Marshall JCM900 Part 2 - How To Make It Sound Even Better!

[@garyslash7552]

The JCM 900 ist great - I don't understand why people claim the opposite. But let me make one thing clear: Paul Drew is one of the best guitar players I have ever heard and for sure the most soulful one. Can't stop listenting

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Gary.

[@steviesedge]

They are great amps. I put this in the last video and got slated

[@ogrish76]

They got a bad rap in the 90's because of the diode clipping, that's not really a thing people seem to care about anymore, I love my JCM 900 mk11 2500, I play it regularly and have for years, but if it were to get stolen or destroyed, I doubt I would look for another JCM 900, compared to what is available today, it's not really an impressive amp.

[@RockG.o.d]

Come on man be real, the jcm 900 sounds terrible. Especially live, god awful. Ok never mind, I now like this amp, just seen an oasis concert and saw they use a jcm 900 DR.

[@BigTyronie]

@@Sorbzski99 its different. I would not say its as good sounding as a bunch of other marshalls. But they do have some sweet spots. Honestly the dsh100hr and silver jubilee 100w are the best sounding marshalls in my opinion ever. Cheers!

[@Stevexperiences]

I took Paul's advice on one of his other videos and bought a 1990 JCM900 4501 instead of a DSL for my son. I've been playing electric guitar for 40 years, I had and I have a lot of amps (JCM800, Friedman BE50DLX, 1959HW, JMI 30 and 15 with Tayden speaker, EVH5150EL34 etc…) and I can tell you that this amp is excellent, the sweet spot is at master 6 and the grain is fabulous, worthy of the best boutique amps. I remember when the JCM900s arrived in music shops and studios in the early 90´s, the opinions were mixed among guitarists and I could not afford to spend so much money on an amp that we couldn't try too loud volume…what a mistake…33 years later the mistake is fixed. Thanks for this video.

[@JP-jy7sk]

Outstanding videos gents! I have a 1990 JCM 900 4101 (1x12 combo, 100 watts, factory EL34s). It’s a beast of a combo and sounds killer. Rock on!

[@JesusChrist-pw2sf]

I bought a JCM 900 2100 earlier this year and it’s great. Don’t listen to people that say it’s terrible

[@steviesedge]

Really enjoyed this video thanks again guys. The best JCM 900 dual reverb review on KZbin. You've done it a lot of justice!

[@bluedawn2669]

The secret is that they turn up the Master Volume. Most channel review the 100 watt version with the volume around 9 o clock where the amp does not work. Even the manual says it's designed to be played at high volumes.

[@ned1621]

I bought my JCM900 DR 100w combo from new at 740 Irish pounds if I remember correct in 95 and would never sell it. They are a savage amp and I don't understand what all the bloo ha is about how not so great they are compared to an 800. The 900 had 2 separate channels clean and high gain that could be controlled individually and with a footswitch, its great, which the 800 hasn't. The metal sound is huge and awesome. You really have to crank an 800 way up to get the tone and sound, but with the 900 you don't need to, just set the high gain full and volume low so you can play it in your living room. I don't mean to say I hate the JCM 800, Marshalls are great amps, the 900 ASFAIK was an upgrade to the 800. so if you see one out there and you like balls out rock and metal, get one!! Great video guys!!

[@jamesalfano5740]

Ultimate Marshall sound! I've seen people use these live & they tend to be s little high endy, but you've achieved the perfect tone!

[@RockG.o.d]

These amps are made for a live setting. It takes nothing to cut through the mix, though the sound engineer will hate you.

[@Joecuzzi]

The best sounding jcm 900 combo on KZbin. I think your playing style has a lot to do with it!

[@TheMadStrater]

Was my first tube amp...have tried everything since and now I'm back to one amp...JCM 900 4501! This guy's playing is blistering insanity!

[@barryjmccormack]

I bought a jcm 900 recently (model 4502) dual reverb and I can confirm they are awesome. This a great underated amp. They have gone up in price since this video .You probably could get one for 400-450 GBP now if you can find one. One thing though I cannot find a replacement P802 footswitch. If any one knows of a suitable relpacement please let me know.

