Whats the best marshall combo?
- Thread starter metal
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Jeff_H
Dean Hardtail Fanologist
Re: Whats the best marshall combo?
Marshall JCM 800...single channel or dual channel...depending on who you ask. I'm a fan of both, but most seem to hate the dual channels. I like them better personally, but to each his own.
Also, a Silver Jubilee would be the best, but pricey.
Marshall JCM 800...single channel or dual channel...depending on who you ask. I'm a fan of both, but most seem to hate the dual channels. I like them better personally, but to each his own.
Also, a Silver Jubilee would be the best, but pricey.
metal
New member
Re: Whats the best marshall combo?
like this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/Marshall-4212-J...ryZ38075QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
or like this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/Marshall-JCM-80...ryZ38074QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
im not sure 'cause it seems like they all say jcm800 22XX 22XX diferent numbers?
Jeff_H said:
like this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/Marshall-4212-J...ryZ38075QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
or like this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/Marshall-JCM-80...ryZ38074QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
im not sure 'cause it seems like they all say jcm800 22XX 22XX diferent numbers?
L
Lewguitar
Guest
Re: Whats the best marshall combo?
My fave is 50 watt JCM-800 single channel with hi/lo inputs that are arranged vertically and which were made about 1982 or so. I've had a couple of the two 12 models. Superb amps! Avoid those with the side by side inputs...the tone is not as good and even though somne misinformed folks insist the circuit is the same, it is not. Lew
My fave is 50 watt JCM-800 single channel with hi/lo inputs that are arranged vertically and which were made about 1982 or so. I've had a couple of the two 12 models. Superb amps! Avoid those with the side by side inputs...the tone is not as good and even though somne misinformed folks insist the circuit is the same, it is not. Lew
L
Lewguitar
Guest
Re: Whats the best marshall combo?
Not either of those. Especially not the one with two side by side inputs.
metal said:
Not either of those. Especially not the one with two side by side inputs.
metal
New member
Re: Whats the best marshall combo?
thanks lew youre the MAN ! you mean like this one ? witht he vertical inputs?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Marshall-JCM800...ryZ38075QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Lewguitar said:
thanks lew youre the MAN ! you mean like this one ? witht he vertical inputs?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Marshall-JCM800...ryZ38075QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Jeff_H
Dean Hardtail Fanologist
Re: Whats the best marshall combo?
Yup...exactly. The 4212 is a 2 channel, 2x12 combo. I have one just like it. It is the same circuit as the 2205 head. The 4010 is a single channel, single 12" speaker combo...same circuit as the 2204 head. Essentially, JCM 800's went like this.
2203 - Single Channel Head, 100 watts
2204 - Single Channel Head, 50 watts
2210 - Dual Channel Head, 100 watts
2205 - Dual Channel Head, 50 watts
Then there are various 1x12 and 2x12 combo versions of each.
Single channel models sound a little more "organic", for lack of a better term. Dual channel models use a slightly different clipping mode to get distortion, some like it, some dont.
I had my dual channel modded to be Fender Blackface on the clean channel, and Plexi/2204 on the gain channel. Most folks agree that the 2204 single channel...turned up to 10, is the definitive JCM 800 sound...but not everyone mind you.
Yup...exactly. The 4212 is a 2 channel, 2x12 combo. I have one just like it. It is the same circuit as the 2205 head. The 4010 is a single channel, single 12" speaker combo...same circuit as the 2204 head. Essentially, JCM 800's went like this.
2203 - Single Channel Head, 100 watts
2204 - Single Channel Head, 50 watts
2210 - Dual Channel Head, 100 watts
2205 - Dual Channel Head, 50 watts
Then there are various 1x12 and 2x12 combo versions of each.
Single channel models sound a little more "organic", for lack of a better term. Dual channel models use a slightly different clipping mode to get distortion, some like it, some dont.
I had my dual channel modded to be Fender Blackface on the clean channel, and Plexi/2204 on the gain channel. Most folks agree that the 2204 single channel...turned up to 10, is the definitive JCM 800 sound...but not everyone mind you.
L
Lewguitar
Guest
Re: Whats the best marshall combo?
Yes. That should be a great amp and the price is right. I don't know that both speakers are original...don't think they are. The one without the magnet cover, I don't know if that's a Celestion of not. Mine was the same way though...one original speaker and one non-original, althgough both were Celestions in my case. I'd buy that amp if I was looking for one though...it's the one to get, IMO. It's a 50 watter from the right year with vertical inputs and you could repair/replace the grill cloth if you wanted easily enough. The exact same grill cloth is available. Lew
metal said:
Yes. That should be a great amp and the price is right. I don't know that both speakers are original...don't think they are. The one without the magnet cover, I don't know if that's a Celestion of not. Mine was the same way though...one original speaker and one non-original, althgough both were Celestions in my case. I'd buy that amp if I was looking for one though...it's the one to get, IMO. It's a 50 watter from the right year with vertical inputs and you could repair/replace the grill cloth if you wanted easily enough. The exact same grill cloth is available. Lew
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: Whats the best marshall combo?
both of those speakers are not original...that one Celestion is a G12L-30 guitar center edition and is a so so speaker at best, the other one is a CTS of somekind and to be completely honest more than likely both speakers shoudl be tossed...however the amp itself more than likely kicks ass!
both of those speakers are not original...that one Celestion is a G12L-30 guitar center edition and is a so so speaker at best, the other one is a CTS of somekind and to be completely honest more than likely both speakers shoudl be tossed...however the amp itself more than likely kicks ass!
