NAD! JP-2C. I think I can sell my boost pedals now.

GJgo

GJgo

Well-known member
So after some serious GAS, I said f**k it, sold off some other gear, and got me a JP-2C. (Single Recto, Mark III blue stripe & a Randall Diavlo RD20. Plus some other toys.) I've only had an hour or so to play it but so far I'm VERY impressed. I really don't need the power, but I'm a tone guy. I need that Mesa tone. My wife told me that my next amp also had to have a headphone output, so clearly this justifies the purchase. :D

Here are some first impressions-

- This could possibly be a one-that-does-everything amp. I know that there are other great amps out there that have great & different tones, but I think you could probably coax every tone you *need* out of this one. VERY versatile.

- In addition to what all the other guys reviewing it said, I have to say the volume knobs work VERY well. I can EASILY play this at levels (through my 4x12) that won't wake the kids after bed- and it sounds good. This was literally impossible with the Recto, and difficult with everything else I've ever had over 20 watts.

- Freakin' gain. My guitars all have an EMG Afterburner in them, plus I have a Maxon boost, and for the first time I can honestly say I don't need them. The Shred mode kind of sounds like a boost anyway, but I haven't even been using it. The gain knob just sounds epic no matter where you point it. TONE!

- It can sound great with the GEQ off. I never felt that way about the Mark III.

- In channels 2 & 3 I can't tell that the mid knob is doing anything. I know, I still need to read the manual. So, I turned the treble & bass knobs off & I can see that the mid knobs are working- but they are giving more volume / gain, not really changing the mids at all. This needs some investigation. I know these knobs add gain as well, but with the treble & bass knobs you can hear that plus the gain bump.

- The notes this thing produces are so buttery smooth. Much more 3 dimensional than my Mark III. Tons of cream & sustain. I still haven't found my "Metallica" tone that I had dialed in very well with the MKIII, but I'm sure it's in there. I've never had the opportunity to play a IIC+ but I'd love to A/B them.

Ok I'll shut up now, here's the family porn shot. :D

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I got to play one in the store not too long ago and I have to say it was indeed pretty bad ass and probably the second best amp I have played. I was able to get a tight grindy tone that I really dig and the clean was awesome too.
 
Congrats on the addition. I'd love to try one in person. They haven't been seen in the land of cheese yet, at least not by me
 
I've had one for a while now, but haven't gotten to play it for a few weeks since we haven't had band practice and I left it there. One of the most versatile amps I've ever played.
 
Congrats! Your post does intrigue me.

I do start feeling like that fat cat from the Secret Lives of Animals trailer... the whole "Noooo...I shouldn't..." regarding contemplating this amp.
Besides, it's WAAAAAY to friggin' expensive in Europe. Like $5k in USD!
 
Have someone here buy it for you and ship it.

Speeddemon":18uz6nva said:
Congrats! Your post does intrigue me.

I do start feeling like that fat cat from the Secret Lives of Animals trailer... the whole "Noooo...I shouldn't..." regarding contemplating this amp.
Besides, it's WAAAAAY to friggin' expensive in Europe. Like $5k in USD!
Click to expand...
 
I did a playthrough vid tonight, seems no one has posted one yet. Check it out!

I'm really digging the grinding rhythm tone from keeping the presence pushed, and turning the knob up a ways. This amp has a LOT of punch & sustain. Live I like the deep GEQ V sound, but recorded I think the GEQ with a little more mids & the presence pushed really sounds epic. (5:29)

One thing, I am concerned & seeking opinions from other owners about the mid knob on channels 2 & 3 not changing the mid tone at all. I understand how the Mark tone stack works, but I'd expect more than this. (Comparing to the other Mark amps I've had.) Just trying to determine if this is how it is in this model or if there's an issue. Detailed at 4:38 & 7:30 in the vid.

https://youtu.be/qEr8M_wBskg
 
Alright, hearing that other owners have the same feel in theirs, plus I spoke to Mesa & their tech listened to the clip & said that's how it is intended, so I think we're good. Play on!
 
Yep, feedback. Oops. Didn't realize till it was too late & didn't want to do the whole thing over.
 
After spinning knobs for a couple weeks I've come up with a real solid tone set for less-than-gigging volumes. This is on the bridge pickup- for the neck I'd pull the bass response back or it'd mud up. I'd also pull the bass back as the volume gets cranked.

- Gain & presence are pushed on channel 2.
- Gain & presence are pulled on channel 3.
- Running the 8 ohm out. Tried the 4 ohm out on 60W, but IMO the attack went a little soft.

Now that the honeymoon is subsiding & the amp is breaking in- the Mark tones are still amazing. Killer glassy cleans, and massive umph in the gain channels. I have to roll the gains back to around 12:00 to get any use out of my boost pedals, but honestly I think it sounds better to leave my boost off and run the gain up around 3:00. If I need boost just hit Shred.

I will say the one sound I haven't found in here yet, which I'm a little bummed about, is this middy grindy sound that the Mark IIIs have that I just don't hear in the other Marks. It's a very "Black Album" sound. If I can't find it I may have to get another MKIII. Could be in the tubes.
 
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