JCM800 2203 '91

[Encore]

So.. There is an original JCM800 2203 on sale in my city. It was made in '91. The price is $1100.
I see this amp as an replacement for my Vintage Modern which I am going to sell if I get this JCM. Maybe mod it with #34 mod.
What do you guys think about it? What shoud I check when I'll take a look at this amp by myself?

[rineanna]

Don't sell your VM!!!! The VM has way more tones under it's hood. Don't get me wrong the 800 is a great amp just not nearly as versatile as the VM


Just my 2 cents

[Encore]

I knew that "Don't sell your Vintage Modern!" will be the first answer.
Yes, Vintage Modern is an awesome amp, I know it. Just interesting to try something else. And it's not necessary to sell 2466, but I don't need 3 amps.
I want to know if this is a good deal or not. The good thing is that I don't have to pay for shipping and customs and I can check it out before buying.
I could buy a modded JCM800 from Neylus, but he lives in Morocco, so it's cheaper for me to buy this amp for $1100 and mod it here in Ukraine.

P.S. rineanna, how do you like your Blackstar HT-1 amp? I'm looking for a little and quiet amp for practice.

[rineanna]

Hey, the Blackstar is great for what it is. It's not amazing but it does sound good at low enough volumes but it can get pretty loud. I notice you have an AFD100 as well. I think with that and the VM you'd be completely covered but you should try the JCM if you want. What type of music do you play?

[surlybastard]

I would, of course, recommend keeping the VM but if an 800 fell into my lap and that was the only way to make it happen I might be persuaded to part with mine. It's just such a legendary amp I'd love to chance to own one for myself.

What I will say is if it's in great condition and the price is right you can always find another VM a few months from now if you decide the 800 isn't for you since there's so many of them out there. I hate to steer someone away from the VM, but you gotta follow your tone heart sometimes!

[Encore]

My AFD100 is on service for two monthes already. I'd like to have an amp for backup that is close to AFD100 (maybe even better, who knows?). It was so easy to play AFD, those tones worked really great for me.
I play GN'R, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin.. I was able to get all that tones with AFD100 only, even cleans.

Thanks for replies! I guess that I'll take a look at this JCM anyway.

[rineanna]

Go for the JCM if you want but the VM does GREAT Gun's N Roses, ACDC etc. That's the stuff I play. Just remember to keep rockin'

[Mats A]

If you like the 2203 go for it. Try the amp and see if find any problems with it. If possible maybe take out the chassi and see if it looks OK. If you use a booster/overdriver or an attenuator the 2203 is just as versatile as the VM. In my opinion it has more punch in the tone than the VM. Being made in 1991 it must be one of the last originals before the Reissues. Thought they stopped making the original JCM 800´s in 1990. If it´s the amp on the picture you talk about i wonder if it´s not a Reissue. Shouldn´t it have vertical inputs otherwise? The early 80´s 2203/2204 JCM 800´s had the inputs like on the picture. One thing is that you have no effects loop on the original 2203 if you use such.

[surlybastard]

If you like the 2203 go for it. Try the amp and see if find any problems with it. If possible maybe take out the chassi and see if it looks OK. If you use a booster/overdriver or an attenuator the 2203 is just as versatile as the VM. In my opinion it has more punch in the tone than the VM. Being made in 1991 it must be one of the last originals before the Reissues. Thought they stopped making the original JCM 800´s in 1990. If it´s the amp on the picture you talk about i wonder if it´s not a Reissue. Shouldn´t it have vertical inputs otherwise? The early 80´s 2203/2204 JCM 800´s had the inputs like on the picture. One thing is that you have no effects loop on the original 2203 if you use such.

I never noticed that when looking at the pictures, but I think they stopped making the vertical input 800's around 84-85 (don't quote me on that) so I'm wondering what exactly that is. But there were exceptions depending on where you bought it. For example I live in Canada and all 800's produced for Canada have steel switches (not plastic) and vertical inputs. If it's a newer 800 it should technically have the horizontal inputs, but again who knows.

[Encore]

It's sold already. I was late.
On the other side I've got great news from Germany - my AFD100 is repaired and I can pick it up!
Any way I've saved some cash and by the end of this year I will be able to buy the Golden Jubilee.