Are you looking for the best JCM800 pedal? Look no further: you’re in the right place. We found and reviewed the top eight JCM800 pedals for you.
Bassists and guitarists worldwide find the JCM800âą amp indispensable when it comes to recording or performing live. The JCM 800 2203X was Marshall Amplificationâs first amp to have a master volume for controlling sound.
This legendary amp features only one channel, 100W of explosive power, and extraordinarily versatile 3-band EQ settings for pumping out everything from vintage tones to boisterous full-bodies leads.
JCM800 Series were the go-to amps for much-celebrated heavy metals and hard rock bands in the 70s and 80s. Though the JCM is awesomely versatile thanks to its practical features, many players have found the amp not user-friendly. To capture both the acoustics of the JCMâs tonal palette and the precision overdrive/distortion, youâd invariably need a pedal variously called stompbox, boost, fuzz box, overdrive, and distortion.
Best JCM800 Pedals – Comparison Table
1. JHS Sweet Tea V3 Overdrive & Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal (Editor’s Choice)
The JHS Sweet Tea V3 is the best JCM800 pedal available on the market at the moment, in our opinion.
The Sweet Tea V3 Overdrive/Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal is a JHS omnibus stompbox /amp-in-a-box offering the best of both worlds; medium-to-high gain. As the name âOverdrive & Distortion Effects Pedalâ explicitly indicates, this JHS amp-in-a-box/pedal straddles the entire gamut of bases light breakup to heavy grind and everything in between. The sweet V3 works perfectly for a bassist attempting to achieve an eclectic overdrive/distortion spanning the entire range of bases and more.
Requiring 9V DC negative power, the JHS Sweet Tea V3 tends to be highly energy-efficient, consuming less than 100mA. The Sweet Tea V3 comes with the JHSâs proprietary and signature switchable toggle, allowing you to select the chain’s primary circuit. The leeway and convenience of choosing the first circuit go long in arranging the perfect tones youâre looking for.
Regardless of whether you play these tones individually or in unison, the JHS Sweet Tea V3 is a versatile fuzz box, simulating the sound of a celebrated stack, head, or combo through your ampâs clean channel.
Features
- Resourceful pedal featuring overdrive and distortion guitar effects
- Delivers everything you expect; from blues to rock and everything in between
- Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 4 inches
- 9V DC negative power
- Color: Brown
- Pedal size: 0
Pros
- The pedal upgrades the versatility of your instrument and amp
- Irrespective of whether youâre strumming a Les Paul, Stratocaster, or Telecaster, the pedal helps maintain the mojo throughout the gain range
- Works well with any standard valve amp model
Cons
- The pots appear somewhat flimsy; the shaft on the rotary switch seems flimsy
- Quite expensive
2. JHS Angry Charlie Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal (Runner-Up)
The Angry Charlie Distortion Guitar Effects Boost has established itself as JHSâs primary offering amongst the firmâs product line. If youâre looking for a performance-oriented overdrive in the high-gain realm, you do not need to look beyond Angry Charlie. Youâll be left awestruck and amazed at Angry Charlieâs towering capability to streamline JCM800 tones into any instrument with precision.
And very much like vintage Marshall Pedals (and quite unlike numerous British amp-in-a-box distortions), the Angry Charlie V3 features a 3-band tone stacking. This 3-band tone stack comes in perfectly handy for accomplishing those pleasant sounding yet singeing tones with never-ending sustain. If youâre a bassist obsessed with attaining high-gain overdrive or distortion with a distinctive British essence, the Angry Charlie V3 is your best bet.
Features
- Â Angry Charlie V3; 1. 5 controls 2. 3-band EQ, fiery red color
- Includes 1 x 9V battery
- Power consumption less than 100mA
Pros
- Monitor gain levels with loss of clarity by rolling back the volume knob
- 3-band EQ controls for tonal modulation
- Adjust the drive knob for dialing in both classic Brit and modern-day tones
Cons
- The unit comes enclosed in a generic box that makes the pots appear flimsy
- The pedal seems overpriced considering its flimsiness
3. JOYO JF-16 British Sound Effects Pedal
If you want your amp to emulate the sound and feel of vintage Marshall, Vox, Hiwatt, Fender, or Selmer amps, settle for the JOYO JF-16 Pedal. The JF-16 British Sound Effects Pedal will enable you to nail that vintage rock, heavy metal, or blues sound. The JF-16 circuitry compatible with RF channel and rhythm simulators helps reproduce almost all iconic amps’ soundscape.
The JOYO JF-16 stompbox helps your JCM800 amp give off that unmistakable classic sound of the 60s that you now hear only on vinyl records. This overdrive/distortion pedal comes equipped with a suite of versatile features that makes it a unique and distinctive tube-amp simulator. With the JF-16 stack-in-a-box hooked up with any hi-fi amp, you can replace the lead guitarist of any legendary music band and even outperform the purists.
The distortion takes optimum advantage of the âMidsâ control feature, mainly if you use a Fender, VOX, or Marshall amp. The JF-16 British Sound features the entire 3-band EQ, including the âGainâ control, âStandard Outputâ control, and âVoiceâ control knobs. So all you need to do to dial in an entirely fresh tone is experiment with the variables.
