Jackson Reference 100 Head

1980-1983///yes and no///amp only has one channels // I use a rocktron chameilon2000 pre amp///but it is hard to get both a good clean and distorted tone because of the onhe channel but i make it work///does have ann effects loop whitch works great///100 watts tube I am in a metal band and it kranks I have used it at many shows and never have a problem///

my main axe is a jackson dxmg w/emg-hz's it works great///with the processor that I am using the sound is very versitile///I also use a hush so its not noise at all///

This amp is always dependable///I have had the amp for about 6 years now///The only problem I ever had was it needed a new input jack/// I recently had new power tubes put in//the pre amp tubes are still original and I had them tested and there still like brand new

tryed to find out info on the amp but there is none that I can find only that Jacksson made amps in 1980 to 1983///fender bough out jackson and they have no info on the amp what so ever

if any one knows anything about this amp or jackson amps period please contact me at Freak2402@aol.com

2 channel head with an A/B voicing for the dirty which is kind of like 3 channels. Seperate 3 band EQ for clean and dirty channels. All tube, 100 watt - 4 6L6, and 4 12AX7's. Effects send and return. No reverb. Made in early to mid 90's - I bought new in about '96. Smaller head dimensions, nice look - with metal grill in front, black tolex, well built. I have heard that these were made by Laney - I don't know. Some of the Jackson models say that they were made in England - this does not. Says - designed by Steve Mauriello on the back. It is very difficult to find any info on this amp - though I finally got a schematic by calling 800-433-5627. Nobody at the number knows anything about the amp - but they will look up the documentation and were very helpful.

Clean channel is very nice. I have had Fender owners comment that the clean is nice - though not with the character of a Fender. Lots of headroom and powerfull. The distortion channel is why I have had this amp so long. It is a somewhat fizzy distortion that cleans up wonderfully when the power section is kicked in. This amp sounds nothing like a Marshall. It is not all that responsive to the volume knob. However it does not sound like solid state. It has it's own - great character. I have had to mix and match pre tubes to get the tone that I want. The power section does not warm up the tone as much as some EL34 amps that I have had. The mids don't get excessive when cranked. Very cool.

The pre tube sockets have been a little tempermental. I have had problems that are solved by wiggling pre tubes. Otherwise - no problems.

When I found a number - the people I dealt with were very helpful and friendly. The Jackson amp company has completely disappeared though (many years ago.)

I have been playing guitar since the early 80's. I have owned Marshall JCM800's, a Peavey 5150, a Laney GH100L, an Egnater TOL100, and various rack mount systems. I have never wanted to spend more than $700 on an amp - I'd rather just have more cheap ones. This Jackson is an unknown jem that I will not part with. I had a Reference 50 - that I didn't like as much. I got a package deal from Musician's Friend for a Jackson halfstack for about $600 and then traded the Reference 50 for the 100 at a local shop ($200 added.) Listening to the Reference 100 at the shop was why I was interested in the Jackson. I have since bought the one channel earlier Jackson head - which sounds much more like a Marshall. This head is very cool as well - not enough to be my favorite Jackson. I also bought the preamp - and think that it has great potential. I would never be able to find another if it were stolen. I think that I would like to try the combo version of this model - called the apogee - even more rare. If you find one of these - buy it.