JCM800 Bass Series.

kilsin · 03-03-2009, 12:34 PM

Hi,first post here. Trying to get any info on a JCM800 bass series MKII Super Bass 100 watt model: 1992. Not much if anything is available. Heard there is a mod to make this amp nice for guitar. Has been used for bass for years. Brought to a tech for power tube replacement and biasing. Tech offered to buy it, no price was discussed. How much is it worth?

American Viking · 03-03-2009, 01:10 PM

got any pictures? please don't mod this amp...

kilsin · 03-03-2009, 01:59 PM

I'll try to get some tonight. Here is someone elses amp, same model just not the actual one.

kilsin · 03-03-2009, 02:11 PM

American Viking · 03-03-2009, 03:39 PM

If it looks exactly like that one the year would be 81-83. Not 1992. They didn't make them like this that late. If it is just like this one, you're talking upwards of $1000.

kilsin · 03-03-2009, 03:54 PM

Thanx for the reply. Maybe you missread my post. It says model 1992 right on the back. I did'nt intend for that to be listed as the year. Do you have a link to more info on this amp?

American Viking · 03-03-2009, 05:56 PM

does it look more like this?

felim · 03-04-2009, 05:08 AM

A little info and a schematic here:

Marshall Amps Info & Schematics

kilsin · 03-04-2009, 02:25 PM

The picture I posted is the exact same one. Thanx for the schematic.

When i Put my Radial Hot British pedal in front of it, it really breaks up nicely. Heard of some people doing a real simple mod to this amp for more crunch/distortion/breakup/overdrive whatever you would like to call it. Also one to take some of the low end out, possibly bypassing the slope control would be my best guess.

American Viking · 03-04-2009, 04:01 PM

Please for christ's sake do not mod this amp... I can't stress that enough. There aren't that many of them left and aren't easy to find. If you want a guitar amp, buy the JCM800 lead that is worth below HALF of what you have now and will sound much more fitting.
A JCM800 Bass amp in good condition can go for a bare minimum of $1500 and you're likely to be able to get more than $2500 depending on the condition.
You can get a JCM800 Lead amp for almost $800 sometimes. Usually near $1000 flat.
If you mod it, You'll be lucky to get $800 for it whether it's returned to original spec or not. Some people like modded amps but a normal player doesn't want to buy something that's been tinkered with by someone they don't know.
You've got a gem. Rock on.

kilsin · 03-05-2009, 02:10 PM

O.K. I won't mod this amp. How are you coming up with your figures? Is there a blue book site or something somewhere?

Once again, I really find very little on this amp other than a picture or two and the fact that it does exsist. All the people seem to talk about the early 70's 4 input version, not mine... The 1992 model is like obsolite, also thinking this one is a completely different animal from the 70's version. Due to the sweepable mids and slope knobs.

Can anyone tell me what freq. an older marshall guitar amp uses on the mid knob? Or is it several combined?

American Viking · 03-05-2009, 03:47 PM

Most of the numbers I'm coming up with is purely based on experience buying and selling. I've been dealing with the JCM800 series a hell of a lot in the past year and a half as they're a hot commodity now. I'm looking and comparing prices for these a couple nights a week and I don't come across the bass versions often but when I do they don't last long.

I'm sorry I couldn't tell you the specific mid frequency that the older amps used. I don't even know what the current ones' frequencies are. I just know they rock!

