1977 2204 cascaded or non cascaded?

[V-man]

So if it’s not cascaded should I not let that put me off and just try and get the mod done or should I hold out for a cascaded head?

Not at all.

It’s not like there is a huge group in Japan trying to find pre-transitional ‘77s for the rarity of a non-cascaded MV JMP. The mod is simple, I believe reversable, and if the price/condition all work out you may not find a better opportunity for a while.

If you are not handy fixing amps, and have any sense, the amp should be going to a tech anyway for replacement tubes (at a minimum) and filter caps (highly recommended for an amp over 30 years old- did mine immediately w my ‘78 10 years ago). What’s another 15 minutes of bench time to have the mod added?

 

[Chrome]

I'm no expert but any means, lot of guys here truly are. I have owned a 76 JMP 1987 it was a fantastic Amp. It was a NMV 4 hole Amp. I can only believe the circuits are quite similar. I currently play a 78 2204. The big difference is with the 2204 I can dime the preamp and control volume with the master and I have a JCM 800 gain. Visa versa I can dime the master, and control volume with the preamp and I have a plexi gain. I personally would not let the fact that it is not cascaded deter me away from buying the Amp. There are plenty of very smart people that can direct you to an easy mod to cascade it. I'm sure mire knowledgeable guys here will chime in.

 

[TheOtherEric]

I totally disagree with those saying that converting to cascade is easy. There are numerous changes from 1976 to 1977+, including changes on the PCB, which IMHO rules out your typical handyman owner from doing the conversion. I own a Nov ‘76 that was previously converted, and after my thorough review of the work, I’ll say I’m glad it wasn’t me doing that work! I re-did about half the wiring, but thankfully the parts on the board were done correctly.

Oh and my ‘76 has rocker switches, not toggles, so rockers here doesn’t seem odd.

 

[Chrome]

Rocker switches came out in '76 the cascaded version of the 2204 came out either late 76 or early 77 (according to Solo Dallas) it is quite possible this amp is cascaded amp, only way to truly tell is by gut shots or you can do the two cable method.

from Solo Dallas

"
The “NEW” Marshall Master Model

While the sales of the non-MV volume amps continued steady and well, Marshall faced a serious problem with their new product: Most people didn’t like their Master Model amps (this refers only to the 2204) because there was no enough gain at lower volumes. It was a disaster: After 14 years selling non-MV amps, always relying on the power amp saturation, Marshall, the company that made the best RnR amps in the world suddenly had an amp with “no enough gain?”

[Warning: lame joke coming up!] Well… The heads at Marshall worked with the volume on 11 to find a solution. After many blown tubes, they decided to try something really different this time: to cascade the pre-amp to get extra pre-amp saturation.

And on late-1976 or early-1977 the magic happened… It was an instant success! You had a great overdriven tones at any volume (Of course, the louder it was, the better it would sound). It could also work as a “Plexi-style circuit”, by keeping the Master on 10 and working with the pre-amp volume. Of course, it also had a unique and distinctive voice."

 

[Petejax1234]

Thanks for all this info guys really appreciate it. I will post the gut shots as soon as I get them, hopefully Tuesday Wednesday

 

[jcm800gridlock]

I recall that there is away to check for cascading gain someway using the two input jacks.

I bought a ‘77 JMP 2204 about 10 years ago without cascading gain. I didn’t really have an amp tech back then so I returned it. Stupid move on my part.

 

[V-man]

I recall that there is away to check for cascading gain someway using the two input jacks.

I already posted.

 

[jcm800gridlock]

I already posted.

Sorry didn’t read all the posts.

 

[V-man]

Sorry didn’t read all the posts.

I figured. I flagged you to refresh your memory on what (my recollection) of the test was.

 

[neikeel]

The cascaded is a better amp.
To convert it is not difficult at all.
All the parts (NOS) are available and a step-by-step guide is available too.
As per my previous post (and if you read Solo Dallas) it would be extraordinary if the amp of that set up is not cascaded - but let’s see!!

 

[Matthews Guitars]

For my information I'd like to see some clear photos showing the circuits of both cascaded and non-cascaded versions so I can identify them at a glance...once the chassis is out of the box, of course.

 

[Petejax1234]

Ok got very detailed pictures of the guys so please let me know the verdict.

 

[neikeel]

See other thread.
Could mods merge them?