Anyone regret buying a vintage amp and wish they went with something newer?

[Steve Smith]

Last year I went on a vintage marshall buying spree and ended up with three amps. '72 JMP 50, '76 JMP 50, and an '81 JMP 2203

I didn't pay online prices for them, but not too far off. I'm fortunate to have them, although they aren't all original. Changed caps, one of them has a non original power transformer, another has a tube fx loop installed. Both of the JMP 50's have a master volume, etc.

They sound good, but I just can't shake the feeling that they can break down at any moment. These amps are around 40-50 years old. Anyone know what I mean? And I admit that I'm not looking forward to getting them serviced if the time comes. Actually I haven't haven't had them serviced at all since I bought them. Mostly just plug and play for me.

I keep wondering if I did it over again if it would have been a better idea to go for a new reissue JCM 800, or maybe something like a Metro Plex that can get all eras of Marshall tones. Newer, less prone to breaking.

Although I also wonder being an older design, that these vintage amps are easier to repair vs some of the newer stuff.

Another thought that crossed my mind. At what point to these vintage amps become just another clone when parts are changed due to failure, etc.

I dont think you will have any problems with repairs, old valve amps are pretty bullet proof and the valves and components are still freely available...
Years ago... I bought a Sound City 200 watt head.. it was ridiculous.... I dont know where they were made, somewhere in the North East I think... I ran it through 2 4×12 Cabs and I could not get it to overdrive however much I turned it up. I think I got it up to about 4 and it was blowing the doors of the rehearsal room off and still completely clean.
I believe Page had Marshall make him some 200 Watt amps to use for his backline when Zep did Maddison Square

 

[Valvelust]

Last year I went on a vintage marshall buying spree and ended up with three amps. '72 JMP 50, '76 JMP 50, and an '81 JMP 2203

I didn't pay online prices for them, but not too far off. I'm fortunate to have them, although they aren't all original. Changed caps, one of them has a non original power transformer, another has a tube fx loop installed. Both of the JMP 50's have a master volume, etc.

They sound good, but I just can't shake the feeling that they can break down at any moment. These amps are around 40-50 years old. Anyone know what I mean? And I admit that I'm not looking forward to getting them serviced if the time comes. Actually I haven't haven't had them serviced at all since I bought them. Mostly just plug and play for me.

I keep wondering if I did it over again if it would have been a better idea to go for a new reissue JCM 800, or maybe something like a Metro Plex that can get all eras of Marshall tones. Newer, less prone to breaking.

Although I also wonder being an older design, that these vintage amps are easier to repair vs some of the newer stuff.

Another thought that crossed my mind. At what point to these vintage amps become just another clone when parts are changed due to failure, etc.

Tha really and "Apples to Oranges" question. You buy vintage for the reason they are vintage. Either for what thesy sound like or for investment or both.
If properly serviced I don't see a problem.

I'm actually pissed I sold my nice old 78 1987 even with the extra hole in the front. One of the best AC/DC tones ever.
I've owned quite few of the older 800's , they seem to vary in sound quite a bit between them. The 900's were way too ice picky for me.

 

[Steve Smith]

Last year I went on a vintage marshall buying spree and ended up with three amps. '72 JMP 50, '76 JMP 50, and an '81 JMP 2203

I didn't pay online prices for them, but not too far off. I'm fortunate to have them, although they aren't all original. Changed caps, one of them has a non original power transformer, another has a tube fx loop installed. Both of the JMP 50's have a master volume, etc.

They sound good, but I just can't shake the feeling that they can break down at any moment. These amps are around 40-50 years old. Anyone know what I mean? And I admit that I'm not looking forward to getting them serviced if the time comes. Actually I haven't haven't had them serviced at all since I bought them. Mostly just plug and play for me.

I keep wondering if I did it over again if it would have been a better idea to go for a new reissue JCM 800, or maybe something like a Metro Plex that can get all eras of Marshall tones. Newer, less prone to breaking.

Although I also wonder being an older design, that these vintage amps are easier to repair vs some of the newer stuff.

Another thought that crossed my mind. At what point to these vintage amps become just another clone when parts are changed due to failure, etc.

I dont like the idea of buying old amps as an "investment" if you like old amplifiers then buy them because you want to. Little tip if you do.... the Superleads are much more desirable than the Master Volume Models.. just saying. Someone who has a 76 Master Model and had the chance of a plexi 68 superlead for 100 quid in 1982. Bah humbug !!

 

[Steve Smith]

Tha really and "Apples to Oranges" question. You buy vintage for the reason they are vintage. Either for what thesy sound like or for investment or both.
If properly serviced I don't see a problem.