Those amps are discontinued but I wouldn't say obsolete. I've been trying to talk my bass player into getting one FOREVER! I love the way they sound.

kilsin · 03-05-2009, 04:28 PM

The guy I play with used this for bass for many years and is now on the hunt for something else. I have an old SVT with brand new tubes and re-biased that we are considering trading straight up or for maybe a bit of cash also if they are quite a bit different in value. The SVT's are a lot easier to determine value.

metaltubbie · 03-10-2009, 03:58 PM

i've own this amp a long time, i use i for both, bass and guitar.
for bass i use a 4x10 ampeg cabinet and for guitar a old 4x12 bass cabinet.
it is defenitely NOT nessesary to mod this amp in any form.
i never had such a kick-ass metal amplification before.
i use only a distortion-pedal as preamp and it is deep and angry like hell,
better than every guitar amp i tested before and i had before.

but i wonder that this babys are worth so much money.
1500-2500$ is this real???
i mean my amp is in very good condition, but SO much money.
ugh! im rich!!! i buy the world!

kilsin · 03-11-2009, 02:47 PM

Hopeing our local Library has a bluebook for musical gear. That would help this whole situation.

American Viking · 03-11-2009, 04:35 PM

Just check them out on ebay or used gear at guitarcenter.com sometime. They might not be selling for much if there are too many available at one time but if an amp sits on there for a minute with a bid starting over a grand, someone will eventually bite. They won't stay on there forever!

kilsin · 03-11-2009, 06:37 PM

Believe me there are none of these on eBay. Even on the completed auctions, there was one that sold in Europe. I have no idea how to convert pounds to dollars, so this does not help our situatiuon much.

MARSHALL JCM 800 100WATT BASS SERIES 1985 Valve amp. - eBay (item 350172369995 end time Mar-01-09 11:56:57 PST)

Shawn Fate · 03-11-2009, 07:07 PM

i found a mint one online for $950 from a music store.If someone can buy it and sell it for $2500 more power to em.

http://www.ludlowguitars.com/item/jcm-800-bass

spooky joe · 03-11-2009, 08:36 PM

Yeah thats about right. Between £400- £500 in the UK for a JCM bass. The real deal is the JMP Superbass. £600 minimum. The one to get if you can find one.

American Viking · 03-11-2009, 11:29 PM

So if a mind condition 1969 Superlead can go for $5000 an even rarer Superbass would only be $1000?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1971-Mar...3A1|240%3A1318(i promise you this may relist once or twice but it will sell)

The prices change on these things by the year and time of availability. Vertical input years are more sought after, horizontal years are more abundant. Superbass amps are around ever now and then but with photos of the inside compartments with original transformers with no rust, the price is very high.
I'm not saying EVERY ONE is worth a gajillion dollars. It's gotta fit some rarer categories. Plus, we are in a world recession. A lot of things are being sold below value. Two years ago when I tried to find a JCM800 2204 from '81-'83, I couldn't get one for under $1200. It took almost a year to find one a little beat up that I snagged for around $800 and it was a 1987. I finally got a 1983 2203 a year later and this bad boy still had the ORIGINAL 6550's that came with the amp inside. I think $1500 bucks was a steal. One owner, barely played, original dust cover, no rust...

I'm rambling on now for nothing... Hell, find me another one in that good condition for pennies! I'll buy it.

American Viking · 03-11-2009, 11:31 PM

Just because this is awesome.

Marshall Lemmy Signature Bass Guitar Full Stack - eBay (item 320330556190 end time Apr-07-09 10:56:52 PDT)

kilsin · 03-12-2009, 12:05 PM

Ok. now I'm really confused. American Viking by the way thanx for all your input, that's really cool for you to chime in. The amp in question is a JCM800 BASS SERIES MK II Super Bass Model 1992, not a JMP SUPER BASS MKII 1986. I figured these are two completly different animals thats why they have different models and names. You seem to be saying they are the same?

