OK folks, just reviving this old thread with an update:
I picked up a JCM Slash model, which is a Jubilee Reissue that came out in 1997. This thing is "supposedly" a wire-for-wire recreation of the Jubilee, and was the first signature series amp that Marshall ever made. It was released in very limited quantities (3,000 units), and is in pretty high demand from what I understand.
Here is a link with some more info:
http://www.blamepro.com/marslash.htmOK...so how does it sound?
Well, in a word, "AMAZING"!!! This is nicest-sounding amp I have ever heard, and it just blows me away every time I hear it!
It is defintely NOT for the metal, death or thrash crowd, but for straight-ahead rock, it is just stunning!
I did a quick re-tube with some Mesa tubes, and all I can say is that this amp is worth its weight in gold! In the next couple of months, I will probably look into some boutique tubes (NOS Mullards or TTs or something), but in the mean time, I cannot imagine this thing sounding any better!
(Can you tell that I am happy???!!!)
This is one of those "finally" moments! I have been searching for that holy grail of rock guitar sounds for many years, and for me, this is it! I do understand that everyone has a different sound in their mind, so for others, the holy grail will most likely be something else completely different.
I have not tried tracking anything to tape yet, but that will most likely happen this weekend with some test takes, and then in earnest, next week.
Thanks to all who advised on this thread...I am broke, but happy as can be!