So, I got the JCM800
- Thread starter Leveller
- Start date
dystrust
New member
Re: So, I got the JCM800
Don't get me wrong, the H&K is still capable of being loud as hell. I absolutely love mine. If I want to play dry, I just plug straight in and I can get a very believable JCM800 sound out of it. If I want effects, I have a 4 space rack with an ADA MP-1 that I jack into the effects return. If you're familiar with the H&K Triamp, the two channels of the Edition Tube are comparable to the Triamp's 1A & 2B.
Even at 50 watts, a JCM800 is LOUD. My bro has a '78 JMP 2203 loaded with EL-34s, and I have the master at about 1/3 of 1 when I play it alone. The volume on that thing goes from mouse fart to demolition in practically no time.Cool. I was gonna get a ceriatone jcm 800 2203(100 watt) but it'll have a half power switch so i can bring it down to 50. Will it fit fine for home practise? What do you guys usually set your master volume to when playing alone?
jestremera
New member
Re: So, I got the JCM800
I bought a used JCM800 in '86 and I sold it. That was one of the biggest mistakes I ever made. I haven't found anything like it since.
I bought a used JCM800 in '86 and I sold it. That was one of the biggest mistakes I ever made. I haven't found anything like it since.
Leveller
New member
Re: So, I got the JCM800
Just get a new one? They are pretty common around here
What settings do you guys use? (thanks BTML who already posted. That's a nice looking stack) When rehearsing I have;
P 3
B 10
M 6
T 7
PRE 7
MASTER 3-4
With my bad monkey set with level full, slightly boosted highs and lows and gain at around 9 oclock.
Just get a new one? They are pretty common around here
What settings do you guys use? (thanks BTML who already posted. That's a nice looking stack
) When rehearsing I have;P 3
B 10
M 6
T 7
PRE 7
MASTER 3-4
With my bad monkey set with level full, slightly boosted highs and lows and gain at around 9 oclock.
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heavydutysg135
New member
Re: So, I got the JCM800
Here are my settings for my JCM 800 4104 (2X12 2203) based on a 10 point number scale (not the clock):
Pre: 7
Master: At least 2
Treble: 5
Mid: 8
Bass: 3.5
Presence: 1.5
I play mostly humbuckers and like a really mid heavy fat tone as opposed to a lot of bass or treble (I let the bass player and cymbols take care of these ranges). You will find that speakers will make a HUGE difference in the tone of these amps. On my combo these settings give me enough sustain with the guitar volume turned up that I don't have to use an overdrive pedal; I can get great clean tones and everything in between just by adjusting the controls on my guitar. My 81 head does not have as much gain for some reason, and I will often use a clean boost to get more sustain when I need it (if I can't turn the amp up loud enough in the situation). I have found that this series of amps really come alive with the power section working, so I really like to use them with an attenuator (THD). As long as you are in a situation where you can turn the amp up a little, it is fairly tough to get a bad sound out of a great JCM 800.
Here are my settings for my JCM 800 4104 (2X12 2203) based on a 10 point number scale (not the clock):
Pre: 7
Master: At least 2
Treble: 5
Mid: 8
Bass: 3.5
Presence: 1.5
I play mostly humbuckers and like a really mid heavy fat tone as opposed to a lot of bass or treble (I let the bass player and cymbols take care of these ranges). You will find that speakers will make a HUGE difference in the tone of these amps. On my combo these settings give me enough sustain with the guitar volume turned up that I don't have to use an overdrive pedal; I can get great clean tones and everything in between just by adjusting the controls on my guitar. My 81 head does not have as much gain for some reason, and I will often use a clean boost to get more sustain when I need it (if I can't turn the amp up loud enough in the situation). I have found that this series of amps really come alive with the power section working, so I really like to use them with an attenuator (THD). As long as you are in a situation where you can turn the amp up a little, it is fairly tough to get a bad sound out of a great JCM 800.
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heavydutysg135
New member
Re: So, I got the JCM800
You can find a "REAL" vintage Marshall JCM 800 for about the same price as a Ceriatone and it will keep (or even increase) it's re-sale value much better than the latter.
Cool
You can find a "REAL" vintage Marshall JCM 800 for about the same price as a Ceriatone and it will keep (or even increase) it's re-sale value much better than the latter.
heavydutysg135
New member
Re: So, I got the JCM800
Just wanted to say that if you are going to use an overdrive pedal with these, then those type of settings (clean boost) are the way to go imo.
Just wanted to say that if you are going to use an overdrive pedal with these, then those type of settings (clean boost) are the way to go imo.
Leveller
New member
Re: So, I got the JCM800
I also meant my numbers from a 1-10 scale, not hours on the clock.
What speakers are in your combo? I have the 1960A cab with celestion G12T-75s. I heard that some people don't like these speakers but I see nothing wrong with them.
I don't have an attenuator so I'll just turn up louder hehe
I also meant my numbers from a 1-10 scale, not hours on the clock.
