I bought a 2204 half stack brand new back in 85 and that had to be the LOUDEST 50 watt head I have ever played through. On 3 it would rattled the windows in the house. With the higher filtering in those 800's, it was tight, punchy and had a fast attack. It was beautiful!!! To this day I regret having to sell it in 93.
I just want to send you all my head's, that level of care is rare! That fact you glue down a loose bit of tolex, when the rest of the tolex is all fucked up, love it!
I was in Hyde street studio with my 2203 on 6 beautiful-I could only handle it for one take-the intern came in and the look on his face was priceless 😎
It would be super cool if you did demos of some of your favorite Marshalls, maybe ones you just like a lot or ones you've used on certain recordings etc. It's cool just hearing you jam and talk about stuff you like :)
Found your channel today and watching all the videos at once, great videos, easy to understand and great playing. Thanks for all your work! One quick question: Do you put your hand in your hoodie/pocket to avoid completing a circuit or just convenience? Keep up the great work.
I clench my teeth and just go for it... Ha. I typically will just place my hand behind my back when probing. I am always cautious when working inside live equipment.
Great video man! I have a 50w 2500 SLX with the 5881’s. I wanted to see how the KT66’s did to bring out the bottom end. What would that need besides a bias adjustment??
Shouldn't need any circuit changes but it's always a good idea to check the specifications on the tube's data sheet prior to installation. I mainly look for the tubes maximum plate voltage and check it against the actual plate voltage in the amp. Some tubes can only handle 450VDC and it's possible to have a Marshall running close to 500VDC on the plates. I think a typical KT66 can handle 500VDC to 550VDC on the plates in pentode operation so you should be fine. I would also try biasing closer to 60% of your max idle current and you may find the low end is less compressed. Either way, it's fun to try new tubes and never hurts to have spares. Good luck.
Hey, Man, Nice tech info channel! I have a Bugera 6262 and I think to install Resonance pots instead of reverb ones. Could you advise me what potentiometers I have to install ( specs )? Thanks and Greetings from Poland 🇵🇱 🤟
I have not tried the 20W version but I think it's a very cool idea. They nailed the tone in the reissues (minus the useless fx loop) so I would hope they get this one right too
The reissue is a faithful reproduction of the 2203's that were made from 1980-1983. Sounds identical and I have personally seen the circuit and it is spot on. The FX loop is garbage though. The effects send level changes with the level of the master volume. I replaced mine with the Zero Loss loop available from Metro Amp. The only other difference is there is the addition of a hum balance control on the PCB. Great amp.
@@purgasound thanks for the informations. So when the loop it's off doesn't affects the sound! The reissue has the same punch of the originals? cause the punch and the air movement it's a characteristic of this amp! I'm looking for a 2003 but it's hard to choice between a reissue and original... there are many discordant opinions
@@mikkiosantoro1 the loop is bypassed when off. It does not affect tone as far as I can tell. I own a reissue and JCM800's from 1982, 1983 and two from 1987. The new ones sound like the old ones. Marshall did a great job.
@@purgasound ok 👌 and what are differences between 81-84 end later jcm800 with 3 filter caps? More bottom end and more punch for 81-84? I know that also the early models are discontinued
Do the early 80s jcm800s sound better then the later 800s? I just bought a vintage 2203 from 1988 and it just doesn't seem to sound/feel as good as an early 80s 800 that i once owned.
It's all perspective. I have never A/B'ed the two to hear any difference. The 2203's after 1984 lost two 50/50 filter caps. Some have said this results in a lack of power in the low end but I can't confirm that. It is also worth noting that they went back to EL34's around that time too. Previously they were being shipped to the U.S. set up for 6550's. That could make a perceptible difference as the 6550's were biased like an EL34 which means they were biased a little on the "cold" side.
I discharge them when they need to be but I'm not a freak about it. I've hot-swapped breakers in a live 480VAC 3 phase panel before. The exposed service mains and 600A disconnect command my respect but I'm not too worried about a cold amp. I am very cautious inside a live amp for sure.
