Parent article: Best Guitar Pedals
QUICK SUMMARY: These are distortion pedals that sound most like a true Marshall tube amp, namely the JCM 800.
I'm writing this post as a summary of a thread on Ultimate-Guitar where the OP was asking about pedals that would most accurately mimic the tone of a Marshall JCM 800.
It got a lot of responses and a lot of different suggestions, which surprised me, because I'm always hesitant to assume that an effects pedal can come anywhere close to the distorting power of an amplifier, especially an amp like the JCM 800.
Here's the original post:
The original Ultimate-Guitar post asking about a pedal that would emulate a JCM 800. Visit the thread
What I want to do here is go through all the suggestions that were made and post audio of the pedals to see how well they stack up to the tone of a real JCM 800. First, let's listen to what an actual Marshall JCM tube amp sounds like.
This is a good, straightforward demo with no talking. Skip to 1:05 to start getting into the distortion sounds. Gain goes to 10 at 2:35.
Remember, the original post was asking for the distorted sound, so we need to assume that the pedal we use is going to rest on top of a decent clean tone. That'll depend a lot on your own amp, especially whether it's tube or solid state. And while I don't necessarily recommend settling for a pedal instead of an nice amp, not everyone can afford a JCM 800.
I'll go through the pedals recommended in the post and add sound samples compared directly with the JCM 800 sounds.
1. Tone City Golden Plexi
The Golden Plexi by Tone City is designed to model a British tube amp tone and for such a low price point it comes ridiculously close, especially on the lower-gain sides of a JCM 800 comparison. I found it a little less convincing on the high gain settings, though still not entirely different than the JCM 800 demos. Admittedly, just about everyone who took the time to do a demo used a tube amp, so it's hard to say if the "Marshall-ness" came from the base clean tone of the tubes or the pedal itself.
I suspect it's a little bit of both. Either way, for 50 bucks, I'm impressed that it even reminds me of the JCM 800 tone.
- Amp Used in the Pedal Demo: Fender Deluxe (tube circuit)
- Sounds really close to a JCM 800 on lower gain settings
- Not quite heavy enough in a high gain shootout
- True Bypass
Tone City Golden Plexi vs JCM 800 Comparison
2. ZVEX Box of Rock Distortion
To be honest, the person who recommended this in the forum just said "ZVEX distortion" and I'm assuming this is the one they're referring to. The Box of Rock is designed to emulate a Marshall tone, though goes for more of a '60s than '80s vibe. It's not far off from the JCM 800, but definitely feels a little softer and less edgy.
You almost get a muddier, more fuzz-like sound than what I hear on the Marshall JCM 800s. That signature brightness that Marshall is known for definitely doesn't come forward in the ZVEX Box of Rock
It's expensive too.
You be the judge.
- Amp Used in the Pedal Demo: Fender Princeton Reverb (tube circuit)
- Very Marshall, but more of a '60s than an '80s tone
- Sounds "muddier" and not quite as bright as a Marshall JCM
- True Bypass
ZVEX BOX of Rock vs Marshall JCM 800 Comparison
3. Ramble FX Marvel Drive
This pedal is directly inspired by the Marshall Plexi tone, right down to the control scheme, high treble and normal gain controls. These are meant to correspond to the two-channel system on most Marshall amplifiers.
While the High Treble control seems to help, I still think this pedal sounds muddier than what I'm used to hearing out of the JMC 800. If you listen to the samples below, the riffs Harry plays on the Stratocaster seem to get the closest. As of right now, I'd say the Golden Plexi is still my favorite, especially for the price.
- Amp Used in the Pedal Demo: Amp modeling software
- Guitars used: Strat, Tele, ES-335
- Made to emulate a Marshall Plexi
- High Treble and Normal controls get you closer to Marshall amp functionality
Ramble FX Marvel vs Marshall JCM 800 Comparison
4. Joyo Hot Plexi (JF-32)
The OP mentions the Joyo Hot Plexi in passing, so I figured it would be at least worth comparing to the actual Marshall JCM 800 clips. Again, I haven't tried this pedal myself, but from what I'm listening to in the samples, it just doesn't sound very good.
