Marshall 2203 vs 2204

I'm comparing a 1977 Marshall Master Lead 50 Model 2204 to a 1983 Marshall Master Lead 100 Model 2203 using a 2008 Gibson Les Paul R9 and 1971 Marshall 4x12 Model 1982B.

In this video I compare a '77 2204 to an '83 2204:

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[semdallinga]

Marshall imo should reissue the 2204, it’s the quintessential 70’s rock amp

[RiotHomeRecording]

I own multiple all original unmodified Marshall JMP’s & JCM 800’s with their original cabs.
All from late 70’s & early 80’s.

They all have that amazing classic Rock n Roll sound. They’re my favorite era Marshall’s.

I’m glad I picked them up years ago i see them going for 3 times the amount they were.

[TunedupFlat]

Having both a 1977 2204 and a 1980 2204, I feel like some of the comments about mustard caps making the difference are just silly. Both sound great and that has way more to do with the drake transformers than the color of its capacitors

[rokkebill]

These amps are brutal in the treble dept. Sounds like like late 70’s Angus. That bite in the attack 😍 I found my 2203 to to be richer and more bass when the gain is up some more, and I also loved putting the master at 5 so the gain also comes from the output tubes. Try this - every pot on 5, except bass on 10. Very fun 🍻 Nice video btw

[jessedelaney]

2203 all day long for me. I’ve had a few and currently have an 1980.
Also, a 2203 set clean on an Ampeg 8x10 is the greatest rock bass sound ever created.

[philippschlereth]

Hej! Today I want to thank you, Johan, for all your great advice and your videos! Because of them I recently bought a ´77 JMP 2203. I've never heard anything better and punchier! It sounds pretty similar to your ´77 JMP, but just with a little bit more headroom. Keep on, mate!

[LegendaryTones]

For master volume heads, I’ve always personally preferred the punch and headroom of the 2203 over the 2204. The 2204 is a fine amp however and both are great. 2203 is tighter (great for metal especially when equipped with 6550 tubes as shipped originally to the US) but a 2204 gets a nice bloom with earlier power tube compression.

[ianorourke]

Very accurate description. I love my 77 jmp2204. It's perfect

[jcoulter]

Great video as usual. I really like both. Can't say I prefer one over the other honestly. The 100 watter just sounded bigger, like you said. God bless and rock on 🎸👍😎

[Superchixxx]

Sounds great! I have an ‘81 JMP 2203 and an ‘84 JMP 2203 - both from Sweden. The ‘81 sounds more open than the ‘84 and dare I say classic. Your 2204 is killer and has that open “grind”. Thanks

[stevencancel]

Usually prefer the 50 watt heads, but your 2203 sounds pretty nice!

[kurtbader]

Jmp 2204s are the best amps I've heard for the way I play, I've had a '77 and a '78 for decades. EL34's in both, and I have to admit I was fortunate enough to have a legendary amp tech who tuned them to sound incredible. Set up correctly they sound like they're going to melt, but they always work. Original caps and transformers. Plus, with the 2204s you go deaf a little more slowly.

[vintagetone]

all marshalls amps up to tge 1987 are great.cant be beat

[sassulusmagnus]

Two bold flavours of Marshall goodness. Equally great sounding.
I have a late 60's Super Lead and an early 80's JCM800 2203. Each wonderful in their own way, but I would still love to get my hands on a late 70's JMP 2204. What a sound. Thanks for doing this comparison.

[Johnny-oyfh]

We all used those back in the 70s and early 80s...classic rock tones..

[jukkamurto]

I have a -79 2203 serviced and slightly tweaked by Daniel at Forsberg Amplification. Second owner, bought it in 1985 and it will propably be my 17-year old sons main amp also...

[ScottRadkeMusic]

Have both….. love both….. and overall- I always prefer the 2204’s (mine or Johan’s ;)

[Jarrodpimental]

I’m just going to say it. When I was a child I thought Wally walrus was a fake accent as a joke but you actually sound exactly like him and it’s mind blowing everytime.

[frustreradpunk]

This comparison just reassured me of why I kept my '80 2204 and sold my '77 2203. I'm a 50 watter guy!

[schreds]

i have a50 watt 86 2204 and just absolutely love it especially when i ABY it with my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe tone for DAZE