hunter
Active member
Could you post a clip or 2? 
Mailman1971
Moderator
I just got the amp in and only jammed on it one time.
Sounds really good.
Should be able to make some clips shortly.
All the recording equipment belongs to my Neighbor who plays Bass with me so have to hit him up for a recording or two.
Want to mic the cab so it gets a decent recording.
Sounds really good.
Should be able to make some clips shortly.
All the recording equipment belongs to my Neighbor who plays Bass with me so have to hit him up for a recording or two.
Want to mic the cab so it gets a decent recording.
hunter
Active member
Thanks.
Well maybe to explain myself a bit, I just ordered one of these myself for a real killer price, should be arriving here in a few days.
Well maybe to explain myself a bit, I just ordered one of these myself for a real killer price, should be arriving here in a few days.
Mailman1971
Moderator
Your going to love it.
I have a Clean boost in front of it.
That built in noise gate works perfectly.
I have the Beast side Intensity set at about noon and with that Boost........BAM!
Great sounding amp!
The secret on this one is the Clean boost.
I use a Danelectro Transparent Overdrive. Max volume, gain at about 1...bass and trebel set at noon. You can FEEL the difference when activated.
Click the boost off and your in Van Halen land.
Shut the "Beast" mode off and its AC/DC stock JCM800.
Great versatile amp.
I have a Clean boost in front of it.
That built in noise gate works perfectly.
I have the Beast side Intensity set at about noon and with that Boost........BAM!
Great sounding amp!
The secret on this one is the Clean boost.
I use a Danelectro Transparent Overdrive. Max volume, gain at about 1...bass and trebel set at noon. You can FEEL the difference when activated.
Click the boost off and your in Van Halen land.
Shut the "Beast" mode off and its AC/DC stock JCM800.
Great versatile amp.
mightywarlock
Well-known member
I've been using the KK for a while not, and it has become my current head in the studio and live. I use it in 2 bands, one a punk band, and one the Metal band.
for the punk band i generally think it sounds better with the Beast off, as i don't need nearly as much gain for that band, and it gives the classic marshall crunch, which is good, since the other guitar player has a Fender. I recently picked up one of the MF400b cabs (loaded w/K-100's) and it made quite the difference with all my heads...these speakers allow more of the amp to come through, a lot more bass as well.
Now this amp is very very thick as well...sometimes i think my Bass player gets drowned out by my amp and cab, since it is producing such an enormous low end.
I also run the gain pretty low when on the beast...preamp around 1-2 o'clock, and assault around 8-9 o'clock. any more than that and it gets extremely thick and muddy sounding, and you can forget cutting through the mix.
at one point i used to think that this head did not have as much distortion as a JVM410, which in my opinion has too much useless amounts of gain, but this amp has plenty, just a different flavor...and like i said, too much and it is too muddy.
when you dial down the Preamp gain section, you can really clear up your signal.
However, I think the main reason i use this head is because of the Noise gate. I think all heads should be built with built in noise gates. Especially when they work well. This one could be slightly more adjustable and tighter, but I find it works just fine, and enjoy the simplicity of guitar, cable, amp. nothing else needed. easy fast setup at gigs, etc. I do think it's a shame they skipped out on the Effects Loop however, but then again, if it's a signature head, I guess they decided to make it however Kerry wanted. It just takes some of the functionality of it to add effects or eq's in the loop out of the equation.
good for direct in, bad for someone who uses effects.
I'm not totally sure I am going to keep the MF400, as I also have a 1960av, but it has definitely sold me on using some K100's. They are loud and produce more tonal range, albeit very different from v30's, they are somewhat similar as well. I have been considering selling it and maybe another cab (all my other cabs are v-30's) and getting a Mills Afterburner with K100's and V30's X patterned.
The only downfall to this head is the build quality. Since my other heads are a Mesa and a Rivera, I am used to supreme quality, and solid built amps...the Marshall I treat like a baby, as it is all Plastic, plastic knobs, plastic jacks, plastic knob shafts, things move when you plug your guitar in...or change the knobs...you somewhat feel like you could snap something off if you go to hard on anything.