I mean, it's distortion, but it doesn't really remind me of an honest Marshall amp like the others do. It even seems to do a good job of hiding what is otherwise a decent clean tube tone in the demo video (the guy who sounds like Jack Black).
- Amp used in demo: Dr. Z M12
- Guitars used: Fender Stratocaster
- Doesn't sound like much of anything
- You get what you pay for
Joyo Hot Plexi vs Marshall JCM 800 Comparison
5. MI Audio Crunch Box (the new one)
In Brett Kingman's demo, the clean tone (which is only demo'd briefly) sounds fantastic. That said, it's likely the quality of tone you're hearing owes a big thanks to Brett's setup. On its own merit, the Crunch Box distortion is intended to function as a Plexi model, yet with a lot more versatility.
You get a four-band EQ and two switches for clip and mode, which allow you to move through a wider degree of intensity.
I thought this pedal was at its best on the lower gain settings, almost like a blues driver. At the same time, heavier settings sound full and have plenty of sustain. I'd suspect it would be far less impressive on a non-tube amp model, but from what I can tell, the builders come dangerously close to a true Marshall Plexi tone, especially on the lower gain settings.
- Amp used in demo: Axe-FX II XL+ JTM45 + GB cab models
- Guitars used: Yamaha RS 820RCR (stock)
- Gets really close to a Marshall Plexi tone, especially on low gain settings
- Most versatile option, yet
MI Audio Crunch Box vs Marshall JCM 800 Comparison
6. AMT Electronics M1 Distortion
This is another pedal demo by Brett, where he's now using some kind of a Laney amplifier to backup the pedal (I believe this demo was filmed much earlier then the Crunch Box demo). You can hear that the Laney amp doesn't lay quite as good of a clean sound as in his previous example, but the AMT M1 does a really decent job of powering past that. It sounds great overall while also capturing that brighter intensity of a Marshall JCM 800.
The AMT series was made to mimic popular amplifiers, so each pedal can function as its own preamp.
In this regard, the clean base tone seems to matter a little bit less.
- Amp used in demo: Some kind of Laney combo
- Guitars used: Gibson Les Paul
- Modeled to be its own JCM 800-style preamp
- Can overcome a weak clean tone
AMT M1 vs Marshall JCM 800 Comparison
Comparing a Pedal to an Amp
I think it's really hard to compare an amp to a pedal, even if a pedal is billed as its own preamp. I've always preferred to get my distortion straight from an amplifier, as opposed to going through a pedal. Even the best distortion pedals can't compete with the gain you get from an actual tube circuit, especially when that circuit has been designed in Marshall or Mesa headquarters.
In other words, the real thing is always going to be a lot better than the imitation. Preamp or not, there's something about the Marshall JCM and Plexi's tone that you can't replicate in a stompbox.
Still, it's helpful to a lot of people if we can get close without spending $2600.
Use a Tube Amp if Possible
The purpose of these pedals - and of the UG discussion - was to procure a distortion or "dirty" sound that could come close to what the JCM 800s produced. What it didn't address (at least not in depth) was what to do about a Marshall-esque clean tone or base EQ.
From what I noticed while watching these demos, the best way to help your plexi pedal win is to pair it with a tube amp that has a really nice, '80s style clean tone. That way you're not piling distortion on top of a bad base sound.
Use a decent tube amp (the Fender Deluxe series seemed like a popular option) and then take the time to dial in a good clean EQ.
From there, you can add your plexi pedal and then fine tune the entire thing.
Conclusion
If you have questions about these pedals you can refer to the comments section below or to the original Ultimate Guitar thread. Again, it's important to keep in mind that I did not review these pedals. I simply made a comparison between audio from an actual JCM 800 and the pedals that I saw suggested to imitate it, side-by-side.
