Marshall JCM 800 2204 or JMP Master Volume 50W

[Jim]

Hi,

I've heard so many good stuff
about the 50W 2204 (Original)
that I'm thinking of buying on.
But I've come across a 1977
JMP 50W with Master Volume.

It looks exactely like the JCM 800
2204 but has JMP written on it instead
of JCM 800.

Are they internaly the same?
Which one is more desirable soundwise
and more collectable?
I don't have the chance to play both
and compare. So an expert opinion
is welcome.

TIA

Jim

[PMG]

I'm not sure what you're looking at, but if it looks like a JCM800,
then I don't think that it could be from 1977. That cloth front panel
that JCM800s introduced probably came along around about '79 or '80.

Pete

Post by Jim
Hi,
I've heard so many good stuff
about the 50W 2204 (Original)
that I'm thinking of buying on.
But I've come across a 1977
JMP 50W with Master Volume.
It looks exactely like the JCM 800
2204 but has JMP written on it instead
of JCM 800.
Are they internaly the same?
Which one is more desirable soundwise
and more collectable?
I don't have the chance to play both
and compare. So an expert opinion
is welcome.
TIA
Jim

--
I'm an adult, and I deserve an adult glass! (spill) --Meatwad

[hmmph]

Post by Jim
Hi,
I've heard so many good stuff
about the 50W 2204 (Original)
that I'm thinking of buying on.
But I've come across a 1977
JMP 50W with Master Volume.
It looks exactely like the JCM 800
2204 but has JMP written on it instead
of JCM 800.
Are they internaly the same?
Which one is more desirable soundwise
and more collectable?
I don't have the chance to play both
and compare. So an expert opinion
is welcome.
TIA
Jim

I hear you. I have a '80 JCM 800 4104 (2204) combo, and my friend has a JMP
50w head from '78. Same thing as far as I can tell (circuit-wise), but his
would get a few more bucks. Probably nothing more than the JMP sticker I
assume. Rats!

Doesn't matter. I wouldn't sell or trade my amp for anything. I love it.

[Jim]

Hi PMG,

This is what I'm talking about:

http://snabet.free.fr/Ibanez.html

Post by PMG
I'm not sure what you're looking at, but if it looks like a JCM800,
then I don't think that it could be from 1977. That cloth front panel
that JCM800s introduced probably came along around about '79 or '80.
Pete

Post by Jim
Hi,
I've heard so many good stuff
about the 50W 2204 (Original)
that I'm thinking of buying on.
But I've come across a 1977
JMP 50W with Master Volume.
It looks exactely like the JCM 800
2204 but has JMP written on it instead
of JCM 800.
Are they internaly the same?
Which one is more desirable soundwise
and more collectable?
I don't have the chance to play both
and compare. So an expert opinion
is welcome.
TIA
Jim

--
I'm an adult, and I deserve an adult glass! (spill) --Meatwad

[PMG]

Oh, yeah, that doesn't look like a JCM800 at all to me.

How much is the seller asking?

I'd probably buy it if I were you.

I was sort of looking for a 50watt Masterlead a while back, but it
didn't work out, and I found a JTM45 RI first.

Pete

Post by Jim
Hi PMG,
http://snabet.free.fr/Ibanez.html

Post by PMG
I'm not sure what you're looking at, but if it looks like a JCM800,
then I don't think that it could be from 1977. That cloth front panel
that JCM800s introduced probably came along around about '79 or '80.
Pete

Post by Jim
Hi,
I've heard so many good stuff
about the 50W 2204 (Original)
that I'm thinking of buying on.
But I've come across a 1977
JMP 50W with Master Volume.
It looks exactely like the JCM 800
2204 but has JMP written on it instead
of JCM 800.
Are they internaly the same?
Which one is more desirable soundwise
and more collectable?
I don't have the chance to play both
and compare. So an expert opinion
is welcome.
TIA
Jim

--
I'm an adult, and I deserve an adult glass! (spill) --Meatwad

--
I'm an adult, and I deserve an adult glass! (spill) --Meatwad

[Jim]

Hi,

He's asking $650.

