Differences between a Marshall 1959 and a 2203

[RoloStrat]

Main differences between Marshall 1959 and 2203... If I crank the MV to 10 (or 11), will the 2203 behave like a 1959?

 

[marvcus]

Cleans way, way better on 1959. Foundation tone is way better in 1959. Feel and touch sensitivity way different. Gain wise, 1959 less gainy but a little fuller.

My experience for reference is 1969 plexi and JCM 800

 

[Rei2663r]

The main differences between the Marshall 1959 and 2203 are in their preamp design. The 1959 is a non-master volume amp with a classic, dynamic response, while the 2203 has a master volume and an extra gain stage for more preamp distortion.

Cranking the MV on the 2203 will get you closer to the 1959’s behavior, but it won’t be identical. The 2203 will still have more preamp distortion compared to the 1959’s power amp distortion when cranked.

In short, the 2203 can mimic the 1959 somewhat with the MV at 10, but they’ll still sound different.

 

[skoora]

The main difference is a few dollars in parts but no, cranking the 2203 will not have it behave like a 1959. It will just get ratty around the edges and loose focus. The 1959 just gets beefier and more sustain. Some 1959’s can get “spitty” when on 10. The 1959 is just a better circuit for me but if you’re more into thrash or metal with chuggs the 2203, preamp on 6-7, pushed by a pedal or two, is the way.

 

[Techdeth]

The main difference is a few dollars in parts but no, cranking the 2203 will not have it behave like a 1959. It will just get ratty around the edges and loose focus. The 1959 just gets beefier and more sustain. Some 1959’s can get “spitty” when on 10. The 1959 is just a better circuit for me but if you’re more into thrash or metal with chuggs the 2203, preamp on 6-7, pushed by a pedal or two, is the way.

I’d say this all true . And I prefer the 2203 because 1977 and 1978 when AC/DC used all new JMPs on Let There Be Rock and Powerage and fuck me those are perfect . But I do need a 1959

 

[skoora]

Another thing for me is, I find plexi circuits I can get a sound where I can easily play rhythm and lead (with a Gibson at least) and just roll off for cleaner tones but with JMP MV models, the sound I like for rhythm doesn’t sustain well for leads and I almost always need a boost for leads. Even though there’s one less gain stage I feel I get more perceived gain (useable gain) from a 1959.