Jcm 800
- Thread starter MikeA
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Yngwiestein
New member
Re: Jcm 800
I don't remember the whole story but I think it's something like this:
1. Marshall introduces first master volume amps, JCM800 is born
2. Marshall introduces first channel switching amp, JCM800 diversifies
3. Marshall introduces channel switching with reverb and thereby has yet another JCM800 model
3. JCM900 was introduced, Marshall F-ed up!
4. Reissues yay!
Actually I don't remember. All I can tell you with certainty that NOTHING sounds quite like a JTM cranked up! I like JTM45 better than the JCM800 which are mostly similar but with a little more gain and a little brighter. Don't take my word for it. I'm interested in an expert analysis!
A year ago I was torn between a JTM45 and a JVM. I went with the JVM because I wanted versatility and modern tones. UNTIL I started really experimenting with the master vol and using the GAIN to control the loudness. Then I found a JTM holy grail of tone! Never went back!
I don't remember the whole story but I think it's something like this:
1. Marshall introduces first master volume amps, JCM800 is born
2. Marshall introduces first channel switching amp, JCM800 diversifies
3. Marshall introduces channel switching with reverb and thereby has yet another JCM800 model
3. JCM900 was introduced, Marshall F-ed up!
4. Reissues yay!
Actually I don't remember. All I can tell you with certainty that NOTHING sounds quite like a JTM cranked up! I like JTM45 better than the JCM800 which are mostly similar but with a little more gain and a little brighter. Don't take my word for it. I'm interested in an expert analysis!
A year ago I was torn between a JTM45 and a JVM. I went with the JVM because I wanted versatility and modern tones. UNTIL I started really experimenting with the master vol and using the GAIN to control the loudness. Then I found a JTM holy grail of tone! Never went back!
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jmh151
Active member
Re: Jcm 800
Well if you're exploring an original JCM800, here's a problem I faced. Old Marshalls are very noisy compared to modern amps. I have a JCM 800 4211/2210, channel switcher with reverb.
The amp really has to be cranked to sound good, and this 100 watt Marshall is extremely loud. A THD Hotplate alters the tone too much. The Marshall is pretty much like having a big block V8 motor with no mufflers on. You get the deep growl, but the volume has to be at blistering levels.
At lower volumes, the modern amps are easier to get better tones. I got a Carvin V3, and it covers the high gain territory I was trying to get the Marshall to do, but it does it quieter.
Could I put a noise gate in the effects loop of the JCM800? Perhaps, I haven't tried.
Only the Marshall gets the legendary Marshall tone though.
I didn't get rid of the Marshall, I still have both. It's a 1989 amp,19 years old. I'm holding onto it in case it goes up in value.
Well if you're exploring an original JCM800, here's a problem I faced. Old Marshalls are very noisy compared to modern amps. I have a JCM 800 4211/2210, channel switcher with reverb.
The amp really has to be cranked to sound good, and this 100 watt Marshall is extremely loud. A THD Hotplate alters the tone too much. The Marshall is pretty much like having a big block V8 motor with no mufflers on. You get the deep growl, but the volume has to be at blistering levels.
At lower volumes, the modern amps are easier to get better tones. I got a Carvin V3, and it covers the high gain territory I was trying to get the Marshall to do, but it does it quieter.
Could I put a noise gate in the effects loop of the JCM800? Perhaps, I haven't tried.
Only the Marshall gets the legendary Marshall tone though.
I didn't get rid of the Marshall, I still have both. It's a 1989 amp,19 years old. I'm holding onto it in case it goes up in value.
Yngwiestein
New member
Re: Jcm 800
i have a banged up 1982 jcm 800 50watter, Canadian issue 2204... Canadian issue has some slight differences including 2 metal toggle switches for power and standby, but they also have a Ohmage Selector that only does 8ohm and 4ohm!!!! pain in the butt when most Marshall 4x12's are 16 ohms i think...
anyways my 2204 is not working 100% right... i've had to a tech a few times and each time it comes back slightly better but not 100% fixed... so i need a new tech...
that being said this thing is one loud mother with a slamming piercing tone straight to my ear drum... i find most Marshalls that way... they hurt!!!! Make sure you have a reason to have so much power before you buy one....
i have a banged up 1982 jcm 800 50watter, Canadian issue 2204... Canadian issue has some slight differences including 2 metal toggle switches for power and standby, but they also have a Ohmage Selector that only does 8ohm and 4ohm!!!! pain in the butt when most Marshall 4x12's are 16 ohms i think...
anyways my 2204 is not working 100% right... i've had to a tech a few times and each time it comes back slightly better but not 100% fixed... so i need a new tech...
that being said this thing is one loud mother with a slamming piercing tone straight to my ear drum... i find most Marshalls that way... they hurt!!!! Make sure you have a reason to have so much power before you buy one....
