Marshall JCM 800 bass series

[Masonc]

Hey, I was wondering if anyone here has tried it? Would it sound anything close to an old Super bass?

 

[Iristone]

To my understanding it uses a Baxandall-style tone stack. I sometimes use an NAM of it that doesn't sound bad, but I don't think it can get the vintage Super Bass tone.

 

[ajkula66]

I've tried JCM800 back in the '80s and it wasn't my thing. TBT, neither was the '70s Super Bass. All hat and no cattle, IMO.

Having said that, a buddy of mine owns a JCM 800 with a matching 2x15" cab and that's one very respectable sound which works well for the music that he plays.

I always felt that most British bass cabs from the '70s left a lot to be desired, and were utterly incapable of handling the heads they were sold with...that changed in the '80s, especially with the 320W version of Marshall's 4x12".

My $0.02 only...

 

[Wasnex]

Hey, I was wondering if anyone here has tried it? Would it sound anything close to an old Super bass?

?

The graphic is not a JCM 800 Bass Series amp. The graphic shows four inputs and two volume controls, so perhaps a 1959.


I believe the JCM 800 Bass Series amp model was 1992 and the back was labeled Super Bass. But the preamp design is considerably different than the JMP series Super Bass.

Two inputs. One volume, sweepable mids, and slope control. No master.


There are quite a few threads on this model. My understanding is it does no sound like a JMP Super Bass, but many do consider it a desirable amp

I believe this model (and other JCM 800 amps) can be found with both vertical and horizontal inputs. If I remember correctly, vertical jacks are preferred.

 

[Wasnex]

To my understanding it uses a Baxandall-style tone stack. I sometimes use an NAM of it that doesn't sound bad, but I don't think it can get the vintage Super Bass tone.

I believe it's more accurately called a James tone stack. Baxandall is place in the feedback loops, James is not.Bass and Treble circuit. The mid circuit is separate.

JCM 800 Super Bass

For comparison, JMP Super Bass tone stack.

Bass, Treble, and Mid.

 

[Masonc]

?

The graphic is not a JCM 800 Bass Series amp. The graphic shows four inputs and two volume controls, so perhaps a 1959.


I believe the JCM 800 Bass Series amp model was 1992 and the back was labeled Super Bass. But the preamp design is considerably different than the JMP series Super Bass.
View attachment 7403696

Two inputs. One volume, sweepable mids, and slope control. No master.


There are quite a few threads on this model. My understanding is it does no sound like a JMP Super Bass, but many do consider it a desirable amp

I believe this model (and other JCM 800 amps) can be found with both vertical and horizontal inputs. If I remember correctly, vertical jacks are preferred.

I know. It's just a GIF I put there for fun

 

[Aussie Player]

?

The graphic is not a JCM 800 Bass Series amp. The graphic shows four inputs and two volume controls, so perhaps a 1959.


I believe the JCM 800 Bass Series amp model was 1992 and the back was labeled Super Bass. But the preamp design is considerably different than the JMP series Super Bass.
View attachment 7403696

Two inputs. One volume, sweepable mids, and slope control. No master.


There are quite a few threads on this model. My understanding is it does no sound like a JMP Super Bass, but many do consider it a desirable amp

I believe this model (and other JCM 800 amps) can be found with both vertical and horizontal inputs. If I remember correctly, vertical jacks are preferred.

I have a 1981 model with vertical inputs. The amp is wonderful when played into a modern cabinet. I have a couple versions of JCM800 cabs and the later sealed 4x12 VBA cab and that is a match that draws bass players like bears to honey.
The Superbass can replicate the tones very similar to the VBA 400 head which I also own.
When playing an Alembic or Warwick into these amps, it always draws the bass players. They love the sound.