sanrico

I'm about to restore a 4x12 cabinet and am a little confused about the tolex choices. I'm seeing two choices on MojoTone: Elephant Skin OR Levant Tolex.

Does anyone know the difference between these two? More importantly, which is more like the original tolex on a JCM 900 cabinet? I've been told the black isn't the same as original Marshall black, but I'd like to have the texture match as much as possible.

Also, I'm trying to decide on color choices. The band says "go with black like original," but I'm enticed by all the candy colors I see on boutique amps and those unique Marshalls out there.

What do you vote for?

Black, Red, Green, Orange, Purple, or Black-and-White (similar to this Bogner amp)?

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ironlung40

I'm pretty sure the levant is what you would want. Someone may correct me here, but can you not get them to send you a small sample of each so you can know for sure?

I'd go with the safe route and choose black. It's probably cheaper, and it would be easier to resell the cabinet in the future. You never know when you might decide to sell it even if you think you never will.

ironlung40

actually, i looked at my 1989 model jcm 800 2210, and it looks more like the elephant tolex to me. It's kinda hard to tell by the web photo. I'd try the samples. Hopefully, somone on here with the 900 cab can help you out.

Jesstaa

I have a 900 head, so I'm guessing they'd use the exact same tolex, and elephant tolex looks about as spot on as you're gonna get without buying some out of the Marshall factory.

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invertedjesus

Go with the Levant. Almost 100% certain thats what you're looking for. Either way it really won't matter in the long run. Anyways... I'm not a fan of all the different colored tolex. Also, if its something you may decide to sell later on, you might want to stick with black. If thats not an issue, just get whatever you think will look better to you.

Some tips just in case this is your first time re-tolexing a cab: Make sure you get at least 3 yards of tolex so you can actually cover it properly... I got two yards and ended up having to cut it and glue it down with two seams on each side (since most places don't accept returns on tolex). Go to Home Depot/Lowes/any local hardware store and pick up some Wap Weldwood rubber based contact cement, or anything else that doesn't smell like death... easier to work with. Wear gloves, and clothes that you REALLY don't care about. This shit is nasty to work with. Brush works better than a roller. Work slowly and carefully.

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1990 JCM 900 MKIII 2100
1983 JCM 800 2203 mkII
1981 JCM 800 Lead Cab

Epiphone Les Paul Custom (490t bridge p/u)
Ibanez RG 370dx (dimarzio p/us in bridge/neck)

anthonyr

The tolex on 800, 900, and 2000's is 100% positively elephant grain in basic black minus some custom color 800s. Levant was used on older amps and some reissue stuff and has a smoother feel to it. It's probably hard to tell the difference in pictures but it's obvious in person. I'm not sure that any 900s were released with custom colors so I have to side with your buddies on this one and recommend black elephant grain. First because of resale and second because your tastes change and you may end up with something you're no longer happy with.

Just remember, bad guys always wear black \m/('-')\m/

BrotherJ

I like the levant over the elephant grain especially in black - but then again purple would be great too

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TSL100 - MM OT & Choke and some circuit mods - 1960AV
Stiletto Deuce II - Traditional quad