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What are the differences tonewise? The JCM RI's are much more expensive
I like a lot of the cheesy 80's tones with stupid amounts of gain, but then I hear some cool 70's stuff and I think the SLP is for me. Either way I'd go with 50w, I just can't imagine ever needing a 100w amp.

I think I prefer the SLP's for rhythm and JCM's for lead but can't have both.

Which does the best impression of the other one? (Does that make sense? I know what I mean!)

Which would you go for if you could only have one?

I'd stick a 2x12 beneath it as well. I've heard bad things about the 1936 so any other suggestions for cabs would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Benja

I think the SLP is a better choice for you. You can get JCM 800ish tones out of an SLP pretty easily, but it's harder to get SLPish tones out of an 800.

Thanks for the advice twoheadedboy.

Do Marshall make a 50w JCM800 RI? I'm sure I've seen old ones, but there's no mention of a 50w version in the vintage series on the website. I guess if I did go with the JCM I have to get an old one. My 2nd hand amp buying experience is pretty bad and I promised myself never again.

I'd be using the amp for crunchy rhythm stuff and pedals for lead playing. How do the SLP's handle pedals? I see Marshall added an effects loop for the RI. I'd guess this doesn't bode well for how well it handles pedals in front. Why would they add something to a RI unless they thought it really needed it?

Kepp 'em coming!

I thought loads of people would have something to say about these amps and how they compare. Unless it's so obvious I should know already, lol. I guess this must be pretty much covered ground here. I've done a few searches but I can't find much out about how these amps compare. Any more opinions please!

-Benja


Originally Posted by benjaturnerThanks for the advice twoheadedboy.

Do Marshall make a 50w JCM800 RI? I'm sure I've seen old ones, but there's no mention of a 50w version in the vintage series on the website. I guess if I did go with the JCM I have to get an old one. My 2nd hand amp buying experience is pretty bad and I promised myself never again.

If you get the 2203 RI, just pull the inner or outer pair of power tubes, and you'll have a 50 watter. It won't sound exactly the same as a 2204 for a number of reasons (transformers, filtering, etc.) but your amp will breakup sooner. Keep in mind though a 50watt amp is *not* half as loud as 100 watter... you'll still be very loud.
Originally Posted by benjaturnerI'd be using the amp for crunchy rhythm stuff and pedals for lead playing. How do the SLP's handle pedals? I see Marshall added an effects loop for the RI. I'd guess this doesn't bode well for how well it handles pedals in front. Why would they add something to a RI unless they thought it really needed it?

Kepp 'em coming!

You mention that you would use pedals for leads... the 1987x and 1959x handle boost and distortion pedals very well in front. I think the effects loop was primarily added to be used with time-based effects (delays, reverbs) and other special effect type pedals that could use the added clarity of an FX loop.

I have owned a 2203, 2204 and 1987x. I still have the 1987x and I love it. You can get JCM800 style tones and you can get cleaner also.
If you want that modified 80s jcm800 tone you can put a distortion unit in the effects loop.

I've had an 81 JCM 800 which I thought sounded much better than the later ones, and a 50 watt plexi reissue as well as an original 50 watt plexi and 73 50 watt metal face. All of these amps are long gone but what I can tell you is this--The JCM 800 sounded more like a plexi the less you used the master. In other words, max it out and the differences were not that big. The JCM 800 also sounds (to me) worlds better using greenbacks or G12H30 speakers over the stock 65 or 70 watt celestions the cabinet came with.

The plexi reissue I had, which was a cool white, sounded incredible but was just too loud for my use. I mean I was in hard rock, early metal heaven with this amp.

The 73 metal face 50w may have been the best sounding along with the original plexi. These two amps just sounded warmer and more full. The 73 needed a box to get shredding leads and metal crunch but nothing needed for rock, blues etc...

Hope this helps. They are all great amps.

Both are great amps. In choosing between the two, it boils down to personal preference. Try them both and go what you like better.
And no, there is no JCM800 RI 50 watt (2204 model). Only the 100 watt 2203.

I have both a '86 JCM 800 and a 1987x plexi RI, and they both are great! The JCM is able to be quiet, and the 1987 is nothing but loud. I think I like the 1987 more, but I'm not able to use it as often because it so freaking loud. I should probably get a hotplate or something. The 1987 has such a buttery smooth overdrive, it just makes you smile and hit a huge G chord. I run both amps through a greenback loaded 4-12 or a 1936 2-12. I haven't noticed anything wrong with the 2-12, though i have the 200(?) watt EV speakers (ala Zakk Wylde) in it. I agree with 75lespaul in that when you run the power amp up full, you get a very plexi-ish tone.