NAD (new to me): 1980 Marshall JMP 2104 50W (2204 combo)

[2dor]

This thing arrived today & I'm surprised it made it in one piece given how the guy I got it from packed it up.


Gave it a quick test and it's alive! Seems to be mostly original (except power tubes), can caps included.


Can't put it through its paces right now but will set some time aside for it the next few days.

I finally own an OG Marshall

 

[Richard_G]

Cool!

 

[MirrorProfiles]

Congrats! It's a beaut. Love those pointer knobs which are very specific to that era of Marshall. If you're planning on having it serviced, the bias caps are also worth refreshing and maybe adding screen grid resistors to the power tubes. Jason Tong has several videos about the importance of getting the right preamp voltages with the dropping resistors so they're worth checking to make sure you're in that –315V range in the preamp.

The best thing with these combo's is that they can be fitted into a head cab very easily. I have a 1979 2204 that I moved into its own head:

 

[Dez]

It looks like you’ve given that thing a new lease on life. I love rescuing gear lol

 

[JiveTurkey]

Awesome! Congrats!

 

[2dor]

It looks like you’ve given that thing a new lease on life. I love rescuing gear lol

The thing sounds great. Those speakers are very well voice for the amp.

 

[2dor]

Congrats! It's a beaut. Love those pointer knobs which are very specific to that era of Marshall. If you're planning on having it serviced, the bias caps are also worth refreshing and maybe adding screen grid resistors to the power tubes. Jason Tong has several videos about the importance of getting the right preamp voltages with the dropping resistors so they're worth checking to make sure you're in that –315V range in the preamp.

The best thing with these combo's is that they can be fitted into a head cab very easily. I have a 1979 2204 that I moved into its own head:

View attachment 57416

The thing's been serviced 3 months ago per the owner by a tech (he sent me pics from when it was on the bench). I do want to take the chassis out and at least inspect the caps for leaks / bulging and check bias and plate voltage. I've cranked all dials on 10 and the Master on 6 and the thing's rocking like a champ; no weird noises or anything fishy yet.

I reached out to Zilla to see if they can make me a smallbox shell with the JMP cutout like the they had here:

https://reverb.com/en-si/item/12959504-marshall-style-small-box-head-shell-for-jmp

If they can & it doesn't cost a fortune, I'll very likely rehouse it.

Those speakers though.. really sweet. T3054 EM4 on them.

 

[Alex Kenivel]

Damn dude that's sweet!

 

[DrewJD82]

Congrats, man!!!!

FWIW, Sourmash did my Ceriatone headshell and 2x12 cab and they’re both stellar quality- https://sourmashguitarcabs.com/

I was looking at my 4x12 yesterday and considering re-tolexing it in purple then start daydreaming about getting the head and 2x12 purple’d up as well. The white is cool, but purple is cooler.

 

[2dor]

Congrats, man!!!!

FWIW, Sourmash did my Ceriatone headshell and 2x12 cab and they’re both stellar quality- https://sourmashguitarcabs.com/

I was looking at my 4x12 yesterday and considering re-tolexing it in purple then start daydreaming about getting the head and 2x12 purple’d up as well. The white is cool, but purple is cooler.

Thank you. I've been looking for quite some time for a 2204, not necesarily in great cosmetic condition, with the original trannies. Surprised to see how rare these came up once I started.

I've glanced over their stuff a while ago but since they're in the US, the cost will climb up a lot since I'm in Eastern Europe (Romania). I've got another lead from @MirrorProfiles which is on this side of the Atlantic.

 

[TubeStack]

Killer find! Enjoy!

 

[RGB]

My first Marshall...sold it about 10 years ago. Mine had old Creambacks in it though. Loved it so much when I could turn it up...best tone I ever had straight in.

Have fun with that thing.

 

[bikescene]

I’m curious to hear how this original compares to the modern day interpretations you have like Ceriatone JCM51 and the JCM800 Modified.

 

[2dor]

My first Marshall...sold it about 10 years ago. Mine had old Creambacks in it though. Loved it so much when I could turn it up...best tone I ever had straight in.

Have fun with that thing.

It's a pretty cool amp - takes a boost sooo well.
Got some 30 more minutes with it today & I really dig it.
Need to ask around for a great tech in my area to give this puppy a full check-up - I really like it & want it to last me a looong time.

 

[2dor]

I’m curious to hear how this original compares to the modern day interpretations you have like Ceriatone JCM51 and the JCM800 Modified.

So far, I'd say the Ceriatone when in 800 mode is more polished than both the JMP 2204 and 2203 Modified.

The 2203 is the more aggressive of the bunch no doubts there although when I flip the Ceriatone JCM51 in Plexi mode and engage the bypass capacitor (V2A switch), that thing gets really raw and grindy too. The 2204 seems to have more gain than the Modified 2203 at the same knob positions though (no 2203 mods engaged).

They're all great amps & you can't go wrong with either one. Nik's (the Ceriatone) feels better/sturdier built if that helps.

 

[EOengineer]

The best thing with these combo's is that they can be fitted into a head cab very easily. I have a 1979 2204 that I moved into its own head:

literally the first thought I had. Lol

I hate combos so much but this is undeniably an incredible circuit. Id get it into a head shell pronto.