Should I just buy a JCM800?

mo6020

Alright chaps - I’m on the verge of pulling the trigger on a JCM800 (the 20w version), but then it was suggested to me that I should check out a Victory Sheriff 22 as I’d be able to get the JCM thing and Hendrix sounds in the same head. 

I have very little experience with Victory Amps, so my question here is two fold:

a) any Sheriff owners want to comment on whether this is a reasonable ask from this head?

b) If I want to do the JCM thing I should just buy a JCM right?

Cheers in advance for any wisdom…

monquixote

You could also buy a DSL as the crunch channel is JCM 800 based.

Alternatively you can't go wrong with an 800.

mo6020

I also asked this question on Reddit and in that thread over there I inadvertently answered my own question with “there really is no other amp that does what the JCM does as well as it”, but the premise of having cranked plexi and JCM in the same head is pretty compelling…

Jonathangus

I don't know whether this works with the SC20, but plugging ino the low input of a JMP 2204, cranking the master and using the input gain for volume puts you in plexi territory.

(From about 3:40.)

TTBZ

It might be worth checking out the 20w Jubilee as well. It does the modded 800 thing on the lead channel and can sound almost identical to the 20w JCM800 on the rhythm clipped clean channel. Dial down the gain and you can do the Hendrixy stuff too. The Jubilee is probably my favourite Marshall (other than a 1987x) it just does everything very well and I kinda like that it flies a bit under the radar and isn't the standard choice. I actually prefer the 20w one to the 100w, just feels nicer to play to me.

mo6020

Hadn’t considered the jubilee, thanks. 

spirit7

Get the 800 and never look back 

fastonebaz

Ffs how many movies have you watched where the message is

You mainly regret what you don't do not what you do do

mo6020

fastonebaz said:

Ffs how many movies have you watched where the message is

You mainly regret what you don't do not what you do do

So you’re saying I should buy both amps. I like the cut of your jib. 

donbot

Check out Brunetti’s Pleximan. It’ll do what you want very nicely.

sweepy

Surely the best solution is to get a full fat JCM800 s/h and wait whilst it goes up in value

ICBM

The JCM800 will do ‘the Hendrix thing’ as well, you either turn the preamp volume down or use the Low input.

jellybelly

I really really miss my JCM800 2203 reissue. Really miss it. 

 Way better cleanish sound than any other JCM I've played, wasn't really high gain, a bit picky with drive pedals. Sounded MEGA. 

Jonathanthomas83

Full fat, I've had 2 reissue 2203's and they're amazing amps.

mo6020

ICBM said:

The JCM800 will do ‘the Hendrix thing’ as well, you either turn the preamp volume down or use the Low input.

Couple of people have said this now, seems I completely missed this the last time I had a 2203 

mo6020

Thanks for comments everyone. Seems the general consensus is I should just skip the 20w and just buy the 2203  

TTBZ

If you have the money and are able to use it at a decent volume (or have a decent loadbox etc) then yeah I'd go full fat, it has that girth and fullness you don't always get with low wattage. The SC20H sounds great but it doesn't punch you in the chest the same

I'd also seriously take a look at the 1987x if you're going for a big'un. It might be my favourite "classic" Marshall. Bit fatter and warmer than a 2203 and feels nicer/more forgiving to play. A bit looser and spongier in the low end without a TS style boost to filter out some low end but I reckon you could still play heavy stuff on it no problem.

Ossyrocks

Or just get a vintage one…….

https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/214115/fs-vintage-park-lead-50-price-reduced

noisepolluter

I’ve got to say this thread isn’t helping my Marshall SC20H hankering, which I thought I had under control. 

mo6020

TTBZ said:

If you have the money and are able to use it at a decent volume (or have a decent loadbox etc) then yeah I'd go full fat, it has that girth and fullness you don't always get with low wattage. The SC20H sounds great but it doesn't punch you in the chest the same

I'd also seriously take a look at the 1987x if you're going for a big'un. It might be my favourite "classic" Marshall. Bit fatter and warmer than a 2203 and feels nicer/more forgiving to play. A bit looser and spongier in the low end without a TS style boost to filter out some low end but I reckon you could still play heavy stuff on it no problem.

I have a load box, I was mildly concerned about the additional space the full fat one would take up but I’m sure I can find room  

tekbow

I didn't read the first post, but yes, yes you should.