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Average Price: $2,100

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into the world of classic rock with the Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w, a legendary guitar amplifier head that has powered countless iconic performances. Known for its distinctive British tone, this amp head delivers 50 watts of pure, unadulterated sound, making it a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike. The JMP 2204 Mk II is celebrated for its simple yet effective design, offering straightforward control over your sound with its intuitive interface.

Equipped with two channels, it provides both clean and overdriven tones, allowing for versatile play styles from crisp, clear melodies to gritty, powerful riffs. The amp's all-valve design is a nod to traditional craftsmanship, ensuring warmth and depth in every note. This model is also revered for its master volume control, enabling players to achieve high-gain sounds at lower volumes, perfect for both stage and studio settings.

Built to last, the Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II is encased in robust housing, ready to withstand the rigors of touring. Whether you're chasing the sound of classic rock legends or crafting your own signature tone, this amplifier head offers the perfect blend of power, precision, and performance.

Key Features:

  • 50 watts of power with all-valve design
  • Two channels for clean and overdriven tones
  • Master volume control for high-gain sounds at lower volumes
  • Intuitive interface with straightforward controls
  • Durable construction ideal for both stage and studio use

Product specs

Brand Marshall
Model JMP 2204 Master Model Mk2 Lead 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Black, Fawn
Year 1975 - 1981
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Direct Output No Direct Output
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 50
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What kind of music is the Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w best suited for?

The Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II is renowned for its classic rock tone, making it ideal for genres like hard rock and classic rock. Its master volume design allows for rich, saturated overdrive at lower volumes, perfect for achieving iconic rock sounds.

Does the Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II have multiple channels?

No, the Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II features a single channel. This design focuses on delivering a pure, powerful tone without the complexity of channel switching.

What type of power tubes does the Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II use?

The Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II uses EL34 power tubes, which are known for their distinctive British tone, characterized by a strong midrange and pronounced harmonic content.

Can the Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II be used with different speaker impedances?

Yes, the Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II supports 4, 8, and 16-ohm speaker impedances, allowing flexibility in pairing with various speaker cabinets.

Does the Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II include built-in reverb?

No, the Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II does not have built-in reverb. It focuses on providing a straightforward, powerful tone without additional effects.

The Guitologist

The Guitologist

Secrets of the Marshall JMP 2204 Master Model 50W Mk2 Lead Head - The PERFECT Marshall Amp!

Video thumbnail for Secrets of the Marshall JMP 2204 Master Model 50W Mk2 Lead Head - The PERFECT Marshall Amp! by The Guitologist

Secrets of the Marshall JMP 2204 Master Model 50W Mk2 Lead Head - The PERFECT Marshall Amp!

The Guitologist

The Guitologist

Video thumbnail for Vintage Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Demo #1 by supersonicmods

Vintage Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Demo #1

supersonicmods

supersonicmods

Video thumbnail for Marshall JMP 2204 Master Model 50W Mk 2 Master Lead by Humidor Records

Marshall JMP 2204 Master Model 50W Mk 2 Master Lead

Humidor Records

Humidor Records

Reviews

PROS

  • Iconic classic rock and blues tone, unmatched by modern alternatives

  • Master Volume feature allows great tones even at lower volumes

  • Highly praised for its distinct, vintage Marshall sound signature

  • Smooth overdrive with dynamic response and singing harmonics

  • Versatile sound with minimal pedal use needed for optimal performance

  • EL34 tube conversion praised for enhancing tone and feel

  • Ideal for capturing authentic hard rock sound of late 70s and 80s

  • Strong preference from users over digital modelers and profilers

  • Attractive vintage aesthetic, particularly in rare fawn color

CONS

  • Limited clean headroom, challenging for heavy pedal usage

  • Requires careful speaker pairing for optimal output power

  • Tone continues to improve with volume, potentially limiting quiet use

  • High input gain can be less forgiving with excessive pedal use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w.

Features and functionality

  • The low input channel on the JMP 2204 is noted for producing excellent cleans, especially with the preamp set to 10.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Avatar Hellatone 60 speaker pairs well with this amp, offering a smoother tone by being a broken-in version of Celestions.

    Source
  • Converting from 6550 to EL34s involves resistor changes, leading to smoother power tube overdrive.

    Source
  • Drilling extra holes for PCB standoffs is recommended to improve reliability in horizontal input models prone to developing bad connections.

    Source

Comparisons

  • For those who find Celestion Vintage 30s too spikey, the Eminence DV77 is recommended as a smoother alternative.

    Source
  • The JMP 2204 is likened to a Plexi with a master volume, offering Hendrix-like tones at more reasonable volumes.

    Source
  • The 50-watt version of the JMP 2204 is preferred over the 100-watt version by some owners for its tone and manageability.

    Source

Build quality

  • Custom combo cabinets by Weber are praised for their craftsmanship, often favored over the original headshells.

    Source
  • The "new" 2204 models (1979-81) are identified by a serial number next to the power switch, distinguishing them from earlier versions.