You're right, though. It does not look like a JCM 800,
but it's the first master volume series with
the new switches. This one is from 1977.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think
these have the exact same circuit as a JCM 800 2204.
Maybe caps are the old style "Mustard".

Anyone ever seen or heard one of these?
Anything I should know about the sound?

I know someone's gonna ask why I would want
to buy one of these when I got the '68 Plexi...
Well, I need a master Vol !! The Plexi 50W Small Box
is loud as hell !!!

Jim

Post by PMG
Oh, yeah, that doesn't look like a JCM800 at all to me.
How much is the seller asking?
I'd probably buy it if I were you.
I was sort of looking for a 50watt Masterlead a while back, but it
didn't work out, and I found a JTM45 RI first.
Pete

Post by Jim
Hi PMG,
http://snabet.free.fr/Ibanez.html

Post by PMG
I'm not sure what you're looking at, but if it looks like a JCM800,
then I don't think that it could be from 1977. That cloth front panel
that JCM800s introduced probably came along around about '79 or '80.
Pete

Post by Jim
Hi,
I've heard so many good stuff
about the 50W 2204 (Original)
that I'm thinking of buying on.
But I've come across a 1977
JMP 50W with Master Volume.
It looks exactely like the JCM 800
2204 but has JMP written on it instead
of JCM 800.
Are they internaly the same?
Which one is more desirable soundwise
and more collectable?
I don't have the chance to play both
and compare. So an expert opinion
is welcome.
TIA
Jim

--
I'm an adult, and I deserve an adult glass! (spill) --Meatwad

--
I'm an adult, and I deserve an adult glass! (spill) --Meatwad

[andrewunix]

Fri, 4 Jun 2004 20:09:38 +0200, ***@hackers-online.net suggested:
: Hi,
:
: He's asking $650.
:
: You're right, though. It does not look like a JCM 800,
: but it's the first master volume series with
: the new switches. This one is from 1977.
: Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think
: these have the exact same circuit as a JCM 800 2204.
: Maybe caps are the old style "Mustard".

Does it say 2204 on it anywhere? I think that they started using that
model number before they started calling them "JCM 800." I think that the
2204 and 2203 JMPs say "Mark II" on them. If it's the same circuit, the
JMPs usually draw more money than the JCM 800s, but $650 sounds pretty
reasonable to me. If the master volume is stock, and not a modification,
it should be a 2204. I think that there were some slight circuit
variations (cap values, maybe?) over the years with the 2204 and 2203, but
the basic circuit should be the same.

[Tony Novacheck]

Post by andrewunix
: Hi,
: He's asking $650.
: You're right, though. It does not look like a JCM 800,
: but it's the first master volume series with
: the new switches. This one is from 1977.
: Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think
: these have the exact same circuit as a JCM 800 2204.
: Maybe caps are the old style "Mustard".
Does it say 2204 on it anywhere? I think that they started using that
model number before they started calling them "JCM 800." I think that the
2204 and 2203 JMPs say "Mark II" on them. If it's the same circuit, the
JMPs usually draw more money than the JCM 800s, but $650 sounds pretty
reasonable to me. If the master volume is stock, and not a modification,
it should be a 2204. I think that there were some slight circuit
variations (cap values, maybe?) over the years with the 2204 and 2203, but
the basic circuit should be the same.
--

Check for a serial number ... that will tell you the year it was made, and if
it's a JMP or JCM800. Don't JMP's have a higher voltage than the JCM800's? Am
I remembering this correctly (I don't own, nor have I worked on a JCM800, so I
don't know), or am I mistaken on that? I believe that since there is a higher
plate voltage on the JMP's it is believed by many to sound better (richer, less
"brittle") than the JCM800's. The JMP's have a higher resale value due to
this, as well. That and the fact that they are older, and theoretically better
due to that. $650 is about average for a JMP or maybe a little more than
average. I paid $450 for mine (100 watter 2203) 2 years ago.


