Lets talk Marshalls

[Joeytpg]

I'm not Gasing a Marshall, but I've come to the realization that in every studio there must be a Marshall. I'm slowly putting together my Home Studio, which in time will serve as a money making (jingles/tv/radio music biz) studio besides my own music.

So I'm sad to say that I don't know much about Marshalls even though I owned a Marshall for 9 years (my first amp, a Valvestate VS100).

I'd like to know a few things:

1) What's the most versatile Marshall out there. One with a very good clean channel, a very good crunch/blues channel and a somewhat higain channel. could be a two channel amp with a very responsive gain knob, etc etc.

2) What's the best Marshall for that pure rock n roll sound (Jimi H., AC/DC, etc..)

3) Which Marshall has THE BEST cleans? vintage cleans.

4) If you're gonna own one and only one marshall for everything from pop to hard rock, which one should be?

 

[jonny toetags]

1) JVM i guess.
2) Plexi/JTM45
3) Who buys a Marshall for cleans??? I'd say a 200W Marshall Major (like Frusciante)
3) My Fortin modded plexi. It can go from somewhat clean (I've never used my Marshalls for clean) to a stock Plexi/JCM800 to a high gain beast!

 

[Greazygeo]

For a studio application look for a 68-72 superlead style amp. Preferably 100 watt, gb loaded 4-12 and an attenuator/ load box. Don't worry about versatility. For cleans a JC120 or Fender BF Deluxe Reverb/ Vibrolux.....

 

[duesentrieb]

If I were you I'd start with a used DSL. Nice Marshalls with good cleans, very good crunch (typical Marshall) and - lets say - an ok lead sound.
For 500-600 (buy in the UK, depending on the GBP/€ rate you'll be able to find very good deals) its a nice amp IMO.

 

[Joeytpg]

alright thanks for the replies.


Oh, forgot to mention I'm looking for a vintage Marshall sound. As vintage as I can get

 

[duesentrieb]

As George said: 100s Non-Master, some kind of attenuation - and earplugs

Beware - Marshalls are so addicitive lol

 

[1big1]

if you're considering a used dsl make sure you check the date of manufacture. some of the early versions of dsl's have some real problems which will cost you in the long run. mine's a 1998. some of the problems you may encounter include an under amperaged bridge rectifier.. carbon comp resisitors which will drift when the amp heats up ( negative temp coefficient ) which will result in run away bias.. bias supply problems to v-3 and the v-4 pi.. and cold solder joints throughout. they've fixed those problems on newer versions by replacing the carbon comps with metal film resisitors and changed some component values.
if you can get a good deal on an older used dsl it mght be worth your while to replace the motherboard with a new one. with the right components a dsl can be a really decent sounding amp.
i've been doing my homework on dsl's because i own one and like the tones.. but it's spent more time on my bench than it has being played. that's partially my fault since i'm trying to fix it myself. i know i was right to set it aside and not use it when when it started acting up. i didn't fry anything and i've learned a bunch about amps when i decided to take it on as a repair project. (something i wanted to do) a dsl can sound really good.. but can also be a pita. just my .02. caveat emptor.
if you're looking at a used dsl look for something dated 2003 or newer. they seem to have fixed most of the issues begining in 2003.

 

[degenaro]

For the purpose you describe there is absolutely no reason to have a Marshall...that said I do believe that every guitar player should have at least on old JMP, depending on their needs either a Plexi or a Metalface. And NOT have it hacked.

 

[blackba]

I would go with a late 70's JMP, they are still priced fairly reasonably....

 

[Anonymous]

If you want a good Marshall, you aren't going to find much in the way of versatility. I agree with Ed D.

 

[Joeytpg]

thank you guys.


Well I'm after a nice vintage Marshall tone. I'm not looking for hi-gain either, just a nice Hendrix sound. I can achieve this with the VH4 channel 2. But I've been thinking more and more about adding vintage amps/instruments to my rig.

how's the JTM45?

 

[Anonymous]

thank you guys.


Well I'm after a nice vintage Marshall tone. I'm not looking for hi-gain either, just a nice Hendrix sound. I can achieve this with the VH4 channel 2. But I've been thinking more and more about adding vintage amps/instruments to my rig.

how's the JTM45?

I'd save your money and buy a Fender Bassman. Or else, the JMP is a good bet.

 

[1big1]

thank you guys.


Well I'm after a nice vintage Marshall tone. I'm not looking for hi-gain either, just a nice Hendrix sound. I can achieve this with the VH4 channel 2. But I've been thinking more and more about adding vintage amps/instruments to my rig.

how's the JTM45?

nice and smooth with a gb loaded cab.

 

[Joeytpg]

I'm saving for a Fender Vibro-King, does that count?

 

[Anonymous]

I'm saving for a Fender Vibro-King, does that count?

Get a Vibroverb instead.

 

[sebby123]

Have to go with a fortin mod

 

[degenaro]

Have to go with a fortin mod

Then why bother getting an old JMP...get a Fortin for that.

 

[jonny toetags]

Have to go with a fortin mod

 

[Anonymous]

So a Fortin Mod, is going to make a classic Marshall sound even more classic?

 

[Code001]

So a Fortin Mod, is going to make a classic Marshall sound even more classic?

A Fortin mod will make a Marshall sound good.