Just bought this '81 Marshall JCM800 1987..what to do to it?

[AndyK]

I should be getting it next week sometime. It's totally stock, and an early 800 50 watter. Do I---

A) Leave it stock, stick a pedal in front, and call it a day?

B) Have Dave Friedman give it a BE/HBE and turn it into a monster?

C) Other thoughts?

 

[KentC]

If it was me I'd try the pedal in front first and see how things go before you go and change the circuts too much. Not that modding is bad, it just might not be too bad of an idea to have it serviced by someone and make sure everything is still working to its fullest potential.

 

[LP Freak]

Well seeing it's a 1959 circuit with no MV, you'll either be cranking the fuck out of it or need a pedal. So I'd send it to Dave with no hesitation.

 

[50MkII]

Give it time before you reach any decision regarding modding it. That way you will know what you have and what you are dealing with.Those are not very common. You could have any number of JCM800's modded with similar results my guess is. My .02

 

[JTyson]

Wait for Mike to get less busy...... it might be a bit though

 

[dstroud]

I'd get an attenuator, tubescreamer and be done

 

[Chubtone]

I'd get an attenuator, tubescreamer and be done

Exactly. I'd get a few different boosts after getting the attenuator and have some variety.

 

[PlinytheWelder]

I'd get an attenuator, tubescreamer and be done

Agreed... It's not that hard to build a new one to mod...

 

[rupe]

I'd get an attenuator, tubescreamer and be done

 

[Digital Jams]

I'd get an attenuator, tubescreamer and be done

Exactly. I'd get a few different boosts after getting the attenuator and have some variety.

Exactly.

IF you want more gain and less cut get a boogie.

 

[thiswaythatway]

Sent it to Mesa Boogie and have them mod it to sound like a Recto.

 

[gibson5413]

Sell it and buy my Mark IV.

In all seriousness, try it with a pedal in front first. You may just like it. If you can't handle the volume then think about modding. I would only mod if you don't like what you hear.

 

[redrol]

It probably needs caps, after that see where you are!

 

[joepete77]

I would recommend installing a ppimv in one of the speaker jacks on rear panel or use a attenuator. I would try that first before spending a grand and waiting to get something u may not like anyhow.

 

[steve_k]

The thought of needing a pedal or an attenuator to make an amp work for me would give me major heartburn.

 

[mapat]

I'd get an attenuator, tubescreamer and be done

+1

 

[Michi]

Congrats!

Why not try it first just cranked, then w/ the Wolf Hoffmann (at least I think I read somewhere he used this at some point) master volume formula: put an MXR Distortion+ in front of the amp, crank the amp and control the overall volume with the MXR's output knob, adjust distortion to taste.

 

[Deleted member 8761]

It probably needs caps, after that see where you are!

This, plus a replacement of tubes. Best to have it checked by a tech. After that, fire it up and try pedals etc. and if that isn't enough start looking into mods.

 

[AndyK]

The advice makes sense (well, not the Boogie ideas), thanks!

I already have the Rockstah Plexi, I bought this one because it was pretty cheap considering it's condition and rarity. I have a Power Brake too, but something tells me this head will be WAY loud and clean at the volume I would use it at.

Bringing it to a tech is a good idea too, assuming the caps need replacing. Then I can hear what it sounds like, and go from there.

 

[Shiny_Surface]

800 style plexi, nice find.