Just got a JCM 800!

[jmh151]

I just got a beat to hell used JCM 800 combo- the 4212, 100 watt monster with 2X12 speakers, it's the channel switching reverb model. So far I've only used the lead channel. The amp kicks serious booty, I traded in my DSL 401 and Valvestate VS100R for it, plus some money. I paid $800 for it, and it's worth every penny. It does the classic rock thing well, and with a TS-9 in front and a Boss EQ in the effects loop it does great metal, the EQ with scooped mids turns it into a totally different amp, very close to a Boogie. The tone of this amp can be shaped alot.

I tried all the new Peaveys, Boogies, and Marshalls in the store and this old boy sounded best. It's very loud, I have to get a Weber MASS for it. It sounds sooo much better than the DSL 2000 series. Also considering upgrading the speakers to VIN 30 and Heritage 30's.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Just got a JCM 800!

I just got a beat to hell used JCM 800 combo- the 4212, 100 watt monster with 2X12 speakers, it's the channel switching reverb model. So far I've only used the lead channel. The amp kicks serious booty, I traded in my DSL 401 and Valvestate VS100R for it, plus some money. I paid $800 for it, and it's worth every penny. It does the classic rock thing well, and with a TS-9 in front and a Boss EQ in the effects loop it does great metal, the EQ with scooped mids turns it into a totally different amp, very close to a Boogie. The tone of this amp can be shaped alot.

I tried all the new Peaveys, Boogies, and Marshalls in the store and this old boy sounded best. It's very loud, I have to get a Weber MASS for it. It sounds sooo much better than the DSL 2000 series. Also considering upgrading the speakers to VIN 30 and Heritage 30's.

Excellent score! Congrats! If ya can crank that clean channel jes for grins..with some good tubes you'll get a nice mild crunch there. I hhad the 1x12 50 watter, and used to run a TS10 (? The late 80's TS) in front and a BOss EQ in the loop too...though I did'nt do the scoopy thing with it. Just pushed some mids and bass.

The DSL/TSLs sound "OK" IMO, but the 800's were the last of the really great Marshalls as far as I'm concerned.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Just got a JCM 800!

Great score. I love those amps. Aside from those, I like the JCM900's from 1990-1992 (Mk III models). Those are sweet too.

I really need to start hunting for a good combo.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Just got a JCM 800!

The 4212 is the 50 watt version, not the 100. I believe 4211 was the 100 watt. At any rate, killer amp. I have the same one, and had Jeff Seal mod it to PTP wiring, Fender BF clean channel and Plexi/2204 gain channel.

The circuit on your amp is identical to the 2205 head version, and I really like it quite a bit stock. The cleans are moderately useful, but can vary from model to model a bit. Like you said, great classic rock thru 80's rock, and with a decent pedal you can do about anything. The 800's are my favorite amps by Marshall, followed by Plexi and then the DSL 50. Also, I think the stock G12T-75's in there sound pretty good. I messed around with V30's and ultimately went back. For harder rock they are great.

Congrats and enjoy.

 

[jmh151]

Re: Just got a JCM 800!

Then I have the 4211. It has 4 EL34's. No model number is on it except JCM 800 Super Lead. I just know it's a 2x12, 100 watt, channel switching, reverb combo.

Thanks for the tip on the speakers. I like them, I just wanted an improvement. The Boss EQ has a huge effect in altering the tone of the amp.

I love it. Tolex is torn, some knobs missing, looks very "reliced". Loud as hell.

 

[Forbes]

Re: Just got a JCM 800!

I have the 50 watt 2x12 combo version, i've heard they can sound amazing modded, but mine really is still blowing me away as it is now, maybe in the future ill have it tweaked up a bit. I love the old school tone and when pushed it sounds awesome, plenty loud enough aswell, i remember the first time i pushed it up near 10 at a band practice, yowzaa that thing can go some.

It sure isn't the lightest thing to lug to a band practice and back, but it is worth the effort.

 

[Forbes]

Re: Just got a JCM 800!

Excellent score! Congrats! If ya can crank that clean channel jes for grins..with some good tubes you'll get a nice mild crunch there.

True, the cleans are not crystal clear and chimey, but cranked up a bit the warmth of them can sound really nice.