Hey man, do you have a clear schem of this 2203? Ive had no luck finding a clear and readable one. Only a 2204 has clear one. Im rebuilding a Jcm800 bass series into a lead series 2203 into a turret board. Thanks
2203 schematics are really common and the only difference on the post 1984 2203's is that they simplified the B+ filtering and use two less 50/50uF cans. 2203's are also extremely common amplifiers so I would strongly advise against destroying a rare JCM800 Bass amp in the conversion process. You could sell the bass amp and use the proceeds to purchase a 2203. If you really want to build a 2203 you could save money by purchasing a SLP reissue and you wouldn't even need to replace the circuit board to convert it to a 2203. You would only need to move a few wires and change two or three parts.
@@purgasound you are the nth person who is against converting this amp. The thing is I live in the Philippines. Any JCM 800 is rare here. Im making a new turret board so i can install the stock pcb if ever in the future. I decided to use small size filtering caps that i can fit in the board so i dont have to drill new holes for cap cans.
@@Frankentoane You will not need to drill any holes for the conversion. You will utilize the same type of 50/50uF can filters that are mounted on the amp now. You can board mount smaller ones but it will be easier to use what's already there.
Its not hard to tell your a very experienced electronics tech...one hand in the pocket all the time is a good habit working around high voltages all the time...I noticed it on all your videos...
Great job! You work with pride and care about the customer so refreshing to see man. Cool vid just subbed.
I bought a 2204 half stack brand new back in 85 and that had to be the LOUDEST 50 watt head I have ever played through. On 3 it would rattled the windows in the house. With the higher filtering in those 800's, it was tight, punchy and had a fast attack. It was beautiful!!! To this day I regret having to sell it in 93.
Attention to detail 100 percent great to see... thanks 😎 for sharing your experience...
I just want to send you all my head's, that level of care is rare! That fact you glue down a loose bit of tolex, when the rest of the tolex is all fucked up, love it!
This is making me want to buy broken amps just to do repairs/mods.
I was in Hyde street studio with my 2203 on 6 beautiful-I could only handle it for one take-the intern came in and the look on his face was priceless 😎
It would be super cool if you did demos of some of your favorite Marshalls, maybe ones you just like a lot or ones you've used on certain recordings etc. It's cool just hearing you jam and talk about stuff you like :)
Plexi- 1983 2204 -1987 Sliver jubilee 2554 +Custom shop gold top. Great tone..Real loud and proud.. That amp rocks++Nice tone+++
The extended intro to Genocide! Awesome riff choice!
🤟 Come for the amp repair; stay for the riffs during the trial run 🤟
Glad you're back, man.
"Duuude this thing is fukn awesome...but we're only at like 2...alright...let's crank it up" hahaha
Love your work dude
Wow what a killer sounding amp and great playing too!
hell yeah back to back vids baby!
I like the desolder Gun 👍🏻Nice Video and cool Sounds 🤘🏻
You do quality work.
Dude. Another vid!! So stoked!!!! 😎😎😎
Two new vids in the same weekend?! Fuck yes
Found your channel today and watching all the videos at once, great videos, easy to understand and great playing. Thanks for all your work! One quick question: Do you put your hand in your hoodie/pocket to avoid completing a circuit or just convenience? Keep up the great work.
I clench my teeth and just go for it... Ha. I typically will just place my hand behind my back when probing. I am always cautious when working inside live equipment.
20:51 Gwar - The Salaminizer!! What a great sound
Your good man, nice job 👍
So cool. Very interesting.
Great video man! I have a 50w 2500 SLX with the 5881’s. I wanted to see how the KT66’s did to bring out the bottom end. What would that need besides a bias adjustment??
Shouldn't need any circuit changes but it's always a good idea to check the specifications on the tube's data sheet prior to installation. I mainly look for the tubes maximum plate voltage and check it against the actual plate voltage in the amp. Some tubes can only handle 450VDC and it's possible to have a Marshall running close to 500VDC on the plates. I think a typical KT66 can handle 500VDC to 550VDC on the plates in pentode operation so you should be fine. I would also try biasing closer to 60% of your max idle current and you may find the low end is less compressed. Either way, it's fun to try new tubes and never hurts to have spares. Good luck.
Eating squirrels head first is very metal, for the record.
Where are you located?? have a 50 watt jcm 800 in need of repair,,
About an hour west of Richmond, VA
Hey, Man, Nice tech info channel!
I have a Bugera 6262 and I think to install Resonance pots instead of reverb ones. Could you advise me what potentiometers I have to install ( specs )? Thanks and Greetings from Poland 🇵🇱
🤟
I wish you could be my amp tech. Being in western Massachusetts theres like 1 guy lol.