American Viking · 03-12-2009, 04:54 PM

I know I just threw that one up to prove my point, that these sell for high prices often. They're definitely different amps, close, but different. The main difference is the master volume and the EQ section. Of course the model numbers were the same while the names were different. JCM800's and JMP's for bass are 1986 for 50w and 1992 for 100w.
I still say if your amp is vertical input, no mods, good condition and little to no rust on the inner components/transformers that the amp could sell high.

tslats · 06-13-2009, 12:02 PM

I'm just running over to the house of guitars later today to pick up the 1992 JCM800 bass series that i have on layaway!!! im excited

Gramatron · 07-24-2009, 05:55 PM

I bought one of these last year for £299 ($490 now, last year more like $420) with a matching jcm 800 bass series cab. It came with the original valves in it (EL34s). I think this amp is a total bargain and sounds awesome. I fail to see why this amp would ever need to be modded. I would recommend sticking in a nice set of matched electro-harmonix 6ca7's, really brings out the warmth of the amp. Not thats its terribly interesting, but here are some photos of it.

03-03-2009, 12:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
kilsin Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 10	JCM800 Bass Series. Hi,first post here. Trying to get any info on a JCM800 bass series MKII Super Bass 100 watt model: 1992. Not much if anything is available. Heard there is a mod to make this amp nice for guitar. Has been used for bass for years. Brought to a tech for power tube replacement and biasing. Tech offered to buy it, no price was discussed. How much is it worth?

03-03-2009, 01:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 2,030	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. got any pictures? please don't mod this amp... __________________ Transformers inside amplifiers were not originally designed to be in there, and the tube was not created for the guitar amp. ANY recommended idle current is a guideline and in no way a necessary requirement. There is no skeleton key for any tube amp.

03-03-2009, 01:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
kilsin Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 10	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. I'll try to get some tonight. Here is someone elses amp, same model just not the actual one.

03-03-2009, 02:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
kilsin Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 10	Re: JCM800 Bass Series.

03-03-2009, 03:39 PM	#5 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 2,030	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. If it looks exactly like that one the year would be 81-83. Not 1992. They didn't make them like this that late. If it is just like this one, you're talking upwards of $1000. __________________ Transformers inside amplifiers were not originally designed to be in there, and the tube was not created for the guitar amp. ANY recommended idle current is a guideline and in no way a necessary requirement. There is no skeleton key for any tube amp.

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03-03-2009, 03:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
kilsin Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 10	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. Thanx for the reply. Maybe you missread my post. It says model 1992 right on the back. I did'nt intend for that to be listed as the year. Do you have a link to more info on this amp?

03-03-2009, 05:56 PM	#7 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 2,030	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. does it look more like this? __________________ Transformers inside amplifiers were not originally designed to be in there, and the tube was not created for the guitar amp. ANY recommended idle current is a guideline and in no way a necessary requirement. There is no skeleton key for any tube amp.

03-04-2009, 05:08 AM	#8 (permalink)
felim Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 66	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. A little info and a schematic here: Marshall Amps Info & Schematics

03-04-2009, 02:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
kilsin Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 10	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. The picture I posted is the exact same one. Thanx for the schematic. When i Put my Radial Hot British pedal in front of it, it really breaks up nicely. Heard of some people doing a real simple mod to this amp for more crunch/distortion/breakup/overdrive whatever you would like to call it. Also one to take some of the low end out, possibly bypassing the slope control would be my best guess.

03-04-2009, 04:01 PM	#10 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 2,030	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. Please for christ's sake do not mod this amp... I can't stress that enough. There aren't that many of them left and aren't easy to find. If you want a guitar amp, buy the JCM800 lead that is worth below HALF of what you have now and will sound much more fitting. A JCM800 Bass amp in good condition can go for a bare minimum of $1500 and you're likely to be able to get more than $2500 depending on the condition. You can get a JCM800 Lead amp for almost $800 sometimes. Usually near $1000 flat. If you mod it, You'll be lucky to get $800 for it whether it's returned to original spec or not. Some people like modded amps but a normal player doesn't want to buy something that's been tinkered with by someone they don't know. You've got a gem. Rock on. __________________ Transformers inside amplifiers were not originally designed to be in there, and the tube was not created for the guitar amp. ANY recommended idle current is a guideline and in no way a necessary requirement. There is no skeleton key for any tube amp.

