Why I Bought My Marshall JCM 800 2203x

[@shanewoodman]

People associate "heavy" with gain but what makes an 800 heavy is the punchy and defined frequency range it delivers.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Absolutely. But you speak from experience haha! Most don’t have that experience and just know it is a very popular amp. I’m pretty happy with it so far, but I also just got a JCM 2555 so I have to divide my time between the two haha Cheers -Ryan

[@X9Eric]

@@Crypticmaskguitar Very curious to hear which of the two you like the best after some play time? JCM 800 or JCM 2555?

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

They are definitely different beasts... similar, but different haha! I will be doing some shootouts in the net couple of weeks once I have had some time with both amps! Cheers -Ryan

[@X9Eric]

@@Crypticmaskguitar awesome looking forward to it! Thank you Ryan!

[@ericandrews1661]

I think the reissue Jubilees are different from the originals while the 2203x is an exact duplicate of the best of the 800 series of 2203. Imo the 2203x is far better. An amazing amp and beautifully made.

[@PabloArielDalinger]

best amp in the world, i got the 2203 reissue and i love it

[@chadhagene7665]

This sounds great. The JCM 800 seems to just fit perfectly in the mix.

[@alexguitar841]

At the end of the day the JCM800 is the most JCM800 that ever JCM800'd.

[@clintn6677]

Yeah 800 and plexi cranked is basically most amps crunch channel. An 800 and a boss SD1 is magic though.

[@chrisv924]

JCM 800 just has “that” tone! I have a Studio version and paired with an SD1 is pure magic! Great playing and great tones!

[@johntweeton6667]

Great video. As a Marshall JCM and JVM owner that plays Gibson Les Paul's exclusively, their is a huge benefit of adjusting the Tone Control on the Les Paul that dramatically can effect the sound of your tone!! Boss SD-1 is my boost choice. Add an attenuator and your all set!!

[@semojo1]

My wife bought me a JCM 800 / 4x12 marshall cab for Christmas years ago and I loved it. I played it with a treble booster in front and sounded great. Problem was it was way too loud when I dialed it in where I liked the break up / tone.

[@tomasorrtiz]

Check out some "Amp attenuator" out there. It may be what you are looking for.

[@geraldrauch1701]

awesome brother!!! the ending song snippet is great, and i'm really diggin your les paul!!! cheers!!!

[@snicklefritzthetab8411]

Both JCM 800......2203 and 2204, kick arses and take numbers. Best amps I have.

[@Mr.Pink1996]

Jcm800 is my dream amp

[@andrewspade7969]

I brought a JMP 2203 unheard because of the great reputation and they are suppose to have tonnes of gain, well even boosted I was so disappointed. After being played a hand full of times it sat unplayed for easy 8 years, then I heard of the Legendary Tones Lynch Mod and this transformed the amp, boosted or not I now play it all the time.

[@stevenrehfeld5939]

Yep, you need volume for these amps to come alive. Back in the day, I'd put a RAT pedal in the front for solos, but with enough volume I always thought they had enough gain

[@EricBertrand777]

I agree its punchy aggressive yet very clean. These amps really sing on single notes. That Mesa cab is definitely helping it out though. Made it sound mean bra 👊🏼

[@Bunn4Funn]

Much like my Jmp 50 it takes vol to make em come alive. Mine is modded with a master and can get some great tones, but the real magic happens when the master is dimed, pre amp on edge of break up and hit the front with whatever flavor you desire. I’m not looking for tones similar to your example (great sound and playing btw) but more a classic rock sound. I am lucky enough to be able to achieve these levels of sound at home but when I play out it takes a big room or outdoor stage to open her up and not have the FOH dude yelling at me….. cheers! Congratulations on the new amp!!

