1 Topic by BVer (edited by BVer 2009-11-18 02:54:00)

  • BVer
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Topic: JCM900

Hey guys I've posted a bit before I was never able to pick up a Splawn or Silver Jube sadly. I've just had so much come up I'm stuck with trading instead.

So. is it possible to get a good JB sound out of a JCM900? I like and dislike this amp. it's low end is really lacking especially the combo version I use. really not a huge fan of the OD channel either. but it's got nice cleans and I can get some good sounds out of it. So here is what I'm thinking. 1. I could pickup a Sovtek MIG50 for my "plexi" sound and run them in stereo so I can have the "rude" sound. 2 get rid of the 900 and get one "nice" amp. what do you think?


EDIT: Basically. I'm looking for the big wall of sound JB tone. Maybe I should go for more of a Fendery amp.

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: JCM900

I am incline to vote ditch the 900.  I think for the money you can get either a clone of any amp you desire or get you a decent amp from a name brand.  Either way I think the 900's got to go.

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: JCM900

I've seen footage of Joe using a JCM900 head before.  If you are having difficulty with low end it may be because it's a combo instead of a 4x12 stack.  At any rate, if you are not happy with the tone then it wouldn't make sense to keep it.  I wouldn't care if I inherited a real Dumble or Trainwreck if I didn't like the sound.  I would sell them to get something I could use!

My experiences with the JCM900s are that they can be a little brighter and buzzier than some other Marshalls.  The overdrive sounds are usable and sound like a Marshall.  Depending on the model, but I played a JCM900 Dual Reverb model that had some very good clean sounds.  I personally think that they are pretty solid sounding and slightly overlooked and undeserving of the bad rap.

If it's anything like my JCM2000, the clean channel has more low end but can also be overdriven.  I would try using the clean channel and boost it with an overdrive pedal like a Fulltone OCD, ZVEX Box of Rock, or MI Audio Crunch Box.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • BVer
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Re: JCM900

stratpaulguy86 wrote:

I've seen footage of Joe using a JCM900 head before.  If you are having difficulty with low end it may be because it's a combo instead of a 4x12 stack.  At any rate, if you are not happy with the tone then it wouldn't make sense to keep it.  I wouldn't care if I inherited a real Dumble or Trainwreck if I didn't like the sound.  I would sell them to get something I could use!

My experiences with the JCM900s are that they can be a little brighter and buzzier than some other Marshalls.  The overdrive sounds are usable and sound like a Marshall.  Depending on the model, but I played a JCM900 Dual Reverb model that had some very good clean sounds.  I personally think that they are pretty solid sounding and slightly overlooked and undeserving of the bad rap.

If it's anything like my JCM2000, the clean channel has more low end but can also be overdriven.  I would try using the clean channel and boost it with an overdrive pedal like a Fulltone OCD, ZVEX Box of Rock, or MI Audio Crunch Box.


It's not so much that I don't like it. it sound really good....over half way on the MV tongue. They definitely don't deserve the bad rap. they really do sound good. I've tried boosting it with all sorts of stuff. they sound pretty good like that. but I"m thinking I want some a bit smoother. I've considered changing the tubes. I"m not sure though. I just got a new set of EHX' really cheap. I hate the tungsols in the pre though. I should probably try something darker before I ditch it. JJ's probably. awesome cleans though

what would you recommend for Joe's really dirty marshally tone then? I'm thinking a Ceriatone SJ if I can grab on one the cheap side. or maybe a Sovtek MIG. I'm not sure. all I know is I have about 3 months before my first gig. and I want it to sound HUGE cause I'm the only guitarist. I really want a marshall for my dirtys and something good to mix it with. for the shred mode stuff

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: JCM900

I've played a lot of club sized gigs with my band lately doing Blues, Classic rock, and Southern Rock here of late.  I have a 40 watt Fender that I use the Distortion Channel on.  I didn't get it past 3 in the place were playing.  Everything was miked too.  Anyway I've started using a Blues Jr 15 Watt amp for the dirt and blending the clean channel of the 40 watt HRDeluxe I have.  Thats a damn big tone, and when I want to step up for solos depending on the song I can just use my volume on my guitar.  If I want I step on the HRD foot switch and go to a distortion channel.   

