All user reviews of 5/5 for the Marshall 2203 JCM800 Reissue

1 Channel, 100 watts, 4 EL34's, Standard EQ section with master volume, FX loop with true bypass switch, 4/ 8/ 16 ohm speaker out selector

UTILIZATION

The JCM800 should need to introduction. There are so many amps based off of its design, it's not even funny. They have been a platform for modifications since the early 80's. Very easy to dial in for that classic rock sound. It's one of those amps that will work for anything. Toss a boost pedal in front and it can do metal. Back off the gain and it does a great clean.

The reissues have a built in FX loop, which you can bypass, which makes the reissue the one to get in my opinion. There were many many variations of the 800, but the reissue is a recreation of the famed vertical input 2203.

SOUNDS

Soundswise, this is a very versatile amplifier. Sure it only has one channel, but you can get anything for crystal clean to classic rock overdrive. The thing I really like about this amp, is that whatever guitar you use sounds like itself. Some amps tend to make every guitar sound kinda similar, but the 800 really shows off each guitar's personality. A Strat will sound very stratty, a les Paul will sound very Les Paul like.

The 800 takes boost pedal very well, which is a huge plus. It can also sound killer very clean, which I honestly didn't expect. And it shines with a Strat!

My only real complaint about this amp is that it tends to be on the brighter side. I like amps to sound great with everything set at 12 o'clock (except for maybe gain and volume). With the 800, I find myself turning off the treble and turning the presence way down. I do tend to like amps that are somewhat dark, but not too dark.

The FX loop is good, but you tend to loose a little bit of 'something' when it is engaged. It's not a deal breaker or anything, but I would definitely not keep it engaged if I wasn't using it.

The amp itself is very loud. It's 100 watts is definitely loud.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall, this is a very solid amp. It's an instrument in of itself and is excellent at showing of each of you guitars' unique voice. I have wanted on of these for years and years, and I am very excited to have on in the collection. I own lot's of great amps, and the 800 will remain in the stable.

I have been playing guitar for 20 years now. I teach guitar to 40+ students weekly. I have recorded/ performed/ gigged with national recording artists and currently gig local in FLA. and teach.
I like aggressive blues, old school funk, heavy groove, alt tunings, psychedelic, guitar instrumental music, brazilian, fusion, shred, egyptian and radio format, retro and RNB soul music.

I acquired this latest JCM800 2203 through an ad I placed looking for this particualr amp on the Marshall forum and the Gear Page. I paid $1,350 and the price is rising for an 81' Mint with Daly caps and Dagnell/ Drake trannies and choke. I have been playing these amps almost exclusively for 20 years only deviating to Bogner and Lee Jackson along the way. Just got a 1959HW plexi to thats on the way that im gonna run alongside this rig. Ill never sell this amp EVER!

I love everything about it. It is a simple one channel circuit. Perfect balance of Frequencies. Great Damping and sag. Perfect picking attack tone. Inspirational tone from this amp which everyone is always asking about. My personal favorite tone from any amp in existence from Diezels to Bogners to Fenders to Marshalls and on and on. This is the one!

NOTHING!!!!!!

It is built like a tank. You know the old addage they dont build um like they used to. It s true. The reissue is nice but this is the REAL DEAL !

If you are looking for a FIRST MArshall to buy definitely take a look at this one. It is forgiving to your play (ALthough mine needs none, LOL:>) And takes to pedals like Rocky Balboa does to a prize fight. The most inspirationa lsound ever from one amp and its all here! Get an 81 to 84' nothing post 84' and your safe!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I have owned 3 of these over the years. I let them go and then I come back to them. I always come back to them. The quintessential rock n roll amp if there ever was one. This amp has been featured on countless records over the years from anyone and everyone. Granted most of them have been hot rodded up but that it the fun of it too. These amps are so great when you get them to an amp guru who can add a little muscle to the amp. Or keep it unmodified and get a classic hard rock tone.

The attack is snappy and quick. There is only 6 knobs so its not to hard to figure out. But you have to have the gain on 10.

UTILIZATION

Features

4 EL34s in the power stage
3 ECC83s in the preamp
True bypass series FX loop
3-band EQ
Presence control



SOUNDS

It is a great rock tone that can be bland but cranked it gets sweet. There is a very warm tone from this amp when paired with the right speaker and cab. But if you don't want to shell out $700 to get it modified then slap a Boss Sd-1 in front of it and you'll get some killer hard rock tones. If you want to get this thing sizzeling then you need to throw a pedal in front of it preferably a clean boost pedal with just a hint of gain was all that I needed.

