Scored an original JCM 800 2203 and need some suggestions

[DoomBuggi]

If you are going to boost, look in to one of these; http://protonepedals.com/?dt_portfolio=dead-horse-boutique-overdrive-pedal

It's basically a Tubescreamer, with a clipping option, and it will accelerate the bass response without chewing your low end.

 

[manicsix]

old power tubes typically sound dull, lifeless, not as loud, etc. I'm sure Morello loves that although I've heard he didn't change tubes for years. Don't believe everything you read...

He of course could be a liar.. but that would not detract from the message he's trying to send of 'Don't bother so much about what amp/valves/cab etc. you use, tone is incidental to practice and creativity'.

I'm not trying to stir the pot, I am merely pointing out from owning that exact ssame amp, that if you like the sound of the current valves and they suit your purposes then you might still get some mileage out of them.

 

[JTyson]

SED =C='s
Best EL34 on the market, but pricey.
JJ's are good for the money, but I'd take SED's over them every time if I could afford it.
I would avoid a power scaling mod and get an attenuator, they might shave some highs, but you can always compensate for that
I would not avoid a Cali+ mod

 

[Deleted member 8761]

SED =C='s
Best EL34 on the market, but pricey.
JJ's are good for the money, but I'd take SED's over them every time if I could afford it.
I would avoid a power scaling mod and get an attenuator, they might shave some highs, but you can always compensate for that
I would not avoid a Cali+ mod

Thanks for the input. Why avoid a power scaling mod, do you have bad experience with them? The concept behind the london power scaling mod looks good Any info with experience on this is welcome.

First up is the recap and new tubes. I was advised to go with 6550 from Tungsol.

The Cali mod clip sounds cool, but adding an extra tube is not considered for now. Perhaps when I don't like it with an OD in front.

 

[JTyson]

SED =C='s
Best EL34 on the market, but pricey.
JJ's are good for the money, but I'd take SED's over them every time if I could afford it.
I would avoid a power scaling mod and get an attenuator, they might shave some highs, but you can always compensate for that
I would not avoid a Cali+ mod

Thanks for the input. Why avoid a power scaling mod, do you have bad experience with them? The concept behind the london power scaling mod looks good Any info with experience on this is welcome.

First up is the recap and new tubes. I was advised to go with 6550 from Tungsol.

The Cali mod clip sounds cool, but adding an extra tube is not considered for now. Perhaps when I don't like it with an OD in front.

I have no experience with that particular mod, it may in fact be fine, I had a buddy who got a "built in atten. mod" on a Marshall and it blew up within 3 weeks (tranny) It could have been the way he was using it (amp dimed with a LOT of attenuation)
He had a fallout with the guy who did the mod and nobody else wanted to touch it because of the mod. Just seemed like a dead end.
The Tungsols are decent for the money, I've just had such stellar results with the SED's, they are always gonna be my first choice.
They sound better than anything else I've tried and they hold up better over the long haul. They do cost a lot more though

 

[joepete77]

Being it was retubed in 92 it is very possible that u may have a great set of nos tesla or siemans or something as they were more available then. Especially since it wasn't used since 92 once retubed says the seller.

 

[Ventura]

JJ tubes el34 l's if you want to stay traditional. you can also try kt88's 6l6's etc. i think the el34's will sound the most "marshall" for sure. And if you want to keep it old school i would use the boss overdrive but nowadays there is a ton of od's on the market. you will need a hotplate for sure

This amp will not accept KT88's or 6L6's in it's stock form.

Best "advice" post for thread thus far.

 

[steve_k]

You have much to learn. Find an amp tech too.

 

[PlinytheWelder]

I would put in a LarMar PPIV master volume before I would try power scaling.
For me, power scaling only has worked well on lower power amps.

 

[MrDan666]

The Cali mod clip sounds cool, but adding an extra tube is not considered for now. Perhaps when I don't like it with an OD in front.

The Cali++ (aka Killer Kali) is the mod with the extra tube. Not the standard Cali Mod. I can do you a Cali Mod without adding an extra tube. Just FYI

 

[Deleted member 8761]

You have much to learn. Find an amp tech too.

I was hoping that you would enlighten me... (no kidding)

In addition, it is with an amp tech already (like I said I would do) but I like to double check here and get some experience from users in stead of wading through 1001 opinions/cork sniffery/internet bullshit. FYI, the power scaling mod was suggested by an amp tech.

The Cali mod clip sounds cool, but adding an extra tube is not considered for now. Perhaps when I don't like it with an OD in front.

The Cali++ (aka Killer Kali) is the mod with the extra tube. Not the standard Cali Mod. I can do you a Cali Mod without adding an extra tube. Just FYI

Thanks for sharing, Dan! I will keep that in mind.

 

[mchn13]

I would vote for the Sed =c='s as well, and leave it el 34's. They just seem a little thicker than having it changed over to 6550's. Will you play it loud at all? If so, just boost it, and have fun with it. Ill try and do a low volume vid of mine when i get home. Its not the same but it doesnt sound bad to me.... Pretty much use mine at volume most of the time, and dont even bother pulling two tubes and running it at 50 watts, theyre still loud as balls!

 

[Mr. Willy]

Don't over look Ruby EL34 BSTR's. Great tube. I haven't tried Winged C's, but I have had JJ E34L's and prefer the Ruby by a long shot. JJ's are too boomy/flabby in the low end for my tastes. BSTR's are much more balanced.