Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

[ErikH]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

Erik, mine was the first DR that my shop got when the 900s released and mine had 5881s in it. II think marshall just used whatever they could find that worked halfway decent.

Really? I never saw a pre-late 1993-94 model with 5881's. Every early one from 1990-1992, mid-1993 that I saw had EL34's.

"Although the EL34 had at this time begun to return to prominence, a number of these were shipped with 5881 valves, a now uncommon valve similar in tone and build to a 6L6."

You're both right.

Where did you quote that from?

When the JCM 900 series was introduced, EL34's were in prominence. They fell off in the early to mid 1990's due to factory closures and that is when Marshall made the switch to 5881's.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

Yup mine had 5881s. I was not happy as I'd been pretty peeved for the last few years because of 6550s.

I believe even my Doyle marshall book which was released right around when the 900s came out states 5881s as stock. I will have to double check.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

Interesting. I'll be honest, this is the first I've heard of the early DR's coming with 5881's. The MkIII came only with EL34's. Very early SL-X models came with EL-34's and then went to 5881's.

 

[Christopher Caruana]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

I played a 900 once (cant remember which one). No, it didnt have the roar that my 800 2204 has, but I honestly didnt think it was all that bad. After messing with the EQ a bit, I thought it sounded great. I do like 80's hair bands so that might be the reason why I liked it too. lol

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

JCM 900: most underrated Marshall. And you don't need to use the diodes, you can turn them off as well.

You cant turn them off...you can only turn down the gain or sensetivity levels depending on the amp model....the SLX however im not sure about because it replaced the diode section with and extra tube. Seemed like a good idea, but the extra tube also added a lot of noise and reduced reliability.
Nothing wrong with diode clipping per se, but yeah, turning it down is not the same as bypassing it. If youve ever played a master volume model 800, youll hear what a 900 master volume woukd sound like with no diode clipping whatsoever: ear splittingly loud before any crunch begins. Actually diodes or not, i prefer the sound and funtionality of 900 master volume over the 800 master volume amps. They are a totally different, and much richer sounding amp than the 900 dual reverb models.

 

[idsnowdog]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

For my own purposes- Hot Rod Marshall means any older NMV or MV marshall that has been modified to produce more gain in some way other than a tube swap, or pedals. IOW- added gain stages, cascading circuits, etc.

As for Splawn, Bray, Rivera, etc. those are Marshall inspired AFAIC. While they sound amazing there are significant tonal and feel differences in those amps compared to the originals.

I thought the Rivera was a heavily modified Fender circuit like the Mesa Boogie?

 

[whatshisname]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

The early 900 came with EL34's. I forget exactly why, but IIRC, there was a supplier problem, and that resulted in them using the 5881. I'm sure someone here remembers the details.

As I've said before, I think the JCM900 got a bad rap, because of peoples experiences with the amps that came with 5881 tubes.

 

[dr. ad]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

You cant turn them off...you can only turn down the gain or sensetivity levels depending on the amp model

what about a mkIII with the gain sensitivity zeroed? does that bypass it or kill the signal or what?

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

If youve ever played a master volume model 800, youll hear what a 900 master volume woukd sound like with no diode clipping whatsoever: ear splittingly loud before any crunch begins. s.

Actually this isnt 100% true. In very broad terms they would be the same but there were many changes in construction that do influence the sound so even with the diodes removed it wouldnt make a 900 sound like an 800. Look at the differences in transformers and arrangments look at how the capitance is wired and the difference in parts vendors. All small changes that add up to different sounding amps.

Your point that it would take more volume before you hear crunch without the diodes is valid though but the overall tonality would differ

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

To hot rod any amp, you need to chop the top off, install wider wheels and tint the glass.

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

To hot rod any amp, you need to chop the top off, install wider wheels and tint the glass.

Do my grey glass M+O KT66's count as tinted glass?

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

The early 900 came with EL34's. I forget exactly why, but IIRC, there was a supplier problem, and that resulted in them using the 5881. I'm sure someone here remembers the details.

As I've said before, I think the JCM900 got a bad rap, because of peoples experiences with the amps that came with 5881 tubes.

BOth my old 900 dually and my current mkIII have EL34s. I dont think the 5881s made it to australi.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

what about a mkIII with the gain sensitivity zeroed? does that bypass it or kill the signal or what?

NO the sens at zero is just reducing the level running thru the clipping circuit. Its kinda the name as turning the gain to zero on a tubescreamer, but leaving it turned on. It does sound good tho, but it does not have the headroom of even a 50watt 800mv
ON a MKIII the is volume is the preamp gain, then the sens is like the gain level on an inbuilt od circuit then it goes to the 2 switchable masters.

 

[Frogman]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

My RedBear MK60 and MK120!

Boo yah! Nasty, meaty tone!

 

[dr. ad]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

BOth my old 900 dually and my current mkIII have EL34s. I dont think the 5881s made it to australia.

i'm pretty sure my 4500 is 5881, i'll check tomoz

so that circuit's integral, eh...
i think i'm going to end up with a clone and a wah habit somehow

 

[playas]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

I´m not very knowlegable about these things but Marshall (eg along the lines of a JCM800) with (lots) more gain and plenty of mids on tap.

 

[dr. ad]

Re: Just What is your definition of a 'Hot Rod Marshall'?

yep, 2x5881s in my 4500.
"This Amplifier is fitted with 5881 power output valves.
Replace with same type only.
Consult qualified personnel.
Marshall"
note the capital a on "Amplifier".
i would never have done that.