I had a Wolfgang style guitar and an Boss SD-1 in front with just a hit of gain but the level all the way up going in to a vintage Marshall 4x12 with Blackbacks and a another 4x12 with GT75's. It was a gain experience! I needed a noise gate because this thing was cranking some noise.

OVERALL OPINION

At new you can pick these amps up for right at around $2300. That is a bit of a hefty price for a single channel amp. I suggest going with a used one fro right around $850 or so. I have even score for for right at $650. The newer reissues will fetch a higher check but no more than $1100 for a used one of these. If someone is asking for more just reminds them in a few weeks when they don't sell it that you will take it for around $1000 at a favor to them.

100W all-tube head (3 12AX7, EL34 4)
Two inputs (high and low) to be the big sound, the sound is clear.
Controls: Presence, Bass, Mid, Treble, Gain and Master Volume volume
In connection back two speaker outputs and that's it!
Questions settings, unless you drop to the bottom of the mids, it's not worth it to try to sound NUmetal with it is pure rock'n'roll big or heavy.

UTILIZATION

There's no simpler config. You plug a guitar and a good speaker and it sounds good live!
There's the sound no matter the settings, you just have to be careful not to set too low or set of EQ knobs all thoroughly.

SOUNDS

It suits me perfectly, I play punk, heavy, post-pop 70ies or C nickel.
Start with a distortion that sounds airy, with a gibson, c death that kills!
I'm very happy!

OVERALL OPINION

In your opinion, why marshall resortent is modeled by the time (in addition there add a loop effect) if C not a fucking monster !!!!!

Luckily tube amplifier
power is 100 W for mine but when it is thoroughly she can change mood and make a 196w peak !!!!!!!!!

connection I see what you mean but there are two input two output high and low Hp and a Food and c is hihihi !!!!!

The settings are midle presence treble bass preamp volume and master volume!
effects ?????????? j esper you kidding c is a real amp this thing!!
I put 7 / 10 to the power that can frighten some with me hihihi

UTILIZATION

Super simple you scratch your arm you put a background and you play !!!!!!
no no its the beautiful everything must be thoroughly if you want the sound bite that kills!!

but you can already have a beautiful sound with a volume low enough !!!!!!!!!
manual ?????? t're lucky if you found a head like this one with a manual !!!!!
mine the date of 77 I have found favor in a lil push!

must seek to find
I put 10 because I am a fan of single channel amplifier

SOUNDS

It is well suited to my style of music!!

She can do anything!

blues rock metal!!

c is the head of the bomb in every sense of the therm!

I play a fender stratocaster mex 70 classic touch with rosewood and c is a pure joy!

n I use as little effect between the guitar and amp!

j generally uses a fuzz face or TS9 or c wha wha is all about!

The sound is very crystal!

It sounds quite "plexi" in fact with more gain!

I prefer the crunch of the kind plexiglass light enough: p
I put 10/10 because I can not do without the head and its a fantastic

OVERALL OPINION

I now use the last few months!

what I love most is the simplicity c branch you play you and you fall on your ass hihi

the only weak point is what I have above cit: c is a saying that c is still an old amp so unstable, fickle, fragile and quite heavy, I think my head weighs about a little over 20 pounds!!

but hey when you think about the plays even more hihi

j yeah I had a bunch of marshall of all kinds and c is the best model that I got !!!!!

report quality price is not better right now parcontre rating of occas soaring right now!!

I've had for about the 325 only becaufe the person who sold it to me as kindly as I buy my old marshall head

experience with this choice I do it again a million times yes hihi
10/10 BECAUSE I put again the head is a marvel c

Of its 100% pure light ...
100watt lamp's not fun, the sound marshall, my personal love,
connectivity of the 80: 2 inputs on the front panel HI and LOW
2 HP behind it, a DI out
it's vintage settings: bass, mid, treble, presence, pre amp, master

UTILIZATION

It's big sound, the lamp is huge!
you're part and you play ...

SOUNDS

This is the grain marshall ...
you have the sound of AC / DC? this amp is for you ...
More seriously, I find it very versatile indeed to make clear is that distortion can be huge but also his clear and that reveals rather well

OVERALL OPINION

Its been 5 years since I use it and I love the JCM800 ...
I blame him for not just the effects loop ... the delay or flanger before distortion is not great ...
and yes I will like to have another ...