Anyway I suppose what I'm asking is do you need that powerful 900 to be heard?  IF not have you ever considered lower powered amps and miking that?  I've tried a bunch of low powered amps here of late and for the same volume I was getting with my 40 watt amp I can turn up loud on a low powered amp and still get in or around the same ball park I was already at volume wise, but gobbs of Tone.

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: JCM900

Cool man, and good luck with your first gig!  You'll never forget it and I'm sure it'll go well for you. big_smile

As far as taming the highs on the JCM900 goes, there are people who mod them.  There are bright caps in place that I'm sure you could snip to warm the amp right up.  Might make the cleans sound a little too warm but I would check out the Marshall forum to get a better informed answer www.marshallforum.com .

One thing I noticed when blending amps is that my core amp sound (the DSL100 Marshall) is actually a little bright for my liking by itself.  I am constantly trying to dial out the highs on that amp, especially when I start cranking it.  The speakers I'm using doesn't help this because they are geared for edgier rock but it's a great sounding cab.  Anyways when I add my "alternate" amp I notice that the sound all of the sudden changes dramatically and warms up very nicely.  Cool thing is, it also retains the articulation and clarity of the Marshall! cool

For Joe's "rude" Marshall tone yes two Marshalls would be preferred.  Joe tends to use Plexi style amps though for his alternate sound.  I find that Plexi amps are cleaner, warmer, and more articulate than the modern offerings from Marshall.

Now if you are on a budget here are some suggestions and amps that would consider:

1) Marshall Vintage Modern- very plexi-like on the low gain section of the amp.  It uses KT66's which offer a very vintagey, cool vibe to the tone.  If you are needing another combo (I think you mentioned that your JCM900 is a combo) it comes in that configuration as well.

2) Used Top Hat Emplexador version 1- the first version of this amp can be found VERY cheap and it's an amazing amplifier.  I've seen them go for around $1200 used.  Very very versitile Marshall type amp that can do anything from Plexi to hot-rodded JCM800 stuff.

3) Ceriatone and Metro Amp plexi kits- You can build your own handwired Plexi Marshall for peanuts!  George from Metro is offering his kits at discounted prices PLUS free upgrades included like a PPIMV and SOZO caps.  This route will cost you about a grand.

4) There are tons of budget "poor man's" plexi style amps like the old Traynor heads, Sovtek Mig, Fender Bassman head (trust me, it can crunch with the best of any Marshall especially with a 12AX7 in V1!!!), etc etc etc.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2009-11-14
  • Posts: 17

Re: JCM900

Have any of you guys checked out or hear of already the new company in the UK called "Blackstar" which was set up by 2 former marshall engineers a few years back.

There product are amazing and sound fantastic,ive just bought their new series one range and they are an absolute beast of an amp that can cover alot of different styles.
check them out here
http://www.blackstaramps.co.uk/

  • From: South England
  • Registered: 2009-04-23
  • Posts: 154

Re: JCM900

I run a JCM900 100w Dual Reverb head and 4x12 cab as my main rig. Personally I get on with it really well!

I only use the drive channel on it and crank the low end right up and turn the treble right down. The amp really only starts to cook after you get past halfway on the volume. Don't turn the gain up too high either cos it goes all fizzy. Mine sits around halfway and I bash a TS-9 in front of it to get really dirty.

With the TS-9 on and the taps wide open I can get endless feedback sustain like a certain Mr Moore or I can wind it right back and get a nice muddy Billy Gibbons kinda thing going on.

Whilst the 900 isn't my dream amp it's definitely a work horse. However, from Marshall I'd only swap it for an 800, a Silver Jub or a Slash Signature Head. That's how much I like it.