Features
- Six controls for thorough sound control
- Easily create vintage tones from the era of British Rock
- Precision bypass wiring and premium components eliminate signal loss
Pros
- Voice control mechanism facilitates midrange sound outlining from one guitar to another
- Much more than a tube-amp replicator
- Versatile performance-driven circuitry simulates the sounds of almost all hi-fi amps.
Cons
- Rolling up the gain knob leads to distasteful solid-state type roughness
- The limited gain in case you want to play heavy metal
4. JOYO JF-32 Hot Plexi Drive Effect Pedal
The JF-32 Hot Plexi Drive Effect Pedal by JOYO makes your VOX AC15C1 or JCM800 amp perform beyond your expectations. You need to switch on the JF- 32 for getting an unprecedentedly clean tone enabling you to hit crisp and powerful arpeggios punctuated with fine midrange attack and transparency. Youâll also be pleasantly surprised by the pleasant low-end presence, which many other overdrive stompboxes do not have.
You hit that classic Marshall crunch even if you set the âgainâ at low, and as you deftly increase the gain, the tone sustains though with better dispersion. Â Though not as robustly built as an MXR or Friedman, the JF-32âs built quality is robust enough to last long.
Extremely affordable than other premium pedals, the Hot Plexi Drive dials in nice subtle tones, making it a pocket-friendly option for budget players.
Features
- Simple and straightforward pedal interface and design
- Includes 9V battery
- Gold colored
- Pedal body material: aluminum
Pros
- Distortion, tone, and volume controls provide excellent flexibility with playability
- Authentic bypass wiring along with high-quality components for minimizing feedback
- Very affordable
Cons
- Inferior built quality
- The distortion is about 50% even when you max it out.
5. Mosky Plexi-M Guitar Distortion Mini Effect Pedal
For budget bassists looking for clean sound but unable to afford the pricey Marshall Super Lead or the Fender amp, the Mosky Plexi-M is a good deal. This amp-in-a-box guitar distortion mini effect pedal from Mosky seamlessly replicates a high-end solid-state amp, punching well above its weight. The Plexi-M Guitar Distortion Mini Effect Pedal that comes shielded in a gold-colored metal casing makes any standard or hi-fi amp, delivering a crystal clear tone.
The compact metal case features three knobs; tone, level, and gain, and the sparkling golden hue emphasize the pedalâs aesthetics. If you open the case, do not be surprised to find only the pedal, but that doesnât matter as you need to play with the controls. Once you plug in the pedal, all you have to do is set all the control knobs at noon.
Now start strumming, and you can rest assured that your memories of playing with a Marshall or VOX will come rushing in. The abundance of low-end definition, along with the sparkling presence of the top-end typified by hard-hitting and crispy sound, will be a revelation. Do not judge this Mosky pedal based on its price âit lacks the bells and whistles of a top-quality stompbox but still does its job perfectly.
And so it essentially implies that your tube amp will, in all likelihood, sound like a Fender or Marshall.
Features
- Electric guitar/bass distortion/overdrive pedal for bassists
- Authentic bypass footswitch for toggling between bypass and distortion effect
- LED indicators for bypass status and distortion effects
- Three control knobs for monitoring quality of distortion effect
Pros
- It helps reap the benefit of a high gain at a more than pocket-friendly price
- High gain distorted sound even with âzeroâ gain
- Sparkling top end with plenty of low-end bites
Cons
- It does not include any instruction pamphlet
- Â It can get somewhat noisy once you crank up the pedal calling for a noise gate.
6. Maxon OD 808X Overdrive Extreme Bass Distortion Effects Pedal
The iconic â808â overdrive circuit from Maxon has been the staple for accomplishing riveting guitar tunes for more than three decades. The illustrious 808 amp-in-a-box performs equally well irrespective of whether you use it as an EQ stack to fine-tune a high-gain ampâs tune or boost an ampâs overdrive. No wonder the Maxon OD 808 Overdrive Extreme Bass Distortion Effects Pedal finds extensive applications in live performances and studio recordings globally.
The OD808 Overdrive Extreme is just what you need if youâre passionate about testing the limits of your JCM800 amp. Though the 808 Overdrive Extremeâs basic circuitry structure is identical to OD808, the former features some upgraded components for nailing the critical overdrive tone. Compared to the standard OD808, the Overdrive Extreme furnishes a broader hi-frequency tonal range for extra lucidity minus the ruggedness.
The OD808Xâs firmer clipping pattern makes an intense and blistering drive tone that makes notes and chords come alive. The OD808Xâs top-end and extra level enable the pedal to be part of a pedal chain without being eclipsed by other overdrives.