[@michaelworse6034]

Marshall pedl 91004

[@shaynes.9773]

It is nice to see that over the years the JCM 900 series of amps have gotten to be looked at as a Marshall classic. My original JCM 900 4100 head and matching cab served me well in the 90's gigging and recording Metal and Punk. I was playing a Ibanez RG550 through it and found that it was a great combination with the JCM 900. Nothing said the 90's like the JCM 900. I believe it is John 5's go-to amp. I sold my original amp/ cab in 2001. It bothered me that I sold it. When I saw Marshall reissued the JCM 900 100 watt heads in their Classic Reissue series of amps, I went out and bought one and found a near mint used matching 1960A cab from the 90s. Thanks for doing these two videos-- it really shows just what a great series of amps the JCM 900s are. Thanks Paul and James!

[@geomusicmove]

I also played a JCM 900 back in the 90s combined with an Ibanez RG750. Killer thrash metal tones I got out of that combo.

[@john.galbraith]

The PRS in the neck position (P90) sounds awesome! All the tones were great, but that one hit me.

[@hariguy]

Good to hear positive comments on the JCM 900 I’ve got the 50w head with the 5881 tubes and love it I almost always use it on the clean channel simply because I use a lot of effects pedals but if I was running it without I would probably use the high gain channel more but I find it’s great for a broken up crunch tone to stick pedals on top of. Loving it with a fuzz face currently

[@davidwilkins2368]

I love my JCM900, i grew up on the sound of this amp and i can dial in any sound from the 90's and 2000's on it in a heartbeat, from fairly light indie pop to speed metal. Great amp, much misaligned. Mine is a 2501 1 x 15 50w early model with the better sounding EL34's in it, recently refurbed at marshall by their head tech - its awesome :) And yes the Pentode mode sounds WAY more dynamic and defined than the Triode mode.

[@K707OR30]

I just got a 4100 in great condition plus a storage/transport bag for an absolute steal. It’s a great amp. As per usual, the naysayers are wrong. Yes it isn’t an 800 but it still sounds great. So if you can’t make any of the 900s sound good the amp isn’t the problem.

[@stratking78]

Great video and playing as always 🎸🤘😎 I had them all in the late 90s and early 2000s. 2100 / 2500, SLX, 4500 and 4100 with either EL 34 and 5881 - sold them all and regretted it some years later! Got my hands on one of my 4100s and bought it back as well as a 4500 for a bargain! These amps ROCK 🤘😎🎸🍀🎶

[@randallbryant9456]

☆☆ That "JCM 900•50Watt" Sounds Great. And the "Les Paul" is the Best One.🤟

[@marksanders2784]

Just bought a 100w one off of eBay, solely on the strength of this video! Arrived today and can't wait to try it out.

[@TheStudioRats]

Enjoy Mark

[@marksanders2784]

@@TheStudioRats thanks it’s great! The guy even had the manual and original receipt from Axe music here in Colchester. Love your channel by the way, my new favourite! 👍

[@TonyWhyte-d3h]

I just found one and bought it !

[@kmichaelp4508]

Howdy James & Paul. Good content. I looked up the 900 combo here in the USA and you can’t even come close to that price here. Paul, I would be interested in seeing if you could get the same tone out of the Amp1. That would be a great comparison.

[@tonystartup3817]

Yeah amp 1 comparison would be great

[@hadleymanmusic]

Hell id love to have a 2100 head again especially if it could be a kit at a discount price. But it would have to have the pcb loaded already

[@chrispeacock2177]

Les Paul and a Marshall. A marriage made in heaven . 👌

[@roscius6204]

This very day and I've just flicked mine over to the 25 W position and found myself pushing all the treble and presence settings up on the JMP-1 presets.....

[@Footender]

Any chance to dial in a Boss Katana MK2 while you have it to see how close it can get?

[@spekenbonen72]

All 3 basic models of the 900 have a serial/parallel FX-Loop (with a sensitivity dial). Stick a patch cable (if you don't use the loop with FX) and set the sensitivity to taste. Great sounding amps! Owned a 100W MkIII for 11 years (gigged, lent it out to friends for gigs). I loved it and my m8's loved it.

[@fernypirata1054]

Sorry what did you mean i not sure i understand! Connection between send and return? And then turn the loop screw? Does this make difference????