  • BVer
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Re: JCM900

stratpaulguy86 wrote:

Cool man, and good luck with your first gig!  You'll never forget it and I'm sure it'll go well for you. big_smile

As far as taming the highs on the JCM900 goes, there are people who mod them.  There are bright caps in place that I'm sure you could snip to warm the amp right up.  Might make the cleans sound a little too warm but I would check out the Marshall forum to get a better informed answer www.marshallforum.com .

One thing I noticed when blending amps is that my core amp sound (the DSL100 Marshall) is actually a little bright for my liking by itself.  I am constantly trying to dial out the highs on that amp, especially when I start cranking it.  The speakers I'm using doesn't help this because they are geared for edgier rock but it's a great sounding cab.  Anyways when I add my "alternate" amp I notice that the sound all of the sudden changes dramatically and warms up very nicely.  Cool thing is, it also retains the articulation and clarity of the Marshall! cool

For Joe's "rude" Marshall tone yes two Marshalls would be preferred.  Joe tends to use Plexi style amps though for his alternate sound.  I find that Plexi amps are cleaner, warmer, and more articulate than the modern offerings from Marshall.

Now if you are on a budget here are some suggestions and amps that would consider:

1) Marshall Vintage Modern- very plexi-like on the low gain section of the amp.  It uses KT66's which offer a very vintagey, cool vibe to the tone.  If you are needing another combo (I think you mentioned that your JCM900 is a combo) it comes in that configuration as well.

2) Used Top Hat Emplexador version 1- the first version of this amp can be found VERY cheap and it's an amazing amplifier.  I've seen them go for around $1200 used.  Very very versitile Marshall type amp that can do anything from Plexi to hot-rodded JCM800 stuff.

3) Ceriatone and Metro Amp plexi kits- You can build your own handwired Plexi Marshall for peanuts!  George from Metro is offering his kits at discounted prices PLUS free upgrades included like a PPIMV and SOZO caps.  This route will cost you about a grand.

4) There are tons of budget "poor man's" plexi style amps like the old Traynor heads, Sovtek Mig, Fender Bassman head (trust me, it can crunch with the best of any Marshall especially with a 12AX7 in V1!!!), etc etc etc.

It isn't my firste gig ever tongue. it is my first gig in about 2 years though. feels great. As for the 900. I'm really considering changes the 6L6s to EL34s and throwing some darker JJ's in the pre and see if it helps some. I like the amp it's just so bright.

I just need to sound big you know? here is what I was thinking. I might just keep the 900 if I like the tube swap.

JCM900 > Ceriatone Dumble Clone
JCM900 > Ceriatone Superlead Clone
JCM900 > Sovtek MIG 50
JCM2000 > Ceriatone Superlead
JCM2000 > Sovtek MIG


Those are the things I'm thinking would be good for me now. I really want to be able to roll of the volume and still get some cleans. I also want lots of note definition in the second amp. as the 900 isn't exactly "clean". I might just pickup a Ceriatone Silver Jube and grab a Dumble clone in the process.....



AD3THREE wrote:

I've played a lot of club sized gigs with my band lately doing Blues, Classic rock, and Southern Rock here of late.  I have a 40 watt Fender that I use the Distortion Channel on.  I didn't get it past 3 in the place were playing.  Everything was miked too.  Anyway I've started using a Blues Jr 15 Watt amp for the dirt and blending the clean channel of the 40 watt HRDeluxe I have.  Thats a damn big tone, and when I want to step up for solos depending on the song I can just use my volume on my guitar.  If I want I step on the HRD foot switch and go to a distortion channel.   

Anyway I suppose what I'm asking is do you need that powerful 900 to be heard?  IF not have you ever considered lower powered amps and miking that?  I've tried a bunch of low powered amps here of late and for the same volume I was getting with my 40 watt amp I can turn up loud on a low powered amp and still get in or around the same ball park I was already at volume wise, but gobbs of Tone.

Not a Huge fan of the HRD. Loved my old BJ'r though great amps. not nearly enough OD and to muddy for me though.

