Marshall jcm 800 Bass - versus - a modern combo

Jedson · #1 04-28-2011, 03:03 AM

Hi folks,

I'm looking around at 2nd hand gear lately.
It certainly seems to be a buyers market I must say.

Anyway, I want some advice.

There's a Marshall jcm 800 Bass on sale in a dealers for 400 euro.
Then there's the guy privately selling an Ashdown evo III 500watt combo for 450 euro.

The Marshall is only a 100w but then it's a tube head.
How will they compare in power outputs i wonder?

I have a Warwick WCA 211 Pro 2x10 speaker & an old Peavey 15" cab too, both of which could be hooked up to the Marshall.

I haven't used either Ashdown or Marshall(tube) so any advice would be apperciated, even if it only provokes a vintage VS modern debate

Thanks...

René_Julien · #2 04-28-2011, 03:10 AM

If it were up to me I'd get the Marshall JCM800 Bass.
It'll work great with your Peavey cab.

My local shop has a lot of Ashdown, so the ABM and MAG I tried out a lot.
I really don't care much for the ABM EVO III amps and combos, hiss machines to me. YMMV.
(The ABM cabs are very good though.)

So, one vote for the Marshall.

You speak in euros... where is this dealer? I might scoop this up from under you.

phatbass · #3 04-28-2011, 03:30 AM

For myself, I'd grab the Marshall, *BUT* if you need a versatile rig to cover a bunch of different tones it won't do.

I've had a Marshall and love 'em for their specific tone...

perogato02 · #4 04-28-2011, 04:13 AM

Get the Marshall!!

You already have cabs, so what are you going to do with a combo?

nukes_da_bass · #5 04-28-2011, 04:40 AM

Marshall Marshall Marshall!
When I found an Ashdown combo to recommend to my bro in law it died on him quickly.
Guaranteed if you get the Marshall you have great gig stories and everyone wants to talk to you about your rig. And Rolling Stones Tone.

T-Bird · #6 04-28-2011, 05:03 AM

Hi.

Yet another vote for the Marshall.

You'll probably need to retube it, but still that's a real bargain. IMHO anyway.

Regards
Sam

Bassmec · #7 04-28-2011, 05:08 AM

Get the old JCM 800 at least you will have one utterly classic sound licked.

jetofuj · #8 04-28-2011, 05:16 AM

Anyone knows some good recordings/demo clips with JCM800 on bass?

Jedson · #9 04-28-2011, 05:32 AM

I like what I'm hearing guys..

I've used a Solid State Marshall head in the past ( a 3520 bi-amp model ) and it was a helluva good amp.

I play in a 3-piece rock/punk band with a thunderous drummer & a guitarist who splits his signal into 2 amps, a Fender Deluxe & a Vox ac30 (both valve).

We're loud!!

Will the JCM-800 be powerful enough?

René_Julien · #10 04-28-2011, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jedson

Will the JCM-800 be powerful enough?

With a decent cab (2x15, 4x10, 4x12 or 8x10) yes it will be very loud. And would look badass.

s_mcsleazy · #11 04-28-2011, 06:11 AM

ok there seems to be a trend of the jcm800. now im usually not one to follow trends and i may love ashdowns BUT. id got for the jcm.

Downunderwonder · #12 04-28-2011, 06:23 AM

Those Marshall JCM Bass are rare, jump on it. If you don't like it you won't have any trouble moving it on. I passed on one and got a 50W valve amp which is quite loud for 50W but not all that loud. 100W of valves distorting would be enough for me I think, I wish I had got he JCM now so I would know one way or the other.

Lemmy uses two, but Lemmy is one loud ** I have been told.

Jedson · #13 04-29-2011, 12:51 PM

I tried out the Marshall today.
It's actually a Superbass II.
The dealer had it running thru a slant 4x12 and my Ibanez sounded great through it.
A very solid, defined bass tone with no flatulent clipping noises when pushed hard.
I'm gonna bring my own speaker cabs along next week & see how they suit it but I have to say I'm impressed.
It's really quiet when you're not playing, no hums or buzzes whatsoever.
(I'm used to noisy fans humming away on solid-state amps)

I think I'm sold,

:-)

Thanks to all for your replies, I'll let you know what happens..

Downunderwonder · #14 04-30-2011, 12:08 AM

crikey, I did the conversion of 400 Euro, it's nearer to half of what the JCM sold for here.

René_Julien · #15 04-30-2011, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downunderwonder

crikey, I did the conversion of 400 Euro, it's nearer to half of what the JCM sold for here.

It's also half of what it goes for around here in europe.

400 euro is a very low price for that head.

That's the mk2, so with 6550 powertubes right?

But if it's called Superbass, is it a JCM800 then? Not a JMP?

Sartori · #16 04-30-2011, 05:00 AM

The Marshall. Only 100 watts... but it'll be loud.

Jedson · #17 05-25-2011, 05:54 AM

Ok guys.
Thanks again for all the comments.
I tried the Marshall with the cabs I have and they really weren't able for the power.
The Peavey vibrated badly & I thought the Warwick 10's were going to hop thru the grille!
I figured I really don't want to be getting a new amp AND new speakers so (regrettably) I've passed on the JCM.
However, I found an Ashdown AL-C210H which I picked up for the same price as the Marshall.
It's a 600watt combo & so far I'm very happy.
It's big but not too heavy & more portable than a big rig.
Plus I'm getting those JJ Burnel tones I like so much when I use my SansAmp DI..
Score!

Perhaps I'll pick up a Marshall again one day but for now.. the combo is the way..

All the best..