Thoughts/opinions? ‘82 - 2204

  • Thread starter Thread starter itsme
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itsme

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So, I have an ‘82 JCM 800 2204 that I bought in ’15. When I got it, I had my amp guy go thru it. He replaced a couple capacitors that he sd were spent, and also recapped and converted it to EL34’s. I’ve gigged it a hand full of times and jam thru it periodically, But, for the past 3 or 4 yrs, I always take other amps to the gigs due to need for effects loops. I have no need to get rid of it, don’t want to mod it, and don’t want to spend money on an attenuator just for a loop. So it looks like I have 3 options today:

1) Sell or trade it
2) Add a loop, who cares if it’s 41 yrs old?
3) Keep it as a collectors piece for occasional jamming

What would you fellas do?
 
If you really love the amp, keep it. If you really need a loop and don't want to slave it out to another power amp/effects(more gear, pain in the $%%), then grab a zero loss FX loop and put one in.
It's your amp; a loop 'might' be detrimental on resale but it can also be returned to stock pretty easily.
 
Racerxrated said:
If you really love the amp, keep it. If you really need a loop and don't want to slave it out to another power amp/effects(more gear, pain in the $%%), then grab a zero loss FX loop and put one in.
It's your amp; a loop 'might' be detrimental on resale but it can also be returned to stock pretty easily.
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This
 
I would keep it either way. They're only going to go up in value.

A zero loss or metro loop is a relatively pain free mod either way. If you're going to do that, I would send it to Shea or Jeremy and get an extra gain stage and NFB while you're at it. If you're going to go, go big.

If you REALLY don't want to mod, even to add a loop, why not buy a PS1? They work fantastic, and they're fantastic attenuators, and it isn't as complicated as a slave rig. I got one for 500 bones🤷 I basically only use it as a w/d power amp, but the effects loop, recording capabilities, line level, and cabinet impedance stuff is worth the price of admission even without the attenuation imo

I don't know man, it sounds like you want us to convince you to sell your kickass amp, because your only options are the two things you preemptively shot down 😂

If you don't want to mod it or get a reactive load, I guess just sell it. To me. For really cheap.
 
Add a loop, they’re about $70 and not really invasive. From memory it’s like two wires going to pots and one wire for power. Wire it without an on off switch so no holes are necessary.
Anyone who complains about a metro or headfirst style loop on an 800 should be beaten with a fretless wonder les Paul.
 
The Powerstation is really nice for this. And if you have the foot switch for the PS100 you can use the channel switch for boost and the effects loop on and off as well. I wouldn’t sell that
 
Jdub said:
Keep it! I would bite the bullet and get a power station. Game changer..
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alund said:
The Powerstation is really nice for this. And if you have the foot switch for the PS100 you can use the channel switch for boost and the effects loop on and off as well. I wouldn’t sell that
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Yeah, if he really doesn't want to mod it, the power station seems like the no brainer here - it was literally made for this exact purpose, and absolutely excels at it

There's a ton of 2203/2204 type circuits that have loops stock, I guess, that op could make a trade for, but that's way WAY more hassle than either getting some mods done OR saving up half a dozen Benjamins for a power station
 
itsme said:
So, I have an ‘82 JCM 800 2204 that I bought in ’15. When I got it, I had my amp guy go thru it. He replaced a couple capacitors that he sd were spent, and also recapped and converted it to EL34’s. I’ve gigged it a hand full of times and jam thru it periodically, But, for the past 3 or 4 yrs, I always take other amps to the gigs due to need for effects loops. I have no need to get rid of it, don’t want to mod it, and don’t want to spend money on an attenuator just for a loop. So it looks like I have 3 options today:

1) Sell or trade it
2) Add a loop, who cares if it’s 41 yrs old?
3) Keep it as a collectors piece for occasional jamming

What would you fellas do?
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I have a Zero loop I never used with instructions printed out.

I second what DanTravis said about a Power Station.
I use one and love it, both for attenuation and the loop.
 
dcburn said:
I have a Zero loop I never used with instructions printed out.

I second what DanTravis said about a Power Station.
I use one and love it, both for attenuation and the loop.
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for sale ?
 
I have no problem drilling holes in an old 800 and modding it. A 68 super lead, that would be a different story…

My philosophy is if the amp doesn’t make you happy and/or sound great the way it is, what good is it doing? I am not a huge fan of a stock 800. It’s cool for about a minute or two then I’m over it. Not inspiring at all. Unless you boost it, I guess. But I don’t really like using pedals in front. With a good mod, they become so much more dynamic, versatile and fun to play.

If you want a no drill option, find an earlier JMP with 4 speaker jacks. Remove two jacks and put the loop there. 100% reversible.
 
dcburn said:
Honestly I was thinking about it.
Just sitting on a table, bought for my JTM45.

Ive heard people say not to do it, the amp wont sound the same...
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I installed a Headfirst Zero Loss FX loop in my 2204 build ..... installed the bypass switch .... I can't tell a difference .... to my ears anyway
 
griff10672 said:
I installed a Headfirst Zero Loss FX loop in my 2204 build ..... installed the bypass switch .... I can't tell a difference .... to my ears anyway
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I don't mind hearing that opinion.
It's the Metro loop that I purchased.
 
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