I'm actually pissed I sold my nice old 78 1987 even with the extra hole in the front. One of the best AC/DC tones ever.
I've owned quite few of the older 800's , they seem to vary in sound quite a bit between them. The 900's were way too ice picky for me.

Yes agreed, it was like they all sounded different. I had a 900 twin channel which sounded so fab and raunchy. I think that there is a lot of difference in the same Marshall Models. I know guys who loved the 800's but I just could not live with them. It makes no sense.. my transition model has the metal switches, I tried a similar one with the rocker switches and it just did not have the same attack or tone

 

[V-man]

I dont like the idea of buying old amps as an "investment" if you like old amplifiers then buy them because you want to. Little tip if you do.... the Superleads are much more desirable than the Master Volume Models.. just saying. Someone who has a 76 Master Model and had the chance of a plexi 68 superlead for 100 quid in 1982. Bah humbug !!

Yes and no. It is agreed that 60s Lead/SuperLeads are the absolute grail. Early metal faces are highly desirable to ‘73. However, a mid-late 70s NMV is not particularly special other than great sounding amps thar are the most attractive Marshalls made, IMO. The JMP Master Volumes will never equal a “true Plexi” or perhaps even a PTP metalface. Other JMPs though? There is just about as rabid a following for the 2203/4 Master Volume amps as there are NMV “Plexis” and the JMP MVs are the most sought after of all.

 

[Steve Smith]

Yes and no. It is agreed that 60s Lead/SuperLeads are the absolute grail. Early metal faces are highly desirable to ‘73. However, a mid-late 70s NMV is not particularly special other than great sounding amps thar are the most attractive Marshalls made, IMO. The JMP Master Volumes will never equal a “true Plexi” or perhaps even a PTP metalface. Other JMPs though? There is just about as rabid a following for the 2203/4 Master Volume amps as there are NMV “Plexis” and the JMP MVs are the most sought after of all.

Agreed... the transition MV are pretty unloved, mine is worth maybe a grand. But... things can become a lot more valuable in a few years. Perhaps I should ask Brian Robertson to sign the back of it in exchange for half the money when I sell it. It was the Scotty and Robbo model from Jailbreak..

 

[Joethebh]

I’ve NEVER plugged into either of my plexis and wished I’d bought something else…

 

[Steve Smith]

Yes and no. It is agreed that 60s Lead/SuperLeads are the absolute grail. Early metal faces are highly desirable to ‘73. However, a mid-late 70s NMV is not particularly special other than great sounding amps thar are the most attractive Marshalls made, IMO. The JMP Master Volumes will never equal a “true Plexi” or perhaps even a PTP metalface. Other JMPs though? There is just about as rabid a following for the 2203/4 Master Volume amps as there are NMV “Plexis” and the JMP MVs are the most sought after of all.

That is very interesting what you say V... basically the transition 1976 MV's are totally unloved and not sought after but times may change. I mean Scotty and Robbo used them xxx

It just sounds so raw and brilliant like a Marshall 60's amp, maybe I just got lucky that was cobbled together in 76 with all of the bits that were left around in the warehouse in the day in the transition period from old bits found a few years before. I dont know but it sounds so clean to me 😇🥰



The greatest xxxx

I will get mine out of the box and blast it for a laff... take care bud

 

[Beryllium-9]

I absolutely love Joe and I love Angus and his tone... I believe that Angus just used wound up superlead 50s from the early 70's and a tone boost with his SG... brilliant underated player in my view... he created so much tone and sustain just with his fingers. Huge Joe fan also. I respect Ingwie for his brilliance and technique but not a massive fan if I am honest. He gets a bit too tecnical sometimes at the expense of feel in my humble opinion.. however a brilliant player..
The original technical guy was this man.. and also Dunnerry..
Cheers mate 🥰🥰😇😇



There may or may not have been a little bit of Sulphate taken in the dressing room beforehand. I will let you be the judge of that 😅😅



Great respect for Frank xx

Thanks for posting! I have never discovered It Bites... cool band..!

 

[Valvelust]

See my thread.....

Sound.... Shall, we open a little bit of, "Pandora's Box"?

No comment at this time :2c:

www.marshallforum.com

 

[neikeel]

Nothing wrong or different about the first 100w JMP MV amps they sound great. Now the 50w are different and very much an acquired taste. Maybe if you have the full range keep one as stock but V otherwise convert to 77 spec just like any other JMP50 Master 2204 and the tones will be there.

 

[Old Punker]

These amps have lasted between 40 and 60 years
Look after them and they will do the same
Use them regularly
Check them over periodically, don't let a lazy shotgun tech loose on them and you can be happy.
Most that fail have been modded and abused or neglected

Yeah I have a hard time trusting techs. Brought one amp to a tech who had the reputation of being the best around, he had my amp for about 2 months, I had to call him to remind him, and when I got it back it still had the same issue.

