The Forgotten Marshall? | JCM900 MKIII

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[@JWyaMovieTime]

Some people in the comments don't seem to understand that this is not the JCM900 they are thinking it is. This model was only made over a two year span at the start of the 90s and is basically a JCM 800 with a built in tube screamer like mod. I have had this amp for about 10 years now and I run it the opposite way. I find that if you crank the pre-gain volume and set the volume around 3 or 4 it is very close to a JCM 800. I usually run the sensitivity around 3 or off. Use a Boss SD-1 and you can do a lot of classic Marshall sounds with this.

[@r1deftone]

Agreed. The 900 haters just can't help themselves. I have a '90 JCM800 2204 as well as a '91 MKIII 2500. Both have EL34's and I can't tell them apart. I A/B them back and forth and they sound identical.

[@jasonweir9155]

This is my favorite Marshall head ever! Hard to find but sooo worth it!

[@litos_mendes]

my first tube amp ... i bought it for 300 euros ... never gonna get rid of it

[@ericsampoll]

I've owned a JCM 900 for many years, and I love your approach... I used an eq pedal on the FX loop to get the best results and a tube screamer on front. Like you said, if you know what you're doing, it can sound massive. Great tone possibilities. Great classic Rock and Metal riffs, btw. Always entertaining and informative. 🤘🎸

[@sayhuhhhh]

Jerruhhhh! You nailed that core tone for Them Bones…. triple track that and it could have been on the album! We need an Axe FX tone match session for that tone

[@mtguitar5150]

This is the one I had. I paid like 500 back in 97 or so. I bet the price is triple today. I played in a CC style death metal band with it

[@kalebaldwin5398]

These are Bruce Kulick’s favorite amps. He still uses the same heads he got from Marshall back in 1991, when KISS were recording the Revenge album. Both this and it’s more well-known Dual Reverb sibling aren’t as terrible as some make them out to be. One thing I’ve noticed about them is how much upper mid bark they have (and comparative lack of low end), even by Marshall standards. That can be very unpleasant if you’re jamming by yourself, but in a band mix, it works. Of course, it depends on what kind of vibe you’re looking for. When these came out, the scooped Boogie chunk was ‘in’, and you aren’t gonna get that from a 900. I think had they come out a couple years earlier, they would’ve been more loved.

[@PedalScience]

NOICE! I grabbed one of these (MK III 2x12) a couple of weeks ago - love me some dirty, illegal, sacrilegious diode clipping!

[@onesandzeros]

What does it weigh?

[@LeonTodd]

😁

[@CJReaper666]

I have the Nigel Tufnel JCM900 poster on the wall right next to my monitor, "Now it goes to '20'... that's 9 louder, innit!"

[@LeonTodd]

YES! So good

[@scottpeters4401]

I had one of these when they came out..The 900’s were Marshall’s response to the amp modding craze happening at the time..They had ads in Guitar Magazines that said as much…they are no 2203/4 by any stretch,but there are some good sounds in there..

[@peterharvin2775]

I spent a lot of time trying to make my JVM sound like an 800. Then I figured it out (I think): just let the amp be what it is. The ideal would be to win the lottery and have one of each Marshall head, lol. Paradise.

[@LeonTodd]

Absolutely!

[@kingmodestfirst4487]

Hi, I had several JCM900s: the SLX (EL34 100w modified to 50w and more gain etc by a technician...), 1 dual reverb combo 2x12" hp, 2 dual 100w reverb heads (EL34 & 5881/6L6) ...but I never had a MKIII. The modified SLX was a war machine for Metal but I always preferred the mono & split channel JCM800 which have less gain but a more dynamic sound with more head. room and a more vintage spirit. The JCM900 and JCM2000 are not up to the standard of the 800.

[@ERiCtheBuLL]

I love my SL-X to death and most likely will never part with it. A touch of preamp gain, some pedal distortion/boost, and it makes for killer metal tones. Always wanted to try a MkIII but never had an opportunity. You had this thing sounding great, especially boosted.

[@WesF_Personal]

Great video as always, Leon! A preamp pedal I recently bought has a JCM 900 model in it. I was totally unfamiliar. Thank you!

[@mattb7476]

I bought mine for $400 usd four years ago.. At that price you can't pass on this Marshall. I'm not a fan of the diode clipping so you just turn that down. Get your great tones just like any other Marshall with a tubescreamer and an eq. My favorite feature is two footswitchable master volumes. Makes for a really easy solo boost. Lately I've found myself using it just for the power section to run a pedal platform through. Works great for that too. Either way you look at it, this amp is a keeper!

[@LeonTodd]

The dual MV's are so simple yet so effective, love that

[@RdoGomes]

Beautiful saturation all around

[@darrylritter4275]

I Had the 50watt version. Gave it to my brother. It's monsterous sounding. He also has matching 4x12 top and bottom cabs from the early 90's. I think it's better than the SLX imo. Solid amp. Great video!

