Marshall JMP 2203 Buy or Not?

Post by Sean Brisson
Hi all. There is a Marshall JMP 2203 head for $1300 that I really like
the sound of. Is there any other model I could buy with exactly the
same sound for a better price? I was told that the JCM 800 era 2203
after 1983 don't sound the same. I don't care if it's combo or if it's
the 2204 50watt model I am just looking for the same sound ie no cheap
buzzy overdrive. Please advise.
Thanks a million.

The 2204/50 watt is definitely going to sound a bit different and,
depending on the speaker cabinet you played through with the 2203, a
combo amp and/or more or less speakers is going to sound different
from a closed back cabinet like a 4x12. I find that 100 watts tends
to have a bit more balls in the lower mids; which you prefer is
strictly a matter of taste and tolerance for high high volume.

Jim

2007-01-31 00:09:19 UTC

Post by RichCI

Lower frequencies take brute power. But my "bass" resides around "2,"
so I'm not bothered by a shortage of bottom end. ;^)

which you prefer is

Post by RichCI
strictly a matter of taste and tolerance for high high volume.

Jim

2007-01-30 21:59:39 UTC

Chances are that the next 2203 won't sound "exactly the same" due to
tube differences and 20% tolerance in many of the construction components.

Have you compared that amp to a JMP series 2204? The 2204 sounds a bit
"browner," with less power (obviously) and less voltage to the output
plates. Translation: Even less buzzy with earlier power tube crunch.
A 2203 will often spec a bit higher than 100W, and an early lower
voltage 2204 under 50W. That can turn out to be the difference between
TOO LOUD, and tolerable volume.

As for 1983 being a difference in tone for the 2203, I can tell you that
it's more like 1981 for the 2204. I can't say the exact date, perhaps
it's with the JCM 800 designation, but at some point Marshall increased
the voltages on the 2204.

Here's a voltage chart that came with my amp (which I bought off the
showroom floor): Loading Image...

Sean Brisson

2007-01-30 22:57:31 UTC

Chances are that the next 2203 won't sound "exactly the same" due to
tube differences and 20% tolerance in many of the construction components.
Have you compared that amp to a JMP series 2204? The 2204 sounds a bit
"browner," with less power (obviously) and less voltage to the output
plates. Translation: Even less buzzy with earlier power tube crunch.
A 2203 will often spec a bit higher than 100W, and an early lower
voltage 2204 under 50W. That can turn out to be the difference between
TOO LOUD, and tolerable volume.
As for 1983 being a difference in tone for the 2203, I can tell you that
it's more like 1981 for the 2204. I can't say the exact date, perhaps
it's with the JCM 800 designation, but at some point Marshall increased
the voltages on the 2204.
Here's a voltage chart that came with my amp (which I bought off the
showroom floor): http://www.seattle-attorney.com/2204_voltage.jpg

Hey guys thanks. I hear what you are saying about the differences
between 50/100watts and speakers etc. I have quite a few amps over the
years but I had never really liked the Marshalls except for a 1972
Marshall 2046 Speacialist Combo that had reverb and a 15 inch Green
back. That was a beautiful sound! but it was the first circuit board
amp Marshall came out with and it was constantly having heat related
problems. This is the first marshall I have come across that sounded
as good as that one did. But I have only tried a few as was turned off
quickly by some of the Buzz sounding models so I never really bothered
much with them. Then today I happen to notice this just because of
its' older vintage look and thought I would have a listen. Very nice
sound.. but $1300! .. it there not any other Marshalls that sound like
this from the last three era that a working man can pick up for $800?
By the way... If anybody wants a 69 Bandmaster reverb in almost mint
conditon send me and email. I think I will sell it and get this
marshall. I really don't want to it's been my second favorite amp
besides my first marshal 2046 but, if I can't find a marshall that
sound as good as this JMP for $800 somethings going to have to go.

What do you say is it worth it to get rid of my beloved 69 BMR for the
JMP or is there another one just a good for less?

Jim

2007-01-31 00:07:25 UTC

Chances are that the next 2203 won't sound "exactly the same" due to
tube differences and 20% tolerance in many of the construction components.
Have you compared that amp to a JMP series 2204? The 2204 sounds a bit
"browner," with less power (obviously) and less voltage to the output
plates. Translation: Even less buzzy with earlier power tube crunch.
A 2203 will often spec a bit higher than 100W, and an early lower
voltage 2204 under 50W. That can turn out to be the difference between
TOO LOUD, and tolerable volume.
As for 1983 being a difference in tone for the 2203, I can tell you that
it's more like 1981 for the 2204. I can't say the exact date, perhaps
it's with the JCM 800 designation, but at some point Marshall increased
the voltages on the 2204.
Here's a voltage chart that came with my amp (which I bought off the
showroom floor): http://www.seattle-attorney.com/2204_voltage.jpg

I've never played that animal.

That was a beautiful sound! but it was the first circuit board

Post by Sean Brisson
amp Marshall came out with and it was constantly having heat related
problems. This is the first marshall I have come across that sounded
as good as that one did. But I have only tried a few as was turned off
quickly by some of the Buzz sounding models so I never really bothered
much with them. Then today I happen to notice this just because of
its' older vintage look and thought I would have a listen. Very nice
sound.. but $1300! .. it there not any other Marshalls that sound like
this from the last three era that a working man can pick up for $800?