Lostpup198

"People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers with news."

-- A. J. Liebling
[Abbott Joseph Liebling] (1904-1963) Journalist, author
Source: The New Yorker, 7 April 1956

[Jim Anable]

Post by Tony Novacheck

Post by andrewunix
: Hi,
: He's asking $650.
: You're right, though. It does not look like a JCM 800,
: but it's the first master volume series with
: the new switches. This one is from 1977.
: Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think
: these have the exact same circuit as a JCM 800 2204.
: Maybe caps are the old style "Mustard".
Does it say 2204 on it anywhere? I think that they started using that
model number before they started calling them "JCM 800." I think that the
2204 and 2203 JMPs say "Mark II" on them. If it's the same circuit, the
JMPs usually draw more money than the JCM 800s, but $650 sounds pretty
reasonable to me. If the master volume is stock, and not a modification,
it should be a 2204. I think that there were some slight circuit
variations (cap values, maybe?) over the years with the 2204 and 2203, but
the basic circuit should be the same.
--

Check for a serial number ... that will tell you the year it was made, and if
it's a JMP or JCM800. Don't JMP's have a higher voltage than the JCM800's?

The JMP may have LESS voltage, but it sounds better. I've found that the voltages
can vary from amp to amp. I can tell you that the JMP 2204 was spec'ed by Marshall
at 395V on the plates.

Post by Tony Novacheck
Am
I remembering this correctly (I don't own, nor have I worked on a JCM800, so I
don't know), or am I mistaken on that? I believe that since there is a higher
plate voltage on the JMP's it is believed by many to sound better (richer, less
"brittle") than the JCM800's. The JMP's have a higher resale value due to
this, as well. That and the fact that they are older, and theoretically better
due to that. $650 is about average for a JMP or maybe a little more than
average. I paid $450 for mine (100 watter 2203) 2 years ago.
Lostpup198
"People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers with news."
-- A. J. Liebling
[Abbott Joseph Liebling] (1904-1963) Journalist, author
Source: The New Yorker, 7 April 1956

[Blkojo]

From: lostpup198
Check for a serial number ... that will tell you the year it was made, and if
it's a JMP or JCM800.

Where can you compare the serial number for that info? Thanks.


$650 is about average for a JMP or maybe a little more than

average. I paid $450 for mine (100 watter 2203) 2 years ago.

I've got a 50 watter, in a bigger box and sorta funky shape. Bought about 9
months ago for $370.

[Tony Novacheck]

Post by Blkojo

From: lostpup198
Check for a serial number ... that will tell you the year it was made, and

if

it's a JMP or JCM800.

Where can you compare the serial number for that info? Thanks.

http://www.smittymusic.com/Marshall%20Dating.htm

Post by Blkojo
$650 is about average for a JMP or maybe a little more than

average. I paid $450 for mine (100 watter 2203) 2 years ago.

I've got a 50 watter, in a bigger box and sorta funky shape. Bought about 9
months ago for $370.

You got a good deal, especially since the innards are what makes the amp.


Lostpup198

"People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers with news."

-- A. J. Liebling
[Abbott Joseph Liebling] (1904-1963) Journalist, author
Source: The New Yorker, 7 April 1956

[Blkojo]

From: lostpup198
http://www.smittymusic.com/Marshall%20Dating.htm

Thanks.

[Jim Anable]

Post by andrewunix
: Hi,
: He's asking $650.
: You're right, though. It does not look like a JCM 800,
: but it's the first master volume series with
: the new switches. This one is from 1977.
: Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think
: these have the exact same circuit as a JCM 800 2204.
: Maybe caps are the old style "Mustard".
Does it say 2204 on it anywhere? I think that they started using that
model number before they started calling them "JCM 800."

The 2203/2204 dates back to the JMP series.

