All user reviews of 4/5 for the Marshall 2204 JCM800 Master Volume Lead [1981-1989]

The Marshall JCM800 50w head is the smaller of the two iconic original single channel 800s. They have been used by many noted rock and metal players both in stick and modded form. It has a very simple layout of controls that includes 2 volumes, bass, middle, treble and presence. Players would sometimes mod these for more gain or effects but the amp in it's stock form is a firebreather, rest assured. It is loaded with EL34s in the power section and puts out 50 watts. Pretty simple, it's worked for the best of the best and that was validation enough for me. No reverb or effects with this one but you can get pedals to that job or just let 'er rip as is!

UTILIZATION

Getting a good sound out of this rig is simple in some respects, difficult in others. There aren't many controls to work with so if you're looking for super flexibility you won't find it here. The controls have a narrower range than many modern high gainers and that can be difficult to deal with if you are used to modern amps. Also, these are fairly loud amps, and need the volume to get the saturated tones that many expect. The point here is that these aren't really the mega high gain rig, so in that respect it is harder to dial in. However if you have one of these amps in a good loud environment with a band, prepare for some fun.

SOUNDS

This amp was THE tone of the eighties, to put it simply. They have that classic Brit sizzle on the top end with a focused mids and nice crunchy lows. Since it's single channel there isn't much to say about it's clean tones but you can get away with use of the guitar volume knob for passable cleans. This amp lives for classic crunchy rock and early metal tones. Used with a Les Paul gets KILLER rhythm sounds and a nice thick lead tone with fat in all the right places... Switching over to a superstrat or Strat thins out the tone but brings that awesome high end sizzle RIGHT to the fore for LA style lead tones galore! These amps also take well to being boosted with a TS9 or BOSS SD1 to bring the gain up to even closer to modern levels. Very cool.

OVERALL OPINION

All in all I think this amp is a pretty fantastic way to get those killer eighties tones in the real deal package. Sure it doesn't have the versatility or tweaking functions of some modern rigs, but when you get 'er cranked in the right setting it flat out KILLS. whether you're playing hard rock or more modern stuff with the amp boosted you can't go wrong if you need that slice of British fury. These can be had used for under a grand if you look which is an awesome deal. Many were modded too over time so look for one of them if you desire more gain. Happy hunting!

The JCM800 is one of the most famous amps Marshall has ever made. The 2204 version was the 50 watt version of the famous 2203 that was used on so many recordings in the 80s. They came in two different versions -- the vertical input and the horizontal input. Unlike the 2203s, there was no difference in filtering between the vertical input and horizontal input models. One thing worth noting is that most of the models that made it over here came with 6550s installed instead of the EL34s that the UK guys had. The 6550s lead to more headroom and a clearer sound, where as the EL34s give that famous crunch and midrange that Marshall is more widely known for.

UTILIZATION

This is one of those amplifiers where it's hard to get a bad sound. Regardless as to whether you have 6550 or EL34 tubes installed, the amp sounds great no matter where the knobs are. Built like a tank, the amp has proven its reliability over time and is still used today. The knobs are clearly labeled with nearly zero chance of user error. The lack of an effects loop somewhat dates it, and it's probably this amp's biggest flaw. That said, it's also one of the reasons why this amp delivers great tone. The clean design allows the 2204 to show its true sound without having to go through messy loop circuitry that could potentially color the overall characteristics of the amp.

SOUNDS

Plugging straight in, you can get an awesome AC/DC style crunch. Boosting the amp with an overdrive pedal and giving it some volume, you can get some of the famous tones that were prevalent during the 80s. Don't expect a super gain monster amp; this was built in the early 80s, after all. It also doesn't have a real tight low end. What it does have is some wonderful Marshall high midrange that cuts through any mix and lets you be heard in a live setting. The amp is fairly unforgiving, so if you're a sloppy player, it'll show.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall, this amp is a period piece that is surprisingly relevant to today's music. Despite being built in the early 80s, the amp is still being used in today's recordings, touring on the road with famous musicians and being a foundation for many of the amps built today. It set the bar way back when, and it's still a standard today. However, it is showing its age a little. Being a single channel amp, having no effects loop, having a "looser" low end and lacking gain compared to today's amps, it is definitely not for everyone. Still, I feel it's one of those amps that should be in any serious musician's arsenal. Many famous amp modifiers have extended this amp's life and made them fire breathing monsters. Those looking to fix any "faults" the amp has should look into getting it modded. Those looking to start modding amps should also look at this amp as it's incredibly easy to modify. It's a great starting point for someone looking to gain some electronic knowledge regarding amp circuitry.