[@jarenb2331]

Love your music optimism and energy my dude, thanks for a the vids, public axe fx settings, and all. I rarely comment but very overdue to say thanks. Also, you should create your own amp in axe fx, and talk to them about officially publishing it.

[@LeonTodd]

I appreciate that mate. My favourite parts of the internet are the parts where people share information so i'm just trying to do my bit!

[@texxhexxmm]

Got the 50Watt Head.Love it.

[@user-qt2ok6gd6s]

My 900 reverb is amazing once i learned how to tame it, loads of headroom and still with true Marshall dna. Another great vid Leon, these amps are an underrated bargain.

[@larslevinberget9558]

We got a decent sound out of the MKIII in the 90s by treating it like a "modded 2203"; preamp gain around 4-6 Bass 6 middle 5 treble 4 presence 3 and then master volume around 2...gain sensitivity up around noon according to which guitar, pickups etc Moderate gain tones sounded better cranked up than hi-gain, so we put an SD1 or TS9 in front and a Quadraverb or a DSP256 in the loop :) I heard Lee Jackson had something to do with the design of this amp...at least the 9000 rack series, before he joined St Louis Music designing for Ampeg and Crate in the 90s

[@LeonTodd]

Ooooh that's interesting to know about Lee!

[@jimsassano8778]

LT does great amp demos because of his versatility & ability. And he makes the best faces hands down! There are some good sounds that can come out of this amp

[@LeonTodd]

🙌

[@TheLesgumes]

I have one, I run it with the preamp gain at 8, sensitivity at 5 max (noisy past that), this amp really cuts through the mix. I use it for a doom band, 50w setting loud no boost and it sounds great. Less flabby than a dual rec, a bit less bite than a 6505, less wooly than a Rockerverb. Just turn it up.

[@Allan-ts1ux]

Holy cow Almighty you have hit the good ol rock vibe at the top with a plant and the honey dripppers sound at 3:38 n 346 Leon..love that and Ozzie, I'm in heaven mate.. it's definitely a Frydai night with my favorite two cats 😺 🌏 🦘. Every Marshall are so Kool.. love my two 💓😻

[@rdshred4]

Badlands - High Wire, kudos sir!!! Love that riff!!!

[@LeonTodd]

Jake was on fire with that album

[@stevenlawrence2232]

Great playing as always Leon. For me this amp went from dumpster fire to absolutely on fire at 7:00 and beyond. As usual so much of this stuff is about the nous of the user and tried a true tricks to get that tone

[@LeonTodd]

Wild hey!

[@sergeyv4908]

Week ago i played on gig with Rockerverb and JCM900 and now i do not understand a hate of JCM900 - it has a nice tone. JVM maybe more flexible (and complex indeed) but this thing can make all you need. What the story behind? Why people are not paying enough respect for that series?

[@AngusClarkGTR]

In retrospect 900’s aren’t as bad as we all said they were. I think the main thing is that they seem to be designed to sound pretty good at lower volumes, but they don’t sound great when you turn them up. Thanks for putting it on the bench!

[@larslevinberget9558]

Yes! Contrary to my Peavey VTM60 and Marshall 2203 half stacks, I had to turn up to band volume to get my tone, the JCM900 sounded sweet at bedroom volume :)

[@LeonTodd]

Excellent point! The older Marshalls definitely start to glow up around 4 on the MV

[@R3dbudd]

My first tube amp. Got one in 92 I think for $650 with an Ampeg 2x12. Left the sensitivity off, gain around noon and boosted with a Soundtank TS9. Gut at work has it since the late 90's and won't sell it back to me. Sore spot in the heart with this one, lol. Got an SLX to try to scratch the itch but it wasn't the same, didn't love that one.

[@saveroom_]

The gain controls seems to behave similar to Tech 21 double drive

[@MusicOfDreamweaver]

Leon, real talk: I have always associated you with the black singlecut PRS, but lately the DGT is everywhere. Is it a new favorite? Squeexing out the SC?