Pure lights in lamps, 100w, simple connectivity between high and low.
Very simple settings, but not too Agigea the sound.
Earrings effects on reissues.

UTILIZATION

Config very simple, good sound easy to use with good scratch and a good speaker preferred.
Complete manual.

SOUNDS

Is perfect for my style of musik (Blues, rock, hard)
I plug my SG Standard and I put an MXR Zakk Wylde overdrive to boost solos, I also have the MT-2 to a little metal and it gives her a nice big well of desire.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had one month, I like the sound, using very simple, I like the reactions to different guitars especially when one selects the pickups.
Quality / price ratio even new but at a discount. Amp that is very popular right now.

Amplification all lamps.
100W
Conection ultra-simple: a plug connecting the head to the cabinet and a power cable to plug into the sector.
No effect.
A single channel, with the settings: Presence, Bass, Mid, Treble, Master Volume, Pre Amp Volume

10 because whatever the desired power of 10 to 100W, the characteristics can av oir sound good to very good.

UTILIZATION

Configuration is very simple, as we have an eye and two fingers can tweak the knobs, all online, on one floor, with swithces left input jack to the right ... How more stupid?

The good sound is easy to obtain. The excellent sound is higher in watts, a little harder to get. You should know that as I was told my salesman "Mashall they not laugh with Watts when you push your amp to the bottom, you know where they are: they pound your eardrums." Et .. he's right. The jeans that trembles when we play, it's not the legend!

As for the manual, it is very accurate for those who would be afraid to make the bad connection, and it explains what a particular button (as if we knew not buying the amp, the treble treble ca change .. .)

10/10: super super simple to use: you turn the knobs, it plays an agreement and we are on planet Rock

SOUNDS

I play rock, blues-rock and hard rock: The amp is THE amp, no equivocation at this level, we can not even say it suits my type of music, its just a symbiosis.

I play it through a Gigson SG Standard 70 or a Gibson SG '61 Reissue, with the possible effects a Vox Wha-wha V847 and a Jim Dunlop Fuzz Face, good stuff.

This amp is wonderful: "Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits with the Fuzz, to "Highway to Hell" by AC / DC, there are all styles from Rock, it is very very very good. You can have a sound almost clear out filled with overdrive, and regardless of the level of drive sound is GOOD!

My favorite sounds: Ben cte question, all! (And yet I not say that often)
The ones I hate: One: when the amp is off.

10 is perfect for what I play.

OVERALL OPINION

Acquired recently, I have not done the trick. It's really a big piece of versatility!

What I like most: easy to get a good sound, the look (ca throws really!)
What I like least: ca pete's ears have real good pure sound without power plate (I'll invest in there TFW)

I tried the Bogner, Mesa's (too expensive), other Marshall, Fender (not the sound I was looking for), but I finally found it!

The value for money is nice but not the must ... In OCCAZ if the lights are in good condition it's going better.

With experience, YES !!!!! I would do this choice

9 for the price / quality ratio.

-All has already been said ... I just say that the EL34 version (there is a version in 6550)

-The power is phenomenal ... they are mad at marshall lol.
We just have acceptable sound at low volume! but the higher you go the more you master s'aproche sound.

"I have the version without the effects loop.

UTILIZATION

Simple hyper-config

-The sound is easily obtained.
It is a passive eq so it is always with her typed enough. Beware the treble on the amp are hyper piercing should not be afraid to go there. The mid is very effective. The bass is very solid and consistent but not overwhelming!
The button also presence filled his role although not be made without mimum problem (for me that's what I do).

-No need for manual ...

SOUNDS

-It is perfect for my style of music! (Blues, blues rock, classic rock, 70's, hard, heavy ...)

-I play nothing not to spoil the sound. the guitar direct into the amp and rock'n'roll!
I've had to try OCASI mxr zw44 with and is the only one to have with me regarding compliance with the amp. It allows you to have a channel more ...
This amp reacts directly with the guitar with which it is connected.

-For clean sounds (Marshallian eh) is really enjoyable ... The subtle blend of clean, which is not quite! You can play with her pop rock with a soft attack and by attacking a good strong crunch. This is really Excellent!
The settings are highly dependent on the type of scraper, type of lamp, etc. ... For me its a 70's style plexi (listen free, humble pie, etc..) I is the presence and sharp minimum. the preamp 2.

For a more bold with the slash a shot preamp and mid right! by adjusting the eq moving from one of his more Black Sabbath beginning to sound more heavy metal 80 '90'

There is only one sound and I love it! You just have to be careful to understand the fontionnement the eq and it is excellent.