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

I ALMOST ordered a JMP 50 last Thursday... But I ended up Ordering 2 Fender US Parallel Universe Guitars instead. It was a little more money than the JMP 50, but, I just got a Silver Jubilee 100w 8 days ago and I knew that I was getting the JCM 800. I didn't want to get too many amps all at once and have one get lost in the shuffle. But I've still got the itch for a JMP. Such nice amps! Cheers -Ryan

[@IndyRockStar]

Update: Hi Ryan. I'm getting my 2203x in a week and half! Can't wait. Thanks so much for your videos.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Congrats! It's a great amp! Cheers -Ryan

[@neutron_audio]

Great vid Dude!

[@castleanthrax1833]

Nice Custom you've got there. I've never seen one like it before. ✌️🇦🇺

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

It's an '88 Showcase Edition. Originally came with Black Hardware and EMG 81/85. I still have all of the original hardware, but I prefer the Gold and orange 500T/496R Combo! Cheers -Ryan

[@sayid98]

Hey Man, really enjoy your channel. I'm planning to get another head (currently own a 6505+ 120 which I really like). JCM800, Dual/Triple rectifiers are on my wish list. Which one would you get first? Thanks!

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

It all depends on what you are playing and what you are doing. If you are recording and looking for something to play nice with the 6505+ then I would say the 800 would round the sound out a lot more. Live the 800 will allow you to cut more… but the dual rec sound is very different and specific. Cheers -Ryan

[@sayid98]

@@Crypticmaskguitar Thanks! I should've mentioned that I mostly play heavy stuff (very little recording) at home (low to mid volume). I just wanted to add some new dimension to my 6505+. Eventually I'll end up getting both 800 & one of the rectifiers. Just don't know which would give me more 'new' metal tone if I were to pick one now. Also if you recommend the rectifier, would appreciate your thoughts on dual & triple variants! Thanks again!

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Dual vs triple is really about headroom. So if you aren’t playing it at quite loud volumes then the triple wouldn’t really do you much good as opposed to a dual. Cheers -Ryan

[@roryyerama5496]

Sounds good to me! 👍

[@goobiecaro8135]

I liked your tone. I didn't think it was too much bass. It is a versatile amp. I noticed your pedal chain. Very similar to mine along with guitar. I play a 50 watt version and thru 2x12s (I have a few open and closed. My favorite cab configurations). I go straight a lot. Something about the open/airiness I really like. I also have quite a few boost/drive/fuzz pedals to change the flavor. I also enjoyed your other videos with this amp. Maybe try the head with a open back cab. Keep them coming.

[@johnsimms3957]

Could you do a comparison video that features this 2203X with a Marshall 1959 without any effects? Just plug straight in and crank it up.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

If I buy a 1959, then yes. Cheers -Ryan

[@X9Eric]

Awesome video thank you Ryan! Agree with you 100% on never being bowled over by this amp whenever checking one out in the past. But tons of peeps LOVE IT. I was probably doing something wrong. You made it sound great though! Looking forward to the next video showcasing this amp, some of your killer riffs, your thoughts on tis amp, and learning more about what I was doing wrong with this amp from you! Thank you again Eric from the the X9 Eric channel.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Doubt you were doing anything wrong. This amp needs to be LOUD AS FUCK and needs a Boost in front haha. Most people, myself included, try it out in a store... dry. Even with the Pre-Amp cranked and Master almost dimed you are still in break up territory. But pop a boost in front... BOOM! The other thing I've found so far is that the EQ section is weird. Bass controls are best around 9:00 for high gain... presence usually around 10:00... Mids at noon... Treble around 1:00. I usually have most settings between Noon and 3:00. Cheers -Ryan

[@jannatinkarlen8702]

Hi, i am quite familiar with jcm 900 dual reverb, but not 800. How is it compared with 900? Is 800 really better as people say? I find 900 has the problem of being too bright, and nasty with some settings and speakers

