Author Topic: Best EL34 head sub-£1000 (Read 5056 times)

sambo · « **on:** February 09, 2008, 02:29:18 PM »

Ok chaps, I don't have ANY cash right now (for a number of reasons; not all bad either :twisted:), but this is just an info-gathering thread for in the future.

SO, after playing my mates Marshall TSL, (which I used to DESPISE beyond words by the way), in direct comparison to my ENGL Screamer for quite a while now, I find myself totally dissatisfied when playing the ENGL.

It's a great amp, but I now know that the sound in my head is EL34s all the way. Whilst the TSL is still a buzzy, fuzzy, arse of an amp in many respects, the tone-ballpark that it's in is where I want to be. I've tried a couple of Oranges (not at great volume levels unfortunately), and been really quite impressed with them too.

BUT, for anyone who has read me spout on about hardcore/punk bands that I some times mention... well, I managed to actually have a chat with one of the guitarists about his gear. (Incidentally he's currently using an old VOX JMI 30 watt head- for heavy punk!). He recommended an old Marshall; JCM800 or JMP 50 watt. All he said made sense- aligned with what I had found from my mates TSL in many respects. So, contrary to my life-long "I will never have a Marshall" policy, I find myself seriously craving one. :?

ANYWAY- cutting to the chase. :oops:

I know there's several guys on here who are clued-up on the old Marshalls. Which models would suit me? What are the model numbers/names to look out for? Which manufacture year? What are average prices?

Needs to be sub-£1000 really. As low as possible ideally!

I'm mainly focusing on the JMPs and JCMs to start with, but anything else you think might suit me I will also consider. Anything other than Marshall too- brand new amps, whatever.

It needs to be EL34s, and with brutal hard rock distortion. Not metal; think vintage heavy rock I guess. Aside from that- anything goes. I don't need reverb, or 3 channels or whatever. An effects loop would be NICE for my ISP Decimator but not essential I guess.

Sorry for the essay, and I REALLY appreciate any response to this as I am totally unsure where to start.

Thanks!

Sam. :)

Will · « **Reply #1 on:** February 09, 2008, 02:49:47 PM »

http://www.erikhansen.net/?page_id=8

First paragraph of that is the basics really, but then leads on to 900's.

going back as far as JMP's there were some with master vols... you may want to disclose whether you would prefer one or not :P

Stevepage · « **Reply #2 on:** February 09, 2008, 02:55:47 PM »

Put simply. Laney GH100L. Can't go wrong.

_tom_ · « **Reply #3 on:** February 09, 2008, 02:56:12 PM »

Well I'm always recommending Laneys but have had mine for ages now and still like it so thats got to be a good sign :) If I remember right you like Gallows, I heard from indy that they use GHs of some kind so might be worth checking out if you like their tone. I'd still want to try out a good JCM800 though.

sambo · « **Reply #4 on:** February 09, 2008, 03:01:49 PM »

Cheers chaps. Thanks for the website Will- and yeah a Master volume is definitely preferable, but not essential.

Yeah Tom Gallows use VH100Rs (live, that is). I do like they're tone actually, but I've never had the chance of playing a decent Laney.

I'll put the GHs and the VH on the list!

Dakine · « **Reply #5 on:** February 09, 2008, 03:34:59 PM »

Sam, whattabout a modded Marshall?
USA I know but check

Bray
http://www.davidbrayamps.com/

Voodoo
http://www.voodooamps.com/home/

and Cameron
http://www.cameronamplifiers.com/

for some examples.

Of course there are people that can/do mod amps in UK so going a modded route may be a good idea also.

indysmith · « **Reply #6 on:** February 09, 2008, 03:36:07 PM »

Quote from: _tom_

I heard from indy that they use GHs of some kind so might be worth checking out if you like their tone.

ya did not! lol

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #7 on:** February 09, 2008, 03:59:05 PM »

you'll be hard pushed to beat the Laney GH50L for what you want - it's a slightly tweaked version of the 2204/2203 Marshalls.

sambo · « **Reply #8 on:** February 09, 2008, 04:11:10 PM »

Cheers for the sites Nick. :) Very quick look on the Voodoo site.. awesome looking V-Reck model!

Modded marshalls to the list!

Tom I think it was probably me who told you that Gallows use Laney in the first place. :lol:

And HTH- that is VERY interesting! In what way is the Laney different then?

And 2203/4 Marshalls would be JCMs? Or is it a wider group than just the JCMs?

Cheers everyone.

DeanS · « **Reply #9 on:** February 09, 2008, 04:19:51 PM »

For classic rock (and metal with a pedal) you can't go wrong with either a JMP master vol or an early (vertical input) JCM800. Its the tone of 70'80's rock and they can be modded quite easily. Ebay- expect to pay 450-600 ish for a good one.

_tom_ · « **Reply #10 on:** February 09, 2008, 04:28:03 PM »

Quote from: indysmith

Quote from: _tom_
I heard from indy that they use GHs of some kind so might be worth checking out if you like their tone.

ya did not! lol

I swear you said GH100s or something? Maybe twas the VH afterall :?

Brow · « **Reply #11 on:** February 09, 2008, 05:17:34 PM »

I'd also recommend keeping an eye out on Ebay for a Laney Pro Tube Lead 50 or 100.

The 1 I had sounded very similar to my JCM800 2210 tonally, but alot better than the 800 at anything less than Wembley Stadium volume levels :lol:

Will · « **Reply #12 on:** February 09, 2008, 06:30:32 PM »

2203 2204 could be either jcm800, or jmp 2 input, master vol.

Looking for one myself, thats why I saw that quiet jcm900 site comparing the MKIII to a 2203, with the JCM900 just having two master volumes

hunter · « **Reply #13 on:** February 09, 2008, 06:34:34 PM »

Marshall Vintage Modern is the new Cool

At least it's up high on my personal GAS list ...

AdamB · « **Reply #14 on:** February 09, 2008, 06:48:49 PM »

What about a Marshall DSL?

Author Topic: Best EL34 head sub-£1000 (Read 5056 times)

Stevepage