September 22, 2008

Marshall DSL 100 demo

I am starting to look around for (yet) another good tube amp. I believe the time has come for me to get a righteous Marshall amp. Marshalls have a way of making me excited. After all, they were the amp choice for Jimi Hendrix, and a numerous other more or less legends.

I played a 70s Marshall Super Lead 100 at a gig once, and I still remember how exciting that was. That amp was pure magic, man! I won't find one just like that one in my neck of the woods. However, there are many Marshalls that sound great.

I've been researching Marshalls for a while now. The model I'm closest to getting is the DSL 100. There's also a 50 watt version, and probably either of them would make me happy.

So what's the Marshall DSL100 all about? It's a fairly simple 2 channel amp, and I like fairly simple amps. I don't like too many options, to tell you the truth.

Features

• 100% pure valve signal path using Svetlana EL34 valves [when not using the Reverb or Effects Loop].
• Two channels - Classic Gain and Ultra Gain.
• Crystal Clean to massive Crunch switching on the Classic Gain channel.
• Lead 1 to Lead 2 switching on the Ultra Gain channel.
• Tone Shift switch to reconfigure the way the tone section [particularly the
• Middle control] works.
• Deep Switch which introduces unique Marshall resonance circuitry for increased bottom end.
• Effects Loop with level selection switch.
• Technical Description
• Output: 100 watts
• Channels: 2
• Modes per Channel: 2
• Reverb
• Tone Shift
• Deep Switch
• Effects Loop
• Pre-Amp Valves: 4x ECC83
• Power Amp Valves: 4x EL34
• Dimensions: 748 x 297 x 214 mm
• Weight: 19 kg
• Footswitch: PEDL-00001 (supplied)

For a good idea of what this DSL 100 is all about and what it can do, take a look at these demos:

Video

Based on the clips above, I think I will like this amp. It has lots of good tones in it, and it has all the features I need. The only thing I am not so sure about is reliability. I have heard mixed reviews in this area. If you know something I don't - let me know.

I did actually own a couple of Marshalls way back in 80s. Stupidly enough, I traded them for something I can't even remember. I had a little 50 watt tube combo that was really nice. I should have kept it!

I will go and try a few good Marshall amps some day soon, or I might just buy a DSL used if I find a good deal. I've just got to get myself a Marshall, don't you think?

By Robert Renman - www.dolphinstreet.com

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Posted by Robert Renman on September 22, 2008