1936 Cab History and Review...

[SlyStrat]

1936 made in August 2013.
PLYWOOD!

 

[RickyLee]

I have the first version thin/top handle 800 1936, the 800 bigger/deeper side handle 1936 and a 900 version 1936 cab.

I am only going off memory, but isn't the 900 1936 cab all ply except for the back only? Matter of factly, I am thinking the 800 1936 AS WELL as the 800 1960 cabs also have particle board backs.

I can't open any of these to verify, so maybe someone else will add to this one.

 

[Rev-al]

Great thread - thanks for posting it.
Can anyone tell me the thickness of the plywood panels (original and new ones) please ?

 

[soundboy57]

I have the first version thin/top handle 800 1936, the 800 bigger/deeper side handle 1936 and a 900 version 1936 cab.

I am only going off memory, but isn't the 900 1936 cab all ply except for the back only? Matter of factly, I am thinking the 800 1936 AS WELL as the 800 1960 cabs also have particle board backs.

I can't open any of these to verify, so maybe someone else will add to this one.

The thinner 800 cab (exact same size as the 70's 2045...I have both) is all ply, with MDF back.
The Larger. deeper 800 (current styling) was all ply, with MDF back.
Starting n 1991, the 900 series used ALL MDF, until March/April 2010, when
(according to a Marshall employee) they want to ALL plywood, including the back.

So...the current 1936 is the first all ply 2x12 since the 1970's 2045 cabs.
Should sound real "woody"

I want one

 

[alexisgt]

I just bought one! Sounds awesome!

Can you help me find out from what wood is made of?

Check my post please.

 

[JackTone]

Dear Friends,

Always enjoy reading the post.

Was wondering is anyone can identify the year of this Marshall 1936 2 x12" cabinet.

Note the "1936" plate.

I’m thinking this is pre 800.

Thank you, and any thoughts?

Cheers,
Jack Tone

 

[Blueslicks]

Dear Friends,

Always enjoy reading the post.

Was wondering is anyone can identify the year of this Marshall 1936 2 x12" cabinet.

Note the "1936" plate.

I’m thinking this is pre 800.

Thank you, and any thoughts?

Cheers,
Jack Tone

Hi Jack,

I don't see a pic...it appears you didn't actually upload it properly.

You need to click "manage attachments" first before you post. Then upload the pic from your desktop.

 

[JackTone]

Here it is (I hope)

 

[JackTone]

I did what you told me to do "Manage Attachments” went through what I thought would work but Walla…

ZIP…. no photo!

Perhaps I’m to old a bunny for this, but to describe the 1936 cab. The gold plate in the lower left cover only has “1936” printed on it. Nothing else.

I’ll keep working on it, perhaps I’ll get it, but any input would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Jack Tone

 

[JackTone]

Got it!!! Here is the picture of the 1936 Cab.

Cheers,

Jack Tone

 

[Blueslicks]

Got it!!! Here is the picture of the 1936 Cab.Cheers,

Jack Tone

I don't believe they made any badges marked simply "1936" post JCM800. The first gold badges were labeled "JCM800 Lead Series" in my recollection. I think they then added the "JCM900 Lead Series" and evolved towards badging most all cabs based on model and then finally speaker configuration IE: "1936V" (V30 loaded), "1936 Lead Series" and simply "1936" (both usually G12T75 loaded) and of course the 4X12 cabs such as "1960 Classic" (GB loaded), "1960A" or "1960B" or simply "1960 Lead" (again, usually G12T75 loaded) etc.

The cab may have a barcode serial sticker on the back input jack plate that could contain a date. If it's a stereo dual input
jack plate it is definitely post JCM800.

As well, with the idea that Marshall used plywood up until about 1990 then switched to MDF (and dual input jack plates instead of mono on 1936 cabs) for over a decade and then as of about 2011 back to ply...taking the back panel, a handle or even just the input jack plate off and looking inside may also shed some clues. Even the size and material of the brace inside will dictate post JCM800 status.

And you never know, you may have a JCM800 ply version that someone replaced the badge on.