Man, I’d love to have a loop and master volume on my JTM45 reissue
It doesn't turn on booster chanel light Marshall jcm 800 lead series 2210 but does work. What can I do?
I wish u were located in jersey👍👍
Wow, that thing sounds amazing....whats your opinion on the new 20 watt studio jcm800 heads?.....are they even close to these?
I have not tried the 20W version but I think it's a very cool idea. They nailed the tone in the reissues (minus the useless fx loop) so I would hope they get this one right too
Thanks for responding man!
Hi. Great video! What you think about the 2203x reissue? It's good like this?
The reissue is a faithful reproduction of the 2203's that were made from 1980-1983. Sounds identical and I have personally seen the circuit and it is spot on. The FX loop is garbage though. The effects send level changes with the level of the master volume. I replaced mine with the Zero Loss loop available from Metro Amp. The only other difference is there is the addition of a hum balance control on the PCB.
Great amp.
@@purgasound thanks for the informations. So when the loop it's off doesn't affects the sound! The reissue has the same punch of the originals? cause the punch and the air movement it's a characteristic of this amp! I'm looking for a 2003 but it's hard to choice between a reissue and original... there are many discordant opinions
@@mikkiosantoro1 the loop is bypassed when off. It does not affect tone as far as I can tell. I own a reissue and JCM800's from 1982, 1983 and two from 1987. The new ones sound like the old ones. Marshall did a great job.
@@purgasound ok 👌 and what are differences between 81-84 end later jcm800 with 3 filter caps? More bottom end and more punch for 81-84? I know that also the early models are discontinued
Do the early 80s jcm800s sound better then the later 800s? I just bought a vintage 2203 from 1988 and it just doesn't seem to sound/feel as good as an early 80s 800 that i once owned.
It's all perspective. I have never A/B'ed the two to hear any difference. The 2203's after 1984 lost two 50/50 filter caps. Some have said this results in a lack of power in the low end but I can't confirm that. It is also worth noting that they went back to EL34's around that time too. Previously they were being shipped to the U.S. set up for 6550's. That could make a perceptible difference as the 6550's were biased like an EL34 which means they were biased a little on the "cold" side.
Do you ever worry about residual in those caps?
They look big enough to knock the crap out of you.
I discharge them when they need to be but I'm not a freak about it. I've hot-swapped breakers in a live 480VAC 3 phase panel before. The exposed service mains and 600A disconnect command my respect but I'm not too worried about a cold amp. I am very cautious inside a live amp for sure.
Sorry little squirrel friend. 🐿 ☠️
Hey man, do you have a clear schem of this 2203? Ive had no luck finding a clear and readable one. Only a 2204 has clear one. Im rebuilding a Jcm800 bass series into a lead series 2203 into a turret board. Thanks
2203 schematics are really common and the only difference on the post 1984 2203's is that they simplified the B+ filtering and use two less 50/50uF cans. 2203's are also extremely common amplifiers so I would strongly advise against destroying a rare JCM800 Bass amp in the conversion process. You could sell the bass amp and use the proceeds to purchase a 2203. If you really want to build a 2203 you could save money by purchasing a SLP reissue and you wouldn't even need to replace the circuit board to convert it to a 2203. You would only need to move a few wires and change two or three parts.
@@purgasound you are the nth person who is against converting this amp. The thing is I live in the Philippines. Any JCM 800 is rare here.
Im making a new turret board so i can install the stock pcb if ever in the future. I decided to use small size filtering caps that i can fit in the board so i dont have to drill new holes for cap cans.
@@Frankentoane You will not need to drill any holes for the conversion. You will utilize the same type of 50/50uF can filters that are mounted on the amp now. You can board mount smaller ones but it will be easier to use what's already there.
Send me your email address and I can send you a copy of the post-1984 2203 schematics.
Where can I buy that hoodie, chingon?
can you link the desoldering gun? shit $300?
2:00 Why is the box so wide. There is nothing on the right side...
Its not hard to tell your a very experienced electronics tech...one hand in the pocket all the time is a good habit working around high voltages all the time...I noticed it on all your videos...
Thanks for noticing! It's always good practice to keep one hand in your pocket or behind your back when poking around live equipment!
17:37