[@LeonTodd]

The SC lives in Drop C so it's "The Ragdoll Guitar". The DGT is killer in Drop C but I play it in standard a lot and the coil tap makes it a great all rounder for doing KZbin demos

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Very cool. Sounds like a Marshall to me. 😂 I think it was Europe I saw in a Video I bought on DVD in London live and the excellent guitarists was using like two of these ( probably one as a backup ) and like 4 cabs if memory serves me. I think it was this amp. May have been Jcm 800s. 😂. I'm old and the 70s are killing me. 😂 Great playing as always man. You're the guy if I was jamming with you I would. have a hard time not just listening to you 😂.. We would have fun though I'm sure. ❤.. I hope some day you can come to the States again brother. That boost with the BLD sounded killer man! I get your TShirt today. Then have to go to post office and send out asap.. I haven't forgot ya. ❤ I'm just slow brother. I can't wait to know you've received it. ❤ I bought a shirt yesterday that said ' The man, the myth, the legend ' 😂😂.. I work today at the diner. I got another job three days a week I think as a manager of an apartment complex. Wish me luck brother. It's a good salary and will pay for my gun and guitar toys. 😂❤ You be well sir and have a great weekend brother. I'm off to file nut slots and set up that strat. It's almost ready then I will wear out my fingers tonight making noise thru my Boss ME 70 and headphones. I will have to do some recording. ❤ Later my good friend. ❤ Tim..

[@sadwingsraging3044]

15 years down the drain for my job here recently. Not in a hurry to get back out there myself. Sick of paying taxes. Good luck!

[@SidLives]

From what I understand it’s a jcm 800 with the diodes added, so if that control is set to 0 (11) they’re out of circuit, I think having the relays and such for the switchable MV boost takes away from the classic 800 tones, you should send it to Headfirst let him work his magic on it

[@guitarexpert2245]

I thought you were done demoing Tube amps, so glad you willing to go back to your roots every once in a while. An SL-X demo from you would be wonderful at some point? have an 93 SL-X, it kills. But would love to hear your opinion. Put an EQ in loop to add more low end on the 900's. Fun video.

[@LeonTodd]

So keen to try an SLX

[@eds4754]

Wonderful amp! Some cool distinctive tones that have a 90’s thing going on. Kind of prefer the gain tones in this to a Jubilee. Pretty sure the “Brit 9000” in Amplitube is one of these and not a 4100.

[@ericolson326]

Speaking of trying to make something what it isn't, I own a 900 SL-X that I've had modded (twice?) and still find somehow way too muddy AND too fizzy to be of any use. Eventually discovered the Marshall sound I'd been chasing in -- of all things -- the Synergy BMAN module. 😄

[@mydayis5]

The first proper ‘big boy’ amp I ever owned was JCM 900 MkIII. I was 18 and ordered one from my local music shop in 1990 having been saving for a year one. It was a total dog and when it was nicked from a venue 6 months later I was quietly relieved…..other than having to then save to buy a new amp!

[@rocketsauce5067]

I have a 4100 and I think it's great. I also use my IR-X in the return and that rocks.

[@LeonTodd]

It makes a great power amp hey

[@divebomb99]

Have the 50w. Dime the preamp control. Zero out the Gain/Sensitivity control. Hit the front with a quality OD. Off to the races.

[@thecount9729]

The trick is to leave the sensitivity control all the way off because all it does is engage the clipping diodes. It's a great amp but you gotta crank it with the gain down around 8.

[@JackStolz]

One of my best buddies had a Mkiii. I had the 4500. We used sonic maximizers in the loop. Everyone else I knew had unboosted rectos so the 900s really cut. Maybe too much haha!

[@cliftonwright7081]

Whelp. Not my favorite Marshall sound ever but you make it sound great!

[@vhemi426]

I literally just watched your other jcm900 video about 2 hours ago😭.. this amp has really good things about it and I don’t really understand the hate for it, but I would definitely like to try a 6100

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

The Angle of the amp in relation to you in the video makes the head look 10 feet wide. 😂.

[@LeonTodd]

🤣🤣

[@heavybrett-al4082]

Whoooooo shred time 😜🙏🎸😁🤘

[@bruiserbrawler8054]

THIS is my favourite Marshall.

[@TheOtherJohnBrowne]

All the 900 series Marshalls are underrated. This sounded great

[@jasonweir9155]

I wish Fractal would model this one in the FM3/FM9/AxeIII

[@coalfacechris1336]

Sounds great, LT. Wish I could my SL/X 2100 (Mkiv) over the desert to you for a burn.

[@LeonTodd]

So curious about the SLX now!

[@redsilverjack]

have this amp 2100 and use a mr scary mod in it, sensitivity 0 and volume A at 0 also , its amazing i love it.

[@jasonweir9155]

EQ in the fx loop, Super Overdrive or Klon clone in front and you’re good.

[@sadwingsraging3044]

8:10 💥🔨nailed it!😊sooo gud.

[@Lee-oc8xf]

Leon How to imitate the Marshall JCM900 on Axe FX III?

[@notalkguitarampplug-insrev784]

Could you offer ToneX or NAM capture when doing those nice amp videos? That would be great to try those gem by ourselves with our own guitars ❤

[@LeonTodd]

That's a pretty cool idea actually. I'd like to make some profiles of my entire collection at some point this year.

