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Average Price: $553

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$300

$801+

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Description

The Marshall JCM900 4500 is a classic choice for guitarists seeking both power and versatility in their sound. Designed with the professional musician in mind, this dual-channel amplifier head delivers a robust sonic experience, perfect for both live performances and studio sessions. Its design comes from the renowned Marshall lineage, ensuring reliability and durability that musicians have trusted for decades.

Equipped with 50 watts of power, the JCM900 4500 is suitable for a wide range of venues, from small clubs to larger stages. Its two channels allow for easy switching between clean and overdriven tones, offering a dynamic range to explore various musical styles. The built-in reverb adds depth to your sound, while the effects loop provides flexibility for additional external effects.

The JCM900 4500 is also known for its responsive EQ section, which includes bass, middle, and treble controls, allowing you to sculpt your tone precisely. With its robust construction and signature Marshall aesthetic, this amplifier head not only performs exceptionally but also looks the part, serving as a reliable workhorse for any guitarist's rig.

Key Features:

  • 50 watts of power
  • Dual channels for clean and overdriven tones
  • Built-in reverb for added depth
  • Effects loop for external effects integration
  • Responsive EQ section with bass, middle, and treble controls
  • Classic Marshall design and build quality

Product specs

Brand Marshall
Model JCM 900 Model 4500 50-Watt Hi Gain Dual Reverb Head
Finish Black
Year 1990s
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 50
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb Spring Reverb

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Marshall JCM900 4500 use?

The Marshall JCM900 4500 uses EL34 power tubes, which are known for their classic British rock sound, offering a warm and harmonically rich tone.

How many channels does the Marshall JCM900 4500 have?

The Marshall JCM900 4500 features two channels, allowing for versatile switching between clean and high-gain tones suitable for various music styles.

Is the Marshall JCM900 4500 suitable for live performances?

With its 50-watt output, the Marshall JCM900 4500 is powerful enough for live performances, providing ample volume and presence on stage.

Does the Marshall JCM900 4500 have built-in reverb?

Yes, the Marshall JCM900 4500 includes a built-in spring reverb, offering classic reverb tones that enhance your sound.

What is the impedance compatibility of the Marshall JCM900 4500?

The Marshall JCM900 4500 supports 16 ohms, 8 ohms, and 4 ohms impedance, allowing for flexible speaker cabinet configurations.

Greg's Guitar Lessons

Greg's Guitar Lessons

Marshall JCM900 4500 Demo (similar to jcm 900, 4100)

Video thumbnail for Marshall JCM900 4500 Demo (similar to jcm 900, 4100) by Greg's Guitar Lessons

Marshall JCM900 4500 Demo (similar to jcm 900, 4100)

Greg's Guitar Lessons

Greg's Guitar Lessons

Video thumbnail for Marshall JCM900 Dual Reverb - In Depth Review by Totally Rad Guitars

Marshall JCM900 Dual Reverb - In Depth Review

Totally Rad Guitars

Totally Rad Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Wide tonal range, from clean chime to high gain

  • Dual channels for flexible sound shaping

  • Footswitchable reverb enhances versatility

  • Pentode/Triode switching, effects loop, and line out add functionality

  • Robust build quality, made in the UK

  • Performs well with both stock and aftermarket tubes

  • Compatible and improved with pedal integration

  • Popular as a reliable backline amp for live shows

  • Classic Marshall tone that's sought after by many

CONS

  • Factory biasing may be cold, requiring adjustment for optimal performance

  • Switch from EL34 to 5881 tubes in 1993 models introduced issues

  • Incorrect tube replacement without proper rebiasing can lead to thin, harsh sound

  • Potential stress on screen resistors with incorrect tubes

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall JCM900 4500.

Setup and maintenance

  • Running a patch cable between the effects send and return can enhance the power amp feed, addressing a design flaw in the JCM 900 4500.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The amp requires high volume to achieve optimal sound quality, with gain settings usually recommended between 4-6.

    Source
  • The clean channel can achieve vintage Marshall tones by maxing out mids and presence.

    Source
  • The amp's rear panel includes an impedance selector switch with settings for 8 Ohm and 4 (16) Ohm, crucial for proper speaker matching.

    Source
  • The JCM 900 Dual Reverb is considered versatile, providing some of the best clean tones Marshall has offered, particularly effective for 90s rock bands.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's noted for its compatibility with 90s alternative music, offering the iconic sound of that era.

    Source
  • The amp is noted for producing classic 90s pop punk tones, especially effective when using specific EQ settings like scooped mids and presence at 9:00.

    Source
  • The JCM 900 is particularly favored for old-school death metal, a genre where its tonal characteristics shine.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Often compared to the Silver Jubilee, with the JCM 900 offering distinct tonal characteristics appreciated in alt and grunge genres.

    Source
  • The JCM 900 MkIII and SL-X are preferred over the Dual Reverb for their more tube-driven sound, with the SL-X offering the highest distortion levels.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report potential reliability issues if not used regularly, suggesting it could require costly maintenance over time.

    Source
  • Early models with factory EL34 tubes are more sought after than later versions with 5881 tubes, offering distinct tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • Multiple owners express regret over selling their JCM 900, indicating a strong attachment to its unique sound profile.

    Source
  • Owners note that the 4100 Dual Reverb variant is less preferred due to its solid-state preamp and diode distortion, which differ from traditional tube amplifiers.

    Source
  • Users recommend maxing out the gain on channel A for a robust tone, while using channel B for solos, especially in classic rock settings.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
monnshadow

Insane Sound

Combined with a V30 4x12 the sound is just FAT. Changed mine from the 4x5881 Tubes to 4xEL34 and thus got the classic Marshall sound.

