Calling All Marshall Experts

[Mailman1971]

If you have a doubt dump it. It’s obvious you’re not sold on it.

Mainly because I’m new to getting the Marshall tone I’m after. I really want to chase the no more tears album tone which I know was a jcm800 combo with post processing effects. This is my very first Marshall I’ve ever owned and I’m not sure whether it’s a solid platform to start from? It’s more user error here.

Thanks for all of the replies dudes. Sounds like I need to check the bias of the GE6550s, put some new glass in the preamp, and run my para EQ into the front of it and see what happens. I do need a reactive load to run it into as well and have been needing one for a while.

I do enjoy the bigger tone of a 100W but don’t mind the soloing sweeter tone of a 50W. Marshall’s are loud bastards either way, just one has more punch in the gut than the other.

If it doesn’t sound good after all of this, I’ll send it off and play an earlier model JMP. I played this one before grabbing it and know it has potential.

Thanks for the reassuring comments. I’ll shut up and play it a while and see what happens from here ?

Didnt Zakk play Ampegs on No More tears?

 

[scottosan]

Get a Klon klone. It will turn the amp into a fire breather

 

[Exo-metal]

The JHS klone looks legit but just searched and good luck with that...

 

[glpg80]

I’ve decided I’m going to hang onto this one and simply grab another 75-80 JMP that’s a 100W and possibly already modded. I’m never going to find one in this condition again and it does sound great. I’ll get a fryette powerstation to run it into and keep from modding this one.

As far as pedals go I did recently find a Klon clone pedal mentioned above. Would the Timmy pedal be comparable?

Thanks dudes!

 

[psychodave]

I’ve decided I’m going to hang onto this one and simply grab another 75-80 JMP that’s a 100W and possibly already modded. I’m never going to find one in this condition again and it does sound great. I’ll get a fryette powerstation to run it into and keep from modding this one.

As far as pedals go I did recently find a Klon clone pedal mentioned above. Would the Timmy pedal be comparable?

Thanks dudes!

I don’t like the Timmy as much as the Klon clones or even the SD-1. Another pedal that sounds killer with the stock JMP’s is the KHDK ghoul screamer. It’s basically a tube Screamer that has a few more options.

 

[harddriver]

I’ve decided I’m going to hang onto this one and simply grab another 75-80 JMP that’s a 100W and possibly already modded. I’m never going to find one in this condition again and it does sound great. I’ll get a fryette powerstation to run it into and keep from modding this one.

As far as pedals go I did recently find a Klon clone pedal mentioned above. Would the Timmy pedal be comparable?

Thanks dudes!

Since you already have a parametric eq, just try the Boss SD-1 or Maxon OD808 in front of the eq pedal first before you get a Klon or another JMP, you might save your self some money. With the Parametric you can dial in the exact amount of mid and high end aggression, tight or loose lows. That amp should sound just as good sounding as the 100 watter just not the punch.

Which parametric EQ do you have? I have been looking at the Empress para EQ as of late as it has a boost option in addition to the EQ section.

 

[halebox]

Leave it be and get a power station for loop. Buy a modded marshall for fun as well.

 

[Beyond Black]

Leave it be and get a power station for loop. Buy a modded marshall for fun as well.

This.^ Run an OD and your parametric through it and it should kill. Then, get a modded Marshall to scratch the other itch. Check out a Yeti or Chupacabra. Ridiculous amount of amp for the cash.

 

[Beyond Black]

Sell this one and get a 100 watt amp. I prefer 100’s a lot more. Tons of balls.

Here is my 100% bone stock 1980 JMP 100 watt at slightly louder than TV volume with a Klon Clone out front. Amp is loaded with original GE 6550’s and Chinese C8 Preamp tubes.

https://youtu.be/e6Uj_DBTe58

That sounds glorious. Doesn't get much better than a nice stock Marshall with a boost. The tone all the modders chase.

 

[shred-o-holic]

Sell this one and get a 100 watt amp. I prefer 100’s a lot more. Tons of balls.

Here is my 100% bone stock 1980 JMP 100 watt at slightly louder than TV volume with a Klon Clone out front. Amp is loaded with original GE 6550’s and Chinese C8 Preamp tubes.

https://youtu.be/e6Uj_DBTe58

Out of curiosity which Klon clone is that?

Ceriatone. I built it myself.

That sounds f-ing great. Bucket list is to score some sort of 800 or JMP and go bananas with different Od's and tube swaps. Someday perhaps I haven't liked anything Marshall since the JCM 800 and alot of those were hit or miss, but nowadays with pedals and mods and tubes you guys have these things sounding awesome.....

 

[scottosan]

I’ve decided I’m going to hang onto this one and simply grab another 75-80 JMP that’s a 100W and possibly already modded. I’m never going to find one in this condition again and it does sound great. I’ll get a fryette powerstation to run it into and keep from modding this one.

