Marshall

JMP 2203 Master Model 100W Lead – 1979 – White Tolex

A superb 1979 Marshall JMP 2203 Master Model 100W Lead, presented in a striking white finish and retaining its original transformers and choke.

The 2203 is one of the definitive Marshall circuits of the late 1970s and the amplifier that laid the foundations for the subsequent JCM800 2203. With its cascaded preamp, master volume and 100-watt EL34 output stage, it delivers the aggressive, articulate Marshall sound that became synonymous with hard rock and heavy guitar throughout the late '70s and '80s.

This example carries serial number SL/A 07538L, while the original internal inspection sticker is dated 3/10/79, firmly placing it in October 1979.

The amplifier retains its original headshell, which has been professionally recovered in white tolex and fitted with a contrasting black Marshall logo, using OEM Marshall parts throughout. It's a particularly good-looking combination and gives the amp something a little different while retaining the original wooden headshell.

Crucially for a vintage 2203, the amplifier retains its original mains transformer, output transformer and choke.

Tonally, this is everything a good JMP 2203 should be: tight and immediate through the bottom end, aggressive through the upper mids and with masses of punch. The master-volume circuit allows the preamp to be driven into that unmistakable thick JMP crunch, while opening the master up delivers the huge authority and headroom you'd expect from a proper 100-watt Marshall.

Fully Serviced

The amplifier has recently undergone a comprehensive professional service, with the necessary age-related maintenance carried out to ensure it is reliable and ready to use.

Work carried out included:

• Bias reservoir and smoothing capacitors replaced
• Incorrect HT feed resistors replaced
• V1 replaced with an OEM Marshall ECC83
• Missing 500pF capacitor reinstated in the V2 circuit
• Both impedance and voltage selectors stripped and serviced
• All potentiometers replaced
• All four valve sockets replaced
• Full inspection, testing and set-up

The amplifier is currently fitted with a matched set of TAD EL34B-STR output valves.

Specification

• Model: Marshall JMP 2203 Master Model Lead
• Year: 1979
• Serial Number: SL/A 07538L
• Inspection Date: 3 October 1979
• Power: 100 watts
• Power Valves: 4× TAD EL34B-STR
• Mains Transformer: Original
• Output Transformer: Original
• Choke: Original
• Headshell: Original
• Finish: Professionally recovered in white tolex
• Logo: Black Marshall logo
• Recover/trim: OEM Marshall parts
• Recently professionally serviced
• Fully tested and ready to use

The combination of original iron, original headshell and dated factory inspection sticker makes this a particularly nice late-'70s 2203. The white recover and black logo give it a distinctive appearance without trying to disguise its history.

Underneath the white suit, it's exactly what you want from a 1979 JMP 2203 — a proper 100-watt, EL34-powered Marshall built to be turned up.

Worldwide shipping available. The amplifier will be carefully prepared and securely packed using purpose-made Overdrive Guitars packaging, with the valves protected for transit and shipment fully tracked and insured. Collection and demonstration are also available from our West London showroom.