Here's a 2203 schematic with voltages:
http://www.kbapps.com/audio/schematics/tubeamps/marshall/JCM800masterM2203-100W.html

The voltage difference go beyond power amp plates. There are some real
differences in the preamp as well. My first gain stage runs with 100V
on the plate, compared to 250V in the 2203. Granted, they are also
biased differently, but lower voltage often means less headroom and an
earlier distortion. I'd like to say that the 2203 preamp should sound
like mine, but I can't. But what is key is that YOU like it.

Unfortunately, more "modern" Marshalls just don't sound as good to me.
Sure, they have more gain, but many use clipping diodes for distortion.
That's the source of the buzz. I'm sorry, but clipping diodes and
LEDs belong in stomp boxes, NOT tube amps! For high gain, I chose a
Mesa Mark III over "modern" Marshalls.

Post by Sean Brisson
By the way... If anybody wants a 69 Bandmaster reverb in almost mint
conditon send me and email. I think I will sell it and get this
marshall. I really don't want to it's been my second favorite amp
besides my first marshal 2046 but, if I can't find a marshall that
sound as good as this JMP for $800 somethings going to have to go.

2203/2204's are appreciating in value as people *appreciate* the tone.
People who discover them learn that not all preamp tube distortion
sounds like hornets in a coffee can! The bloated prices of the reissues
also don't hurt the price of the vintage amps.

I'd still try to haggle down from $1300. I still think it's a bit high.
Some music stores like Guitar Center put WAY HIGH prices on them,
thinking "well, it'll either sell, or it'll keep appreciating every day."

Post by Sean Brisson
What do you say is it worth it to get rid of my beloved 69 BMR for the
JMP or is there another one just a good for less?

There's no other good option that I can think of. I really like the JMP
2204. But it's all a matter of personal choice, and I'm only one guy
with one opinion. Other possible options like Bogner and similar
vintage Marshall type tone are no cheaper. And the early JMP master
volumes are appreciating as you read this.

I played early silver face Bandmasters and Bassmans in the 70's. They
are fine amps, no doubt about it. But I'd rather have a good JMP 2204,
any day of the week. I eventually bought some additional amps, and now
have a Super Reverb for clean to blues.

If you LOVE your Bandmaster, maybe it's best to think about something
else for a couple of days, then revisit the idea. If it sells in the
mean time, you have more incentive to find earlier JMP models.

Sean Brisson

2007-01-31 16:29:51 UTC

Chances are that the next 2203 won't sound "exactly the same" due to
tube differences and 20% tolerance in many of the construction components.
Have you compared that amp to a JMP series 2204? The 2204 sounds a bit
"browner," with less power (obviously) and less voltage to the output
plates. Translation: Even less buzzy with earlier power tube crunch.
A 2203 will often spec a bit higher than 100W, and an early lower
voltage 2204 under 50W. That can turn out to be the difference between
TOO LOUD, and tolerable volume.
As for 1983 being a difference in tone for the 2203, I can tell you that
it's more like 1981 for the 2204. I can't say the exact date, perhaps
it's with the JCM 800 designation, but at some point Marshall increased
the voltages on the 2204.
Here's a voltage chart that came with my amp (which I bought off the
showroom floor): http://www.seattle-attorney.com/2204_voltage.jpg

I've never played that animal.
That was a beautiful sound! but it was the first circuit board

Here's a 2203 schematic with voltages:http://www.kbapps.com/audio/schematics/tubeamps/marshall/JCM800master...
The voltage difference go beyond power amp plates. There are some real
differences in the preamp as well. My first gain stage runs with 100V
on the plate, compared to 250V in the 2203. Granted, they are also
biased differently, but lower voltage often means less headroom and an
earlier distortion. I'd like to say that the 2203 preamp should sound
like mine, but I can't. But what is key is that YOU like it.
Unfortunately, more "modern" Marshalls just don't sound as good to me.
Sure, they have more gain, but many use clipping diodes for distortion.
That's the source of the buzz. I'm sorry, but clipping diodes and
LEDs belong in stomp boxes, NOT tube amps! For high gain, I chose a
Mesa Mark III over "modern" Marshalls.

2203/2204's are appreciating in value as people *appreciate* the tone.
People who discover them learn that not all preamp tube distortion
sounds like hornets in a coffee can! The bloated prices of the reissues
also don't hurt the price of the vintage amps.
I'd still try to haggle down from $1300. I still think it's a bit high.
Some music stores like Guitar Center put WAY HIGH prices on them,
thinking "well, it'll either sell, or it'll keep appreciating every day."

Post by Sean Brisson
What do you say is it worth it to get rid of my beloved 69 BMR for the
JMP or is there another one just a good for less?

There's no other good option that I can think of. I really like the JMP
2204. But it's all a matter of personal choice, and I'm only one guy
with one opinion. Other possible options like Bogner and similar
vintage Marshall type tone are no cheaper. And the early JMP master
volumes are appreciating as you read this.
I played early silver face Bandmasters and Bassmans in the 70's. They
are fine amps, no doubt about it. But I'd rather have a good JMP 2204,
any day of the week. I eventually bought some additional amps, and now
have a Super Reverb for clean to blues.
If you LOVE your Bandmaster, maybe it's best to think about something
else for a couple of days, then revisit the idea. If it sells in the
mean time, you have more incentive to find earlier JMP models.- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Hey Thanks Jim. I think you hit the nail on the head with it all! !
went home last night, pulled out the 69 Bandmaster on 10 with the JBL
D130 cab.. Its was a pretty darn sweet sound. Obviously not a marshall
but very sweet sound in it own. I will wait, sell off some of my other
amps that I don't use, distract myself untill I can save up for a JMP
2204 haa haa ha.
Thanks again!

Jim

2007-01-31 19:21:25 UTC