2204 or Budda SD45?

[Racerxrated]

They aren't the best low volume amps. But put a boost in front and give a 2203/4 some volume...

 

[milkchickenbomb]

I did get to try it out with with and without a boost out front, and was able to play at band volume. Sounded very thin, even with the bass rolled up. With the bass all the way up, it was a sort of "warm-thin" tone. The sweep of the bass adjustment was pronounced, not so much the mid, while the treble knob seemed to do nothing. Not enough gain for me either. Turned up the gain on the boost, and the rig sounded basically like a cheap distortion pedal. I also got a ton of feedback. The screechy kind, not the good kind.

The amp had seen better days, so I'm thinking there might have been something wrong with it. At any rate, it wasn't the amp I was looking for.

So far I've played thru a couple of JCM 900s and this one 800. I didn't get along with any of them. But I do love that Marshall sound, ironically. I love it. Just when someone else is playing.

 

[SpiderWars]

Old amps can be in any state of disrepair and I've definitely heard some dog 800s.

As much as I love them I'm thinking a JCM800 might not be the best fit for you since you said you're not crazy about a single-channel amp with no loop (although the loop thing can be remedied). But I don't really have a great suggestion for a channel switcher with the best Marshall drive even though so many amps strive for that. Well...I could say just get a Wizard but you could get several JCM800s for that kind of coin.

 

[Racerxrated]

I did get to try it out with with and without a boost out front, and was able to play at band volume. Sounded very thin, even with the bass rolled up. With the bass all the way up, it was a sort of "warm-thin" tone. The sweep of the bass adjustment was pronounced, not so much the mid, while the treble knob seemed to do nothing. Not enough gain for me either. Turned up the gain on the boost, and the rig sounded basically like a cheap distortion pedal. I also got a ton of feedback. The screechy kind, not the good kind.

The amp had seen better days, so I'm thinking there might have been something wrong with it. At any rate, it wasn't the amp I was looking for.

So far I've played thru a couple of JCM 900s and this one 800. I didn't get along with any of them. But I do love that Marshall sound, ironically. I love it. Just when someone else is playing.

Yeah, that one sounds like something is up with it. If you are near a GC, you can buy a used one and have it shipped to you, if its a bad one 45 days to return it. That goes for any used item they have.

 

[LP Freak]

I've got a great sounding 800 clone for sale if you're interested. It has a switchable gain boost, depth control, and a Metro loop. Everything you're looking for.

 

[Classic]

I have a Budda SD45 and sold a Budda SD30 Series 2. These amps whilst similar are different. The SD30 is darker. The SD45 is brighter and a lot more Marshall-like.

The benefit of the Budda over the Marshall is the second channel and loop. The eq is more towards lower mids compared to a Marshall but brighter than a Bogner.

The only potential negative is the Budda can be quite loud.