Since i haven't looked inside, but only assume that the knobs are on the circuit board rather than separately wired to the board and attatched to the front panel, i am very very careful when plugging into the head, and try to make sure my cord does not tug on the front (I tend to wrap my cord around the handle) and worry about the head every falling with a cord in it...like that would be the end of the amp.
There's also a slight chirping in the sound that kind of bothers me, but it's just the way the Marshall is...but it makes me wonder how authentic the JCM800 part is, since it has this chirp. hard to explain, if you play through one now that I have mentioned it, you might now notice it.
All in all though, for the moment I would say I am keeping it around for awhile. I always wanted a Marshall head, and this is my 1st real Tube Marshall amp head. (my 1st was almost 20 years ago, a Marshall Valvestate 8100 that I sold pretty quickly when I went all rack back then).
It sounds good, and for MY uses, the simplicity of it works for me.
for the punk band i generally think it sounds better with the Beast off, as i don't need nearly as much gain for that band, and it gives the classic marshall crunch, which is good, since the other guitar player has a Fender. I recently picked up one of the MF400b cabs (loaded w/K-100's) and it made quite the difference with all my heads...these speakers allow more of the amp to come through, a lot more bass as well.
Now this amp is very very thick as well...sometimes i think my Bass player gets drowned out by my amp and cab, since it is producing such an enormous low end.
I also run the gain pretty low when on the beast...preamp around 1-2 o'clock, and assault around 8-9 o'clock. any more than that and it gets extremely thick and muddy sounding, and you can forget cutting through the mix.
at one point i used to think that this head did not have as much distortion as a JVM410, which in my opinion has too much useless amounts of gain, but this amp has plenty, just a different flavor...and like i said, too much and it is too muddy.
when you dial down the Preamp gain section, you can really clear up your signal.
However, I think the main reason i use this head is because of the Noise gate. I think all heads should be built with built in noise gates. Especially when they work well. This one could be slightly more adjustable and tighter, but I find it works just fine, and enjoy the simplicity of guitar, cable, amp. nothing else needed. easy fast setup at gigs, etc. I do think it's a shame they skipped out on the Effects Loop however, but then again, if it's a signature head, I guess they decided to make it however Kerry wanted. It just takes some of the functionality of it to add effects or eq's in the loop out of the equation.
good for direct in, bad for someone who uses effects.
I'm not totally sure I am going to keep the MF400, as I also have a 1960av, but it has definitely sold me on using some K100's. They are loud and produce more tonal range, albeit very different from v30's, they are somewhat similar as well. I have been considering selling it and maybe another cab (all my other cabs are v-30's) and getting a Mills Afterburner with K100's and V30's X patterned.
The only downfall to this head is the build quality. Since my other heads are a Mesa and a Rivera, I am used to supreme quality, and solid built amps...the Marshall I treat like a baby, as it is all Plastic, plastic knobs, plastic jacks, plastic knob shafts, things move when you plug your guitar in...or change the knobs...you somewhat feel like you could snap something off if you go to hard on anything.
Since i haven't looked inside, but only assume that the knobs are on the circuit board rather than separately wired to the board and attatched to the front panel, i am very very careful when plugging into the head, and try to make sure my cord does not tug on the front (I tend to wrap my cord around the handle) and worry about the head every falling with a cord in it...like that would be the end of the amp.
There's also a slight chirping in the sound that kind of bothers me, but it's just the way the Marshall is...but it makes me wonder how authentic the JCM800 part is, since it has this chirp. hard to explain, if you play through one now that I have mentioned it, you might now notice it.
All in all though, for the moment I would say I am keeping it around for awhile. I always wanted a Marshall head, and this is my 1st real Tube Marshall amp head. (my 1st was almost 20 years ago, a Marshall Valvestate 8100 that I sold pretty quickly when I went all rack back then).
