JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

[B Bent]

I got an offer from HC from a guy who has a 1984 JCM 800 1x12 combo that he would trade for my DeVille. What are the pros and cons and red flags that you guys can give me. I like Marshall tones, but have honestly never owned one. He just payed an amp tech to go through it and he says it is killer. I know the 800 heads are cool but what about the combo??

 

[Rich_S]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

All the usual JCM800 discussion about single channel vs. dual channel, EL34 vs. 6550, etc. The combos are the same exact guts as the heads.

If it's a channel-switcher, then the dirty channel has diode clipping. Not a bad thing; some people like it, some people don't. It can be modded for a more "normal" all-tube dirty channel, too. (Where's Jeff Seal?)

I had a single-channel model 4010, just a 2204 chassis in a 1x12 combo box. Great amp for the gigging musician - carry it to practice with one hand. If you want more for a gig, just plug that 2204 into a 4x12 and you're good to go.

Of all the amps I've owned, I think that's the one I'd like back the most (although there are several "close seconds").

 

[Surgeon]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

Hi B,

I own a 4210: 50 watts, channel switching, reverb, 1x12, etc...

I admit some people like the tone and some don't. I just happen to really like mine. Very nice overdrive, especially when pushed a little harder (I just put the old custom back in my ltd-1000 and it sounds great) with higher output pick ups. I also use a Spina-modded SD-1 for solos. The cleans are useable too.

Mine's an '83, has El34s in there and I quite couldn't be happier...

I suggest you try it first and then make up your mind but it is, in my humble opinion, a great combo amp.

Have fun!

 

[jeremy]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

i have a similar marshall combo but mine is running kt66 tubes, great amp. i will probably get rid of mine soon. just too loud for the small clubs i play, but a great sounding rock amp

 

[Forbes]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

I have a channel switching JCM800 combo, love it.

 

[Forbes]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

Heavy though!

 

[Reckless Abandon]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

I have a single channel 1x12 1984 marshall. I am in heavan. I had it modded since I cannot crank it. But i am going to buy another one from that time period and leave it stock... and use it a bunch. BUy it!

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

I can tell you that they do not sound like Fender amps...

 

[DesertRose]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

I've got a JCM800 lead series combo 50 watts.
It has a nice crunch lead. Classic vintage distortion
Ain't sure about the Deville, but the JCM800 is really an amp to keep for life

I can tell you that they do not sound like Fender amps...

haha .. indeed

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

My current amp started life as a Marshall JCM 800 4212, a channel switching 50 watt 2x12 combo...same circuit as the 2205. It is a great amp in it's stock form. They definately need EL34-s in my opinion to sound good. The 6550's are TOO harsh for my taste, but YMMV. The Marshall sound is EL34's.

Depending on the amp (they vary from amp to amp), the cleans are so so to decent stock. The OD is where these amps shine. The flavor is definately a little different from the single channel MV amps, like the JCM 800 2204's, but I really like it. It has more gain than the single channel amps. Yes, it's diode clipping, but it sounds good.

I'm very picky about my tone, so I'd say for what I like the amp was a 7.5 to 8 out of 10 in it's stock form...which would be more than enough for most. I wanted an 11. I sent it to Jeff Seal and had it converted to a true point to point handwired amp. Now it IS an 11.

These amps are getting more and more expensive as time goes on, so if it's a decent deal, and you want THE Marshall tone, grab it. The cool thing is there are a TON of really simple and cool mods that most tech's can do to really improve the tone...without adding tubes, rewiring or whatever.

Definately a keeper amp!

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

i have a similar marshall combo but mine is running kt66 tubes, great amp. i will probably get rid of mine soon. just too loud for the small clubs i play, but a great sounding rock amp

Which one and how much bro? Haven't seen you much in a long time...hope you are well!

 

[JeffB]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

I had the 4210, greg...50 watter 1x12 channel switcher...

Diodes aren't THAT bad..but I really didn't like the 6550s in mine. EL34s rock in those amps.

Its a very good sounding marshall, but IMO, not as good as the single channel 800 series amps, tonewise. I'd trade a Fender hot rod in a minute for it..

 

[JeffB]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

I can tell you that they do not sound like Fender amps...

Thank You Captain Obvious!!! :laugh2:

 

[B Bent]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

I can tell you that they do not sound like Fender amps...

Hehe... there's a dude that knows my style. I am just feeling adventurous. I am open to trying a lot of stuff just to see if it inspires me in a new way. I find it funny that given the number of my guitar heros that play Marshalls, I have never owned one. And of course it doesn't sound like a Fender!! :smack:

 

[jeremy]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

Which one and how much bro? Haven't seen you much in a long time...hope you are well!

im doing well jeff! job sucks but i think im gonna quit and find something else, so im not minding it so much at the moment. life is good.

as far as the amp, its a 4210 50w 2 chnl 1x12. trace at voodoo modded it for me, sounds great but i cant remember the last time i actually used it. its running gtkt66hp tubes pretty hot and has an amazing dirty tone.
i think im gonna sell both the jcm 800 and my bassman ltd. same issue, too loud for what i need. id like to get $800 for the marshall if i can.

id like to pick up a 35w tweed style amp i think. ive been running a '66 dr a/b'd with a 5e3. the dr is on all the time and kinda cleanish, the 5e3 is roaring hard but the volumes are about equal so the 5e3 just thickens things up.
i really an diggin the setup and love the tweed tone, but the bassman is a little too loud unless im outside, so i think itll go and a tweedy supery thing might move in.

how bout that for a hijack

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

Nice hijack bro...quality. I have the 4212, I was hoping you had a single channel or something you wanted to dump cheap. You should have no trouble getting $800 for a Vodoo modded JCM 800! Give the brutha's here a shot at buying that baby!

Hope you find a better job.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

I'd love to snag a JCM 800 combo oneday too..... my tech told me to stay away from the 800 combos with the single guitar imput jacks for some reason??? said that they never sounded right? anyone know what model this could of been?

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

my tech told me to stay away from the 800 combos with the single guitar imput jacks for some reason??? said that they never sounded right? anyone know what model this could of been?

He's probably talking about the channel switching 800's, 2205 and 2210. Remember, opinions are like buttholes, everyone has one. Anyone who talkes in absolutes when it comes to gear is closed minded. Some people don't like the channel switching Marshalls, some swear by them. Play a few and decide for yourself. A ton of great rock songs have been recorded with these amps.

 

[V!N]

Re: JCM 800 1x12 42xx..what can you tell me?

Right on Jeff ! Both single and split channel JCM 800's are two completely different amps and great in their own way.

I like small combo's with enough power, they're like a head with a handy build-in speaker for the times you can't or don't want to lug around a 4x12".
The 4210 I have promised to have great features: a JCM 800, but also with a clean channel, reverb and an effectsloop.

Unfortunatly, the stock speaker gives a bone dry and paper thin sound and even with a good one or hooked to any cab, it still sounds like a Big Muff, only much thinner and bizzier.

Mind you, mine is the very earliest version and I've been really impressed with the later ones, nothing like mine.

So now I'd like to think of mine as a donor chassis for when I get the new guts from Jeff Seal to stick in mine to blow away pod pansies.