Marshall Question(4500 content)

[SonofaMitch]

What would One expect to pay for an older Marshall JCM 900 50watts Hi gain Reverb 4500 Model(not sure on the year)...head not combo.....opinions on these?...I have a chance to buy one and Was wondering what you guys with Experience have with them...

thx in advance!!

~Mitch~

 

[Gr8Scott]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

Maybe $400. I wouldn't pay any more than that for it personally. I would save my money and find a Mark III model instead. Those are killer amps.

 

[SonofaMitch]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

ok, what are the Pros and cons of the 4500 model marshall?

~Mitch~

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

Pro's....it is bad
Cons....it is worse...

 

[ErikH]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

The 4100/4500's pre mid-1993 are decent...they came with EL34's stock. Anything after that came with 5881's and IMO, as well as some others, that is when those amps lost their sound. In good condition, those can be had for $500-$600. They're not "bad" amps, they just need a little help to get better. One that has 5881's can be changed over to EL34's easily enough. Just have a tech do it.

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

Whats the deal with the SLX models... Better than the MkIII series? Is there any relation between JCM 900s and Marshall Jubilees?

 

[ErikH]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

The SL-X is an extension of the MkIII. Essestially the same amp as the MkIII with an additional tube added. The "Gain Sensitivity" control works differently on the SL-X than the MkIII as well. On the MkIII, you can have that knob all the way down and still have sound. On the SL-X, it cuts the sound off completely.

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

Thanks Eric, knew you would be the one to answer these questions! Are there any models of the MkIII with switchable power settings?

Thanks!

Sorry for the 'jack of the thread, but I was about to start a thread based around this same topic and thought why not make it a more fact filled thread!

 

[ErikH]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

All of the MkIII amps have power switch. 100/500 on the 100 watters and 50/25 on the 50 watters. If you can find one in good shape, don't pass on it. I saw a beat to snot 50 watt head at a local GC for peanuts but didn't have the money to pick it up. I'd love to have one to go with my 100 watter.

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

Trust me, I am hunting a MkIII 50 watt head dwn right now....How are the cleans?

 

[ErikH]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

Cleans? There's no stinking cleans in the MkIII....LOL. Actually, the cleanest you'll get is with the Gain Sensitivity all way down, Preamp at around 2-3 o'clock, and roll back a bit on the guitar volume. The Preamp volume level will depend on how hot your pickups are too. The hotter they are, the lower you may want to set it. But honestly, for diversity, Gain Sensitivity all the way down, Preamp all the way up, roll back the guitar volume for your clean.

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

MkIII are single channel only?

I found one on ebay but it has been retubed with 6l6s in the power section... freaking weird...
Thoughts and expectations?

 

[ErikH]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

Yup. Single channel with two switchable master volumes....one for rhythm, one for lead.

http://www.erikhansen.net/ - go to the Amps and Guitars section on the right. I've got a page dedicated to the MkIII amps.

A MkIII retubed with 6L6's? Link? EDIT: Found it.
That MkIII is in GREAT shape. Go for it and if you win it, get it retubed with EL34's. Why he put 6L6's in it, I have no idea.

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

How much would it cost to have EL35s put back into it? Would it be a straight swap or would I have to have a tech do some work?

 

[ErikH]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

Have a tech do it. Cost of the tubes plus what the tech charges plus bench fee (if applicable). Whatever it will be, it'll be worth it. I say have a tech do it because it's not a straight swap from 6L6's to EL34's. It needs to be rebiased and *possibly* a resistor or two changed, if that was done when he had it swapped over to 6L6's.

 

[SonofaMitch]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

ok, well this Amp looks in pretty decent condition, and I know it's pre-1993 Cuz it's running EL-34's.....I thing I'll try It out then....Maybe he'll take $600CAD cash

~Mitch~

 

[ErikH]

Re: Marshall Question(4500 content)

Offer $550 first, then go from there. Hopefully he has the two-button footswitch with it. Take one with you if you have one.