User manual MARSHALL JCM800 2203

[. . . ] The amplifier you have just acquired is a re-issue of the JCM 800 2203, 100 Watt head that was originally launched in March of 1981 and proved incredibly popular with rock guitarists throughout the `80s. Although my JCM 900 Series replaced the entire JCM 800 range in 1991, the 2203 has remained a firm favourite with countless players ­ hence my decision to start making it again. Our re-issue of the JCM 800 2203 is totally faithful to the original in terms of looks, tone and feel. At the request of many 2203 fanatics it also boasts the addition of a Series Effects Loop ­ a feature which makes it totally at home in the modern performance arena. [. . . ] ENGLISH The unparalleled new tones the 2203 generated immediately became the sonic impetus that helped drive forward the veritable explosion of hard rock acts in the late seventies and early eighties. The JCM 800 incarnation of the amp (along with the other models in the JCM 800 range, most of which were derivatives of the 2203) quickly became the mainstay of the burgeoning heavy metal scene that dominated the `80s and was the amp responsible for many of the seminal thrash metal recordings of this period. In fact, Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman of Slayer, a hugely influential band that helped pioneer the thrash genre, still use their Marshall 2203s to this very day. The late eighties and early nineties saw a shift towards the `alternative/Brit pop' movement in the UK, while the US was dominated by the `grunge' scene. The wide-ranging use of 2203s in these extremely varied musical genres is a true reflection of this amplifier's extremely versatile tonal range. With the launch of Marshall's hugely popular JCM 900 Series in 1991, the JCM 800 2203 was deservedly, but somewhat reluctantly, put out to pasture after 16 years of sonic supremacy. Despite its retirement though, the 2203 continued to be a much sought after amp and scores of players, including that brilliant fretburner Zakk Wylde (of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society fame), would relentlessly hunt down old 2203s for use in the studio and on stage. Owing to the seemingly never-ending barrage of requests we receive on a daily basis for the 2203, we've decided that it is time for us to relaunch this great amp in its most popular guise ­ the JCM 800. Furthermore, by popular demand, we've also given it a Series Effects Loop that features a true Bypass switch that takes the loop completely out of the circuit, thus ensuring the original tone isn't compromised in any shape or form. ENGLISH 3 4 Front Panel 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 Rear Panel ENGLISH ENGLISH 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Front Panel Features 1. Power Switch This is the On/Off switch for the mains power to the amplifier. Please ensure the amplifier is switched off and unplugged from the mains electricity supply before being moved. (anticlockwise) will reduce the mids in your sound, giving you that aggressive `scooped' tone that is a staple of thrash and nu-metal guitar playing. Rear Panel Features Effects Loop Send & Return Jacks To increase the flexibility of your 2203 even further, you may choose to add external effects in its Series Effects Loop, which allows direct connection of either floor pedals or rack processors, with the Level switch (1) providing the correct operating level. impedance selected on the amp matches the total impedance of the speaker cabinet(s) being used. For example, if the amp is running into a single 16 Ohm cab, the amp should accordingly be set to 16 Ohms. Failure to comply with these points will result in damage to the amplifier. Your amp should be completely powered down before the selector is turned. 6. Treble Control This control determines the amount of treble and makes your guitar's tone brighter as it is turned up. IMPORTANT NOTE: The 2203's tone network is highly interactive and, because of this, altering the setting of one control can change the way the other controls behave. Standby Switch The Standby Switch is used in conjunction with the Power Switch (item 1) to `warm up' the amplifier before use and to prolong the life of the output valves. When powering up the amplifier always engage the Power Switch (item 1) first. [. . . ] Adjustment from 230/220V to 110V or vice versa will require the mains fuse to be changed to the corresponding value as detailed on the rear panel. 2. Effects Loop Bypass When `out' this switch completely bypasses the circuitry involved in the effects loop to maintain the amp's absolute tonal integrity. 8. Turning this control up overdrives the pre-amp and creates a desirable, harmonically rich distortion. 3. Effects Loop Return Jack Connect the (mono) output of an external effects processor here. 9. [. . . ]