NAD: 1979 Marshall JMP2203

[braintheory]

Just got this amp. I’ve played these many many times before and always was a huge fan, but never actually owned one somehow or AB’ed one with my current amps until now. I’ve owned though in the past an ‘83 JCM800 2203 and several modded ‘70’s JMP2203’s (by Cameron, Hopkins and Friedman) and modded 800’s, but didn’t like any of those anywhere near as much as this. I’m not sure if I lucked out with a particularly good one or not, but for my taste this and my Gjika 10N are the 2 best amps I’ve ever owned (I’ve owned almost 100 different amps over the years) and you can see in my sig the other 20 amps I currently have if that says anything.

I’ve owned 4 different Cameron modded Marshall’s (Aldrich, Jose, Atomica, 3 channels) and have played others of my friends, and I prefer this JMP boosted with my Klon over of any of those Cameron’s (boosted or not). For what it’s worth, those Cameron modded Marshall’s smoked any other modded Marshall’s I’ve had by Friedman, Gower, Kruse and others I’ve had as well as any of the Marshall type amps I’ve owned like the Mezzabarba, Friedman’s, Bogner Helios, Henning Cherry Bomb, Metroplex, Langner, Big Tone, etc as well as what I’ve tried extensively like the Splawn’s (of all eras), Landry, etc. I find this JMP to be SO much more inspiring to play than any of those above mentioned amps and way more organic and warm sounding. The vast majority of amps made today sound filtered or neutered in comparison to older amps like this one.

Up until now, my ‘97 Diezel VH4 Blueface has been my favorite metal amp of all time (not a fan of any of the Diezels that came after it though), and while that amp still is not going anywhere, I still would probably choose this JMP over it if I could only choose one amp. In comparison to the blueface, the jmp just has this perfectly voiced growl when you play chords that’s full of warmth and that certain midrange juiciness that only Marshall’s seem to have. For what it’s worth, as much as I loved them, I sold my last 2 Cameron modded Marshall’s (Aldrich and Atomica) I had after AB’ing them with my Blueface, yet somehow I’m slightly preferring this stock JMP to it. The Diezel though sounds heavier, has more of that lower bass, it’s a lot tighter, drier (in a specific way that makes it sound evil) even though it has more gain than the JMP, both have lots of growl, and it’s 4th channel gets this really thick, cello like lead tone that the JMP or anything else I’ve tried just doesn’t have.

I just think it’s amazing that this amp that’s over 40 years old and also quite affordable is still about as good as it gets for high gain tones. I’ve literally owned or tried at this point every high gain amp I’ve been meaning to except for just a Larry. For what’s it’s worth I’ve also consistently liked the ‘70’s JMP2203’s better than the 80’s JCM800’s I’ve tried since they tend to sound warmer, more growly/throaty and complex, but I know some guys prefer the JCM800’s and I can see that since they tend to be tighter, have more attack and immediate response, but the JMP’s I think are still adequately tight and responsive with a boost, although on its own I admit mine is loose and not useable for very fast riffs, but with my Klon (original Centaur) it’s not an issue

 

[Exo-metal]

Then you won't mind selling me your boogie amps then?

 

[braintheory]

Then you won't mind selling me your boogie amps then?

Haha those are also staying and very different sounding. Those would probably be 4th favorite after this JMP, Gjika and Blueface

 

[Thunkful]

Where is the "This thread is worthless without clips" smilie when needed!

Anyways, enjoy your Marshall bro! Marshall style amps boosted almost always yield amazing results!

 

[RedPlated]

Is it all stock, no mods? el34 or 6550?

I have a super clean 1980 JMP 2203. I didn't particularly love the tone when stock. I had Dave Friedman do some very minor and reversible cap and resistor tweaks and add a Metro loop to the existing holes for extra speaker jacks. I like it a lot better now. It's nowhere near as modded as a Kitchen Sink or similar, just has a little extra gain and less bass. It was pretty bass heavy before. Add a boost and you can do just about anything with them.

One other thing...I prefer EHX el34 power tubes in mine over all others.

 

[cardinal]

I don't have nearly that collection, but an old 2204 and an SD-1 has worked for me. Long time ago, I ended up selling off an SLO and an old Blueface VH4 because I just never used them. I've now got a IIC+ DRG and a Recto, but the 2204/SD-1 still is my fav. Just works for everything.