If there were 11 I would put 11 for the sound.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 6 months.
"I love everything about this amp. It has character .. we love or hate. It's super simple (if you find a gas plant go your way!)
"I had the chance to try a lot of tube amps in my young life. To give you an idea here that I remember them ..:

Orange: AD30HTC, Tiny Terror, Rockerverb,
Marshall: Bluesbraker, JCM2000, JMP1
Soldano: SLO
Bogner Shiva, ubershall
Vox: AC30
Engl screamer
Peavy, 5150
Mesa Boogie: Stilleto, F30, MarkIII, Triple front,
Ashdown Fallen Angel
Epihone: valve junior
Fender: Bassman, Showman, Fender Twin Reverb, blackface
Hiwatt, high gain 100
Randall: Rh100
Sound City, London City and so on.

Of all the amps I find the 800 much better AD30HTC except that I find as good but has the advantage of having 2 channels!
I have the ear of course very old rock-oriented ... if you like it too go for it!

-Qualité/Prix: Good on the occasion ... but the sound is priceless: wink: Hurry up the Argus every month!

With experience, this choice I would do without hesitation! I will keep the head until I die.

I put 9 because argus rising, rising ...

This is a tube amp legendary.

- 100Watts

- 3 small lamps pre-amp (gain)

- 4 large lights 'volume' (master)

- 2 inputs (High and Low)

- 2 outputs

- Selector 4/8/16 Ohms

- 6 knobs:
- Presence
- Bass
- Medium
- Treble
- Master
- Pre-amp
Simple, no quibble. A single channel, when enough time passes on his sleeve to play music and not have to dance on their beautiful pedal-board of a 2 meter set for 4 days in advance (to change your mind about 2 days after the sound).

10/10 because it leaves a certain freedom (potentiometers, High and Low) while simplifying life.

UTILIZATION

Configuration is very simple.

2 Channel Low, the clean
High, the overdrive

It is just 5, you set the Master and Pre-amp as we want and go ... It adjusts the equalization if necessary.

The Heavy?

Ok, you put yourself in High just 10, the presence as desired, the pre-amp is there to be assayed.
If not, we take a pedal, you put yourself in Low (Bass, Medium and Treble always 10) is adjusted pedal and voila ...

It is a professional amp, it is not marked bedroom or something or just above "Lead Master 100W" on the back. So yes, it is hard, so a 50W is sufficient. But the Master really does not alter the sound of the amp. It can therefore be used in smaller rooms, in repeat, demo in a shop without any worries.

NB: It is true that the master is very responsive to 0-1 and play the lowest notes of luck. But take a 100W lamp in his room to play, it's stupid.

Effective or 10/10.

SOUNDS

I play Heavy-Rock, the Fast'n'Loud, call it what you want, and this amp is to my taste the best.

I plug in Low and passes through a Tube Screamer Boss from home (unless its 'nose' that other TS), from solo: the Micro Amp MXR M133 from, all on a Start HSS with a baffle 1960BVintage .. . and here is easy, right?

The sound of the amp (High) is not fat enough to be a real dirt either, it's an overdrive worthy of the name.
The clean (Low) is pleasant, it's a clean Marshall. No comparison with a Fender, do not compare what is comparable.

No need to dwell, it's a JCM800, a Marshall head.

10/10, it was anything more? A dedication to Jim? It was too!

OVERALL OPINION

I play with for 1 year, I found the sound I was looking for, I do not get tired at all.

It could not be easier, that's what I ask is what is best (with experience)

Compared to the JCM2000, it's 'ROCK' the JCM2000 is 'clean' more 'smooth' a little more 'metal'.

I read that there was too much treble when they are pushed (also present) ... I do not agree. Is my ear, is it my game?
It is clear that to play on two strings of a big Ibanez 7cordes and low rates make it not the top. But it's a guitar amp, (remember scales, guitar (usually) is 6-string, both the maximum use and know how to do before trying to add one.

Yes, I do it again this choice, without hesitation.

all-tube amp 100w
Minimum no connection to the nut effects superflux
gain control, volume, bass, mid, treble, presence

UTILIZATION

super simple setup, no manual, we get the big sound at once

SOUNDS

my JCM 800 was amended by a friend: a 330pF capacitor in place of the original 500pF on the equalizer and the lamp ECC83 second position was changed by an ECC81.
This has the effect of transforming my jcm 800 in war machine for a bassist. I played with an Epiphone EB3 (the neck pickup is not do'rigine) and then one group name is required: MOTORHEAD

after if we do not like the sound of Lemmy is on we will have a hard time managing the Jazz with this configuration.