Post by andrewunix
I think that the
2204 and 2203 JMPs say "Mark II" on them. If it's the same circuit, the
JMPs usually draw more money than the JCM 800s, but $650 sounds pretty
reasonable to me.

If it's intact, it is a good price.

Post by andrewunix
If the master volume is stock, and not a modification,
it should be a 2204. I think that there were some slight circuit
variations (cap values, maybe?) over the years with the 2204 and 2203, but
the basic circuit should be the same.

I also believe that there were some subtle changes. One apparent change was
explained as a mistake on the schematic, but I believe the filtering in the
power supply is different, for one.

But the biggest change is the transformers. The 2203 and 2204 vary pretty
widely in B+. I have the voltage chart issued by Marshall, and the 2204 was
designed to operate at 395V on the plates. Mine is slightly under 390 with
120 in, and it sounds better to my ears than others.

The real test is PLAYING and LISTENING to each amp, since they were not only
putting in different transformers, but using components with 20% tolerances!

Post by andrewunix
--

[Tony Hwang]

Post by Jim
Hi PMG,
http://snabet.free.fr/Ibanez.html

Post by PMG
I'm not sure what you're looking at, but if it looks like a JCM800,
then I don't think that it could be from 1977. That cloth front panel
that JCM800s introduced probably came along around about '79 or '80.
Pete

Post by Jim
Hi,
I've heard so many good stuff
about the 50W 2204 (Original)
that I'm thinking of buying on.
But I've come across a 1977
JMP 50W with Master Volume.
It looks exactely like the JCM 800
2204 but has JMP written on it instead
of JCM 800.
Are they internaly the same?
Which one is more desirable soundwise
and more collectable?
I don't have the chance to play both
and compare. So an expert opinion
is welcome.
TIA
Jim

--
I'm an adult, and I deserve an adult glass! (spill) --Meatwad

Hi,
I have 2204(vertical input) and that one in the picture side by side in
my basement.
If I have to let go of one, it has to be 2204.
They sounds very close each other.
Using 1960AV cab. on them.
Tony

[Alan N]

Post by Jim
http://snabet.free.fr/Ibanez.html

I gotta Ibanez FL-301 just like yours..

Sitting in the closet.. Any idea as to what they are going for??

[Jim]

Post by Alan N

Post by Jim
http://snabet.free.fr/Ibanez.html

I gotta Ibanez FL-301 just like yours..
Sitting in the closet.. Any idea as to what they are going for??

I haven't got a clue.

Check on eBay, maybe...

Jim

[Thorny]

I have one in combo form just like it and about the same age. It is a
killer amp.

Thorny

Post by Jim
Hi PMG,
http://snabet.free.fr/Ibanez.html

Post by PMG
I'm not sure what you're looking at, but if it looks like a JCM800,
then I don't think that it could be from 1977. That cloth front panel
that JCM800s introduced probably came along around about '79 or '80.
Pete

Post by Jim
Hi,
I've heard so many good stuff
about the 50W 2204 (Original)
that I'm thinking of buying on.
But I've come across a 1977
JMP 50W with Master Volume.
It looks exactely like the JCM 800
2204 but has JMP written on it instead
of JCM 800.
Are they internaly the same?
Which one is more desirable soundwise
and more collectable?
I don't have the chance to play both
and compare. So an expert opinion
is welcome.
TIA
Jim

--
I'm an adult, and I deserve an adult glass! (spill) --Meatwad

[Tony Novacheck]

Post by Jim
Hi,
I've heard so many good stuff
about the 50W 2204 (Original)
that I'm thinking of buying on.
But I've come across a 1977
JMP 50W with Master Volume.
It looks exactely like the JCM 800
2204 but has JMP written on it instead
of JCM 800.
Are they internaly the same?
Which one is more desirable soundwise
and more collectable?
I don't have the chance to play both
and compare. So an expert opinion
is welcome.
TIA
Jim

JMP ... all the way. better than the JCM 800 version of the same thing.


