diodes?

Also...Still worth $900?

Talking to him on the phone he was a nice enough guy but kept saying it was worth $1500 or $1600 dollars
 
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Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

Yes, it would be a true 2203 without diodes if it is a 2203. There were a small number made in 1990 right before the JCM900 amps came out.

If it's in really good shape, with a 4x12 cab, you bet it's worth $900. That's a steal for a Marshall half stack.
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

The JCM800 2203 I am looking at, is anywhere between 1987-1989. Would this be Drake trannies?
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

Axl H said:
The JCM800 2203 I am looking at, is anywhere between 1987-1989. Would this be Drake trannies?
Click to expand...

'87 might be... leftover stock. '89 probably not. I think the switch was around '85-86 but I'm not entirely sure.

Anything is possible though.

Keep in mind that the Drakes are the "desirable" ones but not necessarily needed for the amp to sound good to you.
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

J Moose said:
'87 might be... leftover stock. '89 probably not. I think the switch was around '85-86 but I'm not entirely sure.

Anything is possible though.

Keep in mind that the Drakes are the "desirable" ones but not necessarily needed for the amp to sound good to you.
Click to expand...

I have a 1987 Canadian JCM 800 (2210) with toggle switch..I don't know if the Canadian one is different from it's British or US counterparts, but it has Drakes..Some pics:

IMG_1705.jpg


IMG_1744.jpg


IMG_1742.jpg
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

There's a hellaciously long 800 thread in the archives here if you search for it... that covers the Canadian versions too. But yes... they are a little different from their Southern brothers. I don't remember how exactly, but they are.
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

J Moose said:
There's a hellaciously long 800 thread in the archives here if you search for it... that covers the Canadian versions too. But yes... they are a little different from their Southern brothers. I don't remember how exactly, but they are.
Click to expand...

Oh, I know all about it..Main issues being having toggle switches instead of rockers, no 16 ohm on tap, extra fuses, EL34's, etc..
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

Hey YJM, are you in Florida (Melbourne area) ?

I saw the ad on Craigslist & e-mailed the guy a few times, but he kind of became a d!ck about answerring questions & claimed to not have a camera for pictures.

I told him I was interested, but didn't wanna be disappointed driving that far........

Oh well....good luck :beerchug:
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

Yeah, I'm gonna be real careful guys. What else should I look for to make sure its in working order?

Yeah, Puck. This must be the same guy. I'm not gonna trust him, I'll find out what it is for myself. From the serial it is a 1990.
 
Re: Going to look at a JCM800 tomorrow

Keep us posted.....HOPEFULLY he's just a dummy that has no idea what he has.

I can't really add to what has been said, as far as what to look for......make sure there are no "unused" holes in the rear (signs of some hack adding an fx loop, master volume or someother crap).

Make him let you crank it ....bring a guitar & cord, so no excuse there.

I would imagine the cab has G12-75s, but definitely take a peek on the odd chance they're Greenbacks or better, G12-65s !! :32:

Bring cash & flash a lower offer if the head seems like a good one....play off the "I don't need a 4x12 cab"; he's giving it away anyway if the head is a good one.

And good luck....nice score if it's on the up & up !!! :beerchug:
 
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