JCM 800 bass vs JCM 800 lead?

[Rich_T]

Hey everyone, looking for a bit of Marshall info.

How different are these two 100watt heads? Could the bass version be used as a guitar amp? How much modding would be required to get the two fairly similar?

Cheers, Rich

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: JCM 800 bass vs JCM 800 lead?

Plexi and 70's JMP Super Bass and Super Lead amps are extremely similar. Enough so that they can essentialy be converted into each other with a few minor cap changes. This was not the case with the JCM800 bass amps.

The JCM800 bass amps have a preamp designed exclusively for bass, with active tone controls and a parametric. The EL34 power amps were about the same as the lead amps, though.

There was also a 375 watt, all tube, Marshall bass amp from the early 80's with similar tone control features.

I've always wondered what a 100 watt JCM800 1992 would do for bass guitar, through a good bass bin, and KT88's in the power amp, though?

 

[Zerberus]

Re: JCM 800 bass vs JCM 800 lead?

....

There was also a 375 watt, all tube, Marshall bass amp from the early 80's with similar tone control features.....

This is the one I was immediately thinking of.. had carrying handles in the sides for 2 people, 8 power tubes, and cost a ****load to retube :laugh2:

Still sounded damn good, though....

 

[Rich_T]

Re: JCM 800 bass vs JCM 800 lead?

Ah cool, thats a shame, cheers anyhoo!