New amp guidance...

[napalmdeath]

a DSL works for many

Yep, a DSL50 is the ticket. Boosted green crunch is about as close to an 800 as you can get, without buying an 800!

Having owned both at the same time, gotta disagree. Not that the DSL 50 green channel sounded bad, it actually sounds fantastic. But it didn't have the same grind and kerrang as the JCM 800, and also felt the 800 felt fuller and just overall more aggressive. Just my opinion though.

Editing to add that I still feel the Butcher is the closest representation of an 800 tone I've played without being a direct clone. Not disagreeing for disagreements sake!

Gotta have the right boost! I agree the DSL is a bit stuffier, but it'll grind with an SD-1 pushing it.

 

[The Traveller]

Check out the Marshall Vintage Modern. I think they are badass and can usually be had for well under $1000.

 

[Thunkful]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the Peavey Windsor! It has it all and they are dirt cheap!

 

[Racerxrated]

I think my 2204s sound great at lower volumes? In my experience, the 800s are harder to get there because the volume jumps up so quickly on the master knob, but the JMPs have a much more gradual taper for some reason. But they all sound the same to me, and that sound is the sound of awesome.

The 2203 is a bit of a different animal, perhaps. But the 2204 is nothing to be afraid of.

This.
No, you don't have to 'crank it to sound decent'. Sure, the louder the better BUT I and many others can get nice tones at a low/medium volume. Just boost it at a lower volume. Tried and true method. None of those other amps will give you a classic Marshall crunch better than a real Marshall, and the DSL doesn't measure up to the JMP/JCM 800 tonewise. It's a nice amp but the 800 wipes the floor with it, IMO.
Get the real deal.

 

[skullfxr]

I know it has been mentioned, but how is the QUALITY on the vintage modern?

 

[skullfxr]

I think I am going to end up with a vintage modern. Assuming there are no quality issues. It's better than a build for resale, it does most of what I want as far as spectrum.

I think that I will convert the JTM45 I built into an 2204, and replace the iron down the line.

 

[Racerxrated]

I think I am going to end up with a vintage modern. Assuming there are no quality issues. It's better than a build for resale, it does most of what I want as far as spectrum.

I think that I will convert the JTM45 I built into an 2204, and replace the iron down the line.

I had a VM long ago. While I had that I also grabbed a Lee Jackson modded 2204. The only mod it had was the mid frequency dial, and an additional master volume. No extra gain or loop mod. That was my first 800 of any kind. It honestly made the VM sound like a toy.
I highly recommend going with any JCM 800 or earlier Marshall. You can find a late 80s channel switcher for less than what the 2203/4 are going for these days..they can be very nice and will get you that great crunch with the vintage Drake/Dagnalls.

 

[The Traveller]

I think I am going to end up with a vintage modern. Assuming there are no quality issues. It's better than a build for resale, it does most of what I want as far as spectrum.

I think that I will convert the JTM45 I built into an 2204, and replace the iron down the line.

The VM is going to be as well made as a first gen DSL, which is good. I wouldn't have any worries with going on a tour with either one. If you can get an 800 and it does what you want, by all means that will be the one to get. Just know that they are fucking loud, I don't care what anyone says. I think you will be happy with the VM with what you want it to achieve with it. If not, fuck it, sell it and try something else. You'll get your money back out of it

 

[skullfxr]

Here is where I am at.

Build a JCM800
BUY a Vintage Modern.

Pros of the JCM800 build- probably better parts, same price, better transformers than the VM.

Pros of the VM - It nails what I want, purple tolex, since it is production resale would be easier, and would in all reality not decrease in value if I bought it used for a good price.

Cons of the JCM 800 build - time, resale value, harder to sell as only I can vouch for my work.

Cons of the VM - the iron would not be as nice, nor some of the components.

AND... I still can mod my jtm45 to more JCM800 specs, so in a way if I were to get the VM, I could have both.

Thoughts?
Cons if the

 

[skullfxr]

I think I am going to end up with a vintage modern. Assuming there are no quality issues. It's better than a build for resale, it does most of what I want as far as spectrum.

I think that I will convert the JTM45 I built into an 2204, and replace the iron down the line.

The VM is going to be as well made as a first gen DSL, which is good. I wouldn't have any worries with going on a tour with either one. If you can get an 800 and it does what you want, by all means that will be the one to get. Just know that they are fucking loud, I don't care what anyone says. I think you will be happy with the VM with what you want it to achieve with it. If not, fuck it, sell it and try something else. You'll get your money back out of it

That's where I think I am at.

So now it's what I get the funds for first or what deal pops up first. VM or Laney GH50L as I want both.

 

[cardinal]

So probably you should just watch Guitar Center for a good deal on a Vintage Modern and you'd then have 45 days to return it if you just didn't like it. If that happens, you could then start in your JCM 800 build.

 

[Racerxrated]

^^They do have a few there, 7-900 range I believe.

 

[racerevlon]

I have a 6100LM for sale. DM me.

 

[Rick Lee]

a DSL works for many

Yep, a DSL50 is the ticket. Boosted green crunch is about as close to an 800 as you can get, without buying an 800!

Having owned both at the same time, gotta disagree. Not that the DSL 50 green channel sounded bad, it actually sounds fantastic. But it didn't have the same grind and kerrang as the JCM 800, and also felt the 800 felt fuller and just overall more aggressive. Just my opinion though.

Editing to add that I still feel the Butcher is the closest representation of an 800 tone I've played without being a direct clone. Not disagreeing for disagreements sake!

I just did a ClassicTone OT and choke upgrade in my DSL50 and it definitely has the 800 bark now. I also run old preamp tubes. I only use the green channel.