I have a pair of '76 2204 heads and an '82 4010 combo, all with 6550 tubes. Just love those amps.

 

[Racerxrated]

Congrats man. Desert Island amp for me is a Marshall; love the C+ tone but if it's only 1 it's a Marshall. I have a Monomyth 2204 now and it is right up there with the Cameron's I've owned as the best modded Marshall from my experience. Every other modded Marshall is in 2nd place or further down..and I've had at least 1 from all the big names except Jose A. I do plan on another stock Marshall at some point. I know of a particular 78 2204 in town that I almost traded for a few yrs ago....didn't work out but I might have to revisit that. Juiciest warm midrange ever out of any amp I've owned. Those late 70s JMPs are less aggressive than the early 800s but have a certain warmth the 800s lack. Different enough to own one of each from my experience.

 

[psychodave]

I have a stock 1980 JMP and it sounds killer with the GE 6550’s. I use a VFE Standout or Merman with it and it crushes. That said, I don’t care for them with EL34’s unless I tweak the circuit a little to tame the harsh high end.

 

[braintheory]

Is it all stock, no mods? el34 or 6550?

I have a super clean 1980 JMP 2203. I didn't particularly love the tone when stock. I had Dave Friedman do some very minor and reversible cap and resistor tweaks and add a Metro loop to the existing holes for extra speaker jacks. I like it a lot better now. It's nowhere near as modded as a Kitchen Sink or similar, just has a little extra gain and less bass. It was pretty bass heavy before. Add a boost and you can do just about anything with them.

One other thing...I prefer EHX el34 power tubes in mine over all others.

Someone modded it the past, but put it all back to stock. It has EL34’s

 

[Rick Lee]

I love my '79 2203! Never selling it.

 

[braintheory]

Congrats man. Desert Island amp for me is a Marshall; love the C+ tone but if it's only 1 it's a Marshall. I have a Monomyth 2204 now and it is right up there with the Cameron's I've owned as the best modded Marshall from my experience. Every other modded Marshall is in 2nd place or further down..and I've had at least 1 from all the big names except Jose A. I do plan on another stock Marshall at some point. I know of a particular 78 2204 in town that I almost traded for a few yrs ago....didn't work out but I might have to revisit that. Juiciest warm midrange ever out of any amp I've owned. Those late 70s JMPs are less aggressive than the early 800s but have a certain warmth the 800s lack. Different enough to own one of each from my experience.

I actually once years ago got to compare a real Jose modded ‘79 JMP2203 to a stock ‘79 JMP2203 and liked the stock one a bit better. The Jose from what I remember sounded smoother, tighter, and more compressed, but not actually super different from the stock one. I tried it at this guy’s place in jersey city. I think he was a touring musician. Maybe other Jose’s are different, but that was the only real Jose I’ve tried. One of my friends here has a Jose modded Vox AC15. I’d be very curious to hear it

And yes I agree there’s this real juicy warm midrange that I’ve only heard in these late ‘70’s JMP’s. Honestly I think all the late ‘70’s JMP’s I’ve had that were modded lost some of that somehow, even the Cameron’s, but especially with the Friedman HBE/BE I had. That really seemed neutered compared to other modded JMP’s I’ve owned

They may very well be different enough to warrant having both a JCM800 and JMP2203. I’m not sure if I totally agree about the 800’s being more aggressive though. They do seem to be tighter, have more attack, and more trebly, which can be considered more aggressive, but I also interpret the more fire breathing growl of the JMP to arguably be a more aggressive sound in some ways. I should try though more 800’s admittedly, but I have tried quite a few and I love them as well don’t get me wrong

 

[flatheads_4ever]

I too own a '79 JMP. I've had it since 1987. I bought it for $300. My favorite amp I've ever owned.

Congrats.

Ed

 

[Racerxrated]

I too own a '79 JMP. I've had it since 1987. I bought it for $300. My favorite amp I've ever owned.

Congrats.

Ed

Those were the days....I remember I HAD to have a damn rack rig so that's where all my cash went. Ugh. Back then LPs, vintage Marshalls were going for a song.

