Simon_F
Super Moderator
In 1980 I bought a new Marshall JMP 2104 combo (50w master volume 2x12). It sounded perfect for my style and I loved it. Played loads of gigs with it with various guitars (SG, LP Deluxe, Tele) and it always hit the spot. But in 1984, being young and stupid (mostly stupid), and thinking I needed something more versatile (by which I meant clean channel, reverb, effects loop...) I sold it and (unbelievably!) replaced it with a solid state Carlsbro combo.
I've long regretted that sale! :banghead:
A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to acquire a '77 JMP 2204 head and jumped on it. The '77 is a really sweet amp, but it doesn't sound like my old 2104 combo. This could be down to the combo format and the G12-65s, but I suspect it's also down to the year - from what I've read it seems Marshall changed the circuit around '77 to add an extra gain stage. My guess is that my '77 dates from before the change - it certainly has less gain on tap than my old 2104.
Idly trawling eBay for JMPs last week I came across this 1980 2104 combo (advertised as a '79 but the serial number confirms it as 1980). The power lamp doesn't work - which was also a fault with my original one. This makes me think this amp's production date is close to mine!
In a strange coincidence it also turns out the seller is an old friend - a guy who was a couple of years below me at school. Our old bands once gigged together and in 1983 I part-exchanged my Goldtop LP Deluxe for his Tele. Predictably, he no longer has the Deluxe and I no longer have the Tele. Pair of idiots! He even says he was inspired to buy his first 2104 after hearing me play mine!
Obviously karmic forces are at work here. I had to bid, and I had to win it! :dance:
Can't wait to pick this baby up! I'll probably be selling my '77 2204 to pay for it, but it'll be worth it if this sounds anything like my original 1980 2104. It'll be cool to meet up with my old friend after all this time too.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....m=120162111278&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=002
Pics once I get my hands on it. Thanks for listening.
I've long regretted that sale! :banghead:
A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to acquire a '77 JMP 2204 head and jumped on it. The '77 is a really sweet amp, but it doesn't sound like my old 2104 combo. This could be down to the combo format and the G12-65s, but I suspect it's also down to the year - from what I've read it seems Marshall changed the circuit around '77 to add an extra gain stage. My guess is that my '77 dates from before the change - it certainly has less gain on tap than my old 2104.
Idly trawling eBay for JMPs last week I came across this 1980 2104 combo (advertised as a '79 but the serial number confirms it as 1980). The power lamp doesn't work - which was also a fault with my original one. This makes me think this amp's production date is close to mine!
In a strange coincidence it also turns out the seller is an old friend - a guy who was a couple of years below me at school. Our old bands once gigged together and in 1983 I part-exchanged my Goldtop LP Deluxe for his Tele. Predictably, he no longer has the Deluxe and I no longer have the Tele. Pair of idiots! He even says he was inspired to buy his first 2104 after hearing me play mine!
Obviously karmic forces are at work here. I had to bid, and I had to win it! :dance:
Can't wait to pick this baby up! I'll probably be selling my '77 2204 to pay for it, but it'll be worth it if this sounds anything like my original 1980 2104. It'll be cool to meet up with my old friend after all this time too.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....m=120162111278&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=002
Pics once I get my hands on it. Thanks for listening.
