Need some advice on buying a guitar amp.

[Hendrix27]

I've been looking at a few amps (Based on info from my last post) and now I'm trying to narrow it down a bit more, and get some more suggestions and information. I'm still a bit new to the world of amps, so bare with me. I'm looking for that 60's - 80's classic rock tone (Hendrix(mainly), ACDC, Led Zeppelin, etc.) but I'd like it to also work with 90's rock ( if possible).

Amps I'm looking at right now:

Marshall JCM2000 DSL50/100. Still iffy about this one, would be nice if anyone with one could give me their input.
Friedman BE100. I've liked pretty much everything I've seen about this amp, it seems like a good choice but I'm still not sure.
Marshall JCM-800 2204 or 2205. Haven't really looked too far into them, but someone suggested them.

As far as cabinets go I'm almost sure I'm getting a Marshall 1960A slant cabinet / 4x12

So give me your opinion on these amps, and please do suggest any ones you think would suit me better.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Chris6870]

Marshall vintage modern

 

[SDMF38]

If I was in your position I'd go for the BE 100, then a 2204 and completely bypass the dsl, some of them have issues with the epoxy on the boards and burn up tubes quickly ( thermal bias runaway). But for a third possibly a 50 watt 1987x reissue. Covers all the ground for the 60,70, and 80's music and with a good boost and possibly a good od pedal alot of the 90's as well.

 

[stephen sawall]

Just get a JMP. Four hole with no master volume. Use a Hot Plate to control volume and use pedals to get the rest. What speakers that are in the cab makes a huge difference in sound.

What guitars are you using ???....

The ones you mention I would think the BE would be very good. But if you really want the Hendrix flavors .... Master volume amps are questionable. But be aware you are looking at very loud volumes... Most attenuator's are good for reducing volumes - but if reduced to TV set volumes it might not be best for you.

 

[TX6Strings]

If you've got the cash I'd go with the BE-100. I'm trying to scrape together the money to get one myself.

I've got no experience with an 800 but with a boost it could probably do everything you want, but it'll be rather loud. A JMP or earlier is going to be very loud clean amp unless you've got an attenuator or like your ears to bleed from volume.

I've owned a DSL 50 and was running it through a Marshall 412 with greenbacks (which is what I would suggest to you). It's actually a good amp and will certainly do Hendrix, AC/DC, Led Zep without a problem. It'll also get into more 90's hard rock grunge sounds and easily do metal. My one big complaint about it was that the gain and clean channel share an EQ band so setting the gain channel with enough bass to sound good makes the clean channel a little boomy. As SDMF38 said some of the earlier models had some bias dirft issues so you might want to stick with one of the new reissues. I've known a ton of guitarists have made the DSL sound amazing for all sorts of genres. If I can't get the money together to pick up a BE-100 I might just pick up another DSL.

Another option would be the Ceriatone Yeti or Chupacabra.

 

[Hendrix27]

I've been looking into all the suggestions, but I came across a amp I'm really considering. A Marshall JCM2000 TSL100, and of course hook it up to the 1960A slant 4x12. Opinions on that?

 

[electrophonic.tonic]

I was in the same boat as you not long ago.

You want a JCM 800.
Find a used one.

edit: of course a Friedman or Splawn would be cool too if you have the $$$$$

 

[stephen sawall]

I've been looking into all the suggestions, but I came across a amp I'm really considering. A Marshall JCM2000 TSL100, and of course hook it up to the 1960A slant 4x12. Opinions on that?

I like and recommend any of the other amps you mention over this amp.

 

[Enjolras56]

Marshall vintage modern

+1
If you're looking for Hendrix- Steve Dawson had this to say comparing the VM to the Super 100 JH

You can get them to sound pretty much the same at certain settings but at the extreme of their ranges they are their own amps with the Vintage Modern having more gain obviously!

Its power tubes are KT-66's which are in the Hendrix Super 100 JH amp. Not really sure what Jimi actually used.
I know the speakers in the VM cabs are the same they used in the cabs that were paired with the Super 100 JH

Definitely has the versatility to do AC/DC and Zep

The VM's were recently discontinued and can be had for pretty cheap used. Love that amp!

 

[drewiv]

I've been looking into all the suggestions, but I came across a amp I'm really considering. A Marshall JCM2000 TSL100, and of course hook it up to the 1960A slant 4x12. Opinions on that?

I like and recommend any of the other amps you mention over this amp.

I agree with this statement. Never been a fan of the TSL.

There are SO many choices to go with if you've got the dough. My original recommendation (DSL) was based on the fact you're buying your first rig. Which to me meant on a budget. If cash is no object the world is your oyster. While I have yet to play a BE, that seems to be the obvious choice of the three amps you have listed. There are many great amps in the Rig Talk classifieds alone. The choices are nearly unlimited and it's really difficult to recommend an amp for someone else.

 

[electrophonic.tonic]

I've been looking into all the suggestions, but I came across a amp I'm really considering. A Marshall JCM2000 TSL100, and of course hook it up to the 1960A slant 4x12. Opinions on that?

I like and recommend any of the other amps you mention over this amp.

I agree with this statement. Never been a fan of the TSL.

There are SO many choices to go with if you've got the dough. My original recommendation (DSL) was based on the fact you're buying your first rig. Which to me meant on a budget. If cash is no object the world is your oyster. While I have yet to play a BE, that seems to be the obvious choice of the three amps you have listed. There are many great amps in the Rig Talk classifieds alone. The choices are nearly unlimited and it's really difficult to recommend an amp for someone else.

Agreed on everything.

Such a variety these days.
It's a great time to be a guitar player.

 

[Gadzz]

I'm going with the Friedman SS100 it will cover all the classic tones i want, not sure about 90's but I bet it would handle any 80-90's that i'll be covering! good luck choosing

 

[Heritage Softail]

Rhodes Gemini