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Average Price: $1,600

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$300

$801+

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High-end

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Description

The Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W) amplifier head is a classic choice for guitarists seeking that iconic British sound with modern versatility. Known for its rich, full-bodied tone, this amp head delivers 50 watts of power, making it suitable for both studio sessions and live performances. With its dual-channel design, you can seamlessly switch between a clean and a more aggressive lead sound, allowing for dynamic range in your playing.

Equipped with a master volume and reverb, the JCM900 2500 offers precise control over your sound. Its all-tube configuration ensures that warm, organic tone Marshall is famous for, while the series effects loop provides flexibility for integrating effects pedals into your signal chain. The amp's rugged construction is built to withstand the rigors of touring, yet it remains intuitive and user-friendly, making it a staple in many musicians' gear collections.

Whether you're chasing vintage tones or contemporary sounds, the Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W) is designed to meet the demands of serious guitarists. Dive into a world of expressive soundscapes with this versatile amplifier head.

Key Features:

  • 50 watts of power
  • Dual-channel design (clean and lead channels)
  • All-tube configuration for warm, organic tone
  • Series effects loop for seamless pedal integration
  • Master volume and reverb controls
  • Rugged construction for durability
  • Ideal for both studio and live performance settings

Product specs

Brand Marshall
Model JCM 900 Model 2500 50-Watt Hi Gain Master Volume MkIII Head
Finish Black
Year 1990s
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 50
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What type of music is the Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W) best suited for?

The Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W) is ideal for rock and metal genres due to its high-gain capabilities and bright voicing. Its powerful tube-driven sound can handle both classic rock tones and more aggressive, modern styles.

Does the Marshall JCM900 2500 have built-in reverb?

No, the Marshall JCM900 2500 does not have built-in reverb. It focuses on delivering pure high-gain tones and may require an external reverb pedal for those effects.

What power tubes are used in the Marshall JCM900 2500?

The Marshall JCM900 2500 uses EL34 power tubes, known for their classic British tone, providing a warm, harmonically rich sound with plenty of headroom.

How loud is the Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W)?

With a 50-watt output, the Marshall JCM900 2500 is loud enough for small to medium-sized venues and can easily compete with a full band, including a drummer.

Can the Marshall JCM900 2500 handle pedals well?

Yes, the Marshall JCM900 2500 is known for taking pedals well, making it versatile for players who want to expand their tonal palette with effects.

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

3 Versions of Marshall JCM900 Shootout - MkIII Vs SL-X Vs Dual Reverb

Video thumbnail for 3 Versions of Marshall JCM900 Shootout - MkIII Vs SL-X Vs Dual Reverb by Johan Segeborn

3 Versions of Marshall JCM900 Shootout - MkIII Vs SL-X Vs Dual Reverb

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Marshall JCM900 MKIII 2500 Metal Clip by Lasse Lammert

Marshall JCM900 MKIII 2500 Metal Clip

Lasse Lammert

Lasse Lammert

Video thumbnail for The Forgotten Marshall? |  JCM900 MKIII by Leon Todd

The Forgotten Marshall? | JCM900 MKIII

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Reviews

PROS

  • Legendary JCM 800 tone with an extra tube for added depth

  • Built-in knob for extra tube control enhances tonal versatility

  • Devours overdrive pedals, offering exceptional pedal compatibility

  • Versatile tone, capable of achieving clean to fire-breathing sounds

  • Integrated effects loop for expanded sound sculpting options

  • Option to run another preamp into it, increasing setup flexibility

  • Power switchable to 25 watts for lower volume playing

  • One channel simplicity, focused on rock and roll

CONS

  • Odd channel switching mechanism can be cumbersome

  • Requires expertise for modifications due to delicate internal circuitry

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W).

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the JCM900 2500 to the 5150, noting a preference for the latter's "crushing sound."

    Source
  • The JCM900 2500's SL-X variant is noted for having the highest distortion among its series, surpassing the MkIII with its additional 12AX7/ECC83 preamp valve.

    Source
  • The 25xx series is highlighted as a standout in the JCM900 range due to its all-tube preamp and poweramp, differing from the more common Dual Reverb models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A Kruse-modded JCM900 is described as the "meanest" version, suggesting significant tonal enhancement over stock.

    Source
  • Utilizing a patch cable to jump the effects loop is rumored to add extra "oomph" to the amp's performance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The JCM900 2500 is notably powerful when paired with a Mesa Recto cab featuring V30 speakers, producing a "growling and snarling" sound.

    Source
  • The JCM900 2500 is favored by early 90s death metal bands for its raw power and heavy gain, making it suitable for high-gain musical styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express satisfaction with the amp's heavy gain capabilities, particularly for high-gain musical styles.