03-05-2009, 02:10 PM	#11 (permalink)
kilsin Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 10	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. O.K. I won't mod this amp. How are you coming up with your figures? Is there a blue book site or something somewhere? Once again, I really find very little on this amp other than a picture or two and the fact that it does exsist. All the people seem to talk about the early 70's 4 input version, not mine... The 1992 model is like obsolite, also thinking this one is a completely different animal from the 70's version. Due to the sweepable mids and slope knobs. Can anyone tell me what freq. an older marshall guitar amp uses on the mid knob? Or is it several combined?

03-05-2009, 03:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 2,030	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. Most of the numbers I'm coming up with is purely based on experience buying and selling. I've been dealing with the JCM800 series a hell of a lot in the past year and a half as they're a hot commodity now. I'm looking and comparing prices for these a couple nights a week and I don't come across the bass versions often but when I do they don't last long. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you the specific mid frequency that the older amps used. I don't even know what the current ones' frequencies are. I just know they rock! Those amps are discontinued but I wouldn't say obsolete. I've been trying to talk my bass player into getting one FOREVER! I love the way they sound. __________________ Transformers inside amplifiers were not originally designed to be in there, and the tube was not created for the guitar amp. ANY recommended idle current is a guideline and in no way a necessary requirement. There is no skeleton key for any tube amp.

03-05-2009, 04:28 PM	#13 (permalink)
kilsin Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 10	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. The guy I play with used this for bass for many years and is now on the hunt for something else. I have an old SVT with brand new tubes and re-biased that we are considering trading straight up or for maybe a bit of cash also if they are quite a bit different in value. The SVT's are a lot easier to determine value.

03-10-2009, 03:58 PM	#14 (permalink)
metaltubbie Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. i've own this amp a long time, i use i for both, bass and guitar. for bass i use a 4x10 ampeg cabinet and for guitar a old 4x12 bass cabinet. it is defenitely NOT nessesary to mod this amp in any form. i never had such a kick-ass metal amplification before. i use only a distortion-pedal as preamp and it is deep and angry like hell, better than every guitar amp i tested before and i had before. but i wonder that this babys are worth so much money. 1500-2500$ is this real??? i mean my amp is in very good condition, but SO much money. ugh! im rich!!! i buy the world!

03-11-2009, 02:47 PM	#15 (permalink)
kilsin Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 10	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. Hopeing our local Library has a bluebook for musical gear. That would help this whole situation.

03-11-2009, 04:35 PM	#16 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 2,030	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. Just check them out on ebay or used gear at guitarcenter.com sometime. They might not be selling for much if there are too many available at one time but if an amp sits on there for a minute with a bid starting over a grand, someone will eventually bite. They won't stay on there forever! __________________ Transformers inside amplifiers were not originally designed to be in there, and the tube was not created for the guitar amp. ANY recommended idle current is a guideline and in no way a necessary requirement. There is no skeleton key for any tube amp.

03-11-2009, 06:37 PM	#17 (permalink)
kilsin Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 10	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. Believe me there are none of these on eBay. Even on the completed auctions, there was one that sold in Europe. I have no idea how to convert pounds to dollars, so this does not help our situatiuon much. MARSHALL JCM 800 100WATT BASS SERIES 1985 Valve amp. - eBay (item 350172369995 end time Mar-01-09 11:56:57 PST)

03-11-2009, 07:07 PM	#18 (permalink)
Shawn Fate Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 459	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. i found a mint one online for $950 from a music store.If someone can buy it and sell it for $2500 more power to em. http://www.ludlowguitars.com/item/jcm-800-bass

