Marshall JMD:1

[ElChiguete]

Who has played one and whats your opinion?
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A rack version would be cool of this dont you thin?

[goldsparkletop]

I bought the 50 watt head about a month ago. I intended it to just be a backup to my $2500+ rack setup (Randall RM4 preamp, VHT power amp, etc).

I have now used the JMD as my main amp for my last 8 gigs. The $2500+ rack is now the backup. I like the JMD that much.

If you like Marshall crunch and Marshall hot rodded tones, it's good for that. The cleans were a pleasant surprise, too. The effects are a bit limited in their adjustability, but good enough for most folks.

I was playing my 50 watt JMD head in both of these clips.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J028a...layer_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIkOv...feature=relmfu

[goldsparkletop]

I should add that it will take a decent amount of time/tweaking to get whatever tones you're looking for. Like most programmable pieces of gear out there, the stock presets suck.

And I agree that a rack mount version would've been great. I love the convenience of having an entire rig all hooked up in a rack. Set up is so much quicker and easier. I don't think the the JMD series has sold well for Marshall, though, and I wouldn't be surprised if it has already been discontinued. :(

[ElChiguete]

Interesting that you can make that big change from your other gear to just that amp... I looks like they are not big sellers and Musicians Friend are having a big sell of them http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ampli...uitar-amp-head

btw why did they had to go and put the order of the knobs reverse???? jeje

[Holzar88]

I've been looking at these, too, and the prices have come down even further.

I was interested not only in the digital preamp, but also having a genuine Marshall power section available for my ADA MP-1.

At $509, that's a killer deal.

I think the traditional Marshall folks haven't warmed up to these. But people like Paul Gilbert have been using them, which tells you something about the tone.

EDIT: These were $509 an hour ago; now they're back up to $599 at that link. Still $509 at a couple of other places.

[ElChiguete]

so... how would you mainly used them together? just as a poweramp for the MP-1?

[Holzar88]

Yeah, just run the MP-1 out into the effects return on the Marshall, and, voila, you've got the Marshall EL-34 power section powering your MP-1.

You can do that with any amp that's got an effects loop.

Lots of guys back in the day preferred using power sections of old Marshalls as the power amps for the MP-1. Pretty common setup, actually.

[ElChiguete]

Oh yeah I totally got that, what I was just wondering is why do it with this particular amp if you are not interested in the preamp section of it?

[Holzar88]

Gotcha. I misunderstood.

I would be interested in the preamp, as I love Marshall's tones. And using it as a poweramp too would be a bonus.

Mostly, I just thought it would be a really cheap way to get a full on Marshall power section. From what I've read, the power sections in these should be relatively similar to what you'd find in a classic Marshall head like a JCM 800 or a DSL/TSL.

Getting that kind of power section for $500 is an absolute steal.