Marshall builds...2204, Plexi, or 18w? Marshall guys...

[M Fowler]

I didn't build a kit but have built one JTM45 with EL34's so we could say that is a JTM50 using Mojo board, chassis and transformers.

The other JTM45 with KT66's was a Triode steel chassis and MC trannies.

I preferred the Mojo EL34 version it sounded great, too bad I couldn't keep it.

Built a JCM800 2204 50w version which I still have and love that amp.

Also, recently completed the BF Champ JCM800 2204 using TW PT and Dynaclone A470-S 4k3 OT into custom Fender BF Champ chassis, that little F@@ker kicks arse!

Also, completed my Fowler Hot Rod Plexi 100w AFD #39 DBM.

We should have a Marshall section. I don't use correct components in my builds so they have no relation to a Marshall.

Mark

[katopan]

For the output stage it's all about how much power you want. 18W or 36W with EL84s have their unique and wonderful tone. An 18W with 6V6s and the PI set like for EL34s will give you more like the big Marshall EL34 tone but at 18W power. JTM45 is a step up again, then of course you've got the 50W or 100W'ers. People have even built EL34 amps but run at 18W voltages with a 36W 4k OT for a EL34 based 36W with lower output and a different tone to running them at 50W voltages. Anyway, pick to suit your power requirements and tonal preference. Marshall tone is all about power stage overdrive so these different options all give a slightly different sound but are all good options.

No matter which power amp you use, you can just cut and paste any of the preamps in front. Plenty of 18W's have been built with Plexi, JCM800 or whatever preamps and there's been a few Lite IIb preamps mated to EL34 power amps. Definitely easy to make a switchable cascade mod for either an 18W Lite IIb preamp for parallel/cascade or as the others have said switchable cascade on the Plexi pre. If you go for one with a TMB experiment with the common tone stack values and see what you like best. Lots of options, all good!

[amplifiednation]

For the output stage it's all about how much power you want. 18W or 36W with EL84s have their unique and wonderful tone. An 18W with 6V6s and the PI set like for EL34s will give you more like the big Marshall EL34 tone but at 18W power. JTM45 is a step up again, then of course you've got the 50W or 100W'ers. People have even built EL34 amps but run at 18W voltages with a 36W 4k OT for a EL34 based 36W with lower output and a different tone to running them at 50W voltages. Anyway, pick to suit your power requirements and tonal preference. Marshall tone is all about power stage overdrive so these different options all give a slightly different sound but are all good options.

No matter which power amp you use, you can just cut and paste any of the preamps in front. Plenty of 18W's have been built with Plexi, JCM800 or whatever preamps and there's been a few Lite IIb preamps mated to EL34 power amps. Definitely easy to make a switchable cascade mod for either an 18W Lite IIb preamp for parallel/cascade or as the others have said switchable cascade on the Plexi pre. If you go for one with a TMB experiment with the common tone stack values and see what you like best. Lots of options, all good!

This is excellent. Thank you for all of your feedback.

I kinda want to clone...but if I can make the magic happen at lower volumes I will roll my own!!!

[Reeltarded]

Variac!

I can play at near TV volume through a 4 holer with the variac in the low 70s high 60s VAC. I think the lights go out at around 50v and the sound stops around 35-45 depending on what amp.

Even in it's previous build state, you can hear my pick all over the strings in that video I posted of the mule. It was at normal talking volume. Volume is no longer the problem it used to be, and man the big amps make a really big noise, even quietly.

Thump! Love that!