Help me with this JCM 800...

V-man · 10-26-2009, 02:48 PM

Looking at one locally: 1981 MkII Super Bass 100W Head, Vertical inputs, pretty pictures.

I talked to my local guru and he told me to make sure it powers up, then listen for "breathing" burps, and excessive popping. Anything else? He also said have a look at the back and see if it looks mucked with, but I am wondering what are the obvious signs of mods/tampering.

Also, what do you guys think the head's worth, assuming it's in "good" or better condition?

Rocko · 10-26-2009, 04:28 PM

You would have to pull the chassis out of the cabinet to see the board but then you can look for resoldering, charred parts, charred board etc.

anthonyr · 10-26-2009, 05:00 PM

You could also check to make sure there is no effects loop installed by looking for extra or aftermarket jacks on the back. It was a popular mod in the 80's. There should only be 2 speaker output jacks, an ohms selector, a voltage selector, power cord insert, and 2 fuse holders. On the front should be power and standby switches, 6 goldcap knobs, and either 2 or 4 inputs.

Pricewise, I'm a cheap bastard. I keep seeing these things listed for $1200 and I wanna puke. The most I would pay is $1000 and it better be in like excellent excellent condition. I see them here in the Bay area from $700-$1000 so it's still possible to score a good used one. Another resource that goes overlooked is Guitar Center's online used gear store. You can search their whole chain, have it shipped to your store, and if you hate it you have 30 days to return it.

10-26-2009, 02:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
V-man Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 226	Help me with this JCM 800... Looking at one locally: 1981 MkII Super Bass 100W Head, Vertical inputs, pretty pictures. I talked to my local guru and he told me to make sure it powers up, then listen for "breathing" burps, and excessive popping. Anything else? He also said have a look at the back and see if it looks mucked with, but I am wondering what are the obvious signs of mods/tampering. Also, what do you guys think the head's worth, assuming it's in "good" or better condition? __________________ Gibson: '88' Explorer 90, Flying Vs - '02' V-Factor, '06' RI, '07' RI Jackson: '92' Rhoads Tribute, '92' Rhoads PCS, '02' KV2 '92' ESP/Hill King V '04' Epiphone Goth V '84' Marshall 1992 '93' Marshall 4100 '97' Crate Blue Voodoo BV-60 Combo

10-26-2009, 04:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rocko Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: US Posts: 23	Re: Help me with this JCM 800... You would have to pull the chassis out of the cabinet to see the board but then you can look for resoldering, charred parts, charred board etc. __________________ Tube Combo Amps

10-26-2009, 05:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
anthonyr Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Clearwater Florida Posts: 148	Re: Help me with this JCM 800... You could also check to make sure there is no effects loop installed by looking for extra or aftermarket jacks on the back. It was a popular mod in the 80's. There should only be 2 speaker output jacks, an ohms selector, a voltage selector, power cord insert, and 2 fuse holders. On the front should be power and standby switches, 6 goldcap knobs, and either 2 or 4 inputs. Pricewise, I'm a cheap bastard. I keep seeing these things listed for $1200 and I wanna puke. The most I would pay is $1000 and it better be in like excellent excellent condition. I see them here in the Bay area from $700-$1000 so it's still possible to score a good used one. Another resource that goes overlooked is Guitar Center's online used gear store. You can search their whole chain, have it shipped to your store, and if you hate it you have 30 days to return it. __________________ 1982 JCM 800 2203 w/ 1960ax 4x12 1990 Les Paul Studio 2002 Faded Flying V 2003 Duesenberg Starplayer Special http://www.myspace.com/springfieldcubs

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