OP
Tommy Folkesson just got back to me. Tommy does the Tim Caswell style '#39' modification to the DSL40C - Adding an extra gain stage and altering the EQ response.
Hot Rodding a DSL40C???
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gball
Ambassador of Boogie
I'm just gonna go ahead and posit that IMO if you have to think this much about an amp and continually mess around with it to try to get it to sound the way you want then you should just cut your losses, unload it and find the right one. No amount of mucking about in there is going to alter the fundamental sound of the thing, and meanwhile there are plenty of amps out there that'll do exactly what you want right out of the box.
chilipeppermaniac
Ambassador of Decibels
Gball has some points, Although from my reading the DSL's are somehow widely popular, but they just had inherent build issues or areas that tweaks do sort out.
However, I am not Robert and won't spend his money. But, if I were to be hunting amps and had his skills or higher, I would be in the market for a few I have had on my list and call it a day.
First would be one of these that can be had relatively cheaply. Marshall Vintage Modern or a 2203
Next would be my desert island amp, Soldano Hot Rod and SLO amps
In the same video are a couple other options that sound pretty darn good too. JCM2000 DSL and a Dual REC Mesa
However, I am not Robert and won't spend his money. But, if I were to be hunting amps and had his skills or higher, I would be in the market for a few I have had on my list and call it a day.
First would be one of these that can be had relatively cheaply. Marshall Vintage Modern or a 2203
Next would be my desert island amp, Soldano Hot Rod and SLO amps
In the same video are a couple other options that sound pretty darn good too. JCM2000 DSL and a Dual REC Mesa
gball
Ambassador of Boogie
Thing is, DSL's are mid-range, price-point amps. They are fine for what they are but when we start making comparisons to 800's/SLO's/Recs, then obviously there is going to be a huge chasm betwixt them. All of those are going to easily eat the lunch of a DSL, and that was really my point: modding the hell out of a DSL will never make it sound like an 800 or Recto, and it would be simpler and easier to go with the latter. Possibly even less expensive in the long-term. I don't want to spend Robert's money either but I just think he would be much happier if he moved on from the DSL.
OP
Good points, fellows. I might sell it. I might have Tommy work on it. For the time being, the drummer is out 9 weeks with shoulder surgery, although the singer and I are still rehearsing to the stripped backing tracks I created.
I have switched over to the VS265 so the DSL40C is now officially retired until a decision is made - or I find something that makes me say, "Wow!"
I haven't found that one yet...but the tone from the VS265's 2x12's is really good. I don't think I can get that kind of presence from a single 12" speaker...maybe a 2x10???
I have switched over to the VS265 so the DSL40C is now officially retired until a decision is made - or I find something that makes me say, "Wow!"
I haven't found that one yet...but the tone from the VS265's 2x12's is really good. I don't think I can get that kind of presence from a single 12" speaker...maybe a 2x10???
OP
Can the 800 be had in a combo without a triple row of knobs???
gball
Ambassador of Boogie
The 800 is a simple 6-knobber (the three-row thing is a JVM), but can only be had new in a head format if you want the full-size version. There are used combos out there but they would have an awful lot of mileage on them by now.
Or, you could opt for the new 20-watter and get it in a combo:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...io-classic-20-5-watt-1x10-inch-tube-combo-amp
But that's a 1x10, small box combo, so...
OP
OP
Another amp I have played in a studio and liked was the Roland GA-120. It's a twin speaker model with a built in EQ like a Mark 1 Mesa
I haven't ruled out a Mesa either.
I haven't ruled out a Mesa either.
gball
Ambassador of Boogie
Yup, they are simple, straightforward and deadly. I used a 2204 for many years:
Through a 4x12 the 50-watts was way more than loud enough. I think the reissues are all 100 watts.
OP
Yup, they are simple, straightforward and deadly. I used a 2204 for many years:
Through a 4x12 the 50-watts was way more than loud enough. I think the reissues are all 100 watts.
Nice. Reverb pedal would be easy to add.
OP
I've played through the newer 20 watt Marshall heads. I recall it being quite loud! It had reverb too.
I think the suitability of tweaks is driven by the need. I can certainly see how some tweaks and easily-executed circuit mods could make all the difference for one person’s application, but still fall short for another person.
I did spend a fair amount of money on “gimmick” amps a few years back that got good initial reviews. Then, it seems people started to realize (myself included) that they really weren’t all that great...and the mods started flowing on how to fix this, or fix that.
I guess the point is, if something needs a lot of mods to sound good...can we honestly say it is good?
I realize I’m treading a line of potential hypocrisy, as I’ll gladly jump in and mod stuff!
gball
Ambassador of Boogie
Yeah, but...are you going to be happy, really, with a jazz amp when what your heart wants is a high-gain monster.
You know I am a lover of all things Mesa/Boogie. To me you can't do any better than a Mark 5 for high gain and versatility, but they are very complex and have a pretty steep learning curve so maybe not for you.
If I was you I would be checking out a Rectifier...they are essentially a copy of the Soldano SLO, built like a tank, and super simple to use. Louder than a 747 taking off to boot.
chilipeppermaniac
Ambassador of Decibels
The Official Marshall DSL40c Information Thread
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chilipeppermaniac
Ambassador of Decibels
syscokid
Ambassador of War & Peace
Yup, that's plane rediculous and insulting.
Not sure what your asking for the package locally, but maybe offer to sell everything separately.
Ex: Amp with original speaker installed and a 12AX7 in V1 @ $450 - $475.
WGS Reaper @ $70 (new @ $120).
Weber attenuator @ $120.
... Sit on these prices and don't be impatient. You have the storage room and you have the time.
Yeah, but... That heavily modified Marshall was a one trick pony. An amazing "one trick", grant you. Add a dash of recording and mixing magic, too.
Another major amp guru not to far from your home is Jens Kruse, of Kruse Amplification, in Sun Valley, California. Very interesting resume. He has two websites. One is for his own line of (expensive) amps: Amps | KRUSE Amplification
The second one is for his modification and repair services:
Kruse Kontrol Amplification - Home
On his modification site under "Marshall Mods" you'll see: DSL 15 MODS. So that tells me he has some hands-on experience with these circuits in general.
Almost a year ago, I emailed him about info regarding his "Flagship Mods" for the JCM800. He responded quickly, and we exchanged a few more emails for additional info. Very courteous and professional. You might want give this guy a try... Might steer you in the right direction.
And... Good luck with your travels to Nicaragua.
gball
Ambassador of Boogie
I actually really want to try out one of the new 20-watt 800's. I still have an itch for Marshall tone, and I don't think I gave the Mini Jubilee enough of a chance before sending it back. I've thought a couple of times about re-buying it as dumb as that sound but now that they have the small 800 that one may end up being the ticket. I personally don't want or need more than 20/25 watts these days so it might hit the sweet spot.
OP
Thanks!