Jeff_H
Dean Hardtail Fanologist
Re: Whats the best marshall combo?
I agree. Some folks really get into the vertical input vs side by side, but I say blah blah blah for the most part. In these mass produced amps, there are great ones, and dogs in every model, vertical input or not. If you turn your nose up at one just for that, you may be missing a great amp. Someone who can just look at a picture of an amp and say "don't buy that one" has a rare talent that should not be wasted on guitars & amps, and should focus on world peace, curing cancer, finding Bin Laden or some other noble pursuit.
JCM 800's are some of the most moddable amps on the planet. The plain fact is that there are some simple upgrades and changes that can be made to make any model sound a whole lot better, if you so desire. The other nice thing is that if you buy one, and decide you really don't care for that partictular one, you can always put it back on eBay and get your money back. There is no lack of buyers out there...and the price is going up all the time.
Find one that appears to be in good shape, try it first if you can. Plan on having to spend a little $$ to make it right...unless you happen to get one that has already been updated. In these 20 year old amps, lots of times the caps need to be replaced, and most need a new set of tubes and a good once through by a good tech to make sure they're up to snuff.
My advice for what it's worth...pick one up and try it out. The most you have to lose is a little of your time if it's not "the one". However, there is nothing like a Marshall cranked up to get 'that' tone.
jmh151 said:
I agree. Some folks really get into the vertical input vs side by side, but I say blah blah blah for the most part. In these mass produced amps, there are great ones, and dogs in every model, vertical input or not. If you turn your nose up at one just for that, you may be missing a great amp. Someone who can just look at a picture of an amp and say "don't buy that one" has a rare talent that should not be wasted on guitars & amps, and should focus on world peace, curing cancer, finding Bin Laden or some other noble pursuit.
JCM 800's are some of the most moddable amps on the planet. The plain fact is that there are some simple upgrades and changes that can be made to make any model sound a whole lot better, if you so desire. The other nice thing is that if you buy one, and decide you really don't care for that partictular one, you can always put it back on eBay and get your money back. There is no lack of buyers out there...and the price is going up all the time.
Find one that appears to be in good shape, try it first if you can. Plan on having to spend a little $$ to make it right...unless you happen to get one that has already been updated. In these 20 year old amps, lots of times the caps need to be replaced, and most need a new set of tubes and a good once through by a good tech to make sure they're up to snuff.
My advice for what it's worth...pick one up and try it out. The most you have to lose is a little of your time if it's not "the one". However, there is nothing like a Marshall cranked up to get 'that' tone.
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oldschoolrock
New member
Re: Whats the best marshall combo?
I have had several 2204's in the past and although I have played parallel inputs that sound good they are more noisy and do not take pedals as well as the vertical inputs. Overall the vetical inputs sound better cause they use more caps and and have the must have drake transformers for serious bottom end crunch. In addition the vertical inputs somehow make the thing more quiet at idle (even at high volumes). I have seen post 1983 models with less caps but with drake transformers though...I am not sure when they stopped using the drakes. The reissues 2203x does not have drakes and they sound pretty thin out of the box. A lot of people replace the stock 2203x transformer with heyboars.
And I am not sure of the tech reason but the single channels always sounded better to me. More raw little more of that recognizable Marshall crunch.
I have had several 2204's in the past and although I have played parallel inputs that sound good they are more noisy and do not take pedals as well as the vertical inputs. Overall the vetical inputs sound better cause they use more caps and and have the must have drake transformers for serious bottom end crunch. In addition the vertical inputs somehow make the thing more quiet at idle (even at high volumes). I have seen post 1983 models with less caps but with drake transformers though...I am not sure when they stopped using the drakes. The reissues 2203x does not have drakes and they sound pretty thin out of the box. A lot of people replace the stock 2203x transformer with heyboars.
And I am not sure of the tech reason but the single channels always sounded better to me. More raw little more of that recognizable Marshall crunch.
Boogie Bill
New member
Re: Whats the best marshall combo?
Yeah, I'm gonna disagree with Lew on this one, too. I had a JCM 800 4010 (single channel, MV) and that amp ROCKED! I used it a lot with a 412 or a 1965 Fender Bassman or Bandmaster 212. Sounded horrible at band practice, horrible in the living room at home, and yet it just killed with tone on stage. Really liked running it with the MV on 10 and the Gain at about 6. Mine had EL34s with a "V" serial Number, and the EL34s are THE way to go with the JCM 800s--no doubt about it.
