jonnymangia
New member
played one of these in GC last night. SG with 90's as well as my r6 Goldtop sounded insane through it. Weren't these popular amps in the 80's, specifically for metal?
The JCM 800 - Metal amp?
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Gunny47
New member
Re: The JCM 800 - Metal amp?
I wish they made a 50 watt model or a combo model (even tho the combos in that era were SO UGLY) because there is no way you can crank that thing in a club or gymnasium like where I do gigs. I love their tight tone and they are actually really good for blues (think Spinal Tap when they are practicing "Gimme Some Money" in the bluesy fashion when his wife comes in). I never got to try one, but theyt are too trebly or something when not dimed. Someone posted a clip of one with the volume at 6 and his treble at 0 and the bass at 10, sounded like normal. And the cleans arent that great but thats because they are like a one trick pony. Im more of a bluesbreaker guy though when it comes to Marshalls.
I wish they made a 50 watt model or a combo model (even tho the combos in that era were SO UGLY) because there is no way you can crank that thing in a club or gymnasium like where I do gigs. I love their tight tone and they are actually really good for blues (think Spinal Tap when they are practicing "Gimme Some Money" in the bluesy fashion when his wife comes in). I never got to try one, but theyt are too trebly or something when not dimed. Someone posted a clip of one with the volume at 6 and his treble at 0 and the bass at 10, sounded like normal. And the cleans arent that great but thats because they are like a one trick pony. Im more of a bluesbreaker guy though when it comes to Marshalls.
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: The JCM 800 - Metal amp?
2204 = 50 watt head
4104 = 50 watt 2x12 combo
The combo circuit and chasis is the same one that went in the head box. Just flip it around so the tubes hang down and put a different face plate on it and mount it in a 2x12 box.
I don't see anything ugly about them really. The controls are out front rather than on the top, like the Bluesbreaker, if that's what you mean and prefer.
2204 = 50 watt head
4104 = 50 watt 2x12 combo
The combo circuit and chasis is the same one that went in the head box. Just flip it around so the tubes hang down and put a different face plate on it and mount it in a 2x12 box.
I don't see anything ugly about them really. The controls are out front rather than on the top, like the Bluesbreaker, if that's what you mean and prefer.
jonnymangia
New member
Re: The JCM 800 - Metal amp?
Gunny I'm in your camp. I love the Bluesbreaker tone that Clapton had. However, i have heard that you can't dial that rich sound from the Bluesbreaker unless it's cranked and that's not happening in my current domicile!
Gunny47 said:
Gunny I'm in your camp. I love the Bluesbreaker tone that Clapton had. However, i have heard that you can't dial that rich sound from the Bluesbreaker unless it's cranked and that's not happening in my current domicile!
Luke Duke
PRSlustologist
Re: The JCM 800 - Metal amp?
The 2203 and 2204 circuits in their original incarnations (stacked inputs) are very versatile even do all, type of amps.
But like the Plexis they gotta be cookin a bit before your tone stack works well, and you get lots of saturation. Lots of guys use a booster to compensate for this. A SD pup booster, Fulltone fat boost, Fulltone OCD, SD-1, or similiar will achieve the desired result.
My 2204 has had a heart transplant via Jeff Seal so I don't have those particular problems anymore, but if I ever want to change it back everything will go back in nice and tidy.
Luke
The 2203 and 2204 circuits in their original incarnations (stacked inputs) are very versatile even do all, type of amps.
But like the Plexis they gotta be cookin a bit before your tone stack works well, and you get lots of saturation. Lots of guys use a booster to compensate for this. A SD pup booster, Fulltone fat boost, Fulltone OCD, SD-1, or similiar will achieve the desired result.
My 2204 has had a heart transplant via Jeff Seal so I don't have those particular problems anymore, but if I ever want to change it back everything will go back in nice and tidy.
Luke
JeffB
Let it B
Re: The JCM 800 - Metal amp?
The classic 800 sound is the 75W celestions. But with the right speakers a good 800 will cover alot of sonic ground. From blues-rock of the late 60s to metal tones. Greenbacks, G12H, Blackbacks, I like all those speakers with them. I would tend to gravitate towards the GB/BB/12Hs for warmer 60/70s/early 80s sounds, and go with the 75s for harder rock and metal.