The only one I thought really missed the mark was the Joyo Hot Plexi.
Don't buy that thing.
Everything else seemed like fair game and a decent, if not admirable, reflection of what an old Marshall JCM 800 is supposed to sound like.
If you have questions or thoughts about the pedals (or other recommendations) leave it in the comments section below.
Flickr Commons image via RockMixer
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Written by Bobby on Amps and Roundups
Written by Bobby on Amps and Reviews
I thought that Joyo pedal sounded fantastic.
Agreed. Impressive for such a cheap brand.
Hi Bobby, how are you. Thanks for these ideas.
I really liked the demo and versatility of the MI Crunch Box best.
I Play a 65 Blackface Fender Princeton Reissue, as i love the cleans, and use mostly a Vintage reissue CIJ Strat, but also own a Les Paul Traditional. The PRRI is a sweet clean, but i also want to play 80s Hard Rock/Metal.
Im wanting to get (close) to the Riff tones of these 3 songs…
* Heavy Duty
– Judas Priest
* Ball to the Wall
– Accept
* Sign of the Southern Cross
– Black Sabbath (Dio era)
Judas Priest apparently used JCM800 Gain and Rangemaster treble boosters on that album
Accept apparently used MXR Distortion+ Pedal. Amp unknown.
Black Sabbath apparently used Early Marshall Gain and maybe a booster and a cocked wah?
So they are gonna be slightly different sounds, but i listed these songs, as they are good examples of the tone (ballpark) that im aiming toward on the PRRI and Strat (mostly, or sometimes the Les Paul).
Ide done a bit of research on ProCo Rat2 and it seems to be rated as an essential 80s Metal pedal. But i dont know if i like the looser fuzz-like tone, as ive never gotten to know that sort of pedal.
So my main questions to you are…
* Would you call the JCM800 pedals a ‘Tight’ sound?
* Ive heard this term (Tight) thrown around alot, but arent exactly sure what it means… i assume it means more edgy/biting, and note definition?, which sounds like what i imagine Judas Priest and Accept tone to be, but arent sure as im no tone expert? So am assuming
Rat = Loose (muddier note definition, less edge)?
JCM800 Gain = Tight (clearer edgier note definition)?
Other pedal options i considered was the Boss ST2 Power Stack, and Marshall Guv’nor (bit too expensive), and MXR M75 Super Badass Distortion. But this Crunch Box sounds good and likely does great Blues overdrive in its lower gain settings, and Judas Priest (Defenders of the Faith album) in its Mid or High Gain settings, all in one Box.
Could you please clarify the sound i am chasing in these 3 songs? And expand a little on my other Questions?
…thanks, Steve.
I Steve, here’s my take:
– I’d call the JC800 pedals aggressive and brisk, but not necessarily “tight”, at least not the way I think of that term.
– In my experience, tight is a more percussive distortion that’s heavily saturated, but with a lot of “thud” on the low end. That’s probably a little closer to what you’re after with Judas Priest.
– The Rat is definitely a muddier tone with less definition (fuzz-esque like you mentioned).
– JCM800 gain is just more vintage in general, and brighter than modern distortions.
Would it be fair to say you’re looking for a distortion source that’s a balance between modern and classic rock?
Thanks Bobby. Yeah sounds right what youre saying with Percussive (if you mean note definition, or separation)? And Thud (if you mean Bottom end thump)? …especially as i mostly play alone in a bedroom, and the Princeton is already bright and mid scooped too. So a good range of Bass is needed in there too (without a band). But not so much Modern, as much as Classic (80s).
Since i wrote the above i realized the 3 songs/styles i listed are somewhat different. So have since narrowed down the Tone chasing to just the song ‘Heavy Duty’ by Judas Priest. The opening Riff is a good example of the Tone im after. To me, it seems Clear and defined, but really has Teeth (Raspy Grit) in the way it clips. If that makes sense.
