'79 JMP 2203 with Metro Zero-Loss FX Loop and other minor mods: Keep as-is or return to stock for sale?

[Axeplyr]

I'm contemplating selling my '79 JMP 2203 that has a few small mods:

- Replaced one blown screen grid resistor
- Replaced old impedance selector with rotary dial type
- Converted from 6L6 to EL-34
- Installed the Metro loop

No holes have been drilled for these mods. Other than these, the circuit is stock.

I could conceivably reverse most of the mods (except the screen grid resistor). but should I? I feel like the changes I've made are upgrades, however I also realize that it might take a hit in resale... so if that be the case, it's better if I reverse the mods.

What do you all think? Thank you.

 

[guitarbilly74]

As long as nothing was drilled in I don't think that would be a big hit on the resale. Anyone buying something like this know these mods are easily reversible.
But also, these are good mods and should also attract buyers looking for modern features, especially the loop.

I'd just leave it. You won't get any extra for these mods (whether they're "upgrades" is entirely subjective) but I don't think they detract anything either.

Edit: also, if you have the old impedance selector, make sure to mention and include in the sale. I hate those old selectors but someone wanting to restore the amp will appreciate that.

 

[KirkD777]

I sold my '79 JMP and it was the worst gear decision I ever made. I was living in NYC at the time. Couldn't use it and I needed money. I would not sell it unless you need the money. I miss it so much and it would be my only amp if I still had it. Could do anything from Stones to early Metallica. Unless you got an "off" one I'd keep it. I can't justify the price anymore. But damn, it was a fine amp. Didn't know it came with 6L6s stock. If its anything like mine I would put it back to dead stock and buy an attenuator.

 

[Axeplyr]

As long as nothing was drilled in I don't think that would be a big hit on the resale. Anyone buying something like this know these mods are easily reversible.
But also, these are good mods and should also attract buyers looking for modern features, especially the loop.

I'd just leave it. You won't get any extra for these mods (whether they're "upgrades" is entirely subjective) but I don't think they detract anything either.

Edit: also, if you have the old impedance selector, make sure to mention and include in the sale. I hate those old selectors but someone wanting to restore the amp will appreciate that.

Thanks, I love that idea, that all makes a lot of sense to me. I did keep the old parts, so all good there!

I replaced that old impedance selector because I didn't trust it, and don't want to fry the OT.

 

[Axeplyr]

I sold my '79 JMP and it was the worst gear decision I ever made. I was living in NYC at the time. Couldn't use it and I needed money. I would not sell it unless you need the money. I miss it so much and it would be my only amp if I still had it. Could do anything from Stones to early Metallica. Unless you got an "off" one I'd keep it. I can't justify the price anymore. But damn, it was a fine amp. Didn't know it came with 6L6s stock.

I'm with you on that one! I don't have to sell it quite yet, but in a couple years I'll be retiring and likely relocating internationally. At that point, I can't see a reasonable way to keep it. It will no doubt be a painful sale, but I'll be selling almost everything at that point anyway (except for a couple guitars and a Hx Stomp!).

Funny story actually... I bought this JMP 2203 halfstack in 2011 for $1000, deal of a lifetime. sold it in 2014 for $1500 before moving internationally. Moved back to OKC in 2019, really missed it - then it popped up on CL! Same guy I sold it to was getting rid of it. I called him, we made a deal, I bought the entire halfstack from him for $2400.

I swore I'd keep it forever - but it just can't go with me overseas.

 

[KirkD777]

I'm with you on that one! I don't have to sell it quite yet, but in a couple years I'll be retiring and likely relocating internationally. At that point, I can't see a reasonable way to keep it. It will no doubt e a painful sale, but I'll be selling almost everything at that point anyway (except for a couple guitars and a Hx Stomp!).

That's what I said. Regretted it ever since. I figured I'd just get another Marshall down the line. NOTHING sounds like my old one. Keep it and buy an attenuator. The best OD pedal in the world for amp like that. I'm currently using a Supro Black Magick. Bought an attenuator and it sounds great. No effects loop, no reverb or other effects. Plug straight in most of the time. Its killer. I'm a believer in the less stuff in the circuit the better.

 

[guitarbilly74]

I sold my '79 JMP and it was the worst gear decision I ever made. I was living in NYC at the time. Couldn't use it and I needed money. I would not sell it unless you need the money. I miss it so much and it would be my only amp if I still had it. Could do anything from Stones to early Metallica. Unless you got an "off" one I'd keep it. I can't justify the price anymore. But damn, it was a fine amp. Didn't know it came with 6L6s stock. If its anything like mine I would put it back to dead stock and buy an attenuator.

Ultimately, I have to agree with this. Hold on to it if you can.