[@divebomb99]

Excellent demo. Does this particular combo use EL34’s or 5881’s? Also, jump the effects loop for further demos!

[@danielemella1758]

Veramente un Bellissimo video su un grande Marshall!!!..... Saluti dall'Italia 😇....

[@joen3992]

In the 90s I gigged with the same amp. Only I had the 1 speaker 100w. I found that if I had a tech change the dreadful tubes to old Mullards. Cleaned up the wiring. I had to push the amp to get any clean or overdrive. Just use a volume pedal to control everything. It gave me 'death ray' Meltalica drive...WOW! Use to shake my bones on the stage. I'm almost deft from the amp from HELL!

[@liys540]

love the marshall

[@chrispe14uk]

Still have my 50W 2x12 Dual Reverb JCM900 Combo that I bought as a 17 year old. Never had the heart to sell it as worked all summer to save up to buy it. I don't think it's as awful as some people make out. Needs to be biased properly.

[@michaelworse6034]

I love the clean channel especially. For some dirt it takes a pedal very well .

[@odgeUK]

The SLX was also a great JCM900 model. Heard some very convincing ACDC and GnR tones from one. The amp here sounds great but you have to ask yourself... Can the DSL or JVM do this already? Or even the AMP-1!

[@thesoundpurist]

The JVM is right on the money! It also think the Joe Satriani mod is what every low impedance guitar player are aiming for. Classic tone.

[@michaelworse6034]

4502 / 50 Watt , EL34 tubes ❤ Love it !

[@jasonwooler801]

I got one of these. I love it but yeah you do have to run them at full strength.

[@gedbogjid2218]

You guys are GREAT!

[@spideymarino]

The 900s were so popular in the 90s. 👍

[@in2itionalex]

Great Tone great Player!!!👍

[@RockG.o.d]

I need an attenuator.

[@dscataglini]

I wonder if this video helped raise the price of this amp. Right now in the US it's $800, UK seems around $700

[@1madaxeman]

Sounds great...in internet forum land over years i saw this amp (same as i owned) as a most maligned amp ever. That said the 800 was just before it....and it seemed to not get near the same respect from the internet experts. Who obviously know their stuff even if most are 15yrs old and live at their mums with a squier amp and combo and have never gigged. Ahem.

[@jima1325]

What was the full signal chain?

[@Eliminator-rl9sn]

The 900 is widely underrated. Everybody is hyping the 800 instead. I think, this is unjust towards this amp. I played it once a week in a club during sessions for years because it was just there. The owner has left it there for the musicians. And there was not one single evening when this thing sounded bad. Meanwhile I do also own one of these (50 head Dual Reverb) and will be keeping this little treasure. I do play it through a closed cabinet loaded with Celestion Classic Lead speakers. The V30s sound too harsh to me. In general I would suggest that if you do not like the sound of your amp, try different speakers. They make a huge difference. More than many may think.

[@fernypirata1054]

Thats true! Speaker makes a huge difference!!!! I like it With g12 70th anyversary series 30w speaker and its sooo sweet

[@esmoroglu]

👋🏼With the Gibson and full setting, it is the Sykes 1987 sound…

[@KelsterVonShredster]

Damn that sounds great......another great video from the rats!

[@graemedixon6314]

Sounds awesome

[@blakjack3053]

The 900 is a great sounding Marshall amp that alot of guitar players like to bash for stupid reasons. On side note, the Bluguitar Amp1 Mercury nanobtube driven 100 watt stereo pedalboard amp can frickin nail that and many other amp tone feel and responsiveness for a fraction of the price; under $800.

[@martinbreeden3112]

what year and what power tubes..the people want to know..thank you so much

[@srsanders455]

Thanks Paul, with this video you have given me one more reason to break down and buy an OX or Torpedo.

[@JamesStMichael]

Awesome video guys! How did y'all record this amp in this video? Was it with a mic or Direct in to computer?

[@jameswilliams8252]

What year is this amp

[@bartoszlewandowski3760]

Hi. This is El34 or 5881 version ? Thanks for this video!

