1987 or 2204

[kebek]

Might be getting one of the 2 wich do you prefer and why...
is there a JCM 800 1987?
is it the same size as the JCM 800 2203 or smaller?

 

[jcmjmp]

I prefer the 1987 to my 2204.

I always use the 1987 with a THD Hotplate and drive it with an OD pedal. This gives me the most versatility in terms of getting clean/dirty/lead tones BUT you have to use the guitar's volume control.

With the 2204, I don't have the same amount of cleanup when I roll back the volume, which makes it harder to use for when I really need a clean/cleanish tone.

 

[jcm800gridlock]

I currently own a 1987x with the PPIMV mod and an 800 4104 (the combo version of the 2204). I love the sound of both amps but I find myself liking tone and sound of my 1987x a tad more than the 800 lately. I have never played a vintage 1987 so I am not sure of comparision between the reissue and the originals.

 

[lennon08]

I have both and to me they are totally different beasts. My 1987 is a 79 and the 2204 is an 82. I also play the JMP more, same reason just more versatile. Hopefully will never have to sell either.

Good luck!

 

[DSL100 Dude]

Might be getting one of the 2 wich do you prefer and why...

Hands down I prefer the 1987. Even when I had my 2204 I was always willing to trade with a guy that had a NMV head because that tone just CAN'T be beat. There is just an open, throaty, growl that makes the Lead 50 and Super Lead 100 THE Marshall amps. IMO

is there a JCM 800 1987?

Yes.

is it the same size as the JCM 800 2203 or smaller?

Same size. There were a very few short head 2204's but pretty much all JCM 800 series tube heads were on the full length box and looked the same.

 

[12barjunkie]

I've never had the chance to play a 1987 but from all the vids I've seen, they are amazing amps! I'm looking to buy a new head this year, so I'm subscribing to this thread for some more honest opinions.

 

[Susihukkanen]

Unfortunately I have never played a 1987 but I like my JCM 800 2204. My vote for the 2204.

 

[plexilespaul]

had both (well the superlead) and prefer the 2204...more friendly and tone for days. The super lead had to be cranked to get near the juice and harmonics of the 2204.

 

[sccloser]

I've had both. Did not have the 2204 long...it had 6550's which were not my thing at the time so I traded it off. Had a 1987 for a while. I think the tone was better on the 1987, but the 2204 was more friendly...ie..could play at lower volumes.

 

[maxime1122]

I prefer the 800s, more compression and gain.

Plexi are killer amps also, but for me... Nothing beats a 800.

 

[dptone5]

Depends on what you're using it for. I have a 1980 JMP 2204 and a 1987XL (the Reissue). In general, I like the tone of the 1987XL better and when cranked and for recording, the 1987XL is an amazing beast!

 

[Adrian R]

I prefer the 800s, more compression and gain.

Plexi are killer amps also, but for me... Nothing beats a 800.

I wholeheartedly agree...a good OD pedal upfront, a decent guitar, and the right 4x12 cab, and tone is heavy as hell! Drop tunings sound awesome...way better then these so called 'modern metal' high gain, mid cut shit thats out there..

 

[sccloser]

I prefer the 800s, more compression and gain.

Plexi are killer amps also, but for me... Nothing beats a 800.

Some jcm 800's are 1987's. 800 is a series, 1987 is a model. The 50w, nmv 800 was a 1987.

 

[redscott131]

......is there a JCM 800 1987?

YEAH - here is what a JCM800 1959 (100W) or a JCM800 1987 (50W) looks like.

Both are great amps. Tough call on which (1987 or 2204) is better.

 

[JakeBluesRocker]

I prefer the 800s, more compression and gain.

Plexi are killer amps also, but for me... Nothing beats a 800.

yea they are like plexis but with even more bollz

 

[Adrian R]

Haven't any experience with a 1987, and I love to..but my 2204 is HANDS DOWN the most incredible sounding Marshall I have ever owned.

Notes are not just heard, they are FELT with extreme authority... HUGE bass response, ultra warm midrange, and as tight as a Sunday morning virgin..

Oh and did I mention LOUD! Fucking LOUD!

 

[maxime1122]

Haven't any experience with a 1987, and I love to..but my 2204 is HANDS DOWN the most incredible sounding Marshall I have ever owned.

Notes are not just heard, they are FELT with extreme authority... HUGE bass response, ultra warm midrange, and as tight as a Sunday morning virgin..

Oh and did I mention LOUD! Fucking LOUD!

Also, as I'm doing more recording these days. I'm liking more and more my 2203. There is just something in the feel that the plexi doesn't have. And soloing with the neck pup on a LP is awesome

I find the plexi to be more raw and a bit fatter. It depends on what you want.

I also have a 2204 and its awesome too, the 2204 is a bit smoother then the 2203. But the 2203 has more growl to it (100 watts)

 

[Adrian R]

Also, as I'm doing more recording these days. I'm liking more and more my 2203. There is just something in the feel that the plexi doesn't have. And soloing with the neck pup on a LP is awesome

I find the plexi to be more raw and a bit fatter. It depends on what you want.

I also have a 2204 and its awesome too, the 2204 is a bit smoother then the 2203. But the 2203 has more growl to it (100 watts)

I use to have a 1980 2203 with 6550s. I loved that amp, and was a dumbass for selling it circa 2003..but I like the 2204 more...Its not 'quite' as tight..but I like the tad bit more compression..it's just awesome for straight hard rock...It seems a bit more fluid making it almost as easy and inspirational to solo with as the boosted DSL's red channel... I incidentally love the DSL100 too..I am currently in Marshall heaven man...I've owned allot of different Marshalls over many years..and these two are by far my favorite...

 

[plexipaul]

During my metal years (80s) i`ve been playing a 2204 + ts9. This was an excellent setup but deep in my heart i`ve always been and always will be a classic rocker. For that style i absolutely prefer the big ballsy tone and clarity of the 1987/1959 circuits.

 

[kebek]

even score again...