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

I haven't done side by side or direct comparisons between the two. I also own 32 Amp Heads... so giving accurate representations between the two without doing side by side would have to be taken with a slight grain of salt. BUT: JCM 900 I find is a nice and dark amp with gain, where as the JCM 800 moves a TON of air but can be a little tricky to dial in. JCM 900 you can get away with everything dimed with a boost and it sounds awesome... the JCM 800 needs to be properly dialled in. I will probably do some shootouts in a couple of weeks. Cheers -Ryan

[@thejakefromstatefarm6768]

Nice metal track on the end. I think your lows were fine. Nice to see a metal guy playing a les paul. I play everything with a les paul.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

I’ve been addicted to Strats lately… but I have 12 Gibson Les Pauls for a REASON! LOVE THEM! Cheers -Ryan

[@aaronburnett1131]

I purchased one last month, had it for 25 min before I purchased the “hot rod” mod for it

[@gkuzmanov]

JCM 800 never had enough gain for metal. Most of the bands that used to play it on stage back in the days, used to "krank the sh*t out of it" in order to deliver the goods and still many of them had it modded for more gain...

[@castleanthrax1833]

C. Nash, I agree with you about the lower wattage but I'd prefer a 5 watt myself. I have a 5 watt Blackstar and it's great. Probably would've gone Marshall if they had one. ✌️🇦🇺

[@a-nus]

what are you talking about gramps lmao put an sd1 in front and its mean

[@IndyRockStar]

JCM800 is one of my holy grail amps. I've never played one except by model profiles, but I've I always loved the sound I've gotten off the profile. I've been shopping for one, but I've been told that I should be looking for a used 2204 instead of the 2203x. Any thoughts?

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

The JCM 800 is definitely a loud amp, so 50w 2004 wouldn't totally hurt you. Would break up faster than the 100w 2203X. I haven't played a 2204, personally. I've always played through 100w JCM 800s. Cheers -Ryan

[@b1gnutt]

I just traded a Roadster and a Gibson LPJ for a modded JCM800 2203 (canadian version w the metal power standby) no rAgReTs lol but honestly, this amp is goat. I a/b it with a Badlander

[@techdeathhippie6319]

The bass eq is great. I love low end like that . I don’t think you over did it

[@crunch_amp9282]

Sounds killer 👍😁

[@jessemuscato]

Is the greatest Amp ever made besides maybe a Hiwatt

[@ArticLight14]

JCM800s were never developed for the modern metal sound. They hold their own though. Just go watch Euges channel.

[@santiagomoreno696]

Nice, how much did you pay for it? I'm trying to find a reasonably priced 2210 or 2205 in Florida but there aren't many options out there. I even wanted to get the Silver Jubilee from thomann, but apparently now they only sell it with the 230V transformer (I checked last year and I'm 100% sure they sold it with the 120V transformer) and the price increased too.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

I'm in Canada so these are $4,200 New... I got this for $2,500 Used. Prices are increasing like CRAZY everywhere! The JCM 800 was $2,900 new a couple of years ago! Luckily the Silver Jubilee didn't really go up in Canada. I had to wait 4-5 Months for mine to come in. Came in 8 Days before I bought the JCM 800. Both amps are Great Choices! Cheers -Ryan

[@XlouietheflyX]

You skirted around the word 'dickheads' for most of this video, ha ha

[@fredlanster9936]

A hot rodded plexi rules the work!!!

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

Marshall Plexi is next on my list! Cheers -Ryan

[@lovecraftmusic8717]

What year is yours? Or is it a reissue?

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

2016 Reissue Cheers -Ryan

[@lovecraftmusic8717]

@@Crypticmaskguitar thanks. I have another off-topic question since you have a lot of amps and could possibly help me: I have a Jcm800 2203 too but I'm looking for an affordable high gain amp that is not bright/fizzy and possibly easy to play; I have a very light touch (I play 08 strings and still have tendinitis sometimes) and the Jcm800 feels like a rock that I have to push with all my force. I remember playing an Engl long time ago that almost played on its own...I'd like something like that.

