SeriesMarshall JCM900

100W tube combo (mine has 3 x 12AX7 and 4 x EL34, but there are also versions with 6L6), switchable to 50W. One input, one non-switchable effects loop with adjustable level, 2 speaker outputs (8 and 4/16 ohms), one direct line output and one with amp simulation (I haven't tested it) and that's it. On the front panel, a clean gain, a drive gain, an EQ (bass/mi/treble/presence), volume and reverb level per channel and that's it (which is more than enough). As for the speakers:, 2 Celestion G12T75 (a very questionable choice by Marshall). UTILIZATION It couldn't be easier to dial it in, given that the EQ (as is often the case with Marshall) is useless (I'll come to this later). The clean sound can crunch gently and be even a little biting, but that's certainly not its main utility. Likewise, the gain level of the drive channel is easy to gauge but it will never tickle a Recto or any other Hi-Gain amp... Contrary to what its name might suggest, this amp is intended for big rock, stoner, punk, but not to extreme metal, not without external "help." that is! SOUNDS In terms of sounds, you could be disappointed by two things: A pretty tight clean sound and a drive channel that doesn't have too much gain (a typical Marshall characteristic), despite yielding a really nice color with the gain between 1/4 and 3/4. But you do need to consider THE main defect of this amp, namely a completely useless EQ. Moving the controls won't affect sound in the slightest, but not moving them at all will make them rust and produce crackles... However, inserting a (good) EQ pedal in the effects loop will change your life, I really mean it. Clean sounds can take a different dimension, reducing a bit (or more) 800hZ and increasing 3.2 and 6.3kHz. Personally, I have found more than one funky sound with this combo. It's obviously not a Twin, but it's pretty acceptable. Anyway, don't hesitate to use good drive pedals. A TS-9 on top is an excellent choice, both for the clean channel and to boost the distortion channel. OVERALL OPINION I've had it for a VERY long time (more than ten years) and I have even had the amp head version (4100). I just had it retubed and checked. The technician told me it was originally biased too cold, which could explain the sound stiffness and a lack of gain. Don't hesitate to ask your guitar tech about it! Today it has gotten back on its feet and it's a real joy, despite its size and weight. Its useless EQ still bothers me, but the amp works fine with pedals, and its ultra low character could make it an excellent choice if you are looking for a typical big rock, punchy and reliable amp!

This is a 100 watt tube amplifier from Marshall. It features: - Three 12AX7 pre-amp tubes - Four EL34 power-amp tubes - Two independent volume controls which are footswitchable - One 12" speaker - Controls are as follows: Pre-amp Volume, Gain Sensitivity, Master Volume A, Master Volume B, Treble, Mids, Bass and Presence - 100W/50W switch UTILIZATION I find this amp really simple to get a good sound out of. Sounds great with all the knobs in middle position and the master volume set to taste. I really like the sound of this amp when it's cranked it has a distinct marshall tone which I think is great. The effects loop make using modulation pedals much more pleasant as it keeps the sound from getting muddy. The tone stack is simple to use in my experience and it's difficult to make this amp sound bad. SOUNDS I've used this amp with a Fender Highway One Telecaster frequently and used various fuzz pedals and it sounds amazing. Using this amp with Fender Blender and Electro Harmonix Big Muff pedals I find I can get very similar tones to those on the album Siamese Dream by the band Smashing Pumpkins. I find this amp takes most pedals well, the line 6 MM4 pedal I used it with sounded amazing in the effects loop. OVERALL OPINION I love this amp, if I had a reason (such as playing in a band) to have such a loud amp then I'd definitely buy it off my friend at the drop of a hat. The only thing I dislike about it is that it does definitely sound like a combo amp so I think I'd try get the head version of this amp although the combo still sounds great and doesn't take up much room.

BOUGHT NEW AT MUSICIANS FRIEND IN MEDFORD OREGON PAID CASH $950.00 I CURRENTLY PLAY IN A TOURUING METAL BAND AND I HAVE OWNED 13 DIFFERENT HIGH DOLLAR AMPS TRYING TO FIND THE PERFECT SOUND AND NONE OF THEM CAN GIVE ME THE LEAD TONE THAT A JCM 900 CAN. I DONT LIKE THE FACT THAT MARSHALL DOES NOT MAKE A BUTTERY SOUNDING AMP LIKE THIS ANYMORE. THE THREE THAT I HAVE ARE ALL VERY GOOD AND NEVER HAVE HAD MUCH IN THE WAY OF PROBLEMS I GO THROUGH TUBES EVERY YEAR BUT I PLAY ALL THE TIME AND I PLAY LOUD. I DONT JUST PLAY POWER CHORDS I PLAY SERIOUS LEAD AND KILLER POWER CHORDS, I KNOW SEVERAL OF MY GUITAR HEROS HAVE RECORDED WITH THE JCM 900. I KNOW OF 12 TO 15 ALBUMS THE MODEL 4500 AND 4100 WERE THE MAIN AMP AND THESE PEOPLE OWN THE WORLD THIS IS A GREAT TUBE AMP FOR ALL STYLES OF ROCK AND METAL. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