Lostpup198

"People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers with news."

-- A. J. Liebling
[Abbott Joseph Liebling] (1904-1963) Journalist, author
Source: The New Yorker, 7 April 1956

[Scott McAllister]

That's definitely the jmp. I have a '77 - the exact same amp and it
screams. I'd take a look at the guts though. Mine was seriously modded
before I had my tech convert it back to stock. I now have a $950 amp I
could probably sell for $700. Lesson learned.

I've been wondering lately why the early jcm 800s seem to be fetching a bit
more than the jmps when I think they're the same circuit (somebody please
correct me if I'm wrong).

Scott

Post by Jim
Hi,
I've heard so many good stuff
about the 50W 2204 (Original)
that I'm thinking of buying on.
But I've come across a 1977
JMP 50W with Master Volume.
It looks exactely like the JCM 800
2204 but has JMP written on it instead
of JCM 800.
Are they internaly the same?
Which one is more desirable soundwise
and more collectable?
I don't have the chance to play both
and compare. So an expert opinion
is welcome.
TIA
Jim

[Jim Anable]

Post by Jim
Hi,
I've heard so many good stuff
about the 50W 2204 (Original)
that I'm thinking of buying on.
But I've come across a 1977
JMP 50W with Master Volume.
It looks exactely like the JCM 800
2204 but has JMP written on it instead
of JCM 800.

I *prefer* the JMP, and so do many others.

Post by Jim
Are they internaly the same?

Some say yes, but the fact is that Marshall used different
transformers at different times. The JMP usually just
sounds better to me. ...plus they look cooler.

Later JCM 800 JMP (horizontal jacks) had printed circuit
board pots and jacks that are much more proned to failure.

Post by Jim
Which one is more desirable soundwise
and more collectable?

Less JMP were made, so I'm betting long term that they will
be worth more.

Post by Jim
I don't have the chance to play both
and compare. So an expert opinion
is welcome.

I own a JMP, so I may be prejudiced, but I say BUY THE JMP.
This assumes that it is the original circuit, and has not be
raped by some doofus tech trying to get more gain or
something. Replace the filter caps if original, and check
the bias.

Post by Jim
TIA
Jim

[RonSonic]

Post by Jim
Hi,
I've heard so many good stuff
about the 50W 2204 (Original)
that I'm thinking of buying on.
But I've come across a 1977
JMP 50W with Master Volume.
It looks exactely like the JCM 800
2204 but has JMP written on it instead
of JCM 800.

The 2204 predates the JCM800 name and cosmetics. These are damn good amps and if
you like the price jump on it.

At the very least they are comparable - so much so that the effects of different
tubes, mods, repair parts and quality of work done on it make as much difference
as any between models.

If I had to pick, I'd prefer the JMP.

Ron

Post by Jim
Are they internaly the same?
Which one is more desirable soundwise
and more collectable?
I don't have the chance to play both
and compare. So an expert opinion
is welcome.
TIA
Jim

[Jim]

Thank you everybody for your input and pieces of
advice.

The amp seems very clean.
According to the serial it was made in 1977.
Serial ends with "G".

Jim

Post by RonSonic

Post by Jim
Hi,
I've heard so many good stuff
about the 50W 2204 (Original)
that I'm thinking of buying on.
But I've come across a 1977
JMP 50W with Master Volume.
It looks exactely like the JCM 800
2204 but has JMP written on it instead
of JCM 800.

The 2204 predates the JCM800 name and cosmetics. These are damn good amps and if
you like the price jump on it.
At the very least they are comparable - so much so that the effects of different
tubes, mods, repair parts and quality of work done on it make as much difference
as any between models.
If I had to pick, I'd prefer the JMP.
Ron

Post by Jim
Are they internaly the same?
Which one is more desirable soundwise
and more collectable?
I don't have the chance to play both
and compare. So an expert opinion
is welcome.
TIA
Jim