The JCM800 series is a line of guitar amplifiers made by Marshall Amplification. The series was introduced in 1981. Although models 1959 and 1987 had been in production since 1965 and the 2203 and 2204 had been in production since 1975, they were redesigned and introduced as JCM800 amplifiers in '81. The JCM800 amplifiers became a staple of 1980s hard rock and heavy metal bands.
History
In 1981, Marshall finally reached the end of its 15-year distribution deal with Rose-Morris, which had severely limited its potential to sell amplifiers outside England; Rose-Morris tagged 55% onto the sticker price for exported models. The JCM800 was the first series produced after the contract expired. The name comes from Jim Marshall's initials, "J.C.M.", coupled with the meaningless "800" from the number plate on his car. It was later noted that "800" stood for the decade. For example, the JCM900 was released in 1990 and the JCM2000 was released in 2000. The series included head amplifiers with matching cabinets, as well as combos, and was produced until the 1990s. It quickly became a very successful amplifier, and ubiquitous amongst hard rock and heavy metal bands.
Description
These were the second series of Marshalls equipped with a master volume, which allowed for more distortion at lower volumes. Compared to the earlier "Master Volume" series, they offered some advantages, including the possibility to be patched internally and linked with other amplifiers. The first JCM800s were in fact Master Volume amplifiers, repackaged in new boxes with new panels. Soon, however, the Model 2205 and 2210 appeared on the market. These were equipped with two channels, which could be activated via a foot switch, allowing for separate lead and rhythm sounds. They also had an effects loop and reverb, also a first for Marshall. Initially, users complained that the amplifiers sounded flat compared to the older Marshalls, until it was discovered that the fault was with the speakers: The new cabs had been equipped with a new kind of Celestion speakers. Marshall quickly reverted to the older Celestions. Still, some users prefer the pre-JCM800 amplifiers, claiming that those have a warmer, less "brittle" sound. The amplifier was equipped with EL34 valves for amps sold in the UK and 6550 tubes for amps exported to the United States. The JCM800 is considered a "hot" amplifier because it has more gain stages than comparable amplifiers. Anyway, there is a difference between the early 2203/2204 and the later dual channel models 2205/2210 models as in their "lead" mode, an extra clipping Diode provides extra gain to the pre-amplifier. Nevertheless, this is also one of the reasons why many players prefer the early JCM 800 Models 2203/2204 to the 2205/2210, since they are considered to be more organic sounding without the added diode clipping.
