Marshall JCM 800 50 Watt lead review

This amp was made in 1985 or 1987, it has a Carvin V12 Vintage series 100 watts 8 ohms speaker. I blew the original speaker in the 90's. I have now replaced the Carvin with a new Celestion Vintage 30 -(made in the Uk) speaker. here is a link to hear that one.
• Celestion Vintage 30 -...

[@ricardobirnbaum]

Just the kind of review that’s needed. Thanks

[@Andrew850]

You're welcome what did you like about the video so I can improve in the future

[@TheCheck01]

This demo really show how it sounds. Thanks.

[@vpsaxman]

Thanks for posting! I particularly appreciate how you emphasized the versatility of this classic amp!

[@Andrew850]

it sounds better with my 4 X 10 cab but thank you.

[@vpsaxman]

@@Andrew850 I bet it does.

[@scarey2me]

Had a 2x12 of this amp in the mid 80's. Damn loud for a 50W. Never had it above 4 on stage.

[@josephpickard3108]

There's one for sale near me. A bit dog eared but tempted to try it out

[@Andrew850]

The one thing about this Amplifier that you should be well aware of before you buy one. Besides the fact that you want all original parts and certainly the transformer. You have to understand that this amp sounds completely different with each brand of tubes you put in it. Which can be a great thing and an annoying thing at the same time. Because if you find a tube match that you like you have to continually find that same brand. But if you Want a different sound You can just buy different tubes. So don't be discouraged when you check it out It doesn't sound right because it can if you just put new tubes in it.

[@guitarocd9984]

I never understood the theory. Taking the 800 series or any other series and putting it in a 112 format. Makes no sense. The amp was designed for a 4-12 cabinet. Every person I know that bought one back then ended up buying a 4-12 bottom anyway.

[@Andrew850]

yes I did too but it was a 4 x 10.

[@joemasse4568]

It’s because after many years of gigs, you get tired of dragging around a 4 12 cabinet? Why else?

[@guitarocd9984]

That wasn't my point. The 800 series did not perform in that format.

[@dunesbra]

Used to have the same exact amp. Like an idiot I got rid of it years back and kick myself from time to time for making such a short-sighted decision. Bleh! Anyway, thanks for the quick review. Cheers.

[@tmac6949]

Best Amp ever made . If you own one don't sell it. You will be sorry. I have one new in the box for 15,000 if anybody wants it. i have 2 other in mint condition that are mine and are not for sale so if you willing to spend a big chunk I have what you crave.

[@Andrew850]

It is a nice amp but for 15K There are better

[@seanyiscubsfan1]

Nice demo. Two questions for you. 1. Do you think the JCM800 amps will eventually keep going up in price and will be at the same price point as the old Super Lead/Plexis? 2. Do you think it would be worth it to sell my Marshall 2525H and 1936 2x12 Vintage cab to get one of these?

[@Andrew850]

to your first ? no. #2 I would say do not sell that amp, lower wattage amps are all the rage now.

[@seanyiscubsfan1]

ANDREW EIFERT Than you. I did some thinking about it and I’m going to hang on to it for now. I’ve got a DSL20CR with a UK made Greenback in it and I’ve played both side by side and I like the results.

[@profile1251]

How does this compare to a DSL40 , is it much better?

[@AcceleratingUniverse]

about 500 dollars better

[@Andrew850]

Well the JCM 800 has a more old school wiring the thing about that is I can change the sound a lot just by using different power tubes. that can be a good thing or a bad thing. the new dsl40 for the price is a nice amp and if you are looking for modern distortion sound it may be the amp for you . but this is a amp that will never appreciate in value and you can buy these for $375 to $500 all day long. the JCM 800 go for 900 to 1200 and going up every few years. which amp is better, if you're looking the Marshall sound both amp will work but the sound of the JCM 800 is on more rock recordings than the DSL so the pro's may know what I have known for years the jcm 800 is a great amp.

[@Feede88]

Go for the DSL40c to be honest, I have one and you can get great tones out of that amp, either vintage tones (that I love) or more modern ones (which I don't use), and for the price? it's a steal. The JCM800 combo is GREAT, but you can easily get the same(ish) tones out of the DSL40c.

[@tmac6949]

DSL vs JCM 800. DSL is a joke.