[@SteGoughdotCom]

I've had 5 JCM900's, I kept selling them, missing them and buying another. The 100w is bigger sounding than the 50w, akin to the difference between the 50 in low power again. I've had this 4100 (head - combos are too heavy, i'd rather lug a separate cab!) for 15 years now, and wouldn't be without it, despite my main gigging amp being a Mesa Boogie Roadster due to it being slightly more flexible.

[@Metalguitarpete]

I recently bought a mint 1991 4101 with EL34s for £270. I’m still working on it. There are good tones in there for sure but you need to work at it. Meanwhile My Cornford RH30 sounds great wherever you set the knobs!

[@JoshuaSmits]

On the jcm2000 tsl100 there is also a 25w power mode, instead of the usual 100. The 25w mode completely ruins the sound!

[@chogsett]

Are you miking the cab or running through an IR ? If an IR what one?

[@codemanmn6359]

I traded an Orange BH Terror for my JCM 900 Dual Reverb Combo. Great amp. I felt like I got the better part of the deal.

[@lewischappell335]

pick ups in that strat??? sound unreal!!!!

[@ilovemywah]

There's 1 4 sale local to me for £300, sadly for me, with my preferred Celestion spk they're just too heavy, but a younger guy should have no problem.. what's not been mentioned is these amps have diodes in the gain (klipping) section (I'm no tech) but they're the type used in distortion pedals, this is why they sound harsh at lower (bedroom) volumes, but once cranked its unnoticeable..

[@martinopinto6323]

Why there is so much price difference with the 100 watt head? I mean, I can understand that you have more power and tubes, but to me this doesn't justify tripling the price and also you have 2x12 cab on this combo. What a deal

[@gedbogjid2218]

Good video! I've got one!

[@steviesedge]

I forgot to ask. What year is this made? Does it have EL-34 or 5881? I believe they were shipped with EL34 between 1990-1992 and 5881 thereafter.

[@Metalguitarpete]

That’s right, my 91 has el34 as standard. I also had a later 5881 and I thought it wasn’t as good and sold it. The early 900s are like a boosted 800 but the EQ needs working harder to get the sweet spot. I find getting a great tone easier on my 800 but I can get a very similar tone (hardly any difference) from my 900.

[@volkerhighlander2601]

Yey its a great Amp, i have it too

[@susancorgi]

Love it! i want that amp 😁

[@jodykite5009]

Hi Paul, how do you find the JCM 900 against your Studio Silver Jubilee and Studio JCM 800?

[@TheStudioRats]

Hi Jody, I haven’t compared them to be honest. I’ll look into it for you.

[@jodykite5009]

@@TheStudioRats - cheers Paul, much appreciated 👍🏻

[@raymondclass6794]

@@TheStudioRats can you do this it would probably shoot the prices of these up. I have a 5881 version I have to get swapped over to el-84

[@BigTyronie]

@@jodykite5009 too late now but of the three you mentioned silver jubilee all day. The 800 then the 900. But if you like the 900 diode clipping style distortion versus the hybrid non master/master tech of the 800 youd switch them for 2nd and third but the jubilee slays both of them. The silver jubilee and dsl100hr are the two best marshalls ever made

[@spekenbonen72]

@@BigTyronie Ironically, the jub has a diode clipping circuit as well....

[@camaderrygoat1314]

So, after watching these videos... I'm on the cusp of pulling the trigger on one. However, I need an attentuater to crank it up like you guys are and the two notes torpedo looks like a great choice... they have an 8 ohms and 16 ohms I believe... and one that does it all, for double the price Which one should I get? I am not familiar with ohms etc.... I Live in Germany if that's significant regarding such a thing... Can you guys, or anyone help me out here? Cheers lads!

[@TheStudioRats]

Hi Camaderry. The two speakers together add to 4 ohms unless you change the speakers you’ll need a 4 ohm.

[@camaderrygoat1314]

@@TheStudioRats ah so theres an 8 ohm and a 16 ohm two notes torpedo... 8 will do? Either or really isnt it?

[@Steve410811]

Boss Waza tube expander

[@music.corner]

how does it have so much distortion? my jcm does not nearly distort as much! I basically have to crank the lead gain to get the sound of the intro... :/

[@TheStudioRats]

You need to turn up to get the power tubes cooking.