 

[Racerxrated]

Congrats man. Desert Island amp for me is a Marshall; love the C+ tone but if it's only 1 it's a Marshall. I have a Monomyth 2204 now and it is right up there with the Cameron's I've owned as the best modded Marshall from my experience. Every other modded Marshall is in 2nd place or further down..and I've had at least 1 from all the big names except Jose A. I do plan on another stock Marshall at some point. I know of a particular 78 2204 in town that I almost traded for a few yrs ago....didn't work out but I might have to revisit that. Juiciest warm midrange ever out of any amp I've owned. Those late 70s JMPs are less aggressive than the early 800s but have a certain warmth the 800s lack. Different enough to own one of each from my experience.

I actually once years ago got to compare a real Jose modded ‘79 JMP2203 to a stock ‘79 JMP2203 and liked the stock one a bit better. The Jose from what I remember sounded smoother, tighter, and more compressed, but not actually super different from the stock one. I tried it at this guy’s place in jersey city. I think he was a touring musician. Maybe other Jose’s are different, but that was the only real Jose I’ve tried. One of my friends here has a Jose modded Vox AC15. I’d be very curious to hear it

And yes I agree there’s this real juicy warm midrange that I’ve only heard in these late ‘70’s JMP’s. Honestly I think all the late ‘70’s JMP’s I’ve had that were modded lost some of that somehow, even the Cameron’s, but especially with the Friedman HBE/BE I had. That really seemed neutered compared to other modded JMP’s I’ve owned

They may very well be different enough to warrant having both a JCM800 and JMP2203. I’m not sure if I totally agree about the 800’s being more aggressive though. They do seem to be tighter, have more attack, and more trebly, which can be considered more aggressive, but I also interpret the more fire breathing growl of the JMP to arguably be a more aggressive sound in some ways. I should try though more 800’s admittedly, but I have tried quite a few and I love them as well don’t get me wrong

It could be the higher plate voltage of the 82-83 800s that give me that 'aggressive' feeling. Some of those early 800s have 500v on the plates. Late 70s JMPs were much lower, like 350-400v. Lots of variance though. More sag on the JMPs. I love them all though, never had a bad one or even average.

 

[cardinal]

Congrats. But honestly I don’t know what your definition of high gain metal is? To me a JMP, Diezel VH4 blueface or silver face (they are basically the same Peter even said so) or a Gjika do not fall in the high gain metal zone for me.

Old low gain amps and pedals don’t do it for me. Different strokes I guess. You always here about people saying oh just get a jcm800 and some type of tube screamer and you’re golden. Nah.

As far as the Diezel VH4 blueface goes I honestly haven’t played one but based on Peter Diezel’s comments there really isn’t much difference in circuit design if any. Just a blue face cover. If I found one I’d be tempted to see what the hype is but honestly the VH4 isn’t my favourite amp either.

And a gjika? Cmon man, this amp plays high gain metal? I never even heard of these amps until I was browsing Reverb and searched amps based on price from high to low and then I saw them and the high price tag.

The old Bluefaces do sound different. Still like a VH4, but kinda like all the different Recto or Mark revisions. They are different. Not all the Silverfaces even sound the same. IME they've gotten brighter and tighter over the years.

 

[Racerxrated]

Congrats. But honestly I don’t know what your definition of high gain metal is? To me a JMP, Diezel VH4 blueface or silver face (they are basically the same Peter even said so) or a Gjika do not fall in the high gain metal zone for me.

Old low gain amps and pedals don’t do it for me. Different strokes I guess. You always here about people saying oh just get a jcm800 and some type of tube screamer and you’re golden. Nah.

As far as the Diezel VH4 blueface goes I honestly haven’t played one but based on Peter Diezel’s comments there really isn’t much difference in circuit design if any. Just a blue face cover. If I found one I’d be tempted to see what the hype is but honestly the VH4 isn’t my favourite amp either.

And a gjika? Cmon man, this amp plays high gain metal? I never even heard of these amps until I was browsing Reverb and searched amps based on price from high to low and then I saw them and the high price tag.

The old Bluefaces do sound different. Still like a VH4, but kinda like all the different Recto or Mark revisions. They are different. Not all the Silverfaces even sound the same. IME they've gotten brighter and tighter over the years.

I've heard the newer Blueface reissues are just the same as the silver face. But the old school 90s Blueface are on a different level. Not a Diezel guy but would love to try one of the older Blues. I have played a 2008 Silver VH4 that was very cool. Just not my thing as much as others are, in that price range.

