JCM 800 Question

[vander]

Hey guys,
Been lurking here forever and this is my first post.

I picked up an '84 JCM 800 50 watter and it arrived yesterday. I took it to the rehearsal space and I have to say I was scared to crank it...the damn thing seemed louder than my 100 watt 5153.
I'm running it through a 1960A that I replaced the T75's with four old Greenback 25w and it sounds great with the 5153 and I'm not apprehensive to turn it up.

I need to open the 800 up to get better tone...which I'm planning on doing next time I'm at the space...just hoping someone with a similar setup has done it with no problems. I understand the whole 100 watt cab should be fine with a 50 watt amp...but this thing is so damn loud it felt like something was going to explode.

Sorry for the noob question...just looking for a little reassurance before I break something...LOL.

Thanks

 

[severinsteel]

Welcome to the world of Vintage Marshalls! You will be fine cranking your 2204 with the cab. Just wear ear plugs! I run a 2204 JMP as my main live amp. I use a Barber Super Sport for my gain. I own a Friedman modded Marshall JMP, and I've owned a Cameron modded Marshall. A 2204 with a good pedal is just as good as a modded Marshall.

 

[rottingcorpse]

50watt Marshall jcm800 heads rule! Open that bitch up,you're gonna love it! You will find that after about noon on the master you won't get much more volume,it kinda maxes out there...there is a bit more but not much. Most of your volume will happen between 7 to 12 o'clock.

 

[vander]

Thanks guys! What I was hoping to hear. Mostly scared of ruining my greenbacks but it sounds like it'll be fine. Was even thinking of dragging my 1960B to the space to make sure I don't blow speakers but I won't now.

Got an Aldrich Rocket fuel and a Furman PQ3 I was going to blast through it this weekend.
Just wanted to make sure I wan't going fry the GB's. Didn't turn it up past 2 yesterday but i'll crank it this weekend.

Appreciate the feedback!

 

[Racerxrated]

I have an 82 2204, just cranked it with a 425a...no problems. In fact I slaved the 800 with my Mesa Strategy into the 425....not cranked but loud enough. No problems. Those 100w cabs can handle more than they are rated for, maybe not for an extended period of time but if you think about it that's all they had back in the 70s, 80-120 w cabs and they were cranking 100w marshalls through them all the time.

 

[vander]

Thanks Racer...same speakers so it should be fine. Must be something with the perceived volume. This is my first Marshall and first 50 watter. Was expecting at least a little less volume than my 100 watt heads but the damn thing roars.
Stoked to fire it up tomorrow. Thanks!

 

[cardinal]

Congrats on the amp. The cab should be fine.

I just fired up my '82 2204. I've been playing a modeler for the last few months. Wow the amp sounds gooood.

 

[AndyK]

Congrats - Nothing beats a good older Marshall 50 watter and a gain pedal or two!