As far as pedals go I did recently find a Klon clone pedal mentioned above. Would the Timmy pedal be comparable?

Thanks dudes!

Since you already have a parametric eq, just try the Boss SD-1 or Maxon OD808 in front of the eq pedal first before you get a Klon or another JMP, you might save your self some money. With the Parametric you can dial in the exact amount of mid and high end aggression, tight or loose lows. That amp should sound just as good sounding as the 100 watter just not the punch.

Which parametric EQ do you have? I have been looking at the Empress para EQ as of late as it has a boost option in addition to the EQ section.

To me the Klon does the best job in not altering the tone or adding noise.

 

[LP Freak]

The Tumnus Deluxe sounds great too

 

[Rick Lee]

When I had a super pristine '72 50w, I took the chassis and threw it into a Sour Mash headshell I had for another 1987 head. The mounting holes lined up fine. That way I didn't worry about the tolex getting dinged up, going to/from band practice and gigs. I knew I was going to sell the '72, but still wanted to use it with the band. Fawn JMPs do carry a premium, so a clean one should be kept clean. You can even have Sour Mash make a new head shell for you in any style and color, and then you drill the mounting holes yourself. I wouldn't drill into an unmolested vintage Marshall chassis. My '79 2203 had an extra hole in the back and had already been converted to EL34s when I got it. But it sounds so killer, I'll never mod it. My 1987xl is my #1 amp and it's bone stock. No mods necessary. I built a MV box to run in the loop for $10 in parts.

 

[glpg80]

Yeah that's also not a bad idea having another headshell made from Stone Age or Sour Mash. Granted this is a mint condition 79 JMP that has never been modded, I believe I'll do a cap job since it's overdue, check the bias of the power tubes, and run some new pre's in it and call it a day.

I agree - there are so many modded marshall JMP's out there that it would be easier for me just to hang onto this one for bedroom/studio use and chock it up as a lucky find, and grab another marshall JMP.

 

[skoora]

Fawn was not uncommon from that period but if it’s in great shape another head shell could be a good idea for gigging. I would put 34’s in it though. Never did like a 6 knob Marshall with 6550’s.

 

[glpg80]

Fawn was not uncommon from that period but if it’s in great shape another head shell could be a good idea for gigging. I would put 34’s in it though. Never did like a 6 knob Marshall with 6550’s.

I might pull the GE6550's and just save them for value's sake, to be honest. You're right in that Fawn orders were not custom orders back then and a standard option, but Fawn tolex options that aren't reproductions are very very rare in prestine/like new condition. I haven't uploaded pictures and posted an official NAD yet because I'm in the process of moving next week and have the amplifier at my girlfriend's for the time being.

My gut feeling is to grab a ceriatone JMP 2203 kit and mod to my heart's content instead of modding a real 70's JMP. I'll have my JMP 2204 whenever I want to scratch the itch to play a stock marshall.

 

[paulyc]

Fawn was not uncommon from that period but if it’s in great shape another head shell could be a good idea for gigging. I would put 34’s in it though. Never did like a 6 knob Marshall with 6550’s.

I feel exactly the opposite lol 6550s are the tube to use for aggressive music, either hard rock or metal IMO.

 

[glpg80]

Fawn was not uncommon from that period but if it’s in great shape another head shell could be a good idea for gigging. I would put 34’s in it though. Never did like a 6 knob Marshall with 6550’s.

I feel exactly the opposite lol 6550s are the tube to use for aggressive music, either hard rock or metal IMO.

I might retube it with new 6550's, but the original GE6550's will probably go into storage for safe keeping.

 

[paulyc]

Fawn was not uncommon from that period but if it’s in great shape another head shell could be a good idea for gigging. I would put 34’s in it though. Never did like a 6 knob Marshall with 6550’s.

I might pull the GE6550's and just save them for value's sake, to be honest. You're right in that Fawn orders were not custom orders back then and a standard option, but Fawn tolex options that aren't reproductions are very very rare in prestine/like new condition. I haven't uploaded pictures and posted an official NAD yet because I'm in the process of moving next week and have the amplifier at my girlfriend's for the time being.

My gut feeling is to grab a ceriatone JMP 2203 kit and mod to my heart's content instead of modding a real 70's JMP. I'll have my JMP 2204 whenever I want to scratch the itch to play a stock marshall.

Is there even a source for Fawn tolex ? I've never been able to find any...I have a Fawn 4x12 with old greenbacks that's seen better days, I'd love to have it redone.

 

[paulyc]

Fawn was not uncommon from that period but if it’s in great shape another head shell could be a good idea for gigging. I would put 34’s in it though. Never did like a 6 knob Marshall with 6550’s.

I feel exactly the opposite lol 6550s are the tube to use for aggressive music, either hard rock or metal IMO.

I might retube it with new 6550's, but the original GE6550's will probably go into storage for safe keeping.

I'd use the GEs...why save them ? For what ?