03-11-2009, 08:36 PM	#19 (permalink)
spooky joe Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: North Wales UK Posts: 143	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. Yeah thats about right. Between £400- £500 in the UK for a JCM bass. The real deal is the JMP Superbass. £600 minimum. The one to get if you can find one. __________________ Sometimes it is better to remain silent and appear a fool rather than open your mouth and remove all doubt JMP 1992 Superbass : JMP 2204 : JMP 2203 : VM 2266 : JTM45 : JTM60 : 3203 Artist : DSL50. 5005 Lead 12. MC412A : JTM410C ; 1912 : 1965 www.reverbnation.com/spookyjoerock

03-11-2009, 11:29 PM	#20 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 2,030	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. So if a mind condition 1969 Superlead can go for $5000 an even rarer Superbass would only be $1000? http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1971-Mar...3A1\|240%3A1318(i promise you this may relist once or twice but it will sell) The prices change on these things by the year and time of availability. Vertical input years are more sought after, horizontal years are more abundant. Superbass amps are around ever now and then but with photos of the inside compartments with original transformers with no rust, the price is very high. I'm not saying EVERY ONE is worth a gajillion dollars. It's gotta fit some rarer categories. Plus, we are in a world recession. A lot of things are being sold below value. Two years ago when I tried to find a JCM800 2204 from '81-'83, I couldn't get one for under $1200. It took almost a year to find one a little beat up that I snagged for around $800 and it was a 1987. I finally got a 1983 2203 a year later and this bad boy still had the ORIGINAL 6550's that came with the amp inside. I think $1500 bucks was a steal. One owner, barely played, original dust cover, no rust... I'm rambling on now for nothing... Hell, find me another one in that good condition for pennies! I'll buy it. __________________ Transformers inside amplifiers were not originally designed to be in there, and the tube was not created for the guitar amp. ANY recommended idle current is a guideline and in no way a necessary requirement. There is no skeleton key for any tube amp.

03-11-2009, 11:31 PM	#21 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 2,030	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. Just because this is awesome. Marshall Lemmy Signature Bass Guitar Full Stack - eBay (item 320330556190 end time Apr-07-09 10:56:52 PDT) __________________ Transformers inside amplifiers were not originally designed to be in there, and the tube was not created for the guitar amp. ANY recommended idle current is a guideline and in no way a necessary requirement. There is no skeleton key for any tube amp.

03-12-2009, 12:05 PM	#22 (permalink)
kilsin Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 10	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. Ok. now I'm really confused. American Viking by the way thanx for all your input, that's really cool for you to chime in. The amp in question is a JCM800 BASS SERIES MK II Super Bass Model 1992, not a JMP SUPER BASS MKII 1986. I figured these are two completly different animals thats why they have different models and names. You seem to be saying they are the same?

03-12-2009, 04:54 PM	#23 (permalink)
American Viking Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Posts: 2,030	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. I know I just threw that one up to prove my point, that these sell for high prices often. They're definitely different amps, close, but different. The main difference is the master volume and the EQ section. Of course the model numbers were the same while the names were different. JCM800's and JMP's for bass are 1986 for 50w and 1992 for 100w. I still say if your amp is vertical input, no mods, good condition and little to no rust on the inner components/transformers that the amp could sell high. __________________ Transformers inside amplifiers were not originally designed to be in there, and the tube was not created for the guitar amp. ANY recommended idle current is a guideline and in no way a necessary requirement. There is no skeleton key for any tube amp.

06-13-2009, 12:02 PM	#24 (permalink)
tslats Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. I'm just running over to the house of guitars later today to pick up the 1992 JCM800 bass series that i have on layaway!!! im excited

07-24-2009, 05:55 PM	#25 (permalink)
Gramatron Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1	Re: JCM800 Bass Series. I bought one of these last year for £299 ($490 now, last year more like $420) with a matching jcm 800 bass series cab. It came with the original valves in it (EL34s). I think this amp is a total bargain and sounds awesome. I fail to see why this amp would ever need to be modded. I would recommend sticking in a nice set of matched electro-harmonix 6ca7's, really brings out the warmth of the amp. Not thats its terribly interesting, but here are some photos of it.

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