 

[JackTone]

Dear Blueslicks, and friends,

I was thinking this was a Pre JCM 800 "1936" cab. (perhaps made out of ply) as I’ve seen JCM 800 and JCM 900 with “lead” printed on the plates.

My goal is to match up an external 1936 2x12" cab. w/ my JCM 900 2x12" 50 Watt Combo.

I've learned a lot about the JCM 900 2x12" 50 Watt Combo hear on the Marshall Form, and from my tech Dave Ray at A Brown Soun in San Rafael, CA. Much of what I've learned is stay clear of channel 2, and just stick with channel 1 full up. Experimenting both in the studio and on live performances I’ve found this to be good advice.

I really appricate your help Blueslicks, I'll do some surgery on the cab. and keep you in the loop.

Cheers,
Jack Tone

 

[Blueslicks]

Dear Blueslicks, and friends,

I was thinking this was a Pre JCM 800 "1936" cab. (perhaps made out of ply) as I’ve seen JCM 800 and JCM 900 with “lead” printed on the plates.

My goal is to match up an external 1936 2x12" cab. w/ my JCM 900 2x12" 50 Watt Combo.

I've learned a lot about the JCM 900 2x12" 50 Watt Combo hear on the Marshall Form, and from my tech Dave Ray at A Brown Soun in San Rafael, CA. Much of what I've learned is stay clear of channel 2, and just stick with channel 1 full up. Experimenting both in the studio and on live performances I’ve found this to be good advice.

I really appricate your help Blueslicks, I'll do some surgery on the cab. and keep you in the loop.

Cheers,
Jack Tone

Cool Jack,

And which JCM900 series 50 watt combo is it you have?

The 4502 "High Gain Dual Reverb" version or the earlier 2502 "High Gain Master Volume MKIII" version?

Both are drastically different amps. With that said (and if you aren't doing so already) you can also get a bit more aggression out of that amp (at least the 2502) by using a patch cable to connect the send and return on the FX Loop. Then use the trim pot like a MV and adjust to taste.

 

[JackTone]

Dear Blueslicks,

I own a JCM900 series 50 watt combo 4502 "High Gain Dual Reverb. Lucked out found it at House of Hits rehearsal studio in Sacramento, CA. Picked it up for $350.00, and it's clean.

I like your suggestion about the loop, I'll speak with Dave Ray about it, and get his opinion too.

As for the "1936" cabinet, The Marshall book says this "1936" cabinet can be as old as 1985. Serial #933821706.

Presently, the "1936" has x2 FANE speakers (which came with the cab.) which I also have in my HI WATT lead 30. I may go to Green Backs or Cream Backs, so feel free to chime in on the subject of speakers.

Thanks again Blueslicks, maybe you can shed more light on the "1936" again, and or touch on other subjects we've discussed.

Cheers,

Jack Tone

 

[Blueslicks]

Just thought I'd post this pic for all those who ask "does it really matter" if a cab is ply or MDF.

Sound quality and preference to tone aside, when you talk durability I think it's obvious what a crappy material MDF truly is. Here's a pic of a 1936 I lifted off ebay just now. Look where the casters have been inserted near the baffle. That's from wheeling it around a bit, having the caster socket screws loosen from spreading MDF and then the tips of the casters ultimately swaying and pressing against the baffle.

Stuffs also a real treat if you ever have to remove the baffle, then reinsert the screws.

I guess there is a chance the guy is using non-Marshall castors and did the damage himself when drilling bigger holes to fit them but still...

For over a decade Marshall pumped out these atrocious excuses for cabs under the guise of it being professional grade, road ready gear. I imagine many, many people purchased those cabs without even questioning the material. Marshall sure never announced a switch from ply nor did they inform anyone of the MDF material in the specs when advertised as far as I know. Either way, what a colossal rip off for the prices Marshall asked for that shit.

 

[Micky]

You sure it is a 1936? Where is the link to the auction?
What year do you think the cab was produced?

 

[Blueslicks]

You sure it is a 1936? Where is the link to the auction?
What year do you think the cab was produced?

I would guess it's anywhere from the early 90's through 2010...

