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

Topic: Marshall dsl401

Hey all,

Just wanted to get your opinion on the dsl401.  There is a local store that has a used one in excellent shape. 

I saw a kid playing a 335 through it today and was producing some nice tones.

So for those of you who have one or had one or used one, what are your thoughts on it.  How versitale is it?  all the info would be greatly appreciated....

Also, is $499 a good price for it?


Thanks,

Barry

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
  • Registered: 2011-08-29
  • Posts: 267

Re: Marshall dsl401

Check out completed listings on ebay for pricing and youtube for some good demo vids.

Oasis.Guitar's Website

  • From: Cambridge
  • Registered: 2011-01-15
  • Posts: 912

Re: Marshall dsl401

LesPaul4 wrote:

Hey all,

Just wanted to get your opinion on the dsl401.  There is a local store that has a used one in excellent shape. 

I saw a kid playing a 335 through it today and was producing some nice tones.

So for those of you who have one or had one or used one, what are your thoughts on it.  How versitale is it?  all the info would be greatly appreciated....

Also, is $499 a good price for it?


Thanks,


Barry

Got mine second hand 2 years ago and have only just had a problem with it within the last few weeks

absolutely fantastic and reliable amp...however i found that the gain channels didnt have much drive so ive had to use a few overdrive pedals but i dont mind that...this amp sings!!!

Jonny L

Videos of my playing: http://www.youtube.com/user/JonnyLowtherMusic
  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Marshall dsl401

I'd pay 500 for a good used DSL401 head if I was in the market for one.  They are extremely versatile!  I personally just don't like the 2 rows of knobs on the front but I'm anal..  Altogether, I end up only using about 1 tone from an amp anyway so I'm not really into having something that does a crap load of things.  But the 401's sound good I think, and if you like it, thats all that matters.

  • From: East Tennessee
  • Registered: 2006-04-25
  • Posts: 240

Re: Marshall dsl401

$500 is a fair price. I've had mine for 2 years and have used it a couple of different ways. If you can crank the master at least half way, the gain channel sounds great--not buzzy, but punchy with great sustain. If you need lower volume levels, try the clean channel with an overdrive.

Blessings,
Larrt

"...play skillfully and shout for joy." Psalm 33:3b (honest, it really says that)
  • Registered: 2008-10-10
  • Posts: 180

Re: Marshall dsl401

The DSL401 I bought was my least favorite Marshall, I thought it lacked low