Jcm900

Jon87

New member
What JCM900 model is the best? Is there a difference between models like the SLX and the Dual Reverb.?
 
Re: Jcm900

Jon....I'm not an expert on the 900's, but I believe the SLX is a higher gain version of the standard 900 line. The 900's were Marshall's attempt at modern high gain amps. They elicite a pretty strong response...people either love them or hate them. With that said, there are lots of folks who love them, and you can pick them up pretty reasonably.
 
Re: Jcm900

I've actually noticed some upwards price creep on the JCM 900s on eBay over the last few months. I haven't looked at enough data to be sure but my initial impression was that they are going up because the JCM 800s are getting so expensive that people are looking to the 900s as a 2nd alternative. Even though , from what I read here, they are quite different amplifiers.
 
Re: Jcm900

I really liked my dual verb head. Not as gainy as the SLX and I realy liked the clean channel that when dimed had a real nice open grind to it. I actually sold a Dual Rect to get it and did not regret the choice. I sold it a few years back and like my non master stuff better but I got some extremely nice tones out of it, gigged it a ton and never had a problem with it.
 
Re: Jcm900

I got's myself a 4100 Dual Reverb. It's a really nice amp, it doesn't have features seeping out the poors, but, it is REALLY great sounding. I prefer it's sound over a JCM 800, but, other's don't. It's all a matter of opinion. But one thing I can't believe is how cheap anything with jcm900 on it is going. I saw a JCM900 cab at GC going for 200 less than a JCM800 cab. Both were 1960A lead. I was amazed.
 
Re: Jcm900

That much difference in cabinet price???

Seems weird - I can understand the heads being really different in price, but the cabs?
 
Re: Jcm900

Jonny R said:
That much difference in cabinet price???

Seems weird - I can understand the heads being really different in price, but the cabs?

only differance is the nameplate in the lower lefthand corner, right? Well, I guess everyone wants matching cabs with their heads, ya know? Some snizzling teen like, "I want the JCM800 with the JCM800 cab," and then when the salesman give him the JCM900 cab he wigs out, right? So, I guess people'll pay more for matching cabs. That's my logic behind it.
 
Re: Jcm900

I'd be intrested to hear any clips of a JCM 900

I see 50 watt 2x12's going second hand a lot which would be I think a good setup for me so long as the tone is good
 
Re: Jcm900

I had the original 2100 and then replaced it with the SL-X version when that came out. Still use it - still love it. The SL-X is features no diode clipping and is a simple master volume amp which allows you to set a different volume for rhythm and solos which you can switch between via a footswitch. This model features an extra pre-amp valve and allows you to dial in a ton of gain. However, this isn't a one trick pony - turn the distortion down and you can get some cool vintage type tones. Also as you crank the gain, depending on how you set the amp, you can either get that scooped metal sound or a really thick singing creamy sound.
Cool amp IMO.
 
Re: Jcm900

An another vote for the SL-X. I have the 50W version which is a tiny pack of nuclear blast :) If you crank back the gain and feed the amp with a Strat - pure '60s, think Hendrixism.

The main difference between SL-X and others is that: with a normal JCM900 you have to be more careful with your treble/gain balance because it is very easy to set it bad and produce some harsh fuzzy tone. The SL-X is nice and smooth in all settings. No. It is not very nice if you crank the gain above 15 :firedevil

The most positive side of a JCM900 is the price that means it is a superb choice for killer road tear&wear or a backup for your $$$$$y amp. It is solid, reliable, with careful setting you can get really nice tones out of it. A JCM900 is definietly WORTH the money. :headbang:
 
Re: Jcm900

nuntius said:
I'd be intrested to hear any clips of a JCM 900

I see 50 watt 2x12's going second hand a lot which would be I think a good setup for me so long as the tone is good

I have the 50 watt combo Dual Reverb. The Drive channel is all I use. I A/B this with a 69 Super reverb, so I have no real need for the clean. This Marshalls clean does not compare to a Fender. That being said I have looked at 800's and "other " Marshalls. I like the ease of use with this Amp. I have dialed in a nice "Over drive" type of sound. I set the gain at about 6. I also like the Master volume. I agree that a MV generally takes away from the tone, but it offers greater use in a large variety of situations. Non master amps IMO sound better, but only when they are cranked, and that just is not feasable in a lot of situations. I also use an original Blues breaker pedal in front of this when I kick it in the amp really screams. I do not like effects loops, so the only thing I would say is test the loop. The 900 loop is not true by pass, and it tends to "clip" my Delay. I would also say the a head and a 4 12 cab would sound fuller and will have a much better bottom than a combo.
 
Re: Jcm900

I am looking at the JCM900 SLX....i played through a 50 watt version..and loved it of course. But would it be wise to get the 100w version. Any differences in sound...or just 50 watts more power. Would 100w's be too much power? Plus there arent any 50watts SLX's on ebay....SO hopefully someone will soon put one up.
 
Re: Jcm900

Indie P Bass said:
Seems weird - I can understand the heads being really different in price, but the cabs?


only differance is the nameplate in the lower lefthand corner, right? Well, I guess everyone wants matching cabs with their heads, ya know? Some snizzling teen like, "I want the JCM800 with the JCM800 cab," and then when the salesman give him the JCM900 cab he wigs out, right? So, I guess people'll pay more for matching cabs. That's my logic behind it.

Yeah, guess so.

I'd probably end up putting a head with an Avatar cab stacked with a nice mix of speakers...
 
Re: Jcm900

Jon87 said:
I am looking at the JCM900 SLX....i played through a 50 watt version..and loved it of course. But would it be wise to get the 100w version. Any differences in sound...or just 50 watts more power. Would 100w's be too much power? Plus there arent any 50watts SLX's on ebay....SO hopefully someone will soon put one up.

I would say get the 50 Watt. You will probably never need any more power than that.
 
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Re: Jcm900

Jeff5 said:
I would say get the 50 Watt. You will probably never need any more power than that.

Word.

I haven't met any 50Wers here in my region, only a couple of 100W heads but I do prefer the 50W tone. I think the 50W versions are pretty rare for some reason I don't know. No, it's not about tone, it is super-subjective thing: tastes are different, I've met a guy who had the 100W version and he told me my 50Wer sounds like sht compared to the 100Wer. Dunno. I love my one so I have a privilege to baby mine ;)
 
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