traded old valvestate head plus 300 at field of dreams in fairfield, ia. I basically stole the head when i bought it so didnt get hurt on the deal at all!!!! MARSHALL TONE in a portable box. MARSHALL TUBE OVERDRIVE!!!! The dual reverb is nice as well, but doesn't come through p.a. well. very impressive when paired with an older marshall 4x12 w/ greenbacks, more for looks than anything else...did most gigs w/o the cab. you can get a nice spanky sound from the clean channel, or drive it a bit more for a decent rythym sound. clean channel doesnt clean up well without losing tone and a bit too much gain for my taste. i tried a bbe sonic maximizer and was pleased, but bought a les paul instead of an extra piece of outboard gear. built like a tank!!!! this thing has been dropped, had p.a. cabs fall on it, been rained on, drank more than its fair share of beers, and always fires right up...overall good amp for the right deal...have since switched to marshall/mesa set up for cleaner tones, and a little extra punch for solos. I prefer the 50 watt version so you can get a bit more from the tubes without killing evrybody. Good overall amp served me well for a lot of gigs with 0 problems!!!! The valvestate i traded in for it went down all the time. I would recommend this amp for all but the most serious tone freaks...well worth the money. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I brought this unit about 6 years ago and have still got it .Being an in experience guitarist at the time I chose the unit because of its name and reputation. I havent regret it, except for maybe a few short falls. I paid $1100 Australian dollars for it. I like the distortion voice on this amp with its ability to give you a modern tube amp sound. I also like its ability to give you 2 choices a clean and distortion sound at the stomp of a switch. The thing that i dislike about the unit is the clean sound which tends to sound a bit "tinny" on its own. However, in saying this the clean sound can be beefed up by adding different effects with it i.e a tube screamer. During relatively loud volumes my amp has a rattle or buzzing sound and im buggered if i can find out where it is comming from. I took it to an Marshall amp specialist and even he couldnt find where the rattle is coming from. The rattle can be only heard when Im close to the amp, and hence, it hardly bothers me. My Marshall has been good to me and has never broken down after 6 years of in and out of boots, tipping over, kicking and dropping once from 1 metre. It has a distortion sound with balls and a clean sound with none which can be overcome with effects. If your thinking about buying one test the amp to make sure it doesnt rattle at a good volume. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I've been around the block a few times with cabs. I've owned and seen all the cheap stuff...peavey, carvin, avatar, marshall. And I've owned and seen the nice stuff and in between...Bogner, Stone Age, Mills, etc... I've learned a lot over the years. If I know anything it's that I'm destined to be continually surprised by different cabs and speakers. I have probably worked on or played through 10 of these 1960A cabs. They might be the most common 4x12 out there. Marshall, being one of the most popular tube amp companies of all time, has basically chosen this is its main cab. Now I'll talk about Marshall cab quality in a bit, but first I want to comment on the speakers. I think a lot of people seem to think "celestion = great" when they see these. They have the G12T-75 which Marshall itself insists is a great match for the JCM series. Truthfully, I have to disagree and I think a lot of pro guitarists will agree. The 75's have scooped mids, sizzling highs, and boomy lows. In theory this is a good match for a JCM amp, eq wise. But for everything but heavy metal...it's not. A lot of grunge and nu metal used these in the late 90's and I guess that's where the popularity comes from. They're great for the scooped mids thing. The bottom line is that the 75's just aren't as good a match in real life as they are on paper. Ideally I would say the best speakers for these are greenbacks or G12H. Vintage 30's are okay but the mids can get rough. Marshall cabs are not made very well. The MDF is fine and the materials are decent enough, but the joints aren't secure. There is major air leakage going on. This can be remedied with a simple Caulk/sealing mod but honestly for a name brand like marshall it's sad. The good news is that these are very cheap on the used market so it's not like you're getting duped. I can't say I would recommend this to many players. If you are into the modern metal sound or like scooped mids with sizzling highs, it's a good cab. I could never bond with these speakers so I have always stayed away from using the 1960A, but it's such a common cab that I see them almost every 2 or 3 months. It's hard to give it a rating but for my uses it's pretty mediocre. I will say though with a sealing mod and some tasteful speakers it's a solid 8.