Marshall JCM2000 DSL 50 Hmmmmm.......

[sambencuda]

I have been out of the Marshall game for quite a while. I've recently scored a DSL 50 head for what I think was a pretty good deal. My intent was to flip it. I am totally happy with my Fireball 60 and have no intentions of changing my live gear, but Wow was I suprised when I ran this through my 1960AV. This is a really great sounding amp. I has a great clean channel and a very articulate grain structure. The only thing that worries me is the reliability issues I've heard about with any Marshall after the 800 series. We have a JCM 900 SLX at the studio that gets a ton of use that seems to be reliable enough. What are you thoughts on the reliability of these and other later model Marshalls?

[sambencuda]

Also, I have two master volumes on the Fireball and thats how I boost for solos. Whats a good way to solo boost on this thing. Will on OD or distortion pedal be enough to get a good solo volume? I hate seeing guys live that have a great tone, but no solo boost.

[Ward]

I have a JCM2000 (a TSL100) that I have owned for about 12 years. I had an issue with the footswitch that needed fixing, but other than that it has been bulletproof.

I don't gig with it, but it does get used a minimum of about an hour a day.

[Nightbat]

Also, I have two master volumes on the Fireball and thats how I boost for solos. Whats a good way to solo boost on this thing. Will on OD or distortion pedal be enough to get a good solo volume? I hate seeing guys live that have a great tone, but no solo boost.

Dunno if the DSL has an FX loop, but if it does, throw an EQ or something else in there and set it for some extra dBs (or less, depending if you want a solo boost or rhythm cut)

[Nightbat]

Also, I have two master volumes on the Fireball and thats how I boost for solos. Whats a good way to solo boost on this thing. Will on OD or distortion pedal be enough to get a good solo volume? I hate seeing guys live that have a great tone, but no solo boost.

Dunno if the DSL has an FX loop, but if it does, throw an EQ or something else in there and set it for some extra dBs (or less, depending if you want a solo boost or rhythm cut)

[DonP]

Dunno if the DSL has an FX loop, but if it does, throw an EQ or something else in there and set it for some extra dBs (or less, depending if you want a solo boost or rhythm cut)

Or a volume pedal in the loop.

I've had mine since new in Nov. 1998. Only issue was one power tube that crapped out in the first month. Nothing since then, still using the original -1 tubes.

[roodyrocker]

One of my amps is a DSL 50. They do sound good. I use an MXR/CAE boost pedal out front for leads. It does have an effects loop too and I run an old Rocktron Hush The Pedal through it if we're in a noisy venue.

[sambencuda]

I have the 7 band MXR EQ that I don't use because it doesn't do much for the fireball. I also have a TS-9 that I will try. I'm playing this Thursday. Only a 30 minute set. I'm going to bring the DSL.

[roodyrocker]

I have the 7 band MXR EQ that I don't use because it doesn't do much for the fireball. I also have a TS-9 that I will try. I'm playing this Thursday. Only a 30 minute set. I'm going to bring the DSL.

I've been using my DSL 50 live because the sound man likes it, very easy amp for him to work with.

[sambencuda]

The MXR eq in the loop works great! Nice clean boost that I can boost or cut certain frequencies! My grunge tribute band is the featured band at an open mic tonight. Can't wait to try it out.

[jgcable]

MXR EQ or a BBE Sonic Stomp in the loop will work. I never had any problems with the DSL's or TSL's that I have owned in the past.
Hey Jim, where are you playing tonight?

[sambencuda]

Sorry I missed this John. I played at the Red Door. We were the feature for the open mic night. You guys should hook up with the house band and do it one Thursday. You'll get a regular Friday or Saturday gig out of it for sure. Awesome venue. Nice big stage, Great sound system and sound guy. Amazing light show. Let me know if you want me to hook you up with those guys. BTW the Marshall sounded amazing. Its too bad for it I own the Engl.

[jgcable]

Interesting enough I am thinking about getting rid of my Mesa Single Recto Series 2 and picking up a Marshall amp. I have developed a liking to the crunch channel of my Triple X and to my ears it sounds a lot like a Marshall. The Mesa is great for the bottom heavy chunk-o-rama but my band is doing less and less of that style and more and more of the straight up high energy rock or pop remakes. Been thinking about a DSL50 or a 2203/4 or even a Plexi. There is an SL-X up on Craigslist right now but its pricey. I have owned a DSL100, a TSL50 and a TSL100 in the past so I know how they sound. To my ears.. they sound great. Build quality isn't nearly as good as the Mesa but I am not touring with the amp so that's not a concern to me.

[roodyrocker]

Interesting enough I am thinking about getting rid of my Mesa Single Recto Series 2 and picking up a Marshall amp. I have developed a liking to the crunch channel of my Triple X and to my ears it sounds a lot like a Marshall. The Mesa is great for the bottom heavy chunk-o-rama but my band is doing less and less of that style and more and more of the straight up high energy rock or pop remakes. Been thinking about a DSL50 or a 2203/4 or even a Plexi. There is an SL-X up on Craigslist right now but its pricey. I have owned a DSL100, a TSL50 and a TSL100 in the past so I know how they sound. To my ears.. they sound great. Build quality isn't nearly as good as the Mesa but I am not touring with the amp so that's not a concern to me.

You are correct about the build quality not being as good as a Mesa but the DSL can be easily upgraded inexpensively. The tone is unmistakably Marshall and I've been using my DSL 50 for live gigs the last several months. I'll be playing it again at tomorrow night's gig as well

[jgcable]

You are correct about the build quality not being as good as a Mesa but the DSL can be easily upgraded inexpensively. The tone is unmistakably Marshall and I've been using my DSL 50 for live gigs the last several months. I'll be playing it again at tomorrow night's gig as well

The one thing that I am concerned with regarding the JCM2000's are the circuit board mounted pots and jacks. If they were flying lead I would be using one live.