What speakers are in your combo? I have the 1960A cab with celestion G12T-75s. I heard that some people don't like these speakers but I see nothing wrong with them.
I don't have an attenuator so I'll just turn up louder hehe
heavydutysg135
New member
Re: So, I got the JCM800
In my combo I am running the stock G12-T75 (they are the older ones from England) and I think that they pair really really well with the voicing of the amp (which is one of the reasons why Marshall used these as the stock speaker with the 800 series). They are thick in the bass and when they are properly broken in not too shrill or bright. Marshall amps naturally have a strong complex midrange so the amp fills in the tone nicely. The other speakers that work very well with this amp imo are the Celestion Greenbacks; they make the amp sound a little smoother and less aggressive. I have a Mojotone closed back 4X12 loaded with the heritage series G12M's that just sound killer. It has a more creamy midrange sound than the G12M's which sound a little thicker in the base (the G12-T75's are more efficient and handle a higher wattage). Based on my experiences with other cabs and speakers I would probably recommend that you stay away from V30's with the JCM 800 as it has a strong tendancy to get really bright really easily.
I also meant my numbers from a 1-10 scale, not hours on the clock.
What speakers are in your combo? I have the 1960A cab with celestion G12T-75s. I heard that some people don't like these speakers but I see nothing wrong with them.
I don't have an attenuator so I'll just turn up louder hehe
In my combo I am running the stock G12-T75 (they are the older ones from England) and I think that they pair really really well with the voicing of the amp (which is one of the reasons why Marshall used these as the stock speaker with the 800 series). They are thick in the bass and when they are properly broken in not too shrill or bright. Marshall amps naturally have a strong complex midrange so the amp fills in the tone nicely. The other speakers that work very well with this amp imo are the Celestion Greenbacks; they make the amp sound a little smoother and less aggressive. I have a Mojotone closed back 4X12 loaded with the heritage series G12M's that just sound killer. It has a more creamy midrange sound than the G12M's which sound a little thicker in the base (the G12-T75's are more efficient and handle a higher wattage). Based on my experiences with other cabs and speakers I would probably recommend that you stay away from V30's with the JCM 800 as it has a strong tendancy to get really bright really easily.
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Leveller
New member
Re: So, I got the JCM800
Thanks for your interesting replies... This got me thinking. When/if I get another cab, to get one with greenbacks in it. I've heard lots of good stuff about them. Or maybe swap 2 speakers between them so I have greenbacks and T75s in a cross patter on both cabs.
But it's just fantasies so far... **** I want more money to waste on this
Thanks for your interesting replies... This got me thinking. When/if I get another cab, to get one with greenbacks in it. I've heard lots of good stuff about them. Or maybe swap 2 speakers between them so I have greenbacks and T75s in a cross patter on both cabs.
But it's just fantasies so far... **** I want more money to waste on this
Leveller
New member
Re: So, I got the JCM800
I'll search for them but I doubt I can find them here... Everyone here is about as gear intrested as;
"OH, A MARSHALL! I bet it sounds great!" and have no idea what model it is, if it's tube or SS etc...
If I came into a store talking about different tubes I bet most clerks would have no idea what I was talking about. I would tell you some stories about stupid store clerks but I'll spare you :smack:
CONGRATS !
Now, get a Sovtek 12AX7LPS & stick it in the V1 slot & stand back !
OR the new Tung Sol reissue 12AX7 has a "High Gain" model. Throw that sucker in there :wink:
I'll search for them but I doubt I can find them here... Everyone here is about as gear intrested as;
"OH, A MARSHALL! I bet it sounds great!" and have no idea what model it is, if it's tube or SS etc...
If I came into a store talking about different tubes I bet most clerks would have no idea what I was talking about. I would tell you some stories about stupid store clerks but I'll spare you :smack:
heavydutysg135
New member
Re: So, I got the JCM800
If you want to pair speakers together with either T75s or V30's then I would not go with a G12M, I would go with a G12H. The reason is that the classic G12M "greenback" is much less efficient/loud than the other speakers mentioned so you will not hear much of it compared to the other. On the other hand the G12H is a very efficient speaker and supposidly will fill in the range that is lacking in the V30. The V30/G12H combination has been getting great reviews in many places. Some people also like a V30/T75 combination. This is the configuration used in the Bogner Ubercab and also Voodoo Amps Cabs so you can guess that it will be more aggressive. The "classic" Marshall sound can be had with all G12M's, but I don't think that you would want to mix them with anything else. Something else to keep in mind is that you want to try to keep the cab wattage handling capacity at least 1.5 times your amp's wattage so even if you have only a 50 watt amp this can limit your choices somewhat if you want to go with a single 2X12 (G12M's are only 25 watts a piece). For the most authentic classic rock tone, a greenback loaded 4X12 (G12M's) would be really hard to beat; however, there are several speakers that will work great and give you some different tones.
Thanks for your interesting replies... This got me thinking. When/if I get another cab, to get one with greenbacks in it. I've heard lots of good stuff about them. Or maybe swap 2 speakers between them so I have greenbacks and T75s in a cross patter on both cabs.
