Marshall JTM 30 Tube Combo Amp 30W 1x12 --->> yea or nay?

[Mike_LA]

Ok, so is the GAS talking or is this a good enough deal to jump on?

Don't NEED it or even HAve A use for it but . . . . . .

Marshall JTM 30 Tube Combo Amp 30W 1x12 - $375 (Local PU)

 

[961le]

I bought one in 95. I didn’t have it long. Due to the years, I can’t quite remember why I didn’t gel with it.

 

[fitz]

Ok, so is the GAS talking or is this a good enough deal to jump on?

Don't NEED it or even HAve A use for it but . . . . . .

Marshall JTM 30 Tube Combo Amp 30W 1x12 - $375 (Local PU)

Looks to be in good shape.
If there's no heat damage from the horizontal tubes, that's a good price - they go for $400-500.
I have the JCM600 which is essentially a rebranded JTM60, but I've heard the 30's are different than the 60's.
I love the clean and OD channels on my 600.

 

[Central Scrutinizer]

That's a good deal. I have the same amp, but it is a 2X10 . I think they sound great.

I play mine with a small fan if I know I will be at it a while.

Good luck with your decision.


EDIT: Spelling

 

[Gene Ballzz]

The cage around the tubes is missing. No big deal, except as an indicator that tubes have likely been swapped. The ONLY power tubes that should be in there (if amp is stock/unmodified) is the SOVTEK 5881/6L6WGC. These are slightly different than other 5881 & 6L6 tubes and any other tubes will likely have caused heating issues! With that said, I have the identical amp that I've reagularly and steadily "pounded the pee" out of since the early '90s and it still has the original tubes. Sounds glorious and best with the clean channel and Master fully dimed! The Gain channel can be fun with it's mild diode clipping circuit. Great amps, when they are right! Mine puts out all of 50+ watts!
Enjoy,
Gene

 

[dragonvalve]

I've got one. Had it since the '90's new from GC San Diego. Yours missing cage... the way those tubes jut out... There must be something you like about it. They have quirks but one trick is to close the FX loop with a jumper. Right now my amp needs new speaker jacks which I have from Amplified Parts in AZ, original brand parts but trying to find time to operate on it. For now I use the 2x10 16 ohm speakers with the 2555SL head in the studio. An extra guitar cab for now with decent speakers, open back.

 

[Mike_LA]

one trick is to close the FX loop with a jumper.

What does that do?
Thnx

 

[dragonvalve]

What does that do?
Thnx

AFIK something to do with keeping the jacks switched so the amp does not lose volume. For some reason this amp has had issues with the volume going softer all of a sudden. Keeping a plug in the send/ret jacks (JUMPER) fixes this. I hear cleaning the jacks also works but the jumper is more of a sure fix as dirt is everywhere and the jacks get dirty all of a sudden.


It's small, has in my case 2x10's which are clear and round, not boomy and is a Marshall tube made in UK back in the '90's.

I replaced the MDF (particle board?) speaker baffle with a sheet of birch-ply after I got it. Sounds better.

This amp has had a love/hate history owing to reliability and build issues. Some report on this only buy this amp if you're a "bench- tech masochist."

Complaints about it over heating I found this work around. Using washers as spacers to back off the chassis to let the heat out.

 

[Mike_LA]

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!!
He dropped the price to $250
Must resist. . . .
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/msg/d/north-hollywood-marshall-jtm-30-tube/7599283062.html

 

[Gunner64]

250? I'd hit it.

 

[Mike_LA]

250? I'd hit it.

Space is really at a premium these days. This is only 1/2 the amps.

 

[Gunner64]

Space is really at a premium these days. This is only 1/2 the amps.
View attachment 127226

Yea. I know. Trust me. I'm in the same boat, but still..it's just a little combo...haha..

 

[Dogs of Doom]

always room for 1 more... ...

 

[fitz]

Space is really at a premium these days. This is only 1/2 the amps.
View attachment 127226

Roll the VS, snag that JTM...

 

[Gene Ballzz]

The effects loop intermittency is a fairly well known "potential" issue on almost any amp with an effects loop. I'm not sure why the JTM30 seems more susceptible than others to this anomaly? Maybe it was simply a bad run or poor choice of the source for these jacks, at that time? Either way, the only downside of using the jumper is that it puts the op amps used for driving and recovering the loop signal into the signal path, as opposed to bypassing the loop with no jumper. Given that those op amps are fairly inert and tonally transparent, the user must decide if this a is good or bad thing!
Just Sayin'
Gene

 

[Central Scrutinizer]

Make room for it.
That’s a good price.

 

[Mike_LA]

Roll the VS, snag that JTM...

Yah, that was a thought but the avt is the grab and go don't care about it amp. The JTM is more fragile esp. with those tubes sticking out. Doubt the avt would move in this market. I started watching the avt when it was posted at 225.00. Finally broke down and bought it when it dropped to 99.00. There's another that has been for sale for a couple of months at 150..

 

[Mike_LA]

Oh you guys aren't helping.
I just texted the guy, we'll see if he responds.

 

[Gunner64]

That's why I keep my avt 50h, the mg100hdfx, amps I got dirt cheap, but won't sell them for $150...if that's all I can get for them I'll just keep them.

 

[fitz]

Yah, that was a thought but the avt is the grab and go don't care about it amp. The JTM is more fragile esp. with those tubes sticking out. Doubt the avt would move in this market. I started watching the avt when it was posted at 225.00. Finally broke down and bought it when it dropped to 99.00. There's another that has been for sale for a couple of months at 150..

One popped up on Reverb today for $450. (no tube cover)
At $250 you could roll it if you don't like it.

Marshall JTM 30 30-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo | Reverb

All tube Marshall combo made in the UK in the mid 90’s. Clean and dirty channels, master volume so you can tame it for bedroom levels. Effects loop and tube driven reverb. Includes foot switch clean/dirty channels

reverb.com