Marshall 2104

Flight316

Flight316

Member
Hey guys! I do not really know a whole lot about tube amps so forgive my ignorance here but, what amp (if any) in the FM9 stable is the closest to a Marshall JMP 100w 2104? Im wanting to start my learning in replicating some detailed sounds that I loved back when starting guitar? I have been researching what Neil Geraldo was using back in the day and know that he was using and still uses Marshall JMP 100w 2104 combo amps with EVM 12L speakers. I have not seen this amp in our line up so is there another amp that is close enough to use? Thanks in advance!! Loving my FM9!!!!!!!!
 
The 2104 was 50 watts. If Neil used the 100 watt version it would have been the 2103. The 2103 and 2104 were combo versions of the more common 2203 and 2204 heads respectively. Their circuits would have been the same as the head versions (same amp chassis, different cab).

The Brit 800 model is the same circuit as the 100 watt JMP 2203 and 2103 amps.

Correction: the Brit 800 model is of the 50 watt version, the 2204. We don't have an exact model of the 2203. It's virtually identical to the 2204 except with 4 output tubes instead of 2 and larger transformers. The 100 watt 2203 would have more headroom and a bit beefier sound. If you run the Master Volume a bit lower on the Brit 800 model and tweak the post EQ to add a touch more low end thump, you'll likely be close enough.
 
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The Brit 800 is a JCM 800 2204, the Plexi 2204 is a JMP 2204. I'm not sure what the difference is between the circuits of the two amps Fractal modeled, but they do sound very different. You may want to try both to see which gets you closer. I don't know that the changes coincided exactly with the transition from JMP to JCM, but at some point they went from 2 input gain stages to 3 IIRC.
 
Yeah, the Plexi 2204 model is lower gain. It has parallel input stages instead of series like the later versions of the 2204, so like you said it effectively has one less gain stage.
 
I own a 1978 JMP 2204. Interesting that the wiki states the Fractal Plexi 2204 model is an '81 JMP without the cascaded gain stage. Based on my research, only early 1976 JMP model 2204's did not have the cascaded gain stage from what I understand. They added that in late 76 or early 77. Plus I think the 2204 is technically not a "Plexi" so to speak. Perhaps the 1981 "CSA" version did not come with the cascaded gain stage. Odd since they started adding that cascade by '77. Would be great if we had the cascaded model of a JMP 2204.
 
2 cents here, I own 2 JCM800 early 1990's each with 1960 cabs, loaded with EVM12L's and the Type BRIT800 with the Legacy 144 cab is a very worthy model of my cherished dual half stacks all in compact peddle board.
 
The JCM seems to have more gain than mine, but that might have to do with higher plate voltages on JCM models than on JMP models. Might be year dependent but not sure what year the BRIT 800 is modeled after. Can turn the gain down on the fractal Brit 800 model to get closer to a JMP, at least in comparison to mine that is. All very close however.
 
mr_fender said:
The 2104 was 50 watts. If Neil used the 100 watt version it would have been the 2103. The 2103 and 2104 were combo versions of the more common 2203 and 2204 heads respectively. Their circuits would have been the same as the head versions (same amp chassis, different cab).

The Brit 800 model is the same circuit as the 100 watt JMP 2203 and 2103 amps.

Correction: the Brit 800 model is of the 50 watt version, the 2204. We don't have an exact model of the 2203. It's virtually identical to the 2204 except with 4 output tubes instead of 2 and larger transformers. The 100 watt 2203 would have more headroom and a bit beefier sound. If you run the Master Volume a bit lower on the Brit 800 model and tweak the post EQ to add a touch more low end thump, you'll likely be close enough.
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Just so I understand, both the 2103 and 2104 combos were basically 2203 and 2204 heads made into a combo amp. From what I read from Geraldos Facebook posts and this video Marshall did not sale very many of amps in 79-81 due to how heavy they were. I know at the end of the day half or most of our tone is in our hands but was wanting to get as close as possible to what he uses and do as say by using some post EQ. Very very cool learning about this stuff! There is a ton of info and so many variations of these amps! Thank you!
 
20West Studio said:
My first Marshall amp back in the late 70s was a 1978 JMP 2204 with an Orange 4x12 cab. I had to sell it after high school to buy a car to get to work. Worst decision of my life. I should have just quit my job! LOL
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Time to go hunt down that amp man! I still think about getting another Lee Jackson XLS just to have it sitting their. To this day I still think it's the best sounding hot rodded 800 veryant I have ever played through.
 
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