Marshall aficionados....need your input on this 800 50w

  • Thread starter Thread starter nevusofota
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nevusofota

nevusofota

Well-known member
Ok, so I'm away on vacation and I went into this small music shop where they had a JCM 800 50 watter with vertical inputs on consignment. I've wanted a 2204 for a while and I've been keeping my eye out in the classifieds for years. This one seems like its in great shape. I didn't have too much time to pick it apart or even play it. One thing I noticed is that the top handle has the black plastic anchor, not the gold metal type. I thought this started in the mid to late 80's, however it does have the vertical inputs which I thought was pre '85. Anyway, here is a cell phone pic of the serial #. Tell me anything you can about it including what a reasonable price would be. I know I could do a lengthy internet search but our internet service here is pretty slow and would take me a while. I would love to return home from vacation with a new addition to the family! Thanks in advance. :rock:

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glip22":2x90urui said:
It was built in 1984
Yes, thank you. I just downloaded the chart as you posted this stating that the S = 1984. Is there any unique qualities to a 1984 model, good or bad? Did they use the coveted Drake transformers for this year?
 
Another thing that is odd is that it seems that most 1984 800's have horizontal inputs, this one has vertical. It must be an early 1984 model I guess.
 
I read somewhere that they changed to horizontal around April or May of 84?
 
guitarnie":29e9xnd5 said:
I read somewhere that they changed to horizontal around April or May of 84?
Thanks for the info :cheers:
 
guitarnie":c0kzay1v said:
I read somewhere that they changed to horizontal around April or May of 84?
This one is January I believe so an early 84. Grab it.
 
I had an early '84 2204 for years. It had the black handle and vertical inputs as well. It was a killer amp. Buy this now if the price is right! :thumbsup:
 
rlord1974":2wcjtvk9 said:
I had an early '84 2204 for years. It had the black handle and vertical inputs as well. It was a killer amp. Buy this now if the price is right! :thumbsup:
Thats the next question, what are these things going for? :lol: :LOL: It's on consignment for $799, if its all original and no playing issues this seems like a good deal. For shits and giggles I'm going in at $600 :D .
 
Those used to bring $1300 all day long; even at $800 you will be good, as long as it is healthy.
 
AndyK":569ay53c said:
Buy it!!!
I'm going back this afternoon (after the beach :lol: :LOL: :cheers: ) to fire it up and take a good look at it.
 
nevusofota":50i447cv said:
rlord1974":50i447cv said:
I had an early '84 2204 for years. It had the black handle and vertical inputs as well. It was a killer amp. Buy this now if the price is right! :thumbsup:
Thats the next question, what are these things going for? :lol: :LOL: It's on consignment for $799, if its all original and no playing issues this seems like a good deal. For shits and giggles I'm going in at $600 :D .

Great price!
 
$799 is a great deal, provided its essentially all-original, in good shape, with decent tube life and does NOT need a cap job... Actually, even if it needs tubes and caps, I still think its a decent deal!
 
i bought my 81 vertical all original,non modded 50 watter for 800 2 yrs ago and i thought that was a good price , so i say grab it :thumbsup:
 
Make sure it has original transformers.
Make sure you play it and it sounds good to your ears.
Fair average price for the vetical input 50 watt model is between $800.00 & $900.00
 
So I went back to the shop after dinner (about 5:30, later than I anticipated) and they guy was locking the door. The place is advertised to close @ 6:00 but I guess when you're a small shop and things are slow you close when you feel like it. I managed to catch him before the door was closed and asked if he had any info on the amp, i.e. modded, issues, etc. He said that he wasn't sure but has heard it cranked a few times and that it sounds great. He told me the owner would be there tomorrow between 11:00 and 2:00. He also stated that the owner of the amp was pressed to sell it and the price is negotiable.

This could turn out to be a very good deal. I'll keep you all up to date as the saga continues.
 
So after many days of trying to get back to the music shop (wasn't open when it was supposed to be, etc.) to play the 2204 I finally had a chance today. I was impressed to see the great shape it was in. the tolex was almost mint! Corners were all intact. The tubes "appeared" to be new along with new caps. All transformers are the orginal Drakes and were in unusually good condition, free of the normal rusting. The store owner didn't seem to know specifics about the amp, like how old it was. I think he though it was only 5-10 years old. He told me that a guy in high school that played in a local band owned the amp. The guy is now in his mid 20's and moved to California a few years ago to pursue a career in comedy. The amp has been sitting in his mothers house and he decided to sell it because he was quite broke out in L.A.. The wait for one of these was definately worth it because I got a REALLY good deal on a very clean and healthy amp.

I know everyone knows how loud these amps are but it doesn't register (at least with me it didin't) until you play one. The tone is very full and I can't wait to get home from vacation to try different OD's up front. All the pots and jacks worke perfectly. It wound up being a very good and worthwhile vacation :rock:

Here are pics I took with my cell:


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That is really clean. Any chance for some clips in the future?
 
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