Marshall JCM-800 2205. Is this a good deal?

[dirtyfunkg]

Found a Marshall JCM-800 2205 (year 1984) and a Line 6 cab together for $660. Year of the Marshall is 1984.

I had a 1983 Marshall 4210 (1x12 combo version of the 2205) that was possibly the worst amp I've ever owned. But I have played through 2205's that sounded really good also.

I've read that 1984's are hit or miss as that is the year Marshall revised the circuit and fixed it to sound way more balanced and full. I've also read that 1986 is when that happened.

Can anyone shed some light? I have to drive out a couple hours to try the amp and wouldn't want to go only to find out it's not what I'd hoped it would be.

Tom Morello's sounds have always impressed me and he ran a 2 channel 800. And at the price point it seems like this is either a steal or an easy opportunity to turn around for a profit at worst.

Enlighten me on the history of the channel switching 800's.

Thanks.

 

[cardinal]

I always heard '87 was the year they fixed the channel bleed issue? But even before whatever year, I don't think all amps suffer from it.

 

[charveldan]

John Norum has used the 2205 since the beginning, if they're good enough for him thats OK with me.

Skip to 2:50 for the amps. He uses KT-88's instead of EL-34's.

 

[joepete77]

I also had the 1x12 version, I think it was first year 81. I quickly sold it as i thought it sounded pretty bad even after new 6550's retube. It did have the channel bleed and I also remember that the reverb would slightly bleed through even if turned off.
For the price you mentioned, I don't think you are gonna loose any money if u don't like it, as long as it is in decent shape.

 

[Bloodrock]

1987 and up 22xx series 800's are great amps. Much better than the earlier versions. They got rid of the channel bleed issue and added a bunch more gain. They sounded like a 2203/04 with an added diode boost, I like thier tone better than the Jubilee's diode clipping tone, more agressive sounding. The normal or "clean" channel still sucks for clean tho. Michael Shenker still uses late 80's 2205's I beleive.

 

[dirtyfunkg]

Were any of the earlier channel switchers good? And/or is there a reasonably cheap mod to get it to the later spec?

 

[squank]

What do you want the amp to do? And more importantly, will you be able to really turn it up?

IMO, the JCM800 is the most overrated amp in history (well, second to the 'plexi', but that's another story). There are a lot of dogs in the 800 line, and I've owned a number of them. The 800 only shines when it is really wound up, in my experience. If you won't be able to run it up past 7, you're going to be frustrated. And that's with a good one.

 

[Badronald]

My buddy has an '83 channel switcher and it sounds terrible.
I've never heard one I liked.

 

[Racerxrated]

JCM 800s are great amps. No they don't have a lot of gain but with a boost they can sound amazing. Some sound better than others. And you don't need to turn them up to 7 to get them to sound good..more like 2! It's a quick max volume on those so they get loud real fast. But with the 2205/10 you have an additional volume..one for each channel and a master so you have more to play with. As far as your 84 is concerned I would buy it. Yes the newer ones (87-90) have more gain but Michael Schenker uses the older ones and gets great tone. 660 is a good price for any JCM 800 head..you can find the 4210s for that price but not the heads. If you don't like it you can probably get your money out of it in a resale.

 

[Racerxrated]

In fact, if you buy it and don't like it, post it here in the classifieds for 700 shipped and I guarantee you it will be gone fast.

 

[marvcus]

Make sure you know the differences between the years/models of the 2205.

I have owned three; a 1987, a 1983 and a 1988. The early models (81-84) do not have a lot of gain. I mean PUNY gain.
I think in 1985-1987 they added more gain and then changed it to more again from 88-90.

The 1987 was the best sounding one I had. With a 4x12 w/ G12-75s maxed out it sounded like VH's "Light Up the Sky" to me. My 1988
one seemed to be more aggressive and gainier where the 1987 was just right.

Don't buy it thinking you'll use the clean channel, though. Sterile city.

 

[mixn4him]

Hit or miss , just gotta play it. I remember buying mine in '88 at a local store and we opened about 6 boxes of 2205's until we found one that sounded right...was very eye opening that 6 different BRAND new amps would all sound a little different..

 

[dirtyfunkg]

Did not do the deal. The guy said I could not try before buy because he had kids at home. He did not answer my email asking if he would come out to my space to let me check it out either. Also wouldn't give me his phone number. It was craigslist... kind of makes me think the amp could be hot. Wouldn't divulge his real email address. Wanted to meet at a central location to do the deal which isn't unheard of, but for an amp or guitar, hell no. Needs to be plugged in and tested.

It's still up. http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/msg/4017523379.html

 

[squank]

Did not do the deal. The guy said I could not try before buy because he had kids at home. He did not answer my email asking if he would come out to my space to let me check it out either. Also wouldn't give me his phone number. It was craigslist... kind of makes me think the amp could be hot. Wouldn't divulge his real email address. Wanted to meet at a central location to do the deal which isn't unheard of, but for an amp or guitar, hell no. Needs to be plugged in and tested.

It's still up. http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/msg/4017523379.html

My kids are the reason I won't ever do a CL deal at my house. Not going to let a complete stranger (and potential pedophile) into my house.

I realize it makes it tough for an amp transaction, which is why I do these on forums instead.

Meeting in a public place is also standard procedure. However, not willing to divulge an email addy is weird. I actually insist on talking to someone on the phone before I will do a CL deal with them.

 

[dirtyfunkg]

Did not do the deal. The guy said I could not try before buy because he had kids at home. He did not answer my email asking if he would come out to my space to let me check it out either. Also wouldn't give me his phone number. It was craigslist... kind of makes me think the amp could be hot. Wouldn't divulge his real email address. Wanted to meet at a central location to do the deal which isn't unheard of, but for an amp or guitar, hell no. Needs to be plugged in and tested.

It's still up. http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/msg/4017523379.html

My kids are the reason I won't ever do a CL deal at my house. Not going to let a complete stranger (and potential pedophile) into my house.

I realize it makes it tough for an amp transaction, which is why I do these on forums instead.

Meeting in a public place is also standard procedure. However, not willing to divulge an email addy is weird. I actually insist on talking to someone on the phone before I will do a CL deal with them.

I understand that rationale. Not knowing anything about the guy and not being able to try the almost 30 year old amp out at all is a no go for me though. At least with an online transaction on a forum or ebay, the guy's reputation is at stake and you at least have a return address. Coupled with the other suspicion inducing aspects, I just didn't want to have any part of it anymore.

 

[charveldan]

Try it first is good if u can but just wanted to say i bought two 78' JMP 2203's from separate people one from the east coast and one from my local shop [without playing first] and they're fantastic amps.

Yes i took a chance but i knew what to expect.

Channel switchers have issues and would play one first.

The CL dude u dealt with sounded weird.

I've bought and sold off CL no prob. What i bought the dudes delivered and what i sold i met them on the street.

 

[squank]

I understand that rationale. Not knowing anything about the guy and not being able to try the almost 30 year old amp out at all is a no go for me though. At least with an online transaction on a forum or ebay, the guy's reputation is at stake and you at least have a return address. Coupled with the other suspicion inducing aspects, I just didn't want to have any part of it anymore.

I think you're making a good call.

 

[tubortski]

Were any of the earlier channel switchers good? And/or is there a reasonably cheap mod to get it to the later spec?

I'd also like to know. Anyone have an early one that's a keeper? Or, is there a mod?

 

[squank]

Holy ancient thread, Batman!

 

[tubortski]

No kidding, right. 3 years. I was using search and came across this. Too lazy to start a new thread. Probably not the best idea.

I'm gonna try one tomorrow. All the strong opinions on the early ones... we'll see.