I have four other fave Marshall combos--the obvious one, as previously stated is the Bluesbreaker combo. Again, just delicious amps when cranked. And from the 1970s, I've heard some of the brown tolex "Club and Country" 212 combos that I thought sounded awesome. Roger Fisher of Heart used these on a couple of the early Heart albums.
The little DSL 401 is a killer amp, that is great for small blues-rock gigs. A matching extension cab sould be a good addition. I've heard these amps put some very pricey boutique amps to shame.
Finally, in my opinion, the JCM 2000 TSL122 is a terrific amp. I really don't think that it has "classic" Marshall tone, and in some respects, that may be a good thing. The good news is, it has three USABLE channels, with a better than ever clean tone, and more gain than is really usable. For a gigging club guy who needs a Marshall tone and more--this is sweet amp.
Bill
Yeah, I'm gonna disagree with Lew on this one, too. I had a JCM 800 4010 (single channel, MV) and that amp ROCKED! I used it a lot with a 412 or a 1965 Fender Bassman or Bandmaster 212. Sounded horrible at band practice, horrible in the living room at home, and yet it just killed with tone on stage. Really liked running it with the MV on 10 and the Gain at about 6. Mine had EL34s with a "V" serial Number, and the EL34s are THE way to go with the JCM 800s--no doubt about it.
I have four other fave Marshall combos--the obvious one, as previously stated is the Bluesbreaker combo. Again, just delicious amps when cranked. And from the 1970s, I've heard some of the brown tolex "Club and Country" 212 combos that I thought sounded awesome. Roger Fisher of Heart used these on a couple of the early Heart albums.
The little DSL 401 is a killer amp, that is great for small blues-rock gigs. A matching extension cab sould be a good addition. I've heard these amps put some very pricey boutique amps to shame.
Finally, in my opinion, the JCM 2000 TSL122 is a terrific amp. I really don't think that it has "classic" Marshall tone, and in some respects, that may be a good thing. The good news is, it has three USABLE channels, with a better than ever clean tone, and more gain than is really usable. For a gigging club guy who needs a Marshall tone and more--this is sweet amp.
Bill
STRATDELUXER97
Stratoblaster Tone Meister
Re: Whats the best marshall combo?
I re-capped and tweaked the preamp for a forum member(A side by side)4103 JCM 800 2x12 that sounded amazing....I had owned a vertical input 4104 50 watter and it was a cool amp also...Someone needs to give me the real differences between the vetical input models and the side by side,other than board mounted pots vs pots hardwired like mine was?
Both amps sounded amazing,but maybe cause I was in them? ;o) OR NOT!
I think it comes down more to what the amp has,tubes,caps and cap values,and transformers before any further tweaking..
I'd go for the great price if it were me..
Jeff Seal could solve this mystery for all of us maybe?
Personally I'm an older 4 input NMV Marshall guy these days..
I re-capped and tweaked the preamp for a forum member(A side by side)4103 JCM 800 2x12 that sounded amazing....I had owned a vertical input 4104 50 watter and it was a cool amp also...Someone needs to give me the real differences between the vetical input models and the side by side,other than board mounted pots vs pots hardwired like mine was?
Both amps sounded amazing,but maybe cause I was in them? ;o) OR NOT!
I think it comes down more to what the amp has,tubes,caps and cap values,and transformers before any further tweaking..
I'd go for the great price if it were me..
Jeff Seal could solve this mystery for all of us maybe?
Personally I'm an older 4 input NMV Marshall guy these days..
Last edited:
Bludave
New member
Re: Whats the best marshall combo?
I have a MArshall 900 50W Combo and I love it....... granted it isn't the 800, but I get some suprisingly good sounds out of mine. It has the 75W Celestions in it. The Clean channel isn't very good, but I A/B this with a '68 Super Reverb, so I hardly ever use the clean. If I roll of the volume on the guitar it sounds real sweet and it cleans up nicely. I have a buddy of mine that has a 50W 800 head and it also sounds pretty good, but it really has no clean. Once the volume gets up it is dirty and dirtier.
I have a MArshall 900 50W Combo and I love it....... granted it isn't the 800, but I get some suprisingly good sounds out of mine. It has the 75W Celestions in it. The Clean channel isn't very good, but I A/B this with a '68 Super Reverb, so I hardly ever use the clean. If I roll of the volume on the guitar it sounds real sweet and it cleans up nicely. I have a buddy of mine that has a 50W 800 head and it also sounds pretty good, but it really has no clean. Once the volume gets up it is dirty and dirtier.
Matt Blackett
New member
Re: Whats the best marshall combo?
I need to once again give some love to the DSL 401--I feel like I can play anything with that amp. It doesn't have a ton of power but I used to run the direct out into the board for reinforcement and that worked great. I've heard people get great sounds with a Bluesbreaker, too.
I need to once again give some love to the DSL 401--I feel like I can play anything with that amp. It doesn't have a ton of power but I used to run the direct out into the board for reinforcement and that worked great. I've heard people get great sounds with a Bluesbreaker, too.
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