Mr. Mom
New member
Re: Jcm 800
Take a look at the Splawn amps.
I was after a Hot-Rod JCM800 and remembered the Splawn amps. Been a fan for a long time.
The Competition is a 50/25 (Pentode/Triode) EL34 Single Channel head with 3 different "Gears" (aka selectable EQs), 2 OD settings, and an adjustable Solo boost. The gears, OD settings, and Solo Boost are controlled by the included footswitch. Also has a nice effects loop, selectable Ohm (4-8-16), and selectable Voltage (110, 220, 230). The amp can go from crazy gain to the clean tone on "18 and Life" (Skid Row) just by rolling the volume control back on the guitar. If you're after a Clean Channel as well, take a look at the Quick Rod (100/50 watts - 1/2 power switch, actually bypasses 2 tubes).
Killer amps, great company to work with (Scott will actually answer the phone and talk shop!!) and very reasonable prices for the quality. I even had mine in a residential basement for a quiet get-together with the volume 'just' on and the tone was still great!! Tons of gain on tap even at that low volume.
Take a look at the Splawn amps.
I was after a Hot-Rod JCM800 and remembered the Splawn amps. Been a fan for a long time.
The Competition is a 50/25 (Pentode/Triode) EL34 Single Channel head with 3 different "Gears" (aka selectable EQs), 2 OD settings, and an adjustable Solo boost. The gears, OD settings, and Solo Boost are controlled by the included footswitch. Also has a nice effects loop, selectable Ohm (4-8-16), and selectable Voltage (110, 220, 230). The amp can go from crazy gain to the clean tone on "18 and Life" (Skid Row) just by rolling the volume control back on the guitar. If you're after a Clean Channel as well, take a look at the Quick Rod (100/50 watts - 1/2 power switch, actually bypasses 2 tubes).
Killer amps, great company to work with (Scott will actually answer the phone and talk shop!!) and very reasonable prices for the quality. I even had mine in a residential basement for a quiet get-together with the volume 'just' on and the tone was still great!! Tons of gain on tap even at that low volume.
Rich_S
HomeGrownToneBrewologist
Re: Jcm 800
There were two basic varieties of JCM800s - the single channel models and the channel-switchers.
I know more about the sinlge-channel ones. There were two versions, the 100-watt 2203 and the 50-watt 2204. 2203 and 2204 were the model numbers of the heads - the same amp chassis came in combo amps with different model numbers.
These were all-tube amps, except for the solid-state rectifier. In the U.S., they generally came from the factory (actually, from the U.S. distributor, Unicord) with 6550 output tubes, louder and cleaner than the EL34-equipped amps sold in England. Tube choice is personal preference, some people like one, some the other. Switching output tubes is not hard or expensive, but requires a tech.
The channel-switchers used diode clipping on the dirty channel instead ot a purely tube circuit. It's kind of like having a Tube Screamer built inside your amp.
You'll see a lot of talk about "vertical inputs". Earlier JCM800's had the 2 input jacks one on top of the other, hence "vertical". These are considered better-built and more durable than the later horizontal-input amps. The circuits are pretty much the same.
Contrary to what SSS said, there were master volume Marshalls before the JCM800's. The late-70's JMP line of amplifiers had both models 2203 and 2204, which were the roots of the master volume heads, and sort of evolved into the JCM800 line. The latest JMPs were basically JCM800's with different cosmetics. IMO, the JMP's are better-looking amps.
There were two basic varieties of JCM800s - the single channel models and the channel-switchers.
I know more about the sinlge-channel ones. There were two versions, the 100-watt 2203 and the 50-watt 2204. 2203 and 2204 were the model numbers of the heads - the same amp chassis came in combo amps with different model numbers.
These were all-tube amps, except for the solid-state rectifier. In the U.S., they generally came from the factory (actually, from the U.S. distributor, Unicord) with 6550 output tubes, louder and cleaner than the EL34-equipped amps sold in England. Tube choice is personal preference, some people like one, some the other. Switching output tubes is not hard or expensive, but requires a tech.
