Well, nothing would get that choir bouncin' like a 2203 pushin' the power tubes. If you're looking for versatility, check out a DSL (50 or 100). Personally, I like the SL-X (JCM 900)...NOT the Dual Reverb models. The SL-X comes in two flavors, the 2500 (50 watts) and the 2100 (100 watts). They are all tube with no diodes...plus, they have an extra gain stage. If you find one, make sure it has EL 34's in the power section and not 5881. (Again, just my personal preference.)
Wow, money's not an issue! You're a lucky man. OK, well the Marshall sound is tubes, so you've got a couple of choices: JCM2000 DSL and TSL-I don't think these amps do anything very well, they're a nice compromise if you have to have one amp do everything. They're also not well built (thin boards and ribbon connectors). 1959 SLP Reissue and Handwired Reissue-ungodly loud, nice crunch, really hit notes hard. Very durable. Did I mention loud? JCM800 Reissue-has more preamp breakup, so alittle easier to tame in church. Also has a decent clean sound in the low input, and you can use pedals for more OD. JTM45/Bluesbreaker-35w (yeah, they're listed at 45, dont' believe it). Sweet, warm clean and early breakup, killer sound with a mic. 18w-little version of above. 2061 (20w) crunchier and harder hitting than the 18w. Or you could go used: JCM800-still available for less than $1000, get the version with the vertical inputs from early 80s. Try and find a Canadian one with EL34s (or 6550s if you want loud). 6100-Anniversary, the blue one, 3 really decent sounds. What the TSL wishes it could sound like. Still a bit unreliable, though. Silver Jubilee-hey, Slash can't be wrong? Diode based OD, can only do clean or distorted at one time but great sounds.
Germino HR-100. I won't ask what in God's name you want the 100 Watt head in church for. But I will advise you to stand well back. Hope you have a big church.
For some reason, I can't see cranking up a Super Lead in church, let alone opening up any 100 watter. I know many would disagree with this, but I would go with a DSL50. Their fairly cheap, have a great clean sound (one of the few Marshall's that actually have a clean sound), distortion sound if very versatile. True, it's not going to sound like an Old Plexi, JMP, or 6550 version of a JCM 800. But it does get close enough to make if very worthwhile.
Germino +1 He makes the best sounding "marshal" amps and his a heck of a guitar player in his own right
My church must be ancient or something... we still use choirs and an organ... Somehow, church would just be weird to be sitting a pew going, "Wow, nice brown sound... ooh, that bend was off...", etc...
100 watt plexi and at least 2 4x12s. Or an old Major if you can find it, also with at least 2 4x12s. Maybe 2 plexis and 4 4x12s. You want to make sure that they can hear you.
Or just simplify and get two of those old 8x12s. They don't really need to be able to see the crucifix and/or altar, so the more cabs, the better.
jda, I think it should be at least 3 100 watt plexi full stacks chained together like Hendrix used...now that'd make sure everybody could hear it. Seriously though I think a DSL 50 would be fine - the 100 watter is probably too much. The DSL wins for versatility - it may not be the best sounding amp, but it certainly sounds good and has different tones to offer from clean to semi-distorted to heavy gain.
Wow. Let me pause and think about that for a moment... There, OK. That's great! I'd search out a 68/69 Plexi...great place to start. If it does not float the boat, plenty of other great boutique options to pursue. Have fun! Greg
technik - perhaps jump back in at some point and answer some questions as folks are trying to help you...
The title of this thread made me think it was about something else. There have been a few threads on quieting down rocking rigs for a church venue. But I would think for a rocking sound at lower volumes an Adam Stark Sex Amp (if you hid the lable) would be great. Maybe an 18W or one of the smaller Z's.
