Missing back panel on JMP 2203

Madbunyip · 10-22-2009, 05:45 AM

Hi, I've recently added a 1978 JMP Superlead 2203 to the Noise weapon stache. New Winged C's and it sounds great. It has had a hard life, and I would like to restore it as close to original as I can, without doing the tolex. It's missing the back panel and I wondered...

A. what did the original look like...
B. do second hand originals ever appear on the market
C. are there any good replacements available

While I'm here the writing on the back is mostly eroded... my tech advised me that it's set to 8ohm and I run an 8 ohm vintage box (Greenback 25 reissues) but one day I might want to run the second cab and hence need to reset the ohmage. Researching the web I discovered the round bridging devices on some better kept units and discovered they are often missing.

Questions B. & C. would apply here too. But my tech told me I would have to open it up to change the ohmage... but that sounds wrong to me... any thoughts?http://www.marshallforum.com/images/smilies/wave.gif

Wilder Amplification · 10-22-2009, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madbunyip

Hi, I've recently added a 1978 JMP Superlead 2203 to the Noise weapon stache. New Winged C's and it sounds great. It has had a hard life, and I would like to restore it as close to original as I can, without doing the tolex. It's missing the back panel and I wondered...

A. what did the original look like...
B. do second hand originals ever appear on the market
C. are there any good replacements available

While I'm here the writing on the back is mostly eroded... my tech advised me that it's set to 8ohm and I run an 8 ohm vintage box (Greenback 25 reissues) but one day I might want to run the second cab and hence need to reset the ohmage. Researching the web I discovered the round bridging devices on some better kept units and discovered they are often missing.

Questions B. & C. would apply here too. But my tech told me I would have to open it up to change the ohmage... but that sounds wrong to me... any thoughts?http://www.marshallforum.com/images/smilies/wave.gif

First off, I'd like to know where you were able to find a 2203 Super Lead. Must be a rare model.

*sarcasm*

In all seriousness, the model number is a 1959. 2203s were the 100 watt Master Volume models and only had 2 inputs on them. It looks to be a late 70s model...if I could see the serial number I could tell you what year it is.

It looks like someone lost the male part of the impedance plug and hardwired it to 8 ohms internally to make it work, hence why your tech stated that you have to open it up to change the impedance. However, if the existing female impedance plug on the amp is still good, you're in luck. You can still get the male part. I suggest replacing the male part and having your tech wire the secondary taps on the output transformer back the way they were on the female impedance plug and getting a replacement.

Yes you can also get an aftermarket cabinet back for it as well.

Madbunyip · 10-22-2009, 06:18 AM

Hi Jon, thanks for the response... I will try to get an impedance plug and a back for it, though I can't find any photo's of the back of the amp on line so far. I would like to find out where I could get one.
As you have gathered, I am confused about what model I have. The model info is faded out on the back, the tranny has 2203 on it in the last columb, and it has a preamp. I am not sure if it's a Superlead 1959 with a mod, or a precurser JCM800 with a preamp. So can you tell me what you reckon it might be? The serial no ends in K which I think makes it a 1978, as does the builders sticker inside. My tech thinks it's pretty original although has had a hard life and probably been in a garage for a long time...
Geoff

Madbunyip · 10-22-2009, 06:19 AM

Just noticed that you gave the model no... 1959 thanks Jon

Wilder Amplification · 10-22-2009, 06:50 AM

BTW...are you sure the number you saw on the power transformer wasn't 1203? I know most of the Super Leads used a Drake 1203-80 power transformer and a Dagnall C1998 output transformer.

And yes you are correct on it being a '78. It's a '78 1959 MkII Super Lead.

American Viking · 10-22-2009, 12:17 PM

Those rear metal panels are around 90 bucks. A little overpriced, but I think they have them at Marshallspares.com

HOT TUBES 70 · 10-24-2009, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by American Viking

Those rear metal panels are around 90 bucks. A little overpriced, but I think they have them at Marshallspares.com

take the empty head box to any good small metal fab shop , and they
will make you a new back plate . i had one done for my old 2210 years
ago , 15 $ for the custom cover and a shot of black paint . its all good !!!

