How do I choose a JCM800?

JammerMatt

JammerMatt

New member
Hey Guys,

First, in a perfect world I would probably buy a Bogner, but I don't live in a perfect world.... so....

I know I've seen LOTS of threads on Marshall JCM800's and their mods, but then my eyes gloss over when I see all the different tube, transformer, speaker options. I get dizzy.

Anyway, I'm starting to look around for a used JCM800. I'm thinking 80's metal style from hair to thrash. I don't care about clean, I'm talking ROKKEN with DOKKEN'. :headbang: :headbang: I'm thinking of getting one maybe in the next year or so because I've always wanted one, and I was going to start lurking on E-bay to check out the going rate?

I have read on threads that some sound bad, some sound okay, and some sound fantastic. I don't understand how this can be since they all come from Jim Marshall's shop eh? :confused:

So, what am I looking for as far as model years, tube configurations, modifications and cabinets?

Joneser, what's the deal with Jubilees?

Thanks a ton!
 
Re: How do I choose a JCM800?

I prefer the pre-1986 JCM 800 2204 head, with stock 6550 tubes, and no mods ( I use 2 of these from 1982 ). Check for a pre-1986 2204 ( single channel, 50 watts ), a 2205, 0r a 2210.
 
Re: How do I choose a JCM800?

59paul said:
I prefer the pre-1986 JCM 800 2204 head, with stock 6550 tubes, and no mods ( I use 2 of these from 1982 ). Check for a pre-1986 2204 ( single channel, 50 watts ), a 2205, 0r a 2210.
Click to expand...

Exactly. By '86 it's not the same amp Marshall made in '82 and it's the '82 model that sounds best. Look for one with VERTICAL inputs. I would not buy one with side by side inputs. Tho the side by side input version is a good amp it's not as ballsy and lively as the '82 version with vertical inputs. There are subtle differences in the actual circuit and the circuit board itself is a different layout for the '86 version. That's about all you need to know to find a good one: vertical inputs & from about 1982 or so. Good luck!
 
Re: How do I choose a JCM800?

2203 = 100W, one channel
2204 = 50W, one channel
2205 = 100W, two channels
2210 = 50W, two channels

I know that the vertical input jacks are the best versions, and that the two channel models use a diode in the gain stage. That's about the extent of my knowledge, and it might not even be correct....
 
Re: How do I choose a JCM800?

So, I'm hearing this:

1. 1982 to 1985 models, with the 1982 the most preferrable.
2. Vertical inputs
3. Either 50 or 100-watters, 2203, 2204, 2205 or 2210.

What kind of popular mods would I be looking for, if any? Or better yet, what would I avoid? And what kind of tubes? Also, do these models have an effects loop? Or could I have an effects loop added by a good tech?

I'm thinking 1960 slant cab with V-30's? That sound right?
 
Re: How do I choose a JCM800?

I don't think there are any mods that have to done other than modding the bias circuit so you can use EL34 tubes instead of 6550's. Some guys like to clip the bright cap off of the volume control or if it's on the circuit board, off of the circuit board. Those are the two biggies...

Lew
 
Re: How do I choose a JCM800?

JammerMatt said:
So, I'm hearing this:

1. 1982 to 1985 models, with the 1982 the most preferrable.
2. Vertical inputs
3. Either 50 or 100-watters, 2203, 2204, 2205 or 2210.
Click to expand...

Anything prior to '84 is good for a JCM 800.
 
Re: How do I choose a JCM800?

Also JammerMatt, with the 2204, since it's single channel, you can set the amp up to your tastes, then push it with a good overdrive pedal for a boost. ( I use mine in a similar fashion to this. I set mine up fairly clean, and use a TS-808 to push them ). You can also use an attenuator with it, for full Power Tube Output, and attenuate down the volume to a useable level. ( I suppose you can do this with the other models, as well ).....:)
 
Re: How do I choose a JCM800?

there's this jcm800 with vertical inputs at a local guitar center, it sounds great but it could a bit more overdrive to it.
 
Re: How do I choose a JCM800?

Mine's an '84 with vertical inputs, or at least I bought it new in '84. I still have the reciept somewhere.
 
Re: How do I choose a JCM800?

\m/(00)\m/ said:
there's this jcm800 with vertical inputs at a local guitar center, it sounds great but it could a bit more overdrive to it.
Click to expand...
Well...that's a matter of taste. To me, the JCM 800 has PLENTY of overdrive lol !!! It's not a Thrash amp, so if that's what you're after, look elsewhere.........:)
 
Re: How do I choose a JCM800?

One thing I take into consideration with any amp is what I call a "base tone", the intrinsic sound of the amp. Even the 800's that arent as "Ballsy" have a good base tone to work with. That being said any 800 I have had was used with a pedal or two in front of it. I usually used a boss or tube screamer to drive the "base tone." the mesa v-twin is another cool pedal to use to drive the 800. A lot of players that use 800 will use some kind of drive or distortion pedal. I really like the 800's. I think joneser will suggest that a Pro should gp through the amp after new tubed are put in. 800's can be noisy if not cared for.
Oh. Joneser would highly recomend the Jubilee. I don't want to talk for him, but I have heard him praise the jubilee. I think he said something to the effect that that is what the 800 should have been from the start. by the way were is Jonesy?
 
Re: How do I choose a JCM800?

54stratlover said:
One thing I take into consideration with any amp is what I call a "base tone", the intrinsic sound of the amp. Even the 800's that arent as "Ballsy" have a good base tone to work with. That being said any 800 I have had was used with a pedal or two in front of it. I usually used a boss or tube screamer to drive the "base tone." the mesa v-twin is another cool pedal to use to drive the 800. A lot of players that use 800 will use some kind of drive or distortion pedal. I really like the 800's. I think joneser will suggest that a Pro should gp through the amp after new tubed are put in. 800's can be noisy if not cared for.
Oh. Joneser would highly recomend the Jubilee. I don't want to talk for him, but I have heard him praise the jubilee. I think he said something to the effect that that is what the 800 should have been from the start. by the way were is Jonesy?
Click to expand...

Absolutely Right !!! The 800 is a Great amp to use as a " Building Block " for tone !!! It can be shaped, molded, tweaked,....... Nice post, 54stratlover..........:)
 
Re: How do I choose a JCM800?

54stratlover said:
Oh. Joneser would highly recomend the Jubilee. I don't want to talk for him, but I have heard him praise the jubilee. I think he said something to the effect that that is what the 800 should have been from the start. by the way were is Jonesy?
Click to expand...

That's what got me to thinking about a Jubilee. I suppose if you're gonna drop 1500 to 1700 for a half-stack, why not go a few hundred up for a Jubilee?

All this talk has got me stoked. I'm going to lurk on e-bay for awhile.

Thanks guys for all the great input.

-Matt
 
Re: How do I choose a JCM800?

59paul said:
Well...that's a matter of taste. To me, the JCM 800 has PLENTY of overdrive lol !!! It's not a Thrash amp, so if that's what you're after, look elsewhere.........:)
Click to expand...

well im not looking for a thrash amp, im not like that anymore. but ti sounded kinda week, i guess it needs to be cranked to sound best. but i'll try it out again. :)
 
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