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

ENGLs aren't really budget friendly haha! I have an Invader 150... that thing is AWESOME... very mid/low heavy! I'd recommend checking the used market for something in the line of a Mesa F-100, Peavey 6505+ (although pretty dark sounding), Laney Ironheart (decent), or a Marshall DSL/TSL (The Deep switch really helps and has tons of gain). Rockerverbs are good if you throw a boost in front and sometimes you can get those used at a decent price. Cheers -Ryan

[@lovecraftmusic8717]

@@Crypticmaskguitar yeah, I know... I said Engl only as an example because it was one of the few high gain amps I ever played having that feel. The 6505 being dark is not a problem, I love dark amps. Thanks again. Can you tell me more about the F100? Do you have it?

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

The 6505+ will give you a somewhat similar feel to the ENGL… not tonally… but ease of playing. The Mesa F-100 is a great underrated amp! With or without a boost it sounds great! Great alternative to a Rectifier or a Mark Series. I own one and I’m always shocked at how well it works for down tuned guitars. Probably best for Doom (even though I don’t really play that way). I have a few videos with it. Cheers -Ryan

[@thejakefromstatefarm6768]

Any Marshall takes a certain amount of volume to get to the break up point.

[@blacklion401]

I own two VHT’s, JCM 800 doesn’t hold a candle to it and no way it’s got more gain. People are crazy. I’ve played and owned a JCM800. They aren’t all equal, some sound amazing and some don’t. If you ever get a chance check out a Metroplex, I own one and it’s definitely got that Holy Grail Marshall thing going on but even better and no pedals needed, FX loop is great too 🤟🏻

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

I have a VHT Pittbull Ultralead and it is AWESOME for High Gain! But the Crunch channel (which was supposed to be reminiscent of a JCM 800 I believe) falls a little flat for Break-up tones compared to the JCM 800. For sure the older JCM 800s could be quite different. There are good and bad. I have 32 Tube Heads at the moment and I have to say this is already pretty high up there on the list. Will be a great pair for some other heads in high gain or (even more important in my books) grab a Strat in Eb Standard or S Standard and put the JCM 800 in break up territory… HEAVEN!! Cheers -Ryan

[@rafabertholdo]

Lmao, people that say jcm800 is a high gain amp probably never played one. If you boost it may get in metal territory.. otherwise it’s an amazing hard rock tone machine.

[@portercrocker6757]

Did you buy this from stang guitars lol?

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

100% I usually buy something from them once a month. Great store! Cheers -Ryan

[@joelhargraves4603]

I don’t think anybody would claim a jcm800 is a super hi gain

[@Crypticmaskguitar]

No one who has played one anyway... Cheers -Ryan

[@MetalZoned]

Yeah people on the internet often don't know what theyre talking about lol

[@mikeflanders1292]

JCM 800 has 0 gain. Wtf are people smoking when they say that they "have the most gain" ?? Nope. Not even close. If you're not boosting, or using a modded one, they are very disappointing.

[@lovecraftmusic8717]

Imagine me buying this amp because of Iron Maiden, Slayer, Annihilator and Trouble...and having not as much gain even with an sd1. If I could go back in time I would buy a Mesa mk IV or a Jcm900 (probably still not enough aggressive but less expensive).Still today I'm looking for an affordable high gain alternative. Peavey 6550 were affordable until few years ago...and even if I find one for the right price, they have a ton of tubes and would cost an eye especially with what's happening with the Russian war

[@jasonsapp792]

I haven't even watched this all the way through and the dumb comments you are talking about how people are saying how much gain a JCM800 has is ridonkulous ! Hahaha....that is amp THAT NEEEEEDS to be boosted ...okay gonna watch the rest

[@thejakefromstatefarm6768]

Shit i swear by jcm 800’s! All you need is one head and a 4x12 cab and you can gig anywhere.

[@EM-km8em]

What if you need high gain for death metal? What would you recommend to pair it with

[@ryanlee6042]

These are the same ones that take a fender blues amp and turn the gain up to 3 for a "rock tone". They're talking out of their asses.