Marshall Question

[Progman]

I am about to buy a Marshall Half Stack and I noticed that basically all of the used Marshall JCM heads are insanely lower than new JCM's... is there a reason for this or do they all have wear issues and need new tubes... I see most of the JCM 800's, 900's, and 2000's go for $1000 or lower... Now I want to buy a used head so I can get a new cab, but with prices these low, I feel uncomfortable that they are going to break down or something. Thanks!

 

[Blix]

Buy a JCM800. You might have to invest a few dollars for new tubes and a rebias, but there's some awesome 800's out there to be had. What kind of tones are you going for?

 

[Progman]

Buy a JCM800. You might have to invest a few dollars for new tubes and a rebias, but there's some awesome 800's out there to be had. What kind of tones are you going for?

I'm going for higher gained rock sounds... think Gun's N Roses, Def Leppard, Aerosmith, and those kinds of bands, but then I need to be able to go back to Zeppelin, Who, and Stones type sounds, but thats what my Vox AC30 is for

 

[Blix]

Cool. Of the JCM800 series the ones with most gain is the 2205/2210's. Underrated amps that sounds great.
And of course the well known 2203/2204's. Plain and simple amps that rocks hard. Loves pedals.

 

[Mitch Colby]

What's interesting is that throughout the 1980's Marshall sold five times as many 2205/2210 compared to 2204/2203. Most people at the time preferred two channels and reverb

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[Blix]

What's interesting is that throughout the 1980's Marshall sold five times as many 2205/2210 compared to 2204/2203. Most people at the time preferred two channels and reverb

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Yeah, and the effects look can come in handy too.
I've done a lot of gigs with a 2205/2210, Boss Delay in loop, and a Tube Screamer or Boss OD-1 in front, heavenly rock tones!

 

[billyjett]

I am about to buy a Marshall Half Stack and I noticed that basically all of the used Marshall JCM heads are insanely lower than new JCM's... is there a reason for this or do they all have wear issues and need new tubes... I see most of the JCM 800's, 900's, and 2000's go for $1000 or lower... Now I want to buy a used head so I can get a new cab, but with prices these low, I feel uncomfortable that they are going to break down or something. Thanks!

I think to some people, the modern view of the JCM 800 is that it's a one trick pony, what with all the channel switching amps and pedals available to be able to get multiple tones. Also, people are downsizing to smaller, lower wattage amps, especially for use in the club gig market, so they don't have to lug around a head and a 4x12 cab. That , and the economy are my reasoning for the lower pricing. That being said, I have an '84 JCM 800 that I will never part with because there will always be a place for it in Rock n Roll and Blues, and after all, nothing sounds like a Marshall!! In the 10 years I've had mine, it's never failed me.

 

[Rex Nomad]

For the harder stuff you're doing the JCM 800s (2203/2204) will probably fall just short of having enough gain. You'll most likely need a pedal in front for the higher gain stuff.

The later 800s (2205/2210) with switching and loop are worth a look but play them first as they seem to vary a lot.

I would skip over the 900 series unless you happen to find a good SL-X (the best of the 900s in my opinion.)

The 2000 DSL 50 or 100 will do the most for you. They don't have the depth and punch that the 800s have, but they are close and have the flexibility of channel switching, effects loop, clean/crunch and high gain. Some guys get really great sounds out of them stock, others prefer some simple mods (the Joey mods) to get the most out of them.

I have owned a bunch of 2203s, a 900 SLX, and a DSL 100. They have all been worked hard on many gigs. They have all been reliable. If I was gigging musician and wanted the most flexibility, I would lean towards the DSL.

 

[nullin]

For the harder stuff you're doing the JCM 800s (2203/2204) will probably fall just short of having enough gain. You'll most likely need a pedal in front for the higher gain stuff.

The later 800s (2205/2210) with switching and loop are worth a look but play them first as they seem to vary a lot.

I would skip over the 900 series unless you happen to find a good SL-X (the best of the 900s in my opinion.)

The 2000 DSL 50 or 100 will do the most for you. They don't have the depth and punch that the 800s have, but they are close and have the flexibility of channel switching, effects loop, clean/crunch and high gain. Some guys get really great sounds out of them stock, others prefer some simple mods (the Joey mods) to get the most out of them.

I have owned a bunch of 2203s, a 900 SLX, and a DSL 100. They have all been worked hard on many gigs. They have all been reliable. If I was gigging musician and wanted the most flexibility, I would lean towards the DSL.

+1 on playing the 2205/2210's first. My 89 2210 is awesome. Played another 89 2210 that was crap. I do like the DSL's too. Great tone and bang for the buck.