 

[cardinal]

I've heard the newer Blueface reissues are just the same as the silver face. But the old school 90s Blueface are on a different level. Not a Diezel guy but would love to try one of the older Blues. I have played a 2008 Silver VH4 that was very cool. Just not my thing as much as others are, in that price range.

Yeah, the reissues from a few years back was just the difference in faceplate finish. The old ones had an extra preamp tube for channel 1 plus some other differences. I'm mixed on how I feel about them. The mojo/unobtanium of the originals are through the roof. But they are darker, which made it hard IMHO to get it sounding good at around-the-house volumes. But cranked up, it was much more raw and alive sounding than the newer ones. So which is "better" depends on how you can use it, I guess.

 

[braintheory]

I've heard the newer Blueface reissues are just the same as the silver face. But the old school 90s Blueface are on a different level. Not a Diezel guy but would love to try one of the older Blues. I have played a 2008 Silver VH4 that was very cool. Just not my thing as much as others are, in that price range.

Yeah, the reissues from a few years back was just the difference in faceplate finish. The old ones had an extra preamp tube for channel 1 plus some other differences. I'm mixed on how I feel about them. The mojo/unobtanium of the originals are through the roof. But they are darker, which made it hard IMHO to get it sounding good at around-the-house volumes. But cranked up, it was much more raw and alive sounding than the newer ones. So which is "better" depends on how you can use it, I guess.

That’s a good way of putting it, although mine is still pretty good at low volumes and not really dark at all, but I heard the ‘95-96 are darker

 

[braintheory]

Congrats. But honestly I don’t know what your definition of high gain metal is? To me a JMP, Diezel VH4 blueface or silver face (they are basically the same Peter even said so) or a Gjika do not fall in the high gain metal zone for me.

Old low gain amps and pedals don’t do it for me. Different strokes I guess. You always here about people saying oh just get a jcm800 and some type of tube screamer and you’re golden. Nah.

As far as the Diezel VH4 blueface goes I honestly haven’t played one but based on Peter Diezel’s comments there really isn’t much difference in circuit design if any. Just a blue face cover. If I found one I’d be tempted to see what the hype is but honestly the VH4 isn’t my favourite amp either.

And a gjika? Cmon man, this amp plays high gain metal? I never even heard of these amps until I was browsing Reverb and searched amps based on price from high to low and then I saw them and the high price tag.

Yes, I can see the VH4 or JMP not being high gain enough for some guys taste, but for me it’s more than enough. My VH4 Blueface has the deepest bottom end of anything I’ve tried and I’d consider it in many ways to be the heaviest amp I’ve heard. One of my friends is in a tech death band, he plays stuff that’s as heavy as it gets, and he has a similar collection to me of high gain amps and my stuff worked great for him when he’s come over to try it. He sounded amazing on my Blueface and seemed to really connect with it. I know though some guys out there still feel like the VH4 or jmp boosted aren’t enough for them, so to each their own

And yes, the gjika is not at all a metal amp. I mentioned it because that and my JMP are my 2 favorite amps and the ones that I feel have the highest quality tone regardless of flavor. The Gjika does have though more than enough gain (more than my jmp) when you turn it up, but would need to be way tighter and faster in attack to do metal. Even with a boost it’s nowhere near there still, but for almost anything else besides metal it’s the best amp I’ve ever owned and probably the 2nd best amp I’ve tried period behind a Dumble

I’ve heard many times about the blueface supposedly being not too different than the silver vh4’s. All I can say is that I’ve owned and tried lots of silver VH4’s ranging from years 2001-2018 and none of them sounding anywhere near as good. The silver’s sounded like a filtered/neutered reisssue of the blueface to me. It’s like comparing concentrated orange juice to fresh squeezed, same flavor but not the same quality. If you don’t like VH4’s, you still may not like the blueface’s either, but you’d at least hear the best version. I myself don’t care much for any of the other Diezel’s except the Blueface

There’s been many times now where more technailly adept guys have told me that product x and y shouldn’t sound any different at all, yet they sometimes totally do, so I stopped trusting that a while ago and just try it for myself so my ears can decide

 

[LP Freak]

When you get the right one they can be magical for sure. The other thing is, a lot of times you’re your taste changes over time so what was once not your cup of tea now sounds killer.