The channel-switchers used diode clipping on the dirty channel instead ot a purely tube circuit. It's kind of like having a Tube Screamer built inside your amp.
You'll see a lot of talk about "vertical inputs". Earlier JCM800's had the 2 input jacks one on top of the other, hence "vertical". These are considered better-built and more durable than the later horizontal-input amps. The circuits are pretty much the same.
Contrary to what SSS said, there were master volume Marshalls before the JCM800's. The late-70's JMP line of amplifiers had both models 2203 and 2204, which were the roots of the master volume heads, and sort of evolved into the JCM800 line. The latest JMPs were basically JCM800's with different cosmetics. IMO, the JMP's are better-looking amps.
drew_half_empty
Looking for Real Life
Re: Jcm 800
man you guys are giving terrible advice. You're rambling on about tone & weird little things and not really answering his question. For real. Except you rich, good stuff
here man i googled & found this
JCM800
- Introduction: 1981
- 1 channel model: Just cosmetics changes
- 2 channels model: Channel switching, reverb and effect loop
- Character:
+ 1 channel: same as master volume
+ 2 channels: More gain and more aggressive than the single channel version
so apparently the older ones are the cleaner ones you gotta crank more to get distortion out of, and the later model ones had the channel switching and were more 80's metal ish
and apparently the reissues blow
man you guys are giving terrible advice. You're rambling on about tone & weird little things and not really answering his question. For real. Except you rich, good stuff
here man i googled & found this
JCM800
- Introduction: 1981
- 1 channel model: Just cosmetics changes
- 2 channels model: Channel switching, reverb and effect loop
- Character:
+ 1 channel: same as master volume
+ 2 channels: More gain and more aggressive than the single channel version
so apparently the older ones are the cleaner ones you gotta crank more to get distortion out of, and the later model ones had the channel switching and were more 80's metal ish
and apparently the reissues blow
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J Moose
New member
Re: Jcm 800
There's a wonderful thread in the archives here on JCM800's and all the different versions...
All you need to know & too much more - https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=47866&highlight=JCM800
800's were introduced in '80 or '81... single channel. Channel swtichers were introduced in '84. The major revision there was in '86 or '87... All versions underwent minor changes over the years... read the thread!
Biggest change was away from Drake transformers around '86?
They're all pretty bulletproof... Keep after the power tubes and change the filter caps once every 10-12 years or 250,000 arpeggios, whichever comes first!
BTW - I'm selling a modified '84 2205...
There's a wonderful thread in the archives here on JCM800's and all the different versions...
All you need to know & too much more - https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=47866&highlight=JCM800
800's were introduced in '80 or '81... single channel. Channel swtichers were introduced in '84. The major revision there was in '86 or '87... All versions underwent minor changes over the years... read the thread!
Biggest change was away from Drake transformers around '86?
They're all pretty bulletproof... Keep after the power tubes and change the filter caps once every 10-12 years or 250,000 arpeggios, whichever comes first!
BTW - I'm selling a modified '84 2205...
pinto79
New member
Re: Jcm 800
Don't forget the non-master models! They had a 1959 with JCM800 cosmetics.... But I've never heard one.
My favourite is the 2204 50 watter. I've owned several along with a JMP 2204. I wish I'd kept them, but whatever.
The reissue I tried was very true to the original, at least the best example that I owned.
With a good OD pedal in front or two, you can get all kinds of gain and tones out of one. I always found it a great place to start and build on.
Once my Rhoads head is paid for, I'm going to be on the search for another 2204 or a 2203.
Don't forget the non-master models! They had a 1959 with JCM800 cosmetics.... But I've never heard one.
My favourite is the 2204 50 watter. I've owned several along with a JMP 2204. I wish I'd kept them, but whatever.
The reissue I tried was very true to the original, at least the best example that I owned.
With a good OD pedal in front or two, you can get all kinds of gain and tones out of one. I always found it a great place to start and build on.
Once my Rhoads head is paid for, I'm going to be on the search for another 2204 or a 2203.
martin6string
New member
Re: Jcm 800
I absolutely love my JCM800 combo that I got from Lew. Clearly, the best sounding 800 I've played and/or owned. I also have a DSL50, which I like very much as well. Marshall - There is no substitute.
