• From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Topic: Which Marhsall is better for ....

Hey Joe and my fellow guitar nuts....

I am in the market for a Marshall amp.  I have been going back and forth with all different makes and models but the bottom line is I want a Marshall.  I am looking for a Marshall that can help me capture the tones of the 70's classic rock while also taking me into the blues.  I play a 58RI Les Paul and now I want to put some money together and get my Marshall.  I am starting a new job next week with a significant raise and I want to buy myself a present.  I am not playing large places so no more than 50 watts is fine for me and I am not looking for an amp that just takes you to the high gain territory....

So here are the amps I have been looking at....if available

DSL 401
DSL 50watt head
Vintage Modern 2266 head
SJ 2550
SJ 2553
SJ 2554
JTM 45

Please, any advise would be greatly appreciated......

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Which Marhsall is better for ....

Id vote for the Vintage Modern or JTM.

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

Re: Which Marhsall is better for ....

Get yourself a pre- '74 PTP wired vintage Marshall and be done with it.  You can still get them for decent prices, especially if a Silver Jubilee is in your budget.  Best Marshall I've ever played was a '69 Super Tremolo but that one was mega $$$.  The '71-'74s can be had for often times less than $2k in very clean condition and will do EVERYTHING you want a Marshall to do IMO.

'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.
  • From: Missoula, Montana
  • Registered: 2008-08-18
  • Posts: 308

Re: Which Marhsall is better for ....

I have a 2266 and I love it

#275 JB LP

tmcguire's Website

  • Registered: 2008-10-02
  • Posts: 373

Re: Which Marhsall is better for ....

If you need a clean and a dirty channel then get the DSL if not all the others are great amps. I have a 2553 killer amp but the switch between the clean and dirty just isn't there.

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Which Marhsall is better for ....

The DSL 100 watt that I played a bunch of times had a very good clean. Very full and sparkly. I thought it was because of the headroom in 100 watts though.  wink

- 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
  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,857

Re: Which Marhsall is better for ....

JTM45 Combo

8 Reply by MickeyFinn (edited by MickeyFinn 2011-02-11 12:20:52)

  • Registered: 2008-08-24
  • Posts: 181

Re: Which Marhsall is better for ....

Really, consider a Carvin X100B.  I was a lifelong Marshall guy, and now have the X100B and do the same kinda classic rock and modern blues tones you're talking about, too.  Works great for me. smile  You wont find a Marshall with the clean channel the Carvin has at even $1K more.  It loves pedals, too.