Who makes a great JCM 800 clone right now?

  • Thread starter Thread starter djpatb
  • Start date Start date
djpatb

djpatb

Member
Just looking for something like a 2204, original circuit style, not modded, and a decent price...like $1500'ish or lower.
Thanks for any ideas.
 
U might be able to find a used fargen olde 800 for that if you look around. Ceriatone also makes an 800 clone for a decent price and its handwired also. Also, any plexi clone amp like a germino or a metro amp can easily switched to 2203/2204 spec as it's only like 3 components and 1 wire to switch. Of course than only 2 of the plexis 4 input jacks will be functional.
 
If you want a 2204, why not just ... buy a 2204? There are two on eBay for $1000 and one for $510 with 3 days left.
 
Well yeah, I could just do that. Haha.
I'm just trying to take reliability and build quality into account.
That's why I was thinking about having a new one hand wired.
 
If an amp from the 80's is still going strong I don't think you need to worry about reliability. Hand wired is only as good as the person who soldered/routed it and you're still relying on a 25 cent resistor or capacitor from china whether it's on a PCB or turret board.

But…just to throw in another option is Granger amps. He seems to make a good one.
 
Check out some of fusionbear's amps on TGP and You Tube. I don't know who he is, but he does some 2204 inspired builds that I think sound pretty good. Gut shots look really nice too.
 
Thanks for mentioning Granger. Cool stuff on his site. I'm also looking at Union Jack Amps' site. Anyone hear anything about them?
 
Ceriatone ($1,100)
/thread

http://www.ceriatone.com/productSubPage ... mplete.htm



front2B.jpg
 
Another vote for Granger. I used to own his 2204 plexi replica. It's very thick and meaty JCM800 tone. Build quality is excellent. The only amp since my SLO that I miss.
 
The kits cost more than an actual JMP 2204 ... what wrong with this picture. :confused:

Also don't like when someone puts a Marshall logo on a clone, bad for the brand. :doh:
 
rupe":27701yd7 said:
glip22":27701yd7 said:
Get an early 80's vertical input.
Click to expand...
How are they different?
Click to expand...
I don't know about the clones Rupe. The early 80's is the quintissential JCM800 tone when you find a good one. Teh good ones have tight low end and are not harsh in the highs. I have played acoupl ethat were woffy in the lows or and had harsh highs.Built like a tank as well. I have a great 83 with GE 6550
 
glip22":1tdld077 said:
rupe":1tdld077 said:
glip22":1tdld077 said:
Get an early 80's vertical input.
Click to expand...
How are they different?
Click to expand...
I don't know about the clones Rupe. The early 80's is the quintissential JCM800 tone when you find a good one. Teh good ones have tight low end and are not harsh in the highs. I have played acoupl ethat were woffy in the lows or and had harsh highs.Built like a tank as well. I have a great 83 with GE 6550
Click to expand...

The circuitry never changed on the 2204 from the horizontal and vertical. The difference is the pots and jacks are board mounted. I know legend is the vertical inputs are suppose to be "better". I had both at the same time. I prefered the horizontal input. :dunno:

As for being dependable? The jcm 800 is known for being very dependable.
 
I would get the real thing unless you need an effects loop, in which case your options are much more limited....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top