Should I get this JCM800?

Re: Should I get this JCM800?

Nice amp, but if you can't crank it there is probably little point.
 
Re: Should I get this JCM800?

Well on my JTM30 I often play around 5 on both pre and master volume and I want to join a band if I can but it could be a while before that happens. I will probably only play it through a 1x12 untill I get into a band.
 
Re: Should I get this JCM800?

APB_4 said:
Well on my JTM30 I often play around 5 on both pre and master volume and I want to join a band if I can but it could be a while before that happens. I will probably only play it through a 1x12 untill I get into a band.
Click to expand...

I tell ya..they are great amps...but ya *HAVE* to crank 'em...its a different animal than your JTM. 5 on JTM is like 1.5 on a 2203...they are BRUTALLY LOUD.

If ya buy it, make sure you buy an attentuator...if you just crank the pre-amp and run the master low they are buzzy (as is any MV high wattage tube amp)

And better make sure ya have a helluva speaker in that 1x12 :D I would suggest a 2x12 at the least.
 
Re: Should I get this JCM800?

Thanks Jeff.
So should I get it and an attenuator or is it not worth the hassle?
 
Re: Should I get this JCM800?

I have a JCM 800 head... an early 80's model... I've been told the JCM 800's to grab are the ones with the Metal Toggle On and Standby switches like mine as they still have a lot of wire in them and less circuitboard. The one that is shown here i'm sure is still a great amp but i believe the pots, jacks and switchs on that version of the 800 is all mounted right onto the circuit board... Still it is an 800, but there is different 800's...

My 800 has been moddified by the last owner and is way too noisey... it has a 4th preamp tube added and it makes for a fuzzy preamp sound at low volume but it adds alot of noise.... I'm getting it returned to stock as soon as i can afford the work... I figure if a Marshall ain't distorted enough it is not turned up enough.. Mine is a 50 watt model head and it is extremely loud!!!!!! I think that throaty mid Freq range overdriven Marshalls are known for is why it sounds so loud.... Hard on the ears in small rooms....

I'd say if you are not in a band you will never need an 800 head and cab at home... Unless you just have to have it. I have stacks at home too but i mostly gig with small low volume combos like my Classic 30....

Good luck
 
Re: Should I get this JCM800?

Thanks WhoFan. I think it probably isn't a good idea. Anybody got any suggestions for a smaller amp that I can pretty much play anything with. I'm looking £200-£300GBP. My JTM30 is not bad but it's not heavy enough at times even with my Jackhammer.
 
Re: Should I get this JCM800?

APB_4 said:
Thanks WhoFan. I think it probably isn't a good idea. Anybody got any suggestions for a smaller amp that I can pretty much play anything with. I'm looking £200-£300GBP. My JTM30 is not bad but it's not heavy enough at times even with my Jackhammer.
Click to expand...

Do you run it as a combo? if so..have you tried a 2x12 extension cab? or even a 4x12? Might just add the punch/depth you need/want.
 
Re: Should I get this JCM800?

Ye it's a 1x12 combo. With a 2x12 cab do you just run the extension cab? If so what about a 1x12 extension and run the built in one as well?
 
Re: Should I get this JCM800?

APB_4 said:
Ye it's a 1x12 combo. With a 2x12 cab do you just run the extension cab? If so what about a 1x12 extension and run the built in one as well?
Click to expand...

I think those don't have extension speaker jacks..just the one (I can't remember on my old JTM60)..you would have to run one or the other,I believe. Just check the back of the amp.

I'd personally go 2x12 over 1x12 for gigs.
 
Re: Should I get this JCM800?

Just to add my 2 cents on extention cabs... My Classic 30 i bought with a matching tweed sealed back 1x12 extention cab.. Without the ext cab the amp is ok, but add the ext cab and there is a huge bottom end boost and the whole rig sounds much better.. I bet if you added a sealed back ext cab to you Marshall it would do wonders for your tone.
 
Re: Should I get this JCM800?

Thanks WhoFan. Sounds like a good idea. Has anybody got any ideas on speakers for a 1x12. I might have a go at making my own cab so if anybody has any tips on construction or materials they would be appreciated.
EDIT: It needs to be 16Ohmer in case you were wondering.
 
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Re: Should I get this JCM800?

WhoFan said:
I have a JCM 800 head... an early 80's model... I've been told the JCM 800's to grab are the ones with the Metal Toggle On and Standby switches like mine as they still have a lot of wire in them and less circuitboard. The one that is shown here i'm sure is still a great amp but i believe the pots, jacks and switchs on that version of the 800 is all mounted right onto the circuit board... Still it is an 800, but there is different 800's...
Click to expand...
No JCM800 will have the metal toggles, those were phased out prior to the rocker switched in 1976. The JCM 800 debuted in 1981.

The amp in the auction is one of the "good" ones.
 
Re: Should I get this JCM800?

The Golden Boy said:
No JCM800 will have the metal toggles, those were phased out prior to the rocker switched in 1976. The JCM 800 debuted in 1981.

The amp in the auction is one of the "good" ones.
Click to expand...

My JCM 800 50 watt early 80's head sitting on my rack behind me has metal toggle ON/OFF and Standby switches... Not the more common Plastic ones

WhoFan
 
Re: Should I get this JCM800?

Thats a 1981 2204 with verticle inputs so it's very simular to the JMP 2204 elecrtonically and the pots and jacks are still hard wired and not soldered directly to the board.

Anything under $800 USC is a good deal on that head and it's definately worth snagging.
 
Re: Should I get this JCM800?

It's still a 2204 model.. Thats what the plate says on the back of my 800....
 
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