    Source
  • The amp's optimal tone emerges at higher volumes, often requiring settings like "everything at 7" to achieve its renowned sound, which can be impractical for non-gigging use.

    Source
  • Owners recommend using the amp at settings above 6 on the master volume to achieve its renowned tone, leveraging power tube distortion effectively.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • There's recognition of the JCM900's desirability, with some users regretting selling their older models due to their unique sound.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Dual Reverb models incorporate solid-state components primarily for reverb, offering versatility and some of the best clean tones in the Marshall lineup.

    Source
  • The 'Gain Sensitivity' knob controls the signal through the diode bridge, acting like a built-in distortion pedal, essential for quiet playing without power tube distortion.

    Source
  • Switching the amp to half power transforms the power tubes from pentode to triode mode, reducing output from 50W to 25W for quieter venues.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some JCM900s from 1994-1998 were equipped with ruggedized Sovtek 5881 output valves due to an EL34 shortage, affecting tone and reliability.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
bakiethesaxon

My only head

The only head I own. My dad got this for me when I graduated high school. I love it, I also have two sets of cabs to go along with it.

B

One channel is all you need

This is easily the most underrated amp of all time. It has one channel. That channel is called rock and roll.

Roles:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Skolnick uses Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W)

Alex Skolnick

Guitarist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Savatage

In this article for magazine " Guitar for the Practicing Musician" Alex Skolnick talks about an amp he used:

A lot of rhythms were going straight through an amp Jon gave me, one of the best sounding Marshalls I've ever heard. When I ran my gear through it, we got a wide variety of tone. Depending on the dynamics, it reminded me of quiet Beck or when cranked up, like early Van Halen, which is my favorite tone in the world. This 50-watt JCM 900 from Thoroughbred Music was a dream amp. When Jon gave it to me I was speechless. I don't know if I want to take it out on the road because it sounds so good. It might just be a studio head.

I found this amp and a cab ( both signed by Alex) on an old Reverb listing: https://reverb.com/nz/item/1357870-testament-alex-skolnick-1990-tour-used-marshall-amp-cabinet .

See how Michael Gira uses Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W)

Michael Gira

Singer, Guitarist

Swans

...
Verified via YouTube

Good glance at 0:39, only used live as far as I know

See how Juan Valdivia uses Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W)

Juan Valdivia

Guitarist

Héroes del Silencio

...
Verified via Facebook

Juan Valdivia of Héroes del Silencio is seen testing the Marshall JCM 900 Hi Gain Master Volume MkIII 2500 50W amplifier on Facebook. He likely used this amp in the early '90s for the distorted parts and solos on the "Senderos de Traición" album, connecting it to a 4x12 Marshall Silver Jubilee speaker with G12T-75 drivers.

See how Molly Miller uses Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W)

Molly Miller

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Used during Molly Miller's performance at Rock 'n' Roll Camp for Girls in Los Angeles.

See how Andy Cairns uses Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W)

Andy Cairns

Singer, Guitarist

Therapy?

...
Verified via YouTube

Andy used Marshall JCM 900 on his stage performance.

See how Vaden Todd Lewis uses Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W)

Vaden Todd Lewis

Singer, Guitarist

Toadies

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video he briefly mentions his past use of the JCM900 which he replaced with the 800

See how Chuck Treece uses Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W)

Chuck Treece

Singer, Guitarist

Bedouin Soundclash

...
Verified via Photo

in this instagram post chuck treece can be seen plugged into his Marshall JCM 900 head

See how Mohammad Kautsar Hikmat uses Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W)

Mohammad Kautsar Hikmat

Guitarist, Music Producer

Noah

...
Verified via YouTube

In episode 6 of "Dapoer Gear," Mohammad Kautsar Hikmat is shown using the Marshall JCM 900 Hi Gain Master Volume MkIII 2500 50W amplifier. The episode, presented by DAPOER GEAR on YouTube, focuses on the gear used by Kautsar, who is also known as Uki from the band NOAH.

See how Torstein Flakne uses Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W)

Torstein Flakne

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Torstein Flakne uses the Marshall JCM 900 Hi Gain Master Volume MkIII 2500 50W amplifier, as seen in a soundcheck photo posted by stagedollsofficial on Instagram.

See how Cella uses Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W)

Cella

Guitarist, Composer

Kotak

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Guitar Rig Cella Kotak," Cella is shown using the Marshall JCM 900 Hi Gain Master Volume MkIII 2500 50W amplifier, as provided by HAI Page.

Album Usage

The Marshall JCM900 2500 (50W) has been featured on the following albums:

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 2500 (50W), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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sukhendu_chakraborty

sukhendu_chakraborty

Gear IQ 205

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