Features
- Advanced version of Maxonâs original OD808 Overdrive
- Punchier snipping for boosted and forceful amp-style distortion
- Bulwarked bypass switching
- 5dB of enhanced output (compared to OD808) for boosting volume
Pros
- More aggressive and smoother in comparison to the Classic OD808
- Dials in more grit and grind compared to the OD808 supplementing a bit more glitter to tone
- Broader frequency response for improved clarity and note definition
Cons
- Cannot recreate the heavy distortion effects of tube amps
7. EX-Swoosh Flanger Pedal
The EX-Swoosh Flanger Pedal comes to your aid when or whenever you wish to experiment with a variety of tones and make your intonation sparkle. The Swoosh Flanger overdrive/boost pedal helps you create almost any tune you can think of, from blatantly aggressive chirrups to understated and nuanced trills. The manual, ârate,â âres,â and âdepthâ knobs let you create a wide variety of Flanger patterns and bright tunes.
On powering up this EX pedal, the very first click reveals a remarkably perceptible and conspicuous pop, but the issue resolves with regular first clicking. The control knobs for modifying the dynamics tend to be very intuitive, and even when the stompbox is passive, thereâs hardly any tone debasement or output diminution. Youâll discover plenty of Flanger flavors if you know how to mix and match the variables.
The Swoosh Flange is not only user-friendly but robustly built as well and is priced just right for players who cannot afford to invest a ton on an overdrive.
Features
- Flanger-style pedal ideal for playing nearly all musical genres
- True-bypass wiring with dynamic analog circuitry
- Four controllers for achieving a variety of depth, resonance, and depth
Pros
- Incredibly sturdy
- Manual knob for producing dynamic sounds
- No tonal degradation or output lessening when the pedal is passive
Cons
- The first click after powering up has a perceptible bang.
8. Friedman Dirty Shirley Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal
The Dirty Shirley Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal from Friedman flawlessly embodies the Dirty Shirley all-tube ampâs harmonically loaded overdrive, sensitivity, and tonal flexibility.
The Friedman Dirty Shirley Pedal comes equipped with the same set of interactive controls as the amp, letting you pull off your targeted tune. Experimenting with the gain control allows you to achieve a clean tone with high output or various other tones compatible with both vintage and modern playing styles.
On the other hand, if youâre looking to dial in low-end tunes with an aggressive feel to them, you need to flick the âTightâ switch. The Dirty Shirley Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal immaculately replicates your hi-fi ampâs mesmerizing tone in a neat and compact package.
Features
- The US-made
- Genuine bypass wiring
- Six control knobs
Pros
- Extremely touch-sensitive and adaptable overdrive
- Lets your push your amp to the limits
- Side-mount tight switch for dialing in the low-end tones
Cons
- Even at the highest setting for gain, the tone sounds muffled and soggy
The Best Pedal for JCM800: Buying Guide
The versatility and simplicity of the JCM800 guitar amplifier head make fĂȘted amp the first choice of several players. You can use JCM800 for playing not only heavy metal or rock the ampâs famous for but a variety of other musical genres. Not very long ago, Marshall upgraded the JCM800 2203X with a series effect loop with genuine bypass operation that helped musicians (who work with plenty of pedals) immensely.
Pedal or Stompbox
Now to make the most of your JCM800 amp and emulate its classic sound, youâll require a pedal or stompbox. Youâll come across a wide range of hard-hitting robust stack-in-a-box/amp-in-a-box overdrives or pedals manufactured by renowned brands like Marshall, Fender, Boss, JHS, and Friedman. As its name indicates, a stack-in-a-box pedal is a miniature or compacted version of a life-size amp that perfectly copies the actual ampâs soundscape.
Pairing a pedal with a hi-fi amp is very much like savoring a range of ice-cream flavors or delectable dishes at one go.
You might ask as to why youâd use a distortion or overdrive pedal with your JCM800 amp? For a start, a pedal helps in simulating your ampâs original sound, and secondly, you can play heavier full-bodied tunes without having to crank up the volume.
Though the JCMâs gain sounds quite pleasant, youâll need a quality pedal for reigning in the high/heavy gain realm. A pedal goes a long way in enabling you to recreate the classic searing tunes that heavy metal and rock bands of the 80s dialed in. At the same time, youâll find pedals thatâll enable your JMC800 to belt out your favorite musical genre or style minus the noise or feedback.
If this list is still not enough, you can always check our article about the best distortion pedals for punk.
Other Factors to Consider
Youâll have to consider several factors when youâre trying to dial in tunes of your favorite playing style. At the very outset, a lot depends on the manner you program your amp and pedal. For instance, if you want a crunchy tone with a clean sound, youâll have to roll back the volume knob.
Additionally, youâll need to play with the âEQâ controls, âgainâ knob, and a host of other controls for achieving your choice sound. The type of guitar you use for practicing and performing also makes a huge difference.
Conclusion: The Best JCM800 Pedal Is…
Using a pedal or overdrive/distortion stompbox usually allows you to put your JCM800 amp to good effect. We reviewed a total of eight pedals of JHS, JOYO, Mosky, Maxon, EX, and Friedman, ideal for pairing with the JCM800 amp.
While the JHS, Maxon, and Friedman models came at a price, JOYO, Mosky, and EX pedals were suitable for budget players.
Talking about the quality and performance of the above pedals, you get what you pay for. So, in our opinion, the JHS Sweet Tea V3 is the best JCM800 in a box pedal in general.