Is the JCM900 Dual Reverb really that bad?

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sefloval

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I'm sure this has been beaten to death before, but just wanted to get feedback from people who have played/owned these to see what the deal is.
The reason I ask is because I keep seeing them for ridiculously cheap, like $400.00 which seems like a killer deal for a made in England Marshall.

I play in a punk band...think Descendents meets Pennywise, so I don't need a $2,000 head to do that, just a Marshall that can get me there. I'm currently playing a Jet City JCA50 head through a Marshall Vintage Modern 4X12, but it's not exactly the right tone; I need an EL34 head that will pair well with my VM cab. Anyways just wanted get some info from real world users and see what gives it such a bad reputation. Thanks!
 
A JCM900 Dual Reverb was my first "real" tube amp. They're not that bad, but they don't have that classic marshall "crunch" to them-they're a bit different. They have a lot more gain than a JCM800 and supposed to be more modern sounding, but they're a little stiff/sterile/buzzy sounding. It's tough to justify a JCM900 Dual Reverb when a DSL100 can be had for not that much more. Still, for $400, I'd consider picking one up. That's not a bad deal, and you can get some decent tones out of them. The SL-X was a better amp out of the JCM900 series, though.
 
sefloval":3hg3dfsi said:
I'm sure this has been beaten to death before, but just wanted to get feedback from people who have played/owned these to see what the deal is.
The reason I ask is because I keep seeing them for ridiculously cheap, like $400.00 which seems like a killer deal for a made in England Marshall.

I play in a punk band...think Descendents meets Pennywise, so I don't need a $2,000 head to do that, just a Marshall that can get me there. I'm currently playing a Jet City JCA50 head through a Marshall Vintage Modern 4X12, but it's not exactly the right tone; I need an EL34 head that will pair well with my VM cab. Anyways just wanted get some info from real world users and see what gives it such a bad reputation. Thanks!
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No, they are actually great amps for the price and perfect for your application. Grab one, make sure it is serviced, turn it up and rock. I clean boost mine with an SD-1 or TS-9.

I'm not saying it's the greatest Marshall ever, but it will get the job done.
 
JCM 900's aren't that bad but they aren't the perfect Marshall Either. If you're serious about your Tone then I'd keep looking based on the fact that when I had a 900...It always fell short of what I wanted/needed tone wise.
 
Put a mid flavored boost in front to warm it up and get some volume going and they can sound good. My only experience was a backline rig about 20 yrs ago. 400 bucks? Can't go wrong with that price..at worst you have a backup for cheap.
 
They were my first tube amps too and I loved them. Rise against uses them I think, if you're into those kind of tones your good to go. Good general dirty tones, clean isn't super clean but useable and fun to play.
 
I've heard some JCM 900 4100s sound really freakin' good. It depends on the player and how it's dialed in. If you can really play, then you'll make it work fine. For loud punk rock, I think it'd probably be just fine.
 
They are great platforms for boosting. Many touring bands from the 80's that rent their backline are still using them. It doesn't sound like you're into that style, but if you've seen just about any band at a county fair, chances are, they were using a 900 with a boost.
 
Another good option is a DSL. Cheap as well. Same deal, boost either channel and you're in good shape.
 
The 900s are a great, cheap option for a modding platform. Send one to FJ or Voodoo and they will make them sound amazing.

 
s_swanson":28xn01mr said:
A JCM900 Dual Reverb was my first "real" tube amp. They're not that bad, but they don't have that classic marshall "crunch" to them-they're a bit different. They have a lot more gain than a JCM800 and supposed to be more modern sounding, but they're a little stiff/sterile/buzzy sounding. It's tough to justify a JCM900 Dual Reverb when a DSL100 can be had for not that much more. Still, for $400, I'd consider picking one up. That's not a bad deal, and you can get some decent tones out of them. The SL-X was a better amp out of the JCM900 series, though.
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I don't think Marshall thought through the diode clipping stage they added. Sending it to a marshall mod specialist can straighten that out.
 
I recently purchased (traded another amp for) a JCM900 4101 - thinking I'd be putting it to band environment use, which never materialized - and have since sold it, as home jammin' amps are well covered; however, an EQ in it's loop and TURNING IT UP (it wasn't a bedroom amp) could cover anything I'd ever use it for. As previously stated; not the be-all-end-all proverbial Marshall; however, considerably equal to or better than many other options. Feel the need to repeat: turn the amp up.

BTW...it was a grab and go powerhouse amp. 100w, 1x12, could run another/different cab, etc...
 
mdc1mdc11":ku9q4qpo said:
s_swanson":ku9q4qpo said:
A JCM900 Dual Reverb was my first "real" tube amp. They're not that bad, but they don't have that classic marshall "crunch" to them-they're a bit different. They have a lot more gain than a JCM800 and supposed to be more modern sounding, but they're a little stiff/sterile/buzzy sounding. It's tough to justify a JCM900 Dual Reverb when a DSL100 can be had for not that much more. Still, for $400, I'd consider picking one up. That's not a bad deal, and you can get some decent tones out of them. The SL-X was a better amp out of the JCM900 series, though.
Click to expand...

I don't think Marshall thought through the diode clipping stage they added. Sending it to a marshall mod specialist can straighten that out.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure exactly what the diode clipping situation is on the 900, but diode clipping isn't always a bad thing. The Silver Jubilees were diode clipping amps.
 
-the 900 series might be the "thinnest" Marshall ever, and that's saying something,
 
It is a hard amp to dial without sounding sterile and without fizziness. My advice is buy it if you're willing to mod it, otherwise a dsl plus a boost is a better alternative imho.
 
I have one that Todd Langner modded for me 3 weeks after buying it brand new and it kills. He said it was a pain in the ass to mod :lol: :LOL: It wasnt terrible new, but I was used to JMP's and JCM 800's at the time and it was a different animal. Todd totally redid the preamp section including power supply to the tubes. Not sure about the thin comments, mine was actually thick and meaty stock, but you had to dial it in right.
 
Get a used DSL 50 or 100 for about $100 more

Much better sounding amp

I played a Dual reverb at a back lined show 2 years ago and really hated it.
Even with my Plexitone drive in front is was very stiff sterile and thin
 
I've owned both.... I would absolutely get a DSL over any 900.
I can think of others in that price range I would much prefer like the Fryette Deliverance 60, THD Bivalve or Univalve, Mesa Mark III, etc.
 
Awesome, thanks for the great info guys! :thumbsup:
I've played many DSL's and they worked great, so I may just go that route for just a little more cash.

We've been in the studio recording, and while the Jet City head is fine, it is way more obvious when you hear yourself back in the mix that it's missing the sound you want. This is our first time in a decent recording studio....definitely a learning experience :)
 
-im in with the DSL camp, the old DSL 50/100's with Drake trannies, they"re great amp's!!! under rated & best of all under priced!! I'd be happy with one or two! As is, or add a couple easy mod's, poof!! Even better!!
 
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