1 Topic by ZampraZ (edited by ZampraZ 2009-08-29 18:29:00)

  • Registered: 2006-05-25
  • Posts: 444

Topic: Should I buy a DSL 100?

Alright, so original plan was ceriatone 2550.

However, there is a used dsl 100 on ebay with 23 hours left. No bids yet, starting price is $490, shipping $98. So about $590.
They usually go for around $1000 used in Sweden before shipping. A ceriatone would cost me about $1220 after taxes with shipping.

Obviously there might be many bidders ready to snipe, but just in case, it's a really really low price even if it goes up by $200 it's still $200 under the average Swedish price and $400 under the ceriatone.

Opinions, especially from you stratpaul since you own this amp.

One more thing is I haven't played this amp, all I know is stratpaulguy gets a good tone out of it and that Joe uses it for quick gigs. Still, if I get it at a good price I can probably sell it and make a few bucks if I don't like it.

I could save $500+



one more thing, this is probably a stupid question, but the power outlet has the same cable on all marshall amps?

  • Registered: 2009-02-10
  • Posts: 470

Re: Should I buy a DSL 100?

Go for it I say. I've a DSL50, excellent amps! Practice through DSL100s at the studio and always opt for that over the JCM900s they have. Very versatile amp!
You could easily make a lot on that if you don't like it, so buy away I say. Well worth it.

3 Reply by ZampraZ (edited by ZampraZ 2009-08-29 22:36:14)

  • Registered: 2006-05-25
  • Posts: 444

Re: Should I buy a DSL 100?

Btw did Joe use a dsl 2000 at the North sea jazz 2009?

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Should I buy a DSL 100?

I like my DSL100 a lot for what it does.  It's a great rock amp that really delivers that quintessential Marshall tone.  Yes Joe uses them from time to time and is able to get his tone on them (it's in the fingers I suspect wink ).  You cannot go wrong with either the Ceriatone or Marshall.  Just keep in mind that the  DSL is not a Jubilee and you would probably get a little closer to Joe's tone with the Jube.  I like how the DSL has reverb that you can dial in for a nice subtle texture.  The Jubilee does not have reverb.  The DSL IMO has a killer clean channel that very very few Marshalls can touch including the Jubilee.  The only bummer is that it shared the EQ with the overdrive so you have to make some sacrifices.  If you liked how mine sounded then you will like the amp.  I'd be more than happy to share my settings if/when you pick one up.  I also like JJ E34L's in them instead of the stock EL34's or even KT77's because I don't like a buzzy distortion.  The DSL has a certain "zingy" sizzle to it (with crappy tubes) that I hated.  When I put the E34L's in it rounded the tone out and made it more usable.  There are mods that can be done to warm it up further (check the Marshall forum).  I have to turn the presence and treble almost all the way off to get the amp to sound warm enough.  Anyways good luck finding the right Marshall for you.  I would also check out the Vintage Modern amps as they also go for good prices on the used market.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2006-05-25
  • Posts: 444

Re: Should I buy a DSL 100?

stratpaulguy86 wrote:

I like my DSL100 a lot for what it does.  It's a great rock amp that really delivers that quintessential Marshall tone.  Yes Joe uses them from time to time and is able to get his tone on them (it's in the fingers I suspect wink ).  You cannot go wrong with either the Ceriatone or Marshall.  Just keep in mind that the  DSL is not a Jubilee and you would probably get a little closer to Joe's tone with the Jube.  I like how the DSL has reverb that you can dial in for a nice subtle texture.  The Jubilee does not have reverb.  The DSL IMO has a killer clean channel that very very few Marshalls can touch including the Jubilee.  The only bummer is that it shared the EQ with the overdrive so you have to make some sacrifices.  If you liked how mine sounded then you will like the amp.  I'd be more than happy to share my settings if/when you pick one up.  I also like JJ E34L's in them instead of the stock EL34's or even KT77's because I don't like a buzzy distortion.  The DSL has a certain "zingy" sizzle to it (with crappy tubes) that I hated.  When I put the E34L's in it rounded the tone out and made it more usable.  There are mods that can be done to warm it up further (check the Marshall forum).  I have to turn the presence and treble almost all the way off to get the amp to sound warm enough.  Anyways good luck finding the right Marshall for you.  I would also check out the Vintage Modern amps as they also go for good prices on the used market.

I love the tone of your first video with the ceriatone and marshall, but the short part with the marshall only in the second doesn't demo the amp very clearly...

Hmm...

Tell me what to do!

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Should I buy a DSL 100?

IMO you cannot go wrong with either decision.  The 2550/2555 circuit is more respected and will probably get you closer to Joe's tone.  The DSL is different sounding (also great) and IMO has nicer cleans.  The DSL is also more of a true 2 channel amplifier.  The Ceriatone Jubilee is PTP wired vs the PCB of the Marshall.  I think the Marshalls by and large are a reliable amp but I have had a few problems with mine.  I guess all amps get fussy from time to time if you play them hard like I do.  The Ceriatone Jubilee clone will probably hold it's value a little better if you decide that you don't like it and want to sell.  If you are trying to really chase down Joe's tone I would except no substitutes and order the Ceriatone Jubilee clone.  Just keep a close eye on the bid for the DSL...if the price seems right and there's a big difference between the used DSL and a new Ceriatone then go for it!

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2006-05-25
  • Posts: 444

Re: Should I buy a DSL 100?

stratpaulguy86 wrote:

IMO you cannot go wrong with either decision.  The 2550/2555 circuit is more respected and will probably get you closer to Joe's tone.  The DSL is different sounding (also great) and IMO has nicer cleans.  The DSL is also more of a true 2 channel amplifier.  The Ceriatone Jubilee is PTP wired vs the PCB of the Marshall.  I think the Marshalls by and large are a reliable amp but I have had a few problems with mine.  I guess all amps get fussy from time to time if you play them hard like I do.  The Ceriatone Jubilee clone will probably hold it's value a little better if you decide that you don't like it and want to sell.  If you are trying to really chase down Joe's tone I would except no substitutes and order the Ceriatone Jubilee clone.  Just keep a close eye on the bid for the DSL...if the price seems right and there's a big difference between the used DSL and a new Ceriatone then go for it!

I got a tip from the marshall forum that pre '04 dsl had like issue 5 boards that were a lot more problematic than the issue 6, and this one is from 2002...

I'm not interested in duplicating Joe's tone at all, just that of all guitarists I know he has the most preferable tone.

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Should I buy a DSL 100?

Yeah I've almost grown out of copying people's tone wink .  I think it's fun chasing it and seeing how close you can get.  You almost never nail it but along the way learn some very interesting things.  If you are a blues/rock player you simply have to have a Marshall (or clone) in your arsenal.  Have you checked out the new Vintage Moderns?  I think they have similar gain on tap to like a Jubilee or DSL but very vintage sounding.  I couldn't help but sound like Jimmy Page or Hendrix through one (a good thing).  You can also consistantly find good deals on older used JCM800s and JMP Master Volumes.  Good luck man, if you were in the States I would probably sell you mine for a great price.  Keep up the search!

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.