10 Reply by wharris (edited by wharris 2009-11-18 19:20:15)

  • From: Ridgeland, MS
  • Registered: 2009-08-12
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: JCM900

+1 on the Marshal Vintage Modern. I play the 50W head with a 425A cabinet (4x12 with Greenbacks). Sounds great, articulate, and cleans up nicely with the guitar's volume knob. Low Range gets a JTM45 sound when dialed in right. High Range is (sort of) like a JCM800 or hot-rodded Super Lead. Great amp!

  • BVer
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Re: JCM900

wharris wrote:

+1 on the Marshal Vintage Modern. I play the 50W head with a 425A cabinet (4x12 with Greenbacks). Sounds great, articulate, and cleans up nicely with the guitar's volume knob. Low Range gets a JTM45 sound when dialed in right. High Range is (sort of) like a JCM800 or hot-rodded Super Lead. Great amp!


I like the VM's alot great great amps. but on the far end of my price range and also kind of muddy imo

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Re: JCM900

bump

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: JCM900

You could surely go the Ceriatone route and make a very nice Joe Bonamassa type rig on the cheap.  I am very impressed with my HRM100.  I find that when I mix the HRM100 with my DSL100 something really cool happens.  The DSL100 tends to be a little bright and kind of '80s/'90s rock to my ears.  Not really my ideal sound but it's a pretty decent rock tone.  When I kick in the Ceriatone HRM, that brighter/crunchier Marshall tone all of the sudden fills out into a much smoother and fatter tone.  The articulation and crunchiness of the Marshall remains, all the while being enhanced with the smooth sustain of the HRM.  It's really about piecing 2 less than perfect tones together to get 1 perfect one.  I like that "have your cake and eat it too" type philosophy when approaching amp blending.  I would try mixing an alternate amp first before replacing the JCM900.

If you don't believe me check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyEdUajXBsI
It sounds incredible to me and it's just a JCM900 and Jubilee.  And to think, the Jubilee and JCM900 were/are considered some of the "red headed step children" of the Marshall family lol.  Here's a tip if/when you get the alternate amp...try putting a tubescreamer pedal in front of the alternate (blended) amp to fill out the midrange of the main amp.  It doesn't really make sense to run 2 amps that sound the same.  Anyways good luck with your tone quest man and feel free to PM me if you have any amp blending questions.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • BVer
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Re: JCM900

stratpaulguy86 wrote:

You could surely go the Ceriatone route and make a very nice Joe Bonamassa type rig on the cheap.  I am very impressed with my HRM100.  I find that when I mix the HRM100 with my DSL100 something really cool happens.  The DSL100 tends to be a little bright and kind of '80s/'90s rock to my ears.  Not really my ideal sound but it's a pretty decent rock tone.  When I kick in the Ceriatone HRM, that brighter/crunchier Marshall tone all of the sudden fills out into a much smoother and fatter tone.  The articulation and crunchiness of the Marshall remains, all the while being enhanced with the smooth sustain of the HRM.  It's really about piecing 2 less than perfect tones together to get 1 perfect one.  I like that "have your cake and eat it too" type philosophy when approaching amp blending.  I would try mixing an alternate amp first before replacing the JCM900.

If you don't believe me check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyEdUajXBsI
It sounds incredible to me and it's just a JCM900 and Jubilee.  And to think, the Jubilee and JCM900 were/are considered some of the "red headed step children" of the Marshall family lol.  Here's a tip if/when you get the alternate amp...try putting a tubescreamer pedal in front of the alternate (blended) amp to fill out the midrange of the main amp.  It doesn't really make sense to run 2 amps that sound the same.  Anyways good luck with your tone quest man and feel free to PM me if you have any amp blending questions.


that is actually my favorite tone from Joe....ever....I thought it was a DSL not a 900. that makes me happy. ceriatone SJ here I come~!

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: JCM900

Yep it's a 900!  The DSLs have green or red lights on the front and more knobs.  It's not a JCM800 because it doesn't have the vertical inputs.  So I think it's a SLX JCM900.  I think that the 2555 Ceriatone would be a really good place to start if you are thinking about nailing that tone.  I have been putting off getting one myself because I love my JCM2000, but it's unreliable as all hell.  I swear if it blows up on me again I'm getting the 2555! mad

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.