Marshall 1936 Custom 2x12 Guitar Speaker Cabinet w Vintage 30s 811501022152 | eBay

And yes it's a Marshall. I've been inside enough 1936's to be sure. Screw placement, pozidriv screws, speaker placement, logo placement, tolex, corners and rivets. Look at the brace inside...the MDF base and thinner wood post along with the screws holding it on are giveaways as well. They used a ply base on the brace up until the JCM900 models. Then with the JCM900 series they cut costs again by making the brace even thinner than it was with the JCM800 series and started using MDF for the base. The JCM800 base was secured with thick dome head screws and by the JCM900's they began using a flathead smaller screw the same of which they use on the caster sockets. The seller also verifies the input jack states 150 watts in his ebay add which signifies it was originally loaded with stock G12T-75's.

 

[JackTone]

It sure looks like a 1936 cab. to me. I agree, pulling the screws (even once) and then reset them in that crap will only give to grief.

FYI Blueslicks, the 1936 cab. I have is birch ply. I posted the serial number last night (see previous post this subject). I'm thinking the cab. is either a pre JCM800 or very early production of same.

Also something else I've learned over the years about casters. Bigger is better. Moving gear over odd surfaces is much easier with larger wheels. Just my 2¢.

I'd like to talk with you later about speakers (Blueslicks), but maybe tomorrow my friend.

Cheers,
Jack Tone

 

[Blueslicks]

It sure looks like a 1936 cab. to me. I agree, pulling the screws (even once) and then reset them in that crap will only give to grief.

Big grief for sure. And imagine the weight of the speakers on the inserted anchors over time.

FYI Blueslicks, the 1936 cab. I have is birch ply. I posted the serial number last night (see previous post this subject). I'm thinking the cab. is either a pre JCM800 or very early production of same.

I saw the serial number and it's still a mystery to me. I'd have to see the inside. What about the jackplate? Is it a dual input? Also, what did the wattage handling state on the plate? These answers can shed clues towards general production era. Thing is...yours is the deeper dimension build with anti-skid plates and large recessed side handles.

The very first JCM800 era 1936 cabs were a thinner dimension as they transitioned from the plexi era Lead, Bass and Organ model 2045 2X12 cab into the JCM800 model 1936 cab. Basically a 2045 with Elephant tolex instead of Levant and G12-65 speakers instead of G12H-30 or GB's. The first JCM800 1936 had a top handle and small bakelite mono input jack which was usually mounted at the bottom of the back panel. The small bakelite input was then replaced with a large recessed funnel cup mono single input jack located near the top end of the back panel. When they finally went to the deeper dimension box they then added large recessed side handles and anti-skid plates. These larger dimension cabs then retained a large recessed funnel cup mono single input jack up until about 89-90 where the dual input stereo jack was then added and the switch to G12T-75's from the G12-65's took place.

There was one pre JCM800 deep dimension 2X12 with no specific model name we've discussed here before. Not much history is known but it does differ greatly from the 1936. It had levant tolex, small bakelite bottom placed input jack, small "A" serial tag, no corner protectors, small side handles and a straight baffle as opposed to a slanted 1936 style baffle.

http://www.marshallforum.com/cabinets-speakers/52255-interesting-vintage-1936-a.html

If yours was pre JCM800 it would have to be this cab re-tolexed in Elephant
with corners, recessed side handles and anti skid plates added.

Also something else I've learned over the years about casters. Bigger is better. Moving gear over odd surfaces is much easier with larger wheels. Just my 2¢..

I have casters but avoid rolling and carry whenever possible. Just don't like the bumps with speakers.

I'd like to talk with you later about speakers (Blueslicks), but maybe tomorrow my friend.

You bet.

 

[Swede]

Any of you cab specialists.....There is a 1936 cab for sale locally....Serial #M-2003-28-0108-Z.........

plate says 1936 Lead.

The guy says it has plywood construction with MDF front??? Makes no sense at all. He said there was Celestions inside but didnt specify model.

Anything you can say about the little info I have? Maybe through serial number?

I wrote him back asking for better photos and more info, but have yet to hear back