Ive tried to find MI Audio Super Crunchbox V2, as the demos sound great. Michael from MI Audio was operating from Sydney, here in Australia not far from me. And i sourced a contact for him, but hes not answering. The local guitar shops said theyve put in orders but not heard back from him in well over a year now. No one seems to be able to contact him, and they dont think hes making pedals now. Ive seen some Version 2 online, and even used, they are reaching well above $400, some are even $600. Which is rediculous.
The JHS Angry Charlie is an earlier model Crunch Box clone, but even they are over $300, and dont offer as much scope as the Version 2. Theres a few other clones of it, such as Mooer, and Mosky, and Joyo, but i dont think theyre quite there.
Could you please suggest other Pedals that may get in the ballpark of the opening Riff in ‘Heavy Duty’?
Thanks …Steve
Ok, yeah – that’s less modern than what I pictured. What is your price range?
Preferably lower priced pedals. But will go up to $200(AUD) if theres nothing good enough. Guitar gear is waay more exy$ in Oz. For example my Princeton cost $2000 …crazy difference to the States.
Have been looking at NUX Plexi Crunch, which sounds way hotter than a Plexi to me. But i think it may be close to the sound of that era of Judas Priest. They are only $70 here in Oz. Even $50 online. Have you heard one? It sounds like a great tone, but cant tell on YT Vids if it can get Bottom End thump, which ide need playing mostly alone, and thru a bright amp like the princeton, with 10″ jensen.
The NUX Plexi Crunch doesnt seem to do low gain at all, based on the demos, but i can get a Boss SD1 for that …also cheap.
See what you think of it, and if your ears think it might nail that ‘Heavy Duty’ soun? …Even just have a listen to it for your own interest. It seems too good to be true for the price.
What kind of guitar/amp/pickups do you have?
Cij Vintage reissue Strat / 65 Fender PRRI amp / pickups likely vintage. The strat has the CBS headstock so likely thats the ‘vintage’ theyre refering to
Cij fender strat vintage reissue (cbs headstock) / fender 65 princeton / single coils ..likely vintage wired
Have you looked at the TC Electronic Dark Matter? That’s sort of my all around low-cost go-to. I think it would help beef up the single coils and could do both a subtle and modern style. It’s one of my favs. https://www.guitarchalk.com/dark-matter-review/
They also have the DS-1w Waza Craft version now. That could be a good fit as well.
Sorry for the delay getting back to you. Hope this is helpful!
Thanks for getting back Bobby. I understand, we all have other things to do too.
I will have a look at the Dark Matter & DS-1W that you suggested, thanks. …although i didnt think the DS1 was a JCM800 style pedal. Are you saying it is?
Also, did you get a chance to listen to the NUX Plexi Crunch. It says Plexi in the label, but as many commenters have suggested, it sounds more JCM800(or 900) than plexi, or can range through them all. May be a good contender to add to this list of JCM800 Style pedals you have here.ide be really keen to hear what your thoughts are on it?
Especially if you think it has enougg bottom end Bass Thump to bring to the 65Princeton/Strat rig? …playing alone, not trying to cut through a mix. The way it clips sounds really good (on YT)
Hi man, definitely you should check it out the Pedal Pal Fx 800 emulator. They have 2 models.. the silver and gold one, the gold is more flexible. A lot of guitarrist youtubers reffers to this pedals like the best MIAB on the market. I got the silver one, and it’s awesome. Reacts like an amplifier, not like a pedal. Cheers
Hey, Ignacio – thanks for the heads up on this. I’m assuming you have this one? https://www.pedalpalfx.com/pal-800-jcm-emulator
Looks fantastic.
Yry Texasharmonics Hot Mod 800 , it is awesome !
Thanks, David. I assume you’re referring to this one? https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1544038838/hot-mod-800-hot-rodded-valve-distortion-effect-ped
Yes it is man , I like the Hot Mod 800 very much . I have the new black model that has a mid scoop switch . Also many so the holy grail is the Friedman BEOD , I have never tried one . I do love the HOT MOD 800 !