Are Marshall DSL100H's versatile?

Question

I have have had a Line 6 Spider 3 for the past 4 years and I am really getting sick of how "fake" it sounds. I have always just saved up and bought guitars and basses and now I am thinking of an actual good amplifier because I have heard my guitars suffer for long enough.

I play stuff like The Beatles, Santos and Johnny, Pink Floyd, The Eagles, MGMT, White Stripes/Jack White, Marilyn Manson, and many other things but you should get the broadness of what I enjoy playing. So my main question is is the Marshall DSL100H's capable? I know Marshall is often associated with 80's rock but I have heard that it is versatile but I would rather know for sure before I spend $900 on a head that can do one thing. If it cant, do you have any suggestions on amp heads under $1200?

And if you could just answer something else on the side what is the difference between the 1960A cabinet and the Celestion-Loaded 240w cabinet besides the wattage and the price because if i could save $400 dollars on a cabinet that would be great.

The Head:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/marshall-dsl100h-100w-all-tube-guitar-amp-head

The 1960A Cabinet:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/marshall-1960a-or-1960b-300w-4x12-guitar-extension-cabinet/605013000306000

The Celestion Loaded Cabinet:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/marshall-4x12-celestion-loaded-240w-guitar-speaker-cabinet

Answer 1

Devin, I can't comment specifically on the Marshall DSL100H. The few times I've played through Marshall amps, I found them hard to get a clean sound out of....so I mostly avoid them. This is just my opinion, but I can't imagine how anybody *needs* something like the Marshall DSL100H unless they're playing super loud hard rock/metal at large venues. Even then, I'd probably mic a smaller amp.



I think you should ask yourself a few questions about your needs before laying down big bucks on this Marshall. First and foremost: do you need...I mean *really* need.... a 100 watt head and massive speaker cabinet(s)? When I was young, I found myself in a similar situation as you...I had a decent guitar and could afford to upgrade to the "ultimate" amp. At the time, for my situation, I settled on a 200 watt Peavey head (with effects and graphic EQ) and a 4-12 cabinet. I should have known when I had a hard time fitting it in my car that it was overkill. Anyway, after about a month dragging that monster to gigs, I got rid of it. Ever since, I've been using more sensible (compact and lighter) combo amps, mostly Fenders.



OU812 mentioned his Fender Deluxe Reverb. That's what I currently gig with....a vintage '72 model. Fender has reissued most of these classic tube amps, but don't overlook the possibility of snagging a vintage one on eBay or craigslist. Prices on vintage "Blackface" fenders have gone through the roof, but I got my '72 Silverface for the same price as a new reissue. The thing about the vintage equipment is that it holds it's value. It's also easier to customize because it's all point-to-point wiring, not circuit boards like the reissues.



So depending on how much power/volume you need, you could check out:

Fender Twin Reverb, (85-100 watts into 2-12 speakers...feels like it's nailed to the floor)

Super Reverb (40 watts into 4-10 speakers...68 lbs)

Vibrolux Reverb (35 watts into 2-10 speakers)

Deluxe Reverb (22 watts into 1-12 speaker...45 lbs)

These amps don't have any built in effects. You either use pedals, or overdrive them the old fashioned way....by cranking up to the point where the tubes begin to sing.



Don't let the low wattage fool you. Tube watts *appear* louder than solid state. I also own a 40 watt Super Reverb, but rarely use it because it's just too loud. If you want a vintage sound, look at the amps they were playing back then. Yes, there were Marshalls, but there were a whole bunch of Fenders too.

Answer 2

I don't have any personal experience with that particular amp but specwise it seems to be fairly versatile. The only potential downfalls could possibly be the shared EQ and how the channels function considering there are only 2. This is not something that would bother me because my amp functions in a similar way. On my ENGL Fireball 100, There is a shared EQ and 2 channels however both channels have a clean and lead but channel 2 can be used as a boost by setting its master volume louder and it has a bit more punch. The Marshall you are looking at seems to be similar in that aspect although probably not as much gain on tap. If you dig the sound of it, go for it. If not a few suggestions for other amps are ENGL, Mesa/Boogie, Hughes & Kettner. They are all pretty versatile and can be had for under $1200 used if you want a 100 watt head. Listen to some clips of amps and if possible try a few amps to see what sound you are after. Good Luck

Answer 3

Devin,

As an owner of a DSL100h let me tell you it's a killer amp. I did do a little bit of tube swapping though. I like to use a combination of JJs and Tung-Sol and heat great clarity and tone. That said, I rarely play very clean. With my SG and a Duncan JB in the bridge it SLAYS. I went through a few orange amps and while great I love that marshall upper mids sound. Also, spring for the vintage loaded cab. The combo is awesome AND you can dial down to 50watts. One of the few high power heads I actually also like at practice levels in my condo. Actually sees more use than my Soldano Hot Rod 50.

Answer 4

To me Mesa is one of the most versatile amps made. I have two and they are basically all I play other than my Deluxe Reverb at times. To me the Marshall DSL is just an okay sounding amp, not bad by any means, just not my favorite Marshall. Not sure what the Mesa Lone Star and 5:50 Express heads are going for right now, but I love mine and they are extremely versatile. Cleans are damn near on par with my Deluxe Reverb, and gain stages go from blues overdrive to Mesa Rectifier metal territory.

Answer 5

you need seperate channel switching one for strumming one for lead. reverb, actually a better brand is ENGL

Fireball head or a Traynor YB100 these amps are extremely versatile. musicians friend.com can get you either