Topic: Which Marshall combo?

I'm thinking of getting a Marshall 2x12 combo to complement my Fender Twin live (needs to be a combo for reasons of practicality) but I'm not sure which one to go for. The range of tones that I'd want go from Bluesbreakers through Free & Led Zeppelin to Van Halen - can anyone suggest which model to go for? I've been looking at original JCM800s and 900s but I've also considered a new Vintage Modern - any ideas?

Re: Which Marshall combo?

Depends on what you need more a Versital amp or a one trick pony that sounds killer. If you need a good clean and OD channel than go with DSL or TSL combo if you want that classic marshall roar look at an old 800or VM (I haven't played one so I can't really say but I think its a one channel amp) combo. The 900's are hit or miss. Go to marshallforum.com for more info on those there are a bunch of models.

Re: Which Marshall combo?

The VM is pretty much a twin channel amp rather than a multi channel amp. Just like the Fender. One for clean sounds to Plexi territory and the other one beyond that. You can still get clean sounds on HDR if you roll back your guitar's volume pot.  I have a VM 2266 head and it would be a perfect match for your taste in music, Jon. Come over to marshallvintagemodern.com for more details.  smile

Cheers,
Tim

Re: Which Marshall combo?

Check out the JCM900 Mk3 100w with the EL34...must have all those credentials.
I've owned every 900 model there is...and that is the only one with balls...and they can be picked up dirt cheap!

Re: Which Marshall combo?

DaveWammbarro wrote:

Check out the JCM900 Mk3 100w with the EL34...must have all those credentials.
I've owned every 900 model there is...and that is the only one with balls...and they can be picked up dirt cheap!

Good info I had heard that there were some good 900s out there what model no is it ?

"Everybody's entitled to my opinion. wink

Re: Which Marshall combo?

As I remember (memories fading...) the 4100 is the best one by far - but they all vary slightly...even individually. Even the early 2100's (before the SLX name) are pretty good...and have more gain.

The worst are the 50w reverbs and the combos...they just don't have 'it'.

The 6L6 ones have slightly better cleans, but the OD sounds are poor imo...very fragile, glassy and sharp.

Re: Which Marshall combo?

They've got Silver Jub's in 2x12 models. If you can find em.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool