NAD - JCM1H

[gwEm]

Great amp!

Sounds really really close to my JMP50 2204. I think the JCM1 might have a hair more gain, also it doesn't lose all the low end when you turn the preamp gain down (I have tweaked my JMP to fix that though).

The Jubilee mode has more gain again (definitely sounds like diode clipping), and a bit darker. I can take or leave it, prefer it off for sure but I've found myself using it for bits and pieces.

The EQ controls provide useful tone shaping (just as with my 2204), and I'm digging the 0.1w/1w switch. 1w can still piss people of definitely, 0.1w is perfect for late night.

I find it looks a bit too twee (!), and I would love it to have an effects loop (even though my 2204 doesn't have one).

Is it worth the £470 I paid for it? Big question... I'm not sure at this stage, but this little thing definitely sounds great and has a manageable volume level. I can hear the power amp distortion which never happens with the JMP ;) Probably its better for me than the JMP50 actually, it sounds every bit as good and alot more practical for what I use it for. The JMP50 has alot more of that EL34 roar of course - but I never actually heard that very often!!

Now in order to get approval for this I've indicated to the missus I'll sell the JMP50, my 1912 cab, my Lead 12, my Sansamp PSA and also my Marshall 20/20. I must admit it probably is time to downsize a little on the amp front.

[blue]

very cool little amp, i have heard good things about them.  pity you have to dump the other gear though.  of course, sometimes practicslity does have to come first :(

since you get pretty much all the tone of the bigger amp in a much more usable package, i think it's fair to to say it is worth the money.  we tend to look at the price of amps compared to their wattage, but really there's just as much building involved in the 1 watter.  smaller transformers though

[gwEm]

I'm being a bit hard on the missus, she isn't point blank making me dump the other stuff, just suggested it. I think she might be mostly right though(!)

The transformers are smaller in the 1w as you point out, but they're made by Dagnall, so should be decent quality.

[Philly Q]

I find it looks a bit too twee (!)

If it's too loud, you're too old.

And if it's too twee....... you're too tall.  :P


Sounds, and looks, great!  Now I have GAS for both the JMP1H and the JCM1H.....  :?

[gwEm]

Sounds, and looks, great!  Now I have GAS for both the JMP1H and the JCM1H.....  :?

They are both equally good I think.. The only one I haven't tried in the range now is the JTM :)

When I first plugged into the JMP1 and struck a power chord my first reaction was 'Thin Lizzy!' sounded just like those opening chords to The Boys Are Back In Town. Then I got a bit disappointed by the lack of master volume and the very subtle EQ. First class basic tone though, proper earthy!!

The JCM1 for all intents and purposes sounds just like my existing 50w head, so in a way it's nothing new for me. On the other hand, the tone is just as I want it to be, but with a big dose of practicality. Maybe the JMP1 is a bit more rich, but I couldn't say the JCM1 was thin in any way. With the master volume and responsive EQs you can't argue with the JCM.

In an ideal world I'd love to own both too :) that won't happen because of the price of course. Even now I still find them a bit expensive, if they were 100 quid less it would be easier to swallow for sure. But how Blue explained it in his post is right of course. They sound like the big amps, but more practical, so are worth the price.. But something in my head baulks at paying that much for 1watt!!

I keep comparing with the Laney Cub head, maybe these Marshalls sound 30% better, but more than twice the price of course.

[Philly Q]

When I first plugged into the JMP1 and struck a power chord my first reaction was 'Thin Lizzy!' sounded just like those opening chords to The Boys Are Back In Town. Then I got a bit disappointed by the lack of master volume and the very subtle EQ. First class basic tone though, proper earthy!!

The JCM1 for all intents and purposes sounds just like my existing 50w head, so in a way it's nothing new for me. On the other hand, the tone is just as I want it to be, but with a big dose of practicality. Maybe the JMP1 is a bit more rich, but I couldn't say the JCM1 was thin in any way. With the master volume and responsive EQs you can't argue with the JCM.

Thanks for that extra info.... I am still naturally inclined towards the simplicity of the JMP1, but it's a tough one.

In an ideal world I'd love to own both too :) that won't happen because of the price of course. Even now I still find them a bit expensive, if they were 100 quid less it would be easier to swallow for sure. But how Blue explained it in his post is right of course. They sound like the big amps, but more practical, so are worth the price.. But something in my head baulks at paying that much for 1watt!!

Whereas for me, the wattage is a non-issue, in fact it's a selling point because I'll never have any need for a powerful amp.

I must admit, when I first read about these little amps I got a sudden urge to collect all five.... but even by my idiotic standards that would be truly idiotic.  And truth be told, only the JTM, JMP and JCM really appeal to me - the DSL and JVM are both a bit too modern and complicated for my liking.

[gwEm]

I must admit, when I first read about these little amps I got a sudden urge to collect all five.... but even by my idiotic standards that would be truly idiotic.  And truth be told, only the JTM, JMP and JCM really appeal to me - the DSL and JVM are both a bit too modern and complicated for my liking.

I quite liked the DSL, I thought it was okay.. a bit like what I think about the big ones too ;) not bad at all, but not what I dream of in an amp. I thought the JVM sounded a bit poo, I don't doubt it's a perfect copy of the big amp, but it's too modern, too high gain for me.

[richard]

These are the first low wattage valve amps that have ever appealed to me because there is nothing like a cranked vintage Marshall. I had a 50w 2 x 12 combo in the seventies which was probably the best sounding amp I've played through but I had to let it go because it only worked when it was really LOUD. Way too loud for a pub player.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

Congrats! Glad you like it, but it's a shame you're getting rid of your MV. Will you be replacing all that sold gear with anything new?

[Hammerheart]

the DSL and JVM are both a bit too modern and complicated for my liking.

Personally I didn't think either sounded that great. The JVM1c sounded like mud to my ears. I'd been longing to try one out too. I tried it with the JMP1c. The JMP1c blew it out of the water.

[Sancho]

Congrats!
As you probably remember, I love my JCM1. I don't think it's overpriced really. You're not paying per watt, you're paying for tone ;)

[Philly Q]

Forgive my customary ignorance where the world of amps is concerned, but anyone got any thoughts on which of these Marshalls work well with particular guitars or pickups?  Presumably the older-school models are the best bet if you're into P-90s?

[Sancho]

So far, the JCM1 has coped splendidly with every guitar I've plugged into it (unfortunately, no P90s).
The JTM however, is extremely picky and only really seems to like PAF style pickups.
The JMP I tested in the store sounded rather good with a 61RI SG, and quite buzzy with single coils.

[Twinfan]

Forgive my customary ignorance where the world of amps is concerned, but anyone got any thoughts on which of these Marshalls work well with particular guitars or pickups?  Presumably the older-school models are the best bet if you're into P-90s?

I'd say JTM or JMP for you Philly  ;)

[Telerocker]

Congrats, looks like a fericious amp!  :)