Is There Tonal Difference Between JTM45/1987x/1959x/100JH?

[Brandon]

Hey guys,

I may be in the market soon for a vintage marshall head, and I'm looking at my different options like the jtm45, 1987x and 1959x etc.

My question is, is there a TONAL difference between these amps? Or is the difference between these amps simply a matter of power and loudness?

Would love your insights for those of you with experience with these amps!

Brandon

[frank9310]

Didn't hear you mentioning the Vintage Modern? Why would you want any of those when the Vintage Modern kicks the crap out of all the ones you mentioned as far as tone goes?

[jboyjams]

Those are all great amps Brandon.

I currently own 3 out of 4 - all in brand new condition.
They all do vary in tone, volume and gain. I pretty much set them all up to break up a little to where it can be played softly for a nice clean tone or hard for a bluesy tone - then use overdrives or Fuzz Faces to get them singing.

1987x - 1997 pre-effects loop with Drake transformers and no bright cap (EL34's)
- Great amp and tone - really loud and need to use an Ultimate Attenuator. Breaks up somewhat
on 2 on the volume knob. Gets loud quickly then just adds some gain. Takes pedals incredibly well. Tighter than the JTM's but still FAT and balanced.

Super 100JH - 2006 with Drake transformers (KT 66's)
- Great amp and tone - can use with or without an Ultimate Attenuator due to the nice taper on the volume knob. Takes pedals incredibly well. This is a very clean amp and huge sounding. Much cleaner than the 1987x and much bigger. Very dynamic to pick attack. Gets some ghost notes on the G string single notes around the 9th fret when pushing the amp.

JTM45 - 1989 with Drake transformers (6L6's)
- Great amp and tone - not very loud and do not need to use an attenuator. Breaks up somewhat
on 5 or 6 on the volume knob. Then adds some gain. I can play it on 10 but prefer 7 or 8. Takes pedals incredibly well. I was pleasantly surprised that it can be boosted further with pedals even when on 8. Just a little ghost notes. This amp gets the most saturation and harmonics of the 3. It is warm and fat. I may be selling this one - can't keep all 3 but had to try them all...

[Wildone]

You did a very good description of those amps jboyjams. I would love to try that Super100JH some day. I play mostly country rock but I think a amp like that would really hit it.

[jboyjams]

You did a very good description of those amps jboyjams. I would love to try that Super100JH some day. I play mostly country rock but I think a amp like that would really hit it.

Thanks Man - surprisingly I can't decide between the JH and the 1987x - I thought it would be a no-brainer but I'm getting good results with the 1987x - it's pretty clean, clear and warm.
After a dozen gigs with it, I just switched to the JH to gig with for the real test. Too bad the gig was a ruff one in a small room with the lights on.... Pretty funny - the girl that sings 6 or so songs with us would not get up - I didn't blame her - gig from hell it was.

I even video recorded both in my house to help me decide and I like them both - we'll see after soem more tries.

I like the amps in your signature - I'd love to try out the 2466 and the 1959 - always loved Page (and Hendrix, Clapton, Allman, etc..)