I'm not a fan at all of V30s (in a Marshall), but alot of people like them.
Speakers are a big part of the Marshall tone. As much as the amp. They can and will TOTALLY change your perception of one marshall being good for one thing and not another. A metalface or plexi NMV through 75 watt celestions will hang in pretty well with an 800 for 80s Metal.
I actually like Marshall cleans (post Bluesbreaker/JTM45). They are different than what most people want, but I prefer them, unless I absolutely need/want a Fender Bassman or Twin type sound for some "authentic" blues tones. I especially like the "small" cleans Marshalls produce when ya roll your volume down on a cranked amp.
The classic 800 sound is the 75W celestions. But with the right speakers a good 800 will cover alot of sonic ground. From blues-rock of the late 60s to metal tones. Greenbacks, G12H, Blackbacks, I like all those speakers with them. I would tend to gravitate towards the GB/BB/12Hs for warmer 60/70s/early 80s sounds, and go with the 75s for harder rock and metal.
I'm not a fan at all of V30s (in a Marshall), but alot of people like them.
Speakers are a big part of the Marshall tone. As much as the amp. They can and will TOTALLY change your perception of one marshall being good for one thing and not another. A metalface or plexi NMV through 75 watt celestions will hang in pretty well with an 800 for 80s Metal.
I actually like Marshall cleans (post Bluesbreaker/JTM45). They are different than what most people want, but I prefer them, unless I absolutely need/want a Fender Bassman or Twin type sound for some "authentic" blues tones. I especially like the "small" cleans Marshalls produce when ya roll your volume down on a cranked amp.
Gunny47
New member
Re: The JCM 800 - Metal amp?
I meant I wish that they reissued the combo and the smaller head.
I play clean a lot, and I find the clean on a 800 to be not too desireable (they are not meant for clean so Im not complaining), but the Plexis and the Bluesbreaker type amps (bluesbreakers and 18 watters) have actually pretty good cleans like Jeff said. No blackface, but similar to a Tweed clean which is really my favorite, even over the blackface. You can hear everything with a tweed clean. The Marshall cleans are good if you play rock and just need clean for some parts. Thats why Im looking at a Tweed Fender, not a Marshall, at the moment.
I meant I wish that they reissued the combo and the smaller head.
I play clean a lot, and I find the clean on a 800 to be not too desireable (they are not meant for clean so Im not complaining), but the Plexis and the Bluesbreaker type amps (bluesbreakers and 18 watters) have actually pretty good cleans like Jeff said. No blackface, but similar to a Tweed clean which is really my favorite, even over the blackface. You can hear everything with a tweed clean. The Marshall cleans are good if you play rock and just need clean for some parts. Thats why Im looking at a Tweed Fender, not a Marshall, at the moment.
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: The JCM 800 - Metal amp?
The Split Channel models, 2205/2210, have much better cleans than the 2203/2204's. The single channel models were best served loud and rude. That's when they gave up the goods. The split channels are a more diverse amp. Some thing the overdriven tone isn't as good as the 2203/2204 but that's a matter of taste and what you're looking for. The cleans were pretty decent and got the job done.
The Split Channel models, 2205/2210, have much better cleans than the 2203/2204's. The single channel models were best served loud and rude. That's when they gave up the goods. The split channels are a more diverse amp. Some thing the overdriven tone isn't as good as the 2203/2204 but that's a matter of taste and what you're looking for. The cleans were pretty decent and got the job done.
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: The JCM 800 - Metal amp?
jmh151: Does it get noisy with other overdrive pedals pushing it? It could be the pedal....just a thought.
Robert: Thanks for rubbing it in. Here, let me hold the wound open while you pour more salt in there. :laugh2: Between you and The Golden Boy, I don't know who's worse...LOL.
jmh151: Does it get noisy with other overdrive pedals pushing it? It could be the pedal....just a thought.
Robert: Thanks for rubbing it in. Here, let me hold the wound open while you pour more salt in there. :laugh2: Between you and The Golden Boy, I don't know who's worse...LOL.