It sounds good, and for MY uses, the simplicity of it works for me.
Mailman1971
Moderator
I have owned other amps with noise gates in them and I didnt like how they functioned.
Not the case in this amp. Works good and does not rob the tone.
I like to run the gain at about noon on the BEAST side then push it with a Overdrive.
really TIGHTENS it up and dont leave me with the 'flubbyness' when the gain is dimed.
I have owned alot of marshalls thru the years. Most of them Modded. This amp is in the same ballpark in my opinion.
Not the case in this amp. Works good and does not rob the tone.
I like to run the gain at about noon on the BEAST side then push it with a Overdrive.
really TIGHTENS it up and dont leave me with the 'flubbyness' when the gain is dimed.
I have owned alot of marshalls thru the years. Most of them Modded. This amp is in the same ballpark in my opinion.
T
Thor1777
Member
hey man, I actually have owned 22203kk's...the second one sounding much better...think the first one just needed a good bias....anyway, I miss mine and will probably get another but I wanted to see what else was out there
love the marshall tone, hard to go wrong with this head IMO....
1 question, I never tried it with effects...how does it take pedals like delay or reverb since there is no loop??
thanks and enjoy the amp....btw how would you compare it to your Modena?
love the marshall tone, hard to go wrong with this head IMO....
1 question, I never tried it with effects...how does it take pedals like delay or reverb since there is no loop??
thanks and enjoy the amp....btw how would you compare it to your Modena?
Mailman1971
Moderator
The only thing I have ever ran into it was a Overdrive pedal. It sounds great! 
Funny thing is when I was doing the A/B with it last nite to the Elmwood(SUPER AMP I MUST SAY) I found myself drawing back to the Marshall. I just love the RAW POWER that thing has. The Elmwood is really really articulate and refined sounding. Even when the gain is CRANKED it still sounds articulate and the Dynamics of that amp are incredible! Harmonics just jump off the guitar! But I think for the style of music we play the Marshall fits the Bill for me personally.
Funny thing is when I was doing the A/B with it last nite to the Elmwood(SUPER AMP I MUST SAY) I found myself drawing back to the Marshall. I just love the RAW POWER that thing has. The Elmwood is really really articulate and refined sounding. Even when the gain is CRANKED it still sounds articulate and the Dynamics of that amp are incredible! Harmonics just jump off the guitar! But I think for the style of music we play the Marshall fits the Bill for me personally.
S
sg guy
New member
thanx mailman!...i have read this post a million times!!!.......and after 5 years without a marshall....i have major jcm800 gas!
i even went jcm800 shopping yesterday,..and all i could find was a dsl100,...played it,..and my dam gas is so bad i almost bought it!..ha!
now i am giving the 2203kk some serious consideration!...the only thing holding me back is the $1800.00 price tag!
pssst!...anyone got a jcm800 for sale!!
i even went jcm800 shopping yesterday,..and all i could find was a dsl100,...played it,..and my dam gas is so bad i almost bought it!..ha!
now i am giving the 2203kk some serious consideration!...the only thing holding me back is the $1800.00 price tag!
pssst!...anyone got a jcm800 for sale!!
mightywarlock
Well-known member
dude.
you can get them much less on ebay nowadays.
That's where I got mine, with the oiginal Box and Manual and cover in mint condition, and that's the way I keep it...
you can get them much less on ebay nowadays.
That's where I got mine, with the oiginal Box and Manual and cover in mint condition, and that's the way I keep it...
Hollywood
Active member
I agree with you on the review here. I absolutely love my Elmwood modena 60 but to get that grind, edge of live rawness, you gotta be playing some form or version of marshall or something with Marshall DNA.Mailman1971":1j1bmrrz said:The only thing I have ever ran into it was a Overdrive pedal. It sounds great!
