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Choosing two Marshalls that compliment eachother nicely (clean Vs aggressive)

frank1985

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Jun 16, 2015
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Ok I'm venturing into valve amp head territory after mainly recording direct with software modellers. I've decided to stick with Marshall as that's what most of my favourite artists used back in the day. Which amps compliment each other the best IYO, in terms of clean and polite (relative to the marshall sound) vs dark and aggressive? I'm strongly considering the JTM45 head for my clean tone.
Alternatively, are there any Marshalls that are the best of both words?

Edit: Type of music I'm into- just about everything I guess, which is why I want to cover those tonal extremes. To be more specific, I like the deep, ballsy sounds of Sabbath, blues inspired rock (cream, zz top etc) psychedelic (Hendrix), stoner rock especially, but also more nuanced stuff like jazz fusion, ambient shoegaze etc. I have a bit of a bipolar approach to creating music. Though blues seems to be at the center of everything I do.
 
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jb_abides

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Any specific jcm800?

What Tolly said.

Do you intend to ABY these 2 prospective amps?

This is my 'base case' approach, exactly same territory: JTM plus JCM800 2203.

Before you are compelled to go vintage or the 45 and 50, do understand the use case and know there are lower wattage versions, clones, and also all-in-ones e.g. the Fargen Olde 800 Mk3 which has a "decade" switch: JTM 45 / Plexi / JCM 800 so you could get 3-in1... depending on use.

Do you intend to ABY these 2 prospective amps?
 

frank1985

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Jun 16, 2015
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Yes I will likely use an ABY switcher.

What are your thoughts on plexis - can they offer a good compromise between the two eras? Doesn't look like the fargen is being made anymore and doesn't pop up much on reverb.
 
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jb_abides

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Yes I will likely use an ABY switcher.

What are your thoughts on plexis - can they offer a good compromise between the two eras? Doesn't look like the fargen is being made anymore and doesn't pop up much on reverb.

Plexi to me is a 3rd thing.

Fargen was just an example of an all-in-one, that came to mind.

More suggestions for clones of each individual model will come .... and real Marshalls too! Remember they came out with the mini 1 Watters of each, and also have the newer SV/SC that people are into, etc.

Regarding Ben Fargen: I believe he is still making amps and can be contacted phone, email below, he might be able to do a custom job JTM/JCM switcher.

Not pushing. Just informing.
 
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jb_abides

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BTW an LPF member just threw this sweet JTM offset package up for sale

 

Tollywood

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@frank1985 New plan: You should buy this JTM 45 Offset limited run using the money you had for both amps. Worry about getting a JCM 800 later.
 

frank1985

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Jun 16, 2015
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I'm UK based so not an option. But I probably should have stated my budget, which is up to 1k for each amp. Assuming used.
 

Tollywood

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I'm UK based so not an option. But I probably should have stated my budget, which is up to 1k for each amp. Assuming used.
It’s a good thing I don’t have an extra $5500 because I would want that offset half stack. Correction, I DO want that half stack but I don’t have any money right now. That’s a more accurate statement.
 

jb_abides

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It’s a good thing I don’t have an extra $5500 because I would want that offset half stack. Correction, I DO want that half stack but I don’t have any money right now. That’s a more accurate statement.

Money and space for me, something would have to go... hard choices.
 

jb_abides

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I'm UK based so not an option. But I probably should have stated my budget, which is up to 1k for each amp. Assuming used.

Used or new, UK-based companies, UK-made amps would probably be better value than clones [unless used and already in UK] given your location plus VAT, is that correct?

If so, have you checked out Victory, Blackstar, maybe Orange [great sounding, not exactly equivalents to those specific sounds]? If you are close to Guilford, Anderton's are big proponents of Victory and usually have many models on-hand. However, budget might be a challenge, and finding the right deal at the right time on used, etc...

Of course, you might find used deals on "real deal" Marshall heads: recent releases of 'Vintage Reissue' JTM45-2245 and JCM800 2203.

Actually you can get pretty close to your budget with *new* Marshall using this scenario, with an emphasis on the JTM45 as the more 'prestigious' of the lot:
- Vintage Reissue JTM45 2245 30 Watt - 1,500 pounds​
- Studio Classic SC20H JCM800 20 Watt - 800 pounds​
Which of course will certainly let you get under that number with excellent used condition gear that could be readily available in your market area.

I think the big issue for you will be supply chain issues and backlog for Marshall for new, you may have to pre-order.... and wait! That supply-demand situation means the used market is priced higher, relative bias toward the 'new' price. Of course, waiting for that to subside also brings risk i.e. whither inflation goeth?

Good luck!
 

ADP

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Jesus the amplifier advice on this forum is embarrassing! Run for the hills!
 

Tollywood

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It's been quite helpful actually... but I'm curious to know what you advise. Bless me with your wisdom ;)
Thank you, Frank. I was trying to be helpful. I stand by my JCM800 advice. It’s a fantastic amp for hard rock tones.
 
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