Marshall Question (Page 1 of 2)

If you're looking for a 'think Joe B' sound  I would certanly go for the JCM 2000. I believe theyre what Joe uses on his fly-in gigs, and they certainly prove a worthy replacement for his usual rig. I've done a few jam-nights when guys have supplied them, which is one the reasons I bought a 2000 DSL combo... Theyre VERY reliable amps, and sound great,
That's just my recommendation, but I do love 'em 
Rus

1100 

I would also choose an JCM 800 but that does not appear to be one of the options. Go with the 2000. Definitely better than the 900.

There are some Great JCM 900's out there but since you don't know which model it is and you don't want an experiment on your hands go with the 2000 it has a nice Clean and a really nice OD with lots of gain if you need it. Should be easier to dial in than the 900 as well. The 2000 are very versital amps and an all tube signal, the 900 has diodes to make the OD not that that is a bad thing because the Jubilee does to.

A 900 is just an 800 with channel switching (and sometimes) reverb.
Are you doing a lot of clean? Did you say Fender Twin? You might wanna go with the twin. They can fill a room nicely, and have a BIG clean sound...especially if you have good Marshally pedals, it could be a good bet.
2000's will have a lot of gain, and the 900 will do just fine depending on how heavy you wanna get.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping.

The JCM2000 is totally the way to go being that Joe himself uses them when he doesn't have his main rig.  I suggest the green channel with the boost engaged, try both volumes at least 6 especially if you are playing outdoors.  Eq settings may vary depending on guitars but this works for me...

presense 0-2
treble 0-2
(can you tell I'm not a fan of bright tones lol)
mids 6-8
bass -noon
volume -as loud as you can take it
gain 6-7
mid shift out (more mids setting)
gain boost engaged

A little reverb and delay doesn't hurt.  The reverb on the amp is actually pretty good.  Tubescreamer settings per personal preference but I like the volume about 10 oclock, tone 9 oclock, and gain either noon-2 oclock.  Just a slight boost in the mids and gain.  Also a chorus in the loop can help further thicken the tone for that big vocal JB like tone.

First thing there are 2 Different JCM 2000 A DSL - with 2 channels, and a TSL with 3 Channels- I believe the Green channel is the Crunch/Clean channel and the Red Channel is the high gain channel. I think the TSL also has an Orange channel I don't remember. I am sure Stratpaulguy can help you out a little more, I don't own either amp but have used them both. Both sound great some people like the DSL better. I think the boost button makes the green channel Crunchy and with it out its clean.

"A 900 is just an 800 with channel switching (and sometimes) reverb"

Sorry, not buying that one, except for the reverb.  800s own 900s,especially early '81-83, reissue 800s?...eh not impressed.  JCM2000 will be more versatile with pretty good tone, the 900 will be a crap shoot.  The ones I have heard have been all over the map tonally.