Funny thing is when I was doing the A/B with it last nite to the Elmwood(SUPER AMP I MUST SAY) I found myself drawing back to the Marshall. I just love the RAW POWER that thing has. The Elmwood is really really articulate and refined sounding. Even when the gain is CRANKED it still sounds articulate and the Dynamics of that amp are incredible! Harmonics just jump off the guitar! But I think for the style of music we play the Marshall fits the Bill for me personally.
P.S. you got me looking at buying one of these 2203KK'S NOW DAMMIT. This is one amp I always wanted to give a go but never did. Found one new in the box in store for several hundred off normal price. Gonna talk the talk with them tomorrow. 
S
sg guy
New member
mightywarlock":2sc9ieml said:dude.
you can get them much less on ebay nowadays.
That's where I got mine, with the oiginal Box and Manual and cover in mint condition, and that's the way I keep it...
i have been looking high and low but that seems to be the going rate,...the worst thing is i am running out of patients!..ha!
theres actually one on ebay right now thats in the auction format,...we'll see what it gets up to.
jesse
Mailman1971
Moderator
Just got in from the weekend Jam session!Hollywood":3jqb2sqe said:I agree with you on the review here. I absolutely love my Elmwood modena 60 but to get that grind, edge of live rawness, you gotta be playing some form or version of marshall or something with Marshall DNA.Mailman1971":3jqb2sqe said:The only thing I have ever ran into it was a Overdrive pedal. It sounds great!
Funny thing is when I was doing the A/B with it last nite to the Elmwood(SUPER AMP I MUST SAY) I found myself drawing back to the Marshall. I just love the RAW POWER that thing has. The Elmwood is really really articulate and refined sounding. Even when the gain is CRANKED it still sounds articulate and the Dynamics of that amp are incredible! Harmonics just jump off the guitar! But I think for the style of music we play the Marshall fits the Bill for me personally.
JCM800 2203KK RULED!!!
From AC/DC to Metallica.....what a great amp!
1st time my drummer heard it. He said it was a KEEPER.....
He is a music nut like me and I value his opinion highly.
Besides.....it just has this RAW POWERFUL sound that cant be duplicated.
The BEAST MODE and the stock JCM mode.......2 amps in one!
Snag it up is all I am saying. I thought it was a SLAYER AMP......not even close. It does Slayer pretty damn good but also Van Halen...Judas Priest....Whitesnake....Ratt......etc.....
One of my Faves out of all the amps I have owned!
OldSkoolNJ
Active member
That sound,tone and the Slayer riffs bring back so much memories for me
Mailman1971
Moderator
You too can own it.......JCM800 2203KK!! By RONCO!!...I mean MARSHALL!!OldSkoolNJ":2iurb4g6 said:That sound,tone and the Slayer riffs bring back so much memories for me
OldSkoolNJ
Active member
Mailman1971":17ulknjm said:You too can own it.......JCM800 2203KK!! By RONCO!!...I mean MARSHALL!!OldSkoolNJ":17ulknjm said:That sound,tone and the Slayer riffs bring back so much memories for me
My 2 amps are based off of JCM 800/900's with an extra gain stage & more EQ flexibility with an effects loop
Turn the 2nd gain knob down and turn the presence up I can get that tone.
I just havent played with it set like that in probably 10 years..
Monday or Tuesday I might have to though all of this makes me want to run through Divine Intervention and Seasons in the abyss
Mailman1971
Moderator
JackBootedThug
MURDERATOR
how come it has 4 kt88's and is only rated at 100 watts? wouldn't it be like 200? 
Mailman1971
Moderator
it is a freaking beast to tame.
Has a great tone to it.
I havent turned it up past 5 yet.........
Has a great tone to it.
I havent turned it up past 5 yet.........
hunter
Active member
Hey, sounds cool. Maybe the palm mutes are not as tight as I'd wish, maybe some lower mids missing to fill it up.
But the open chords are cool. And it cuts through nicely.
Was this with The Beast engaged or just the 800 part of the amp?
But the open chords are cool. And it cuts through nicely.
Was this with The Beast engaged or just the 800 part of the amp?