I replaced that old impedance selector because I didn't trust it, and don't want to fry the OT.

I am with you 100% on this. They're awful and just asking for trouble. I understand the desire of keeping it all original but I'd have removed it immediately if I was my own amp.

 

[KirkD777]

But I get it. Modeling has come along way, and in a few years I'm sure it will be even better. But as a former owner I shutter at the thought. Only paid $250 for it in 1999.

 

[guitarbilly74]

if anything, consider selling the cab but keep the head and get something like a Captor X. That would allow you to play DI into your computer or even through headphones. The head shouldn't be very difficult to take overseas with you. You can even have someone ship it to you once you have an address at your new country. The cab would be the biggest issue, I think.

 

[Axeplyr]

That's what I said. Regretted it ever since. I figured I'd just get another Marshall down the line. NOTHING sounds like my old one. Keep it and buy an attenuator. The best OD pedal in the world for amp like that. I'm currently using a Supro Black Magick. Bought an attenuator and it sounds great. No effects loop, no reverb or other effects. Plug straight in most of the time. Its killer. I'm a believer in the less stuff in the circuit the better.

Yeah, I can appreciate that... mine is pretty special too. I just built a Mojo JMP 2204, trying to figure out if it compares to the '79... the '79 sounds pretty damn good!

I agree, I like a bit of reverb sometimes, but I gave up on multichannel amps with a lot of switches, features, bells and whistles a long time ago.

Ultimately, I have to agree with this. Hold on to it if you can.

I am with you 100% on this. They're awful and just asking for trouble. I understand the desire of keeping it all original but I'd have removed it immediately if I was my own amp.

Yeah, every time I turned the amp on I found myself checking that thing. Didn't need the stress anymore.

But I get it. Modeling has come along way, and in a few years I'm sure it will be even better. But as a former owner I shutter at the thought. Only paid $250 for it in 1999.

It has for sure. Still doesn't compare to plugging into that 2203 though.

I've owned this '79 2203, plus 3 or 4 2204's, and a 1987X. Paid way less than they are going for now! Shoulda kept them all!

if anything, consider selling the cab but keep the head and get something like a Captor X. That would allow you to play DI into your computer or even through headphones. The head shouldn't be very difficult to take overseas with you. You can even have someone ship it to you once you have an address at your new country. The cab would be the biggest issue, I think.

That is a tempting idea... I've thought about doing that., I made the mistake of telling my wife about those, she's actually supportive.

Yeah, the cab - and the volume - is an issue.

 

[Adrian R]

I'm contemplating selling my '79 JMP 2203 that has a few small mods:

- Replaced one blown screen grid resistor
- Replaced old impedance selector with rotary dial type
- Converted from 6L6 to EL-34
- Installed the Metro loop

No holes have been drilled for these mods. Other than these, the circuit is stock.

I could conceivably reverse most of the mods (except the screen grid resistor). but should I? I feel like the changes I've made are upgrades, however I also realize that it might take a hit in resale... so if that be the case, it's better if I reverse the mods.

What do you all think? Thank you.

Stock with 6L6s? Huh? Don't you mean 6550s?

 

[Mitchell Pearrow]

Stock with 6L6s? Huh? Don't you mean 6550s?

My 78-79 2104 had the 6550’s
And that’s an amp I have regretted selling.

 

[KirkD777]

if anything, consider selling the cab but keep the head and get something like a Captor X. That would allow you to play DI into your computer or even through headphones. The head shouldn't be very difficult to take overseas with you. You can even have someone ship it to you once you have an address at your new country. The cab would be the biggest issue, I think.

Yeah, sell the cab for sure. Plenty of great cabs on the used market.

 

[KirkD777]

My 78-79 2104 had the 6550’s
And that’s an amp I have regretted selling.

That's what I thought. Can you switch an EL34 to 6550s? I have an Origin 20H. Wonder if it'd be closer to my old JMP?

 

[Mitchell Pearrow]

That's what I thought. Can you switch an EL34 to 6550s? I have an Origin 20H. Wonder if it'd be closer to my old JMP?

That I can’t answer

 

[Axeplyr]

Stock with 6L6s? Huh? Don't you mean 6550s?

Yes, my bad!

 

[guitarbilly74]

That's what I thought. Can you switch an EL34 to 6550s? I have an Origin 20H. Wonder if it'd be closer to my old JMP?

you can definitely make the conversion on a 50w or 100w Marshall, but it's not plug and play, there are a few circuit mods that are needed. Simple stuff though.

Now, on a 20w, the transformer is too small to handle 6550s. I'd suggest KT77s is you want a bigger sound from your 20w. They are interchangeable with EL34s and add punch and bottom end.