re-issue marshall jcm 800 2203

[esandes]

how does this amp sound compared with the originals? i used to have the 2204 and i loved the sound of that. would there be much sonic difference between the 50W 2204 and the 100W 2203?

i'm beginning to think i should scrap my plan to find a used vertical input 2204 in favor of the 2203 re-issue. i just can't find many 2204s out there and if i do they have been modified or don't run EL-34s.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: re-issue marshall jcm 800 2203

I really wish Marshall would reissue the 50W 2204 vertical input. But since they haven't, you're stuck to trying to find a clean old one.

I had almost forgotten how crushing loud the 2203 was until I plugged into one of the reissues. I also felt like my ears have outgrown the sound they make, or the reissue didn't sound as good as some of the older ones I've plugged into.

Unless I really had to have a Marshall, I'd look at all the boutique copies of good Marshalls like Fargen, Ceriatone, and pretty much anyone who can put one together.

 

[dystrust]

Re: re-issue marshall jcm 800 2203

In my experience the reissue 2203s are decent. A really great original 800 sounds better, but the reissue is absolutely better than some of the thin & brittle bright 800s out there. I don't know what the situation was in Canada, but in the US none of the vertical input 800s came with EL-34s. Marshalls sold here shipped with 6550s until '85 or '86, while the horizontal input models were introduced in '85. Personally I prefer 6550s in JCM800s, so it isn't an issue for me.

 

[UberMetalDood]

Re: re-issue marshall jcm 800 2203

I had one and it sounded awesome. I loaded it with Svetlana Winged C's and ran it through a 2x12 with V30's and then with Eminence Red Fangs. It would be nice to still have it but I have Bogners now so it's kind of overkill. Don't listen to anyone who says it's not as good as the originals, etc... If anything, they're probably more reliable. Mine never even made so much as a hiss. I biased it my self. It was a great amp. I used the low input to run it as a clean amp, and distortion pedals to get my rhythm and lead sounds. They have a JCM900 out now. I saw a brand new JCM900 1/2 stack in white at GC a few weeks ago and played through it in the platinum room. Oh man does it sound great. If I had to choose, I'd probably still go with a JCM800 ri, but both are awesome.

 

[everdrone]

Re: re-issue marshall jcm 800 2203

marshall jcm 800 2203 is what I had, an original vert input. WAYTOOLOUD!! not useable for me...

 

[Kamanda~SD]

Re: re-issue marshall jcm 800 2203

Most Canadian models (if not all) were EL-34's. Jcm800's rule, but IMO get a used one, the reissues are way overpriced. Got my 83' 2204 (Canadian of course) for around $900 a few years ago.

 

[everdrone]

Re: re-issue marshall jcm 800 2203

I just sold my jcm900 4500 dual reverb marshall

cool tone but now low end chunk at all. all mids...

 

[Zerberus]

Re: re-issue marshall jcm 800 2203

I really wish Marshall would reissue the 50W 2204 vertical input. But since they haven't, you're stuck to trying to find a clean old one.

I had almost forgotten how crushing loud the 2203 was until I plugged into one of the reissues. I also felt like my ears have outgrown the sound they make, or the reissue didn't sound as good as some of the older ones I've plugged into.

Unless I really had to have a Marshall, I'd look at all the boutique copies of good Marshalls like Fargen, Ceriatone, and pretty much anyone who can put one together.

The volume actually isn`t really the big upside of a good 220x, but rather the way it kicks your balls right up against your skullcap until you´ve got devil horns

My VI 2204 is staying right here.

 

[esandes]

Re: re-issue marshall jcm 800 2203

i don't like the way my 1987x gets too saturated at relatively low volumes with a very volume conservative band (wimps). so i think the 100W will fit the bill nicely.

i remember jim marshall quoted his 50w 1987x as having more of a "better" tone than the 1959 plexi. if i recall correctly he decribes the 50W power stage as more smooth. maybe it's my 100w greenback speaker cab. maybe the speakers are breaking up more than they should for my tastes. my old jcm 800 2204 went through the 1936 closed back 2x12 and it tore new azzholes.