[@music.corner]

@@TheStudioRats yes, I know, but it doesn't have as much distortion

[@TheStudioRats]

@@music.corner yeah, but this level of drive is also coming from the power stage. If you’ve got your volume on 1 it’s not going to drive the power amp tubes hence not sounding like this:

[@music.corner]

@@TheStudioRats I know, I always crank it up.

[@TheStudioRats]

@music.corner that’s strange then. Maybe this one has been modded.

[@bbeard396]

Would this be a good bedroom amp? Could I still get that tone without bothering anyone??? I need a response cause I'm thinking of getting it soon.

[@TheStudioRats]

It’s not a bedroom amp

[@bbeard396]

@@TheStudioRats dang loved that tone wish it had a master volume

[@TheStudioRats]

It does, but you need to crank it up, most of the tone is power amp on this one.

[@bbeard396]

@@TheStudioRats besides a DSL which marshall combo do you know of that delivers that sound but can be used as a bed room amp?

[@paulroberts5943]

@bobby beard - YES!! If you want to play it at bedroom volume levels, you will need an attenuator. Don't buy one, make one! Head over to the Marshall Amp Forum and search for JohnH Simple Attenuators - Design and Testing (www.marshallforum.com/threads/simple-attenuators-design-and-testing.98285/). There is a massive amount of information on this post some very technical, but some quite simple to understand. I built a standard M2 (8 ohm) and I can honestly say it is phenomenal. Mine has additional gain reduction stages so I can get the volume of my 50w JCM900 down to almost whisper levels, with the master volume cranked! A bit of common sense, basic soldering and drilling skills and an ability to follow the build instructions are all you need. Unless you are going to spend stupid money on 2notes/ oxbox/ boss, any resistive attenuator based around an L-pad will sound pants. The M2 is reactive and allows the power amp to be pushed in a really natural way. Trust me!

[@PhuketMyMac]

That’s Noice!

[@rockstaradventures1]

what pickups were in the fender, it always helps to let us know what guitar you are using like specs etc. thanks!

[@CharlieFife-o9i]

so what stratocaster was used in the video? Les Paul? pickups? this helps us understand the tone you are getting, guitars have a lot to do with tone. Thanks!!!

[@JenniferThompson-cy1ln]

This guy a master at . making any effects board any amp sound great. Now this is a guy U need to record your music

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks for the kind words Jennifer

[@HarkoBarf]

Too bad for the huge vst reverb

[@gibs8412]

I want a guitar with p90s too....which p90s sound best Prs? Gibson? Fender?

[@hdsg8361]

All personal preference can’t beat a jr or a thin line tele with a p 90 in the neck 👌🏻

[@TheLexiconDevils]

Lollar p90s

[@muurrarium9460]

Love what you do, but also... I NEVER hear anyone say "be mindful of your neighbours". Yes, twice the oempf sounds great, also: so happy not to live anywhere near this beast! :)

[@liys540]

still prefer bluguitar amp 1

[@alanswanson7515]

If only they made a 50w head!

[@eugeneerdozain7483]

I gigged a 50W JCM900 head for years so they did make them ;)

[@Nowo78]

Got one right next to me ... ;-)

[@thomasziegler2303]

They did look for jcm 900 Model 4500

[@eugeneerdozain7483]

@@thomasziegler2303 That's the one :)

[@mpwiedemann]

I love my head. Dual reverb 50w just like the combo in the video. Killer amp

[@liys540]

this amp needs to be loud

[@aristocaster]

Yes but the reason why you don't need overdrive pedal with JCM 900 is because it has diodes in signal way like you have in distortion pedal, the distortion is not made just by tubes but with those diodes in signal way 😀 Build in distortion pedal 😀

[@0megalul309]

It's just solid state clipping like a Jose marshall which costs 4000 usd

[@middle_pickup]

At the price my dude paid, yea. Good deal for any amp built at that quality I suppose. Does it sound amazing? Nah. There's a reason people want the 800's over the 900's. I think the studio classic amp sound better even. Plus, the amp is a combo. That's not exactly the Marshall sound from that era.

[@onefatstratcat]

Marshall tube amps suck!! (has never been uttered by any guitar player)

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

how to make it sound better..get a better guitar player to play it?