Madbunyip · 10-25-2009, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by American Viking

Those rear metal panels are around 90 bucks. A little overpriced, but I think they have them at Marshallspares.com

Hi American Viking, I found this place

JMP Cabs

which looks the business at $50...

I hope they are still around, I'll look into it. Mine is pretty knocked around, and I know it's only a 1978 with one of those dreaded Master Vol mods (which sounds pretty good actually). I was wondering what the thinking is on getting the whole box replaced, and how it would effect the value. I don't think the 1978 is particularly collectable... do you think that replacing the box would add or detract from the value... a lot of people seem to like the knocked around look, but I'm a bit old fashioned there in that I like them to look like i give a F#*k. I like them to look as close to original as I can.

By the way American Viking and Jon Wilder and the others, thanks for the informative posts on so many threads, you seem to know what you are on about... and to you all for the tips. This is a great forum.

Cheers

Madbunyip · 10-25-2009, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilder Amplification

BTW...are you sure the number you saw on the power transformer wasn't 1203? I know most of the Super Leads used a Drake 1203-80 power transformer and a Dagnall C1998 output transformer.

And yes you are correct on it being a '78. It's a '78 1959 MkII Super Lead.

Hi Jon, the large tranny in the middle is labelled Marshall - England and has 2203 as the last line on the sticker. They all look original. Even the Filter caps are made in the UK. I'll post a picture in the next couple of days.
Cheers

American Viking · 10-26-2009, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madbunyip

Hi American Viking, I found this place

JMP Cabs

which looks the business at $50...

I hope they are still around, I'll look into it. Mine is pretty knocked around, and I know it's only a 1978 with one of those dreaded Master Vol mods (which sounds pretty good actually). I was wondering what the thinking is on getting the whole box replaced, and how it would effect the value. I don't think the 1978 is particularly collectable... do you think that replacing the box would add or detract from the value... a lot of people seem to like the knocked around look, but I'm a bit old fashioned there in that I like them to look like i give a F#*k. I like them to look as close to original as I can.

By the way American Viking and Jon Wilder and the others, thanks for the informative posts on so many threads, you seem to know what you are on about... and to you all for the tips. This is a great forum.

Cheers

Vintage Head Box is pretty cool. Did you find him on here?
...and thank you for the thank you!

Madbunyip · 10-29-2009, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilder Amplification

BTW...are you sure the number you saw on the power transformer wasn't 1203? I know most of the Super Leads used a Drake 1203-80 power transformer and a Dagnall C1998 output transformer.

And yes you are correct on it being a '78. It's a '78 1959 MkII Super Lead.

Thanks for looking at this guys, here's some pics of the transformers and filter caps... I wonder how original they are? In one photo of the model plate I can make out the imprint of 1959 which has faded... spot on Jon. Thanks again.

American Viking, I did find that site on here in a thread someone had posted, a little more fooling around on google... Still not sure if a new box would increase or decrease the value of what is I guess a very common and less sort after model. I dream of a plexi one day, but here in Australia they are thousands...

Cheers to all.

10-22-2009, 06:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
Madbunyip Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 7	Re: Missing back panel on JMP 2203 Hi Jon, thanks for the response... I will try to get an impedance plug and a back for it, though I can't find any photo's of the back of the amp on line so far. I would like to find out where I could get one. As you have gathered, I am confused about what model I have. The model info is faded out on the back, the tranny has 2203 on it in the last columb, and it has a preamp. I am not sure if it's a Superlead 1959 with a mod, or a precurser JCM800 with a preamp. So can you tell me what you reckon it might be? The serial no ends in K which I think makes it a 1978, as does the builders sticker inside. My tech thinks it's pretty original although has had a hard life and probably been in a garage for a long time... Geoff

10-22-2009, 06:19 AM	#4 (permalink)
Madbunyip Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Melbourne Australia Posts: 7	Re: Missing back panel on JMP 2203 Just noticed that you gave the model no... 1959 thanks Jon

10-22-2009, 12:17 PM	#6 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 1,510	Re: Missing back panel on JMP 2203 Those rear metal panels are around 90 bucks. A little overpriced, but I think they have them at Marshallspares.com __________________ -I'd rather be a good liver than have one...

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