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: The JCM 800 - Metal amp?
800's have a particular crunchy heavy rock sound, but are kind of 'one trick ponies.'
I'd suggest selling some stuff, adding money, and forking out the dough for a Splawn, Voodoo, Bogner, or Mojave Scorpion. They have better cleans, better highgain, and all the in between sounds are easy to dial in.
800's have a particular crunchy heavy rock sound, but are kind of 'one trick ponies.'
I'd suggest selling some stuff, adding money, and forking out the dough for a Splawn, Voodoo, Bogner, or Mojave Scorpion. They have better cleans, better highgain, and all the in between sounds are easy to dial in.
Re: The JCM 800 - Metal amp?
Joe might be right,
but the JCM800 - esp the 2203 / 2204 can be made to sound like anything. I have talked to Scott Splawn, and if you want, he can make a 2203 into almost anything you want!
The 800's take pedals well, and don't be surprised that everyone from Zakk Wylde to Robin Trower STILL use them. They can sound like anything you want, if you work at it reasonably. Add to that list BUDDY GUY!
Bear in mind, they are large sounding amps, not meant to take the place of a cranked Fender Deluxe in a bluesy setting, for example. Vintage can be inconsistent so try to buy early 80s, and do hear it first if you can.
Joe might be right,
but the JCM800 - esp the 2203 / 2204 can be made to sound like anything. I have talked to Scott Splawn, and if you want, he can make a 2203 into almost anything you want!
The 800's take pedals well, and don't be surprised that everyone from Zakk Wylde to Robin Trower STILL use them. They can sound like anything you want, if you work at it reasonably. Add to that list BUDDY GUY!
Bear in mind, they are large sounding amps, not meant to take the place of a cranked Fender Deluxe in a bluesy setting, for example. Vintage can be inconsistent so try to buy early 80s, and do hear it first if you can.
Robert S.
Super Moderator
Re: The JCM 800 - Metal amp?
Sorry Erik, I'll stick to posting pics of the Palamino from now on.
If you use the low sensitivity input on the 2203/4s you can use a pedal to heat them up and it is possible to get a deceint clean and a gained tone from them. I use to do that with my 2203 all the time. While they are a one channel amp, the range of tonal possibilities is quite large. It may be a one trick pony but its a very good trick.
I had mine converted from 6550s to EL34s last year and it really is a killer sounding amp. I think I paid $825 for the 1/2 stack back in 1995.
Sorry Erik, I'll stick to posting pics of the Palamino from now on.
If you use the low sensitivity input on the 2203/4s you can use a pedal to heat them up and it is possible to get a deceint clean and a gained tone from them. I use to do that with my 2203 all the time. While they are a one channel amp, the range of tonal possibilities is quite large. It may be a one trick pony but its a very good trick.
I had mine converted from 6550s to EL34s last year and it really is a killer sounding amp. I think I paid $825 for the 1/2 stack back in 1995.
ErikH
Well-known member
Re: The JCM 800 - Metal amp?
$825 for the half stack? Now I think I'm gonna hurl......:laugh2: :laugh2:
That's a sweet deal for those. Thing is, you can make a decent profit on them things now if you were to sell it.
My amp is a one trick pony too but it too does it well.
Just pullin' your chain, man. Nothin' to worry about. My jealousy gets the best of me sometimes.Robert S. said:
$825 for the half stack? Now I think I'm gonna hurl......:laugh2: :laugh2:
That's a sweet deal for those. Thing is, you can make a decent profit on them things now if you were to sell it.
My amp is a one trick pony too but it too does it well.
STRATDELUXER97
Stratoblaster Tone Meister
Re: The JCM 800 - Metal amp?
I Love Vintage 30s as you know Jeff....Hate the 75 watters,but I do like the G12H-30s and the Greeback 25s...I had 65 watters in my 83 4104 800 combo and they were just ok.
JeffB said:
I Love Vintage 30s as you know Jeff....Hate the 75 watters,but I do like the G12H-30s and the Greeback 25s...I had 65 watters in my 83 4104 800 combo and they were just ok.
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