Thinking of changing to 6L6GC tho haha

bruno_penz_penserini

Underrated

Very Polyvalent and pedal friendly, using it since 10 years

Roles:
Genres:
tommariotti

Modded

Mod from marshall forum, V1 replaced with PM Tubes. Power Tubes 6l6GC Groove Tubes

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Prince uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Prince

Singer, Guitarist

The New Power Generation

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video of Prince & The NPG's Gold Experience Tour aftershow in Brussels on March 28, 1995, Prince can be seen using a Marshall JCM 900 4500 guitar amplifier head.

See how Buzz Osborne (aka King Buzzo) uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Buzz Osborne (aka King Buzzo)

Singer, Guitarist

Melvins

...
Verified via Photo

Buzz Osborne occasionally uses the Marshall JCM 900 4500 guitar amplifier head. While the specific model he uses is uncertain, it is likely the dual reverb version. This is suggested by its distinct features, such as more knobs than the JCM 800 and a black footswitch next to the JCM logo. A user-uploaded photo on Equipboard provides visual evidence of this usage.

See how Joey Jordison uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Joey Jordison

Guitarist, Drummer

Slipknot

...
Verified via Ultimate Guitar

In a 2010 interview with Ultimate Guitar, Joey tells Steven Rosen that he placed a Marshall JCM 2000 ind the middle and a JCM900 on both the left and right side of the track when recording "Women And Children Last"

It is unclear wether the JCM2000 and 900 were only used on the 2010 Murderdolls album or if it was also used to track 'Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls' Although in the music video 'White Wedding' Joey can be seen standing next to a JCM2000

Quote from the article: "I have three different ones: a rhythm sound; a lead sound; and another one. I have a middle track that I use which is a JCM 2000 that's straight up the middle then I have two 900's that are modded that are on the left and the right. All Marshall."

I could not find any photos to support the live usage of the JCM900 but plenty of evidence can be found on the JCM2000

In all its a great interview where Joey also give more information about what pedals and guitars he used.

See how Larry "Ler" LaLonde uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Larry "Ler" LaLonde

Guitarist

Primus

...
Verified via Indstate

He switched over from JCM 800's to JCM 900's in 1993 and continued using them until Primus' hiatus in 2000. They were his main amps during during the Pork Soda and Punchbowl-era, but in 1997, he began to use them with other amps.

See how John Jones (BMTH) uses Marshall JCM900 4500

John Jones (BMTH)

Guitarist

Bring Me The Horizon

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video by TC Electronic titled "Bring Me The Horizon - Gear Run @ Roskilde Festival 2016," John Jones of Bring Me The Horizon is mentioned by tech Joey Black as using the Marshall JCM 900 4500 guitar amplifier head.

See how Chris Stein uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Chris Stein

Guitarist

Blondie

...
Verified via GuitarPlayer.com

Stein keeps his stage arsenal simple, relying on a Marshall JCM900 head, a Vega 2x12 cabinet, his new leather-covered Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster, and a Dean Soltero.

See how Lee Altus uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Lee Altus

Guitarist

Exodus

...
Verified via YouTube

you can see these amps onstage

See how Skay Beilinson uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Skay Beilinson

Guitarist

Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota

...
Verified via Photo

En este show de Skay se ve de fondo el JCM 900.

See how Andra Ramadhan uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Andra Ramadhan

Guitarist

Dewa 19

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo, Andra Ramadhan is seen using a Marshall JCM 900 4500 guitar amplifier head, identifiable by the label on the left side.

See how Criss Oliva uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Criss Oliva

Guitarist

Savatage

...
Verified via Dinosaurrockguitar

"an interview with Alex Skolnick (who replaced Criss after his death) reports that Criss used a Marshall JCM 900 50 watt head on Edge Of Thorns as Skolnick used the same amp himself on the Savatage album Edge Of Thorns."

See how Tomi Koivusaari uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Tomi Koivusaari

Guitarist

Amorphis

...
Verified via guitarworld

Guitar World: Discuss your gear set-up for the new album (The Beginning of Times).

Tomi Koivusaari: Personally instead of Marshall this time I used Engl's Invader amp for the rhythm guitars, with some Marshall (JCM) 900 on cleaner parts. I used only analog pedals, such as analog delay, wah, phaser.. very basic stuff. I have few customized ESP's which I used on recordings as well. Also on this album I played some additional pedal steel guitars here and there; I love that sound. On live playing I still prefer a Marshall JVM 410 or 900 head.

See how Ace uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Ace

Guitarist

Skunk Anansie

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video by TheGuitarGeek titled "This Is How Skunk Anansie’s Ace Gets THAT Sound," Ace discusses his use of the Marshall JCM900 4500 amp head. At 7 minutes and 40 seconds, the amp is identified by its faceplate reading '50W Hi Gain Dual Reverb'.

Ace states, "I bought the 900 when I was kind of like a kid when they came out and it stayed with me ever since I bought that amp. It's just an amazing sounding amp."

Ace further explains at 8 minutes and 7 seconds, "It's got the gain all the way up, but it's got the presence and treble backwards. So it gets really, it's a really fat sound."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Marshall JCM900 4500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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4
Marshall 1960B 4x12'' Cabinet
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3
Gibson L6S
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1
Walrus Audio Defcon 4
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1
AmpTweaker TightDrive Pro
AmpTweaker TightDrive Pro Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
TC Electronic Sentry Noise Gate
TC Electronic Sentry Noise Gate Noise Gate Effects Pedals
1
Boss FS-5U
Boss FS-5U Switch Effects Pedals
1
Boss BF-2 Flanger
Boss BF-2 Flanger Flanger Effects Pedals
1

1 alternative for Marshall JCM900 4500, curated by the Equipboard community.

Marshall JCM900 4100

$774.51 - $2,449.99

similar sound high-end alternative

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