    Source
  • Horizontal input models may develop bad solder joints due to components being soldered directly onto the PCB, leading to reliability issues over time.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices for the JMP 2204 have spiked significantly post-COVID, with current listings around $2800, indicating potential for further value increase.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Adding an overdrive or boost pedal can enhance the tones from low-gain settings for heavier music styles.

    Source
  • The Fryette Power Station is praised for its ability to enhance the JMP 2204 by providing power amp saturation and a high-quality effects loop.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Regularly re-soldering connections can mitigate issues in horizontal input models, with some owners considering structural modifications for long-term reliability.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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G

A mighty beast

This amp prove that not only bass amp can produce enough energy to make you shake from the inside. This amp was made in the mid to late 1970 and was part of the handfull of amp that defined the 70 and the 80. This model is part of the second generation of marshall amp. The first generation being the classic ''plexi'' amp (JTM,1959 and 1987X). The JMP where the firsts models to have a Master Volume and a Pre-amp volume (gain). They sound really similar to the previous line but with more gain on tap. The JMP line became the JCM line in the 80 with the first flagship being the JCM800. Some say that the only difference between the JMP and the JCM where the changes made to the face of the amp. While the Master volume give you the ability to play quieter, the amp really is at his best while cranked to get that stressed el34 grind that we all have learn to love. To be in a room with this beast of an amp cranked into a 4x12 is an experience that everyone should feel at least once in his lifetime (with earplug of course). This is addictive and you'll always want to play a little more. A good complement for this amp is an attenuator.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Photo

During the first few live shows after Unlimited Love has released, you can see that instead of using his Silver Jubilee, John Frusciante opted for a Marshall JMP 2204 head to pair with his Marshall Major. You can get a clear look at it at 5:04, and you can differentiate it from the JMP 2203 by the smaller logo and the more squared off EQ cutout.

See how Billy Corgan uses Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via reverb.com

"This Marshall 2204 Master Model 50W MkII Lead is from the private collection of Billy Corgan.

This was part of Corgan's rack of four Marshall heads that he had in the studio to provide classic Marshall tones or particular harmonic layering within a track.

This head is missing the handle on top and has a handful of scuffs and scratches, as well as some tape labeling it for Corgan "BC" and a "1" sticker on the side. It is otherwise clean, with no major blemishes.

This 50W Marshall head is a joy to play, with warm, thick, articulate cleans on the low channel and endlessly satisfying crunch on the high channel. All pots and controls work cleanly and reliably.

The power cable is attached on this amp head."

See how Chris Cornell uses Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w

Chris Cornell

Guitarist, Singer

Soundgarden

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Chris Cornell is seen using a tan Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w amplifier while recording Soundgarden's 1996 album "Down on the Upside"

See how J Mascis uses Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w

J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via Photo

In 1988, a press release by SST for the album You’re Living All Over Me mentioned that J Mascis uses "two fifty-watt Marshall heads going into a Marshall one hundred-watt head, which in turn goes into two 4X12 cabs." This indicates that the two fifty-watt heads are likely the Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w, as suggested by the head cabinet size shown in the source image.

See how Dave Murray uses Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w

Dave Murray

Guitarist

Iron Maiden

...
Verified via Photo

Easily the most important amp for Dave Murray in the 80s. Four of these are seen behind Dave Murray in this photo. The amp is also mentioned countless times in official stage set gear lists from the era, gear rundown interviews, and has been seen in video with Dave Murray.

See how Fredrik Thordendal uses Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w

Fredrik Thordendal

Guitarist

Meshuggah

...
Verified via Facebook

Seen on this picture taken at Fredrik Thordendal's studio.

See how Kurt Ballou uses Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w

Kurt Ballou

Guitarist, Music Producer

Converge

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Marshall JMP 2204 with military spec 6CA7 power tubes.

See how Dave Baksh uses Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w

Dave Baksh

Guitarist

Sum 41

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Backstage With Dave Baksh of Sum 41 | Studio Classic | Marshall," at the 2:16 mark, guitarist Dave Baksh confirms that he owned the Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II, mentioning that he "uses it to this day."

See how Ronni Le Tekrø uses Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w

Ronni Le Tekrø

Guitarist

Vagabond

...
Verified via Photo

The picture is posted by Ronni's tech on facebook Ronni's 2204 is modded with an extra output in the front to link to the next amp

Album Usage

The Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Marshall JMP 2204 Mk II Master Lead 50w, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
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1
Marshall Valvestate 8100
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1
Marshall 1960B 4x12'' Cabinet
Marshall 1960B 4x12'' Cabinet Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
1

Community setups

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The Dirty channel features a tone stack voicing switch that delivers the sweeter JTM tone control voicing and balanced gain response in one position, and the more in your face JMP voicing in the other. The Gain control knob cascades through multiple tube gain stages in a unique way that starts out with Classic Plexi tones early on the dial giving way to scorching High Gain tones later on. The Gain Boost switch engages even more gain as well as kicking in our unique clipping diode circuit that gives you the sustain and precision of a ‘Jose’ but retains the organic Plexi clarity when backing off of the guitar’s volume control. See below for a description of each of the three individual amp voices available in the dirty channel.

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