Marshall DSL

cinredzfan47cinredzfan47 Posts: 81
edited May 2005 in Musicians and Gearheads
Ok, im kind of window shopping right now for a new tube amp. The Marshall DSL has caught my eye as a very versatile and good amp, along with the 1987x. These amps are obviously VERY different.

I play PJ style music mostly, and I am looking for an amp that would work for this style. Obviously, both of these amps would work, but I guess I'd like your opinion on which of the two would be BEST.

The channel switching is the main difference that has me confused as to which would be best. The DSL would allow me to consolodate more options in one amp, ie clean and dirty, and would allow me to switch mid-song between the two. I am not AS familiar with the 1987x, but I do see that this mid-song switching wouldnt be possible in the same way. The 1987x does have 2 channels, but they aren't switchable. If I were to go with this amp, I would most likely need to have another amp, and run the signal through a tube splitter into a clean amp, and the dirty 1987x.

If I am wrong in this assumption, please let me know, as it would be a huge help. And please let me know what you all think of these two amps, and which would be better for a PJ sound. Im also a little strapped for cash, so let me know which of the two would give me more options. Thanks so much.
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • Pacomc79Pacomc79 Posts: 9,404
    people get so hung up on features channel switching/effects loops, etc.

    The 1987X is a reissue of a Marshall "plexi" panel 100 watt amplifier built in the late 60's and early 70's. They all sounded different, but the best examples are legendary. You can get similar tones out of a DSL, but IMHO the red channel is overkill.

    A good boost/overdrive/distortion/fuzz in front of the 1987 is every bit as flexible as the DSL, not only that, the channels can be jumped toegther using a short effects cable so you can get them both toegther. It's preferable if you are going to be using a plexi (because they are ridiculously loud) to use an attenuator or purchase a 50 watt version. They sound best when the power tubes are pushed hard, causing them to impart a lovely warm breakup into the lovely warm Celestion Greenbacks that you have in your 1960TV (or other) wonderful cab that you've no doubt purchased to match your 1987X or 1959SLP head.

    IF you really want to get clever you can install some THD yellowjackets and get that lovely tone at an even lower volume level with or without an attenuator. More on that later, cart before the horse and all.


    Alas, you are only on the first step of your tonal journey, you have to understand the sound you want and what you really need to attain that sound and why. Then, you'll understand why the world of botique amps and effects is so diverse and expansive.
    My Girlfriend said to me..."How many guitars do you need?" and I replied...."How many pairs of shoes do you need?" She got really quiet.
  • Guitarhero27Guitarhero27 Posts: 2,146
    my suggestion is to PLAY every amp you are considering...

    i did that, and i ended up with the marshall tsl head...and i couldn't be happier...it's all about the sound you want...always remember that

    -Seth
    9/29/96, 8/29/98, 9/8,11/98, 7/28/99, 8/23,24,25/00, 10/13/00, 4/15/03, 4/30/03, 7/8,9,12,14/03, 10/1/04, 9/30/05, 10/1/05, 5/4,5,13,27,28/06, 6/1,3/06, 6/19,20,22,24,25,27/08, 7/1/08, 8/4,5,7,16/08, 8/21/09, 10/27,28,30,31/09, 5/15,17,18,20,21/10, 9/2/12, 10/18,19,21,22,25/13
  • BriansGMCBriansGMC Posts: 33
    The 1987X is the reissue of the 50 watt Super Lead head and a really great amp. I would go for the DSL 50 because unless you can really crank the 1987X you won't get much distortion(unless thats what you are after). I have quite a bit of experience with an Original 100 Super Lead and its a great tone but a little hard on ears and neighbors. A Good friend of mine has an original 1960's full stack.(and a sweet 1964 Fender Vibrolux) I like the DSL because you can get the crunchy sound of the old plexis and still have a clean channel.
  • FNYNKEZFNYNKEZ Posts: 75
    I've got a Marshall TSL 122 tube amp. Great for playing Pearl Jam! .. and anything else that rocks.
    I never really cared about you
    I never really got to thinking about you
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