But it's just fantasies so far... **** I want more money to waste on this
If you want to pair speakers together with either T75s or V30's then I would not go with a G12M, I would go with a G12H. The reason is that the classic G12M "greenback" is much less efficient/loud than the other speakers mentioned so you will not hear much of it compared to the other. On the other hand the G12H is a very efficient speaker and supposidly will fill in the range that is lacking in the V30. The V30/G12H combination has been getting great reviews in many places. Some people also like a V30/T75 combination. This is the configuration used in the Bogner Ubercab and also Voodoo Amps Cabs so you can guess that it will be more aggressive. The "classic" Marshall sound can be had with all G12M's, but I don't think that you would want to mix them with anything else. Something else to keep in mind is that you want to try to keep the cab wattage handling capacity at least 1.5 times your amp's wattage so even if you have only a 50 watt amp this can limit your choices somewhat if you want to go with a single 2X12 (G12M's are only 25 watts a piece). For the most authentic classic rock tone, a greenback loaded 4X12 (G12M's) would be really hard to beat; however, there are several speakers that will work great and give you some different tones.
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PUCKBOY99
Irish Flagologist
Re: So, I got the JCM800
You can find the Sovteks & Shuguang 9th Generation 12AX7s all over Ebay for fairly cheap cheap prices :bigok:
You can find the Sovteks & Shuguang 9th Generation 12AX7s all over Ebay for fairly cheap cheap prices :bigok:
fretburner
Well-known member
Re: So, I got the JCM800
Hi All! I was searching the forum for a thread about a JCM800 4104 and found this. I guess the threadstarter got the head version 2204. Anyhow...
I'm thinking of getting a JCM800 4104. What should I expect from this amp?
I already have JCM900 4105, and I'm hoping the 4104 would be a HUGE upgrade.
Thanks!
Hi All! I was searching the forum for a thread about a JCM800 4104 and found this. I guess the threadstarter got the head version 2204. Anyhow...
I'm thinking of getting a JCM800 4104. What should I expect from this amp?
I already have JCM900 4105, and I'm hoping the 4104 would be a HUGE upgrade.
Thanks!
Vasshu the humanoid typhoon
Unseen
Re: So, I got the JCM800
JCM800....les bottom, more dirty and middy(lack of topend and bottom)
More gainy, less roar and more compact smaller tone, grainy and way harsher than any Plexi.
The filtering in the output is smaller, not as much big headroom avaible, cannot play as loud clean as any Plexi.
I still do not like them much....
JCM800....les bottom, more dirty and middy(lack of topend and bottom)
More gainy, less roar and more compact smaller tone, grainy and way harsher than any Plexi.
The filtering in the output is smaller, not as much big headroom avaible, cannot play as loud clean as any Plexi.
I still do not like them much....
75lespaul
New member
Re: So, I got the JCM800
I'd have to say you're pretty darn close there. Less bottom I agree with. My 50 watter actually had nice mid and top end, but is was an earlier 81 before they tinkered with them. More gain, doesn't roar like a plexy and yes, I'd say harsher, but it was kinda meant to be. With the right box, you can get an 800 sound from a plexi, or non-master Marshall, but I don't think you can get a plexi sound from an 800. I love them both, but yeah, gimme a real honest to goodness non-master Marshall any time. They don't sound as compressed either imo.
JCM800....les bottom, more dirty and middy(lack of topend and bottom)
More gainy, less roar and more compact smaller tone, grainy and way harsher than any Plexi.
The filtering in the output is smaller, not as much big headroom avaible, cannot play as loud clean as any Plexi.
I still do not like them much....
I'd have to say you're pretty darn close there. Less bottom I agree with. My 50 watter actually had nice mid and top end, but is was an earlier 81 before they tinkered with them. More gain, doesn't roar like a plexy and yes, I'd say harsher, but it was kinda meant to be. With the right box, you can get an 800 sound from a plexi, or non-master Marshall, but I don't think you can get a plexi sound from an 800. I love them both, but yeah, gimme a real honest to goodness non-master Marshall any time. They don't sound as compressed either imo.
Lake Placid Blues
New member
Re: So, I got the JCM800
Is it as good as a good plexi? No of course not. Is an upgrade to a JCM900 DR? Yes certainly , in most cases. It will not have the pre-amp gain of a 900. You will have to play it louder, but nothing like the volume levels of a 50 watt plexi. The basic 2204/2203 designs were not that much different from the non-master amps. The have a master volume added and more pre-amp gain mainly.
Most of the early 800 combo's came with G12-65's and thats a good thing.
Is it as good as a good plexi? No of course not. Is an upgrade to a JCM900 DR? Yes certainly , in most cases. It will not have the pre-amp gain of a 900. You will have to play it louder, but nothing like the volume levels of a 50 watt plexi. The basic 2204/2203 designs were not that much different from the non-master amps. The have a master volume added and more pre-amp gain mainly.
Most of the early 800 combo's came with G12-65's and thats a good thing.
