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Average Price: $558

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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 Bob Kulick uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Bob Kulick

Guitarist

W.A.S.P.

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video of Bob, a Marshall JCM 900 head can be seen.

See how Antonio Romano uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Antonio Romano

Guitarist

Hermética

...
Verified via Photo

antonio romano playing in Hermetica, 91' gig

See how Douglas Castle uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Douglas Castle

Guitarist

Peace

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen on the very right of the video at 2:39.

See how José "Pepe" Madero Vizcaíno uses Marshall JCM900 4500

José "Pepe" Madero Vizcaíno

Singer

PXNDX

...
Verified via YouTube

At 26:00 you can see in the back this amplifier in full stack mode

See how Alex Snowden uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Alex Snowden

Guitarist

Tallah

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Alex shows off her jcm 900 head that she used. she used this amp until switching to blackstar amps

See how Chris Chasse uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Chris Chasse

Guitarist

Rise Against

...
Verified via Ultimate-guitar

"On the record we used a mix between a Mesa-Boogie Stiletto head, a Marshall 900..."

See how Marko "Nuclear Holocausto" Laiho uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Marko "Nuclear Holocausto" Laiho

Singer, Guitarist

Beherit

...
Verified via Photo

Seen in many of the 90's live shows

See how Bill Bailey uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Bill Bailey

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In a MusicRadar interview, Bill Bailey discusses using the Marshall JCM 900 4500 guitar amplifier head.

See how Hernán Valente uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Hernán Valente

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

"Este casi está en todos lados. Uno se va adaptando un clásico. No es de mi elección, pero para mí le faltan graves, por eso lo uso con los graves al palo"

See how Radomir Mihajlović Točak uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Radomir Mihajlović Točak

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Radomir Mihajlović Točak is confirmed to use the Marshall JCM 900 4500 guitar amplifier head, as evidenced by a photograph available on Equipboard. This amplifier is recognized for its powerful and distinctive sound, which complements Točak's energetic and powerful tone, contributing significantly to his signature playing style.

C

Chris Broach

Singer, Guitarist

Braid

...
Verified via Photo

In this GuitarGeek rig diagram, made by Adam Cooper, Chris' rig includes a Marshall JCM 900 head amp.

See how Jordan Eckes uses Marshall JCM900 4500

Jordan Eckes

Guitarist

We Are the In Crowd

...
Verified via guitarworld

In the Guitar World article titled "We Are The In Crowd's Jordan Eckes and Cameron Hurley's Summer Tour Survival Guide — Warped Tour," Jordan Eckes discusses using the Marshall JCM 900 4500 guitar amplifier head during their performances.

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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Boss FS-5U
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1
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MXR MC401 Boost/Line Driver Boost Effects Pedals
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TC Electronic ND-1 Nova Delay
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1

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

Marshall JCM900 4100

$776.20 - $2,449.99

similar sound high-end alternative

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