 

[Steve Smith]

L

Thanks for posting! I have never discovered It Bites... cool band..!

Love xxxx 80s band that followed their dreams and rebelled against the fashion

Thanks Berylium . My 76 year old mother is called Beryl. She is still lovely little lady looks like Helen Mirren with blonde hair, I am 57 and we have a happy life ish..
Yeah It Bites were so good.

Yellow Christian is so lovely, a fine piece of beautiful composition

 

[Steve Smith]

Yeah I have a hard time trusting techs. Brought one amp to a tech who had the reputation of being the best around, he had my amp for about 2 months, I had to call him to remind him, and when I got it back it still had the same issue.

Yes agree, its like finding a good reliable mechanic for your car. So many idiots and chancers about. Fortunately in the modern era of web reviews it has made things a little better.

 

[Steve Smith]

Thanks for posting! I have never discovered It Bites... cool band..!

How brilliant is Yellow Christian my friend? Sharing the love 🥰🥰😇😇

 

[Steve Smith]

Yeah I have a hard time trusting techs. Brought one amp to a tech who had the reputation of being the best around, he had my amp for about 2 months, I had to call him to remind him, and when I got it back it still had the same issue.

I have that problem many times.. back in the 80s I had a lovely silverface 76 Fender Twin..

The transformer blew and I took it to a music shop in Newcastle. I was charged the whole gamutt for a new transformer. I asked the guy if I could have the old one back and he looked away and walked away and muttered its kicking about here somewhere. He had just sent it for a rewind and charged me for a new one. I hope that fucking scamming twat died of cancer. I was 18 and a bit naive, the lads in the band laughed at me.

But times have changed so there are a lot less rip off people around these days.

 

[Steve Smith]

I don't have any amps newer that 1981. Now, I only play Madison Square Bedroom, and I think that if I actually gigged that I would want something newer - less fear of damage and less fear of failure.

That said, I've never regretted buying old amps. I regret not buying more when I had the chance at cheaper prices.

So cool matey, as an old fart of 57 years of age, I just love the way that vintage amps overdrive very cleanly and naturally. It doesnt matter that they do not overdrive that much. It is the purity of that perfect organic raw sound xxx I just put my old 76 JMP 100 clipped with a Tube Screamer. I love SD pickups for their pure clean sound and gain, no grit just nice tone and power .


The way I see it, old amps do not overdrive with gain like the modern ones.. but yes that is good. An old JMP or plexi superlead with a vintage Tube Screamer and a SD invader dumped into a strat is a great tone xx

 

[paul-e-mann]

Last year I went on a vintage marshall buying spree and ended up with three amps. '72 JMP 50, '76 JMP 50, and an '81 JMP 2203

I didn't pay online prices for them, but not too far off. I'm fortunate to have them, although they aren't all original. Changed caps, one of them has a non original power transformer, another has a tube fx loop installed. Both of the JMP 50's have a master volume, etc.

They sound good, but I just can't shake the feeling that they can break down at any moment. These amps are around 40-50 years old. Anyone know what I mean? And I admit that I'm not looking forward to getting them serviced if the time comes. Actually I haven't haven't had them serviced at all since I bought them. Mostly just plug and play for me.

I keep wondering if I did it over again if it would have been a better idea to go for a new reissue JCM 800, or maybe something like a Metro Plex that can get all eras of Marshall tones. Newer, less prone to breaking.

Although I also wonder being an older design, that these vintage amps are easier to repair vs some of the newer stuff.

Another thought that crossed my mind. At what point to these vintage amps become just another clone when parts are changed due to failure, etc.

Keep your vintage amps (cuz they are the best) and add a JVM to your collection, no harm no foul.

 

[Guitaraficionado74]

You've got some great vintage amps there: play and enjoy them! Newer tube amps can also break down without warning, so there's that. I myself own a couple of vintage JMP's. Some I got for a great price, others were more expensive. But I totally enjoy them, even gig with some of them. But: I have a very good tech guy that looks after them periodically, making sure they will perform surely and safely (!). Don't worry about the resale value - enjoy them now, while you have 'em (just don't abuse vintage amps: 'everything on 10' isn't a very good idea, plus it rarely is the 'sweet spot').

 

[WesChilton]

I've had a lot of amps, but my '67 Deluxe Reverb and my '76 JMP 2203 are far and away my favorites. They are not going anywhere... in fact I am on the hunt for a Fender tweed... then I might stop. Maybe.