What do you guys like as a high gain JCM800?

  • Thread starter Thread starter BABMusic
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Got rid of the Friedman humbucker today. But now, it's going to feel weird selling this on here and saying, "It didn't sound good with the DSL100, but I want you to buy it." Tomorrow, I will test out the Pegasus through the BE50 and Greenbacks cab.

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I was able to test the Pegasus this morning. It does have more tightness and clarity than the Friedman Classic+, but it doesn't really have much more gain. Overall though, I much prefer the tone of the Pegasus.
 
I've really been enjoying the Marshall VS102r combo for the heavy Marshall flavor.
Can't beat it for $250.

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As others have said, it’s hard to beat a stock 800 with the right pedal.

I’ve had JVMs (twice), a Splawn Nitro, currently have a Deliverance 60 (may be up for sale soon) and hopefully soon an Engl Blackmore.

The Nitro had an amazing low end, but it gets kind of old after a while and then amp ends of feeling like a one trick pony IMO. I was happier with a 6505 TBH.

I had a love/hate relationship with the JVM 410 and because of it almost swore off Marshalls.

Now I have a Mojotone 800 and couldn’t be happier with that amp. The Deliverance is a great amp too (just check out Blake’s clips), but I seem to be always more at home with the 800. As far as simple amps go, I think it is very versatile because the gain character really changes with the type of boost you use.

Trust your stuff.
 
I went to Guitar Center today and played a newer DSL100. I'm puzzled as the amp sounded way more muddy than I remember my old one being. Sounded better on the 100 watt mode, but muddy on both power modes. They also had a Dual Recto (3 channel version) and to my surprise, it sounded a little tighter than the DSL, but still slightly muddy. I was using my own guitar with the Pegasus humbucker. Has the DSL always been a little muddy? I don't remember it this way.
 
Hot Mod

If you don't like it removed in 5 minutes.

It's going to sound like a 800 more than any of them because it is a 800.
 
A mark series Mesa. Just raise that high mids slider a bit (2200) and you're approximating a boosted jcm 800, kinda.
 
Been eyeing an '87 2205. I know nothing about this series, other than @TotallyRadGuitars brief write up. Please tell me more!
The 2205/10 came out in 82-83. First 2 ch Marshall (foot switchable) with a primitive FX loop. The first few yrs didn't sound that great; and had channel bleed. By 86-87 (late 86) the circuit got much better, and with less channel bleed. FX loop improved too. So, If I were on the hunt for one I'd only look for a 1987 or later (91 was the last yr for 800s) as they will have the most gain, and sound best. The way to run them is to dime the gain ch vol control, and the gain...use the MV as your vol control. That makes the amp have almost no taper to the vol; but gives the best OD sounds. The ch vol acts like a Gain 2 knob. The 2210s are a bit less middy than the 2205s; making them better for heavier stuff. But not scooped...still has Marshall mids.
 
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