I use it with a 410 peavey bass. 4X12 celestion bass but it should get the maximum.

OVERALL OPINION

before I used it to help out some friends at concerts the guitar sound was so Bougy zztop. So I have this amp for more than 10 years without much use.
I tried all the amps of the earth ... some are not bad.
since its amendment, I only play bass with him.
what I like least is the weight and the fact that I've never driven more than 4 (when I grow stronger in concert, the sound engineers make a wry face)

we just do not talk about money for a Raport marshall: get sound, it is priceless.
I would buy the same amp without any hesitation if he should die or burned if I were flying. At least I do not fall for the 50W version that is less cumbersome and more than enough power.

I have owned 3 of these over the years. I let them go and then I come back to them. I always come back to them. The quintessential rock n roll amp if there ever was one. This amp has been featured on countless records over the years from anyone and everyone. Granted most of them have been hot rodded up but that it the fun of it too. These amps are so great when you get them to an amp guru who can add a little muscle to the amp. Or keep it unmodified and get a classic hard rock tone.

The attack is snappy and quick. There is only 6 knobs so its not to hard to figure out. But you have to have the gain on 10.

Marshall JCM800 2203 Vintage Series 100W Tube Head Features:

* 4 EL34s in the power stage
* 3 ECC83s in the preamp
* True bypass series FX loop
* 3-band EQ
* Presence control


UTILIZATION

Since there are only six knobs there isn't too much to figure out. Set the pre amp gain up all the way and your volume as desirable and there you go. Pair it with a nice greenback or GT75 Celestion speaker and Marshall cab and you'll be ready to rock.

If you need a manual for this amp then you shouldn't be playing guitar.

SOUNDS

It is a great rock tone that can be bland but cranked it gets sweet. There is a very warm tone from this amp when paired with the right speaker and cab. But if you don't want to shell out $700 to get it modified then slap a Boss Sd-1 in front of it and you'll get some killer hard rock tones. If you want to get this thing sizzeling then you need to throw a pedal in front of it preferably a clean boost pedal with just a hint of gain was all that I needed.

I had a Wolfgang style guitar and an Boss SD-1 in front with just a hit of gain but the level all the way up going in to a vintage Marshall 4x12 with Blackbacks and a another 4x12 with GT75's. It was a gain experience! I needed a noise gate because this thing was cranking some noise.

OVERALL OPINION

I gave this a Great rating because I don't feel that it is perfect. You need to improvise with this amp so out of the box it's not there. You need a pedal or the thing modified and you'll get the tone the pros have.

Every person who plays the guitar should own one of these amps or at least try it out. I have been able to pick a couple of these up on the used market for around $750 so they are on the low price end of quality amps. It is a sweet amp though!

The Marshall JCM 800 2203 is a classic guitar amplifier head that is tube based and I believe delivers 100 watts of power. The amp head has two 1/4 inch inputs - one for high sensitively and one for low. It also has a speaker jack output in the back to send to a speaker cabinet. The amp has settings control knobs for presence, bass, mid, treble, master volume and pre amp volume.

UTILIZATION

Overall, the amp is pretty easy to follow and the parameters are laid out smartly. Getting a good sound is easy and quick and there are enough parameters to control your sound that you can get a variety of different tones from this amp. While there isn't a dedicated overdrive channel or knob, cranking the two volume knobs will give you an overdrive. I don't have a manual for this so I can't speak to how useful it is or not, but the amp head is easy enough to figure out that you shouldn't need the manual.

SOUNDS

The sound from the Marshall JCM 800 2203 is awesome, to say the least. It has a certain fullness and crunch that can't be found on too many other amps. I have only used this with guitar - usually either a Fender Stratocaster or a Gibson SG and a Marshall speaker cabinet, and with this set up I get some great results. The amp has a huge tone to it and the unique tone it has can't be matched with anything other than the real thing.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the Marshall JCM 800 2203 for about four or five years, and it is probably my favorite amp head that Marshall has to offer, which is saying a lot considering all the fine products Marshall has produces throughout the years. I love the inherent sound, and its simple lay out makes it easy to dial in the tone that you are after. While these aren't the cheapest amp heads in the world, but for your money you get a high end guitar amp that is one of the best on the market. All in all, in terms of high quality guitar amps for rock, it is one of the best at what it does.