I absolutely love my JCM800 combo that I got from Lew. Clearly, the best sounding 800 I've played and/or owned. I also have a DSL50, which I like very much as well. Marshall - There is no substitute.
Re: Jcm 800
i grabbed my 2204 for $500... it's a real wreck... needs to be recorvered and maybe recapped... but the current price in Toronto vintage shops for a working 800 2204 from the early 80's is around $1200-$1500 depending on condition...
the 100 watt 2203 800's from that same period are going for less... $800-$1100 is the norm... i've seen a few go for $700 in working order....
everyone seems to want the 2204... I basicly bought mine only because i enjoy the sounds Kim Mitchell gets out of his old Canadian 2204 live... i'm not sure how he does it but his cabs have greenbacks which are 16 ohm cabs and his Canadian issue 800 only has 4/8 ohm selection... i guess he maybe running it on 8 into a 16 or someone changed the amp a little.... i'm not sure how he does it but it works... Maybe he uses 8ohm greenbacks
i grabbed my 2204 for $500... it's a real wreck... needs to be recorvered and maybe recapped... but the current price in Toronto vintage shops for a working 800 2204 from the early 80's is around $1200-$1500 depending on condition...
the 100 watt 2203 800's from that same period are going for less... $800-$1100 is the norm... i've seen a few go for $700 in working order....
everyone seems to want the 2204... I basicly bought mine only because i enjoy the sounds Kim Mitchell gets out of his old Canadian 2204 live... i'm not sure how he does it but his cabs have greenbacks which are 16 ohm cabs and his Canadian issue 800 only has 4/8 ohm selection... i guess he maybe running it on 8 into a 16 or someone changed the amp a little.... i'm not sure how he does it but it works... Maybe he uses 8ohm greenbacks
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3
34029324079
Guest
Re: Jcm 800
i really want a jcm800 4010 vertical input. it is a 1x12 with a raging sound. if u need volume etc just plug in a cab. versatile that way.
i really want a jcm800 4010 vertical input. it is a 1x12 with a raging sound. if u need volume etc just plug in a cab. versatile that way.
drew_half_empty
Looking for Real Life
Re: Jcm 800
maybe he rewired it for 4 ohms
16 ohm 4x12's can be reqired to 32 or 4 ohms without changing speakers
maybe he rewired it for 4 ohms
16 ohm 4x12's can be reqired to 32 or 4 ohms without changing speakers
Rich_S
HomeGrownToneBrewologist
Re: Jcm 800
Actually, that's 64 or 4 ohms, but you'll have trouble finding an amp with a 64 ohm output setting.
Actually, that's 64 or 4 ohms, but you'll have trouble finding an amp with a 64 ohm output setting.
J Moose
New member
Re: Jcm 800
I haven't seen a single 2205 for under $1200 in the NY/NJ metro area...
Sam Ash in Springfield NJ has one, SUPER clean for $1650!!!
Not a half-stack... just the head.
That's too much IMO... but I'm sure someone will pay it...
Eventually.
I haven't seen a single 2205 for under $1200 in the NY/NJ metro area...
Sam Ash in Springfield NJ has one, SUPER clean for $1650!!!
Not a half-stack... just the head.
That's too much IMO... but I'm sure someone will pay it...
Eventually.
L
Lewguitar
Guest
Re: Jcm 800
Thanks Matt. That amp looks stock but Bruce and I did a lot of work on yours internally. It's the best sounding JCM 800 I've ever owned or played through but, as you know, it's not stock. Bruce did some awesome, and simple (if you're a genius - like Bruce is!) mods to it that increased the gain of the HI input and gave the LO input a more open, natural and Vox kind of tone.
IMO, stock master volume JCM800's are way to bright and sizzly and the LO input sounds a bit "flat".
Bruce corrected those issues in your amp...and then some!
Glad you're loving it. I loved it to.
Lew
Thanks Matt. That amp looks stock but Bruce and I did a lot of work on yours internally. It's the best sounding JCM 800 I've ever owned or played through but, as you know, it's not stock. Bruce did some awesome, and simple (if you're a genius - like Bruce is!) mods to it that increased the gain of the HI input and gave the LO input a more open, natural and Vox kind of tone.
IMO, stock master volume JCM800's are way to bright and sizzly and the LO input sounds a bit "flat".
Bruce corrected those issues in your amp...and then some!
Glad you're loving it. I loved it to.
Lew