[@Burkhimself]

I’d heard this was the SLX, but with diode clipping instead of the extra tube….I had an early ‘90’s SLX 100w for a little bit that was really dark and great, sold it for a killer profit. This one sounds great to me…..did you like this better than the dual reverb one ?

[@Dan_Ranger]

That’s right, the S LX was all tube whereas the Mk iii had the diode. I’ve had both amps in he past and preferred the S LX. I replaced both with Laney GH100L’s in the 1990’s.

[@LeonTodd]

Haven't played a Dual Reverb for ages!

[@GeoffField-ks8mp]

New here, great channel!

[@LeonTodd]

Welcome!

[@yjm312]

Very nice tone! a queston off topic any chance the Marshall dsl will be in the fractal?can you make this 900 tone or a dsl tone?

[@LeonTodd]

The Brit 800 Mod or Friedman BE models would be the place to start

[@danielvought1802]

This is the THE punk rock amp. So many punk bands used these and figured out how to make them sound nasty. But punk nasty isn’t metal nasty 😂 these pair up with 5150s really well not so much with mesas there’s a funky midrange thing going on

[@TomekGrzyb82]

Doesn't sound bad at all :)

[@KaddysJamKave]

It's an ok Marshall amp... surprised Bruce Kulick uses the 900 over the 800 though! That always puzzled me...

[@LeonTodd]

Maybe availability?

[@troy2322]

Hi, I just purchased one of these amps, - do you have to have a foot switch to go between the clean and dirty channels on this amp? - I know you said it has a foot switchable master volume. -but is there a way to access both channels without a foot switch?

[@LeonTodd]

You need a foot switch to swap between the masters

[@ryanblackman4119]

What’s that riff @ 1:43?

[@konradchudy1491]

It sounds like 90's Megadeth.

[@LeonTodd]

Hahaha that's a pretty good reference actually!

[@kierenmoore3236]

900s are metalzzz amps

[@chrisdover8507]

I’m pretty sure John 5 used this amp all over Rob Zombies Hilbilly Deluxe?! Dracula etc. maybe Baseford would know?

[@billl.4410]

John 5 used the Dual Reverb 900.

[@borjar.6373]

Can anybody tell me why do they call "mk" to the amps?

[@ryanblackman4119]

Mark, as in the revision number

[@sadwingsraging3044]

-Saggy- _Ponderous_ Like the dragging of iron feet😮

[@cameronlovelace4248]

Did you ever have any more communication with the guy who commented on the previous video and claimed to have designed the OG MkIII?

[@LeonTodd]

I didn't, he had some interesting things to say though so I hope he does!

[@cameronlovelace4248]

@@LeonTodd Coolio. I grabbed a 50w MkIII a couple of months ago with a 1960 cab for $1k USD. First thing I thought when I plugged in was, “It sounds like a Marshall!”

[@rumy6871]

How many of you are on a high wire, baby?

[@michaelmarchei8539]

1st 🥇

[@Stockholm.sweden]

I had one. Very stiff compared to my '85 2204. I sold it, have not looked back. It's got it's thing but it is no 800. Far from it, to thin and raspy.

[@r1deftone]

I have an '85 2204 and an MKIII...I just sold the '85 2204. IMHO the MKIII sounds identical to my 90 2204. (EL34's)

[@Stockholm.sweden]

@@r1deftone the MKIII just has a lot of gain. When you back it down and try to make it sound more like a JMP it falls way short. Back a down 2204 and it sings. Way more useful and a lot more tones from it. The 2204 also has the Low input which is killer for cleaner type of tones. It can be everything from a funk machine, to a blues machine, to a metal machine.

[@r1deftone]

@@Stockholm.sweden I have a '79 JMP 2204 as well. The MKIII has a high/low switch on back, it''s the same as the high/low input on earlier models. If your MKIII didn't perform, it likely needed servicing, new tubes, bias and caps. Also, these amps sound their best when the loop is patched or used. FWIW I also have a 2555, 2205 and an 2500 SL-X. The JMP and the SL-X are my favorites. YMMV

[@Stockholm.sweden]

@@r1deftone nah, it was in great shape. It's just not as good an amp as the 800's. I have three 70's JMP's and three 800's. The 900's just don't come close. Can't polish a turd.

[@r1deftone]

@@Stockholm.sweden You're right, you can't polish a turd. You would know.

[@Bricklinsv1970]

Not ideal for a Metal Amp its so muddy.

[@r1deftone]

@8:00+ isn't muddy.

[@user-qt2ok6gd6s]

Try the solar chug pedal into the front end, it will tighten it up and give you brutal metal tones.

[@hellofx]

There's a good reason why it's been forgotten . . . it sucks.

[@cazziebb1707]

He said goes to 11 not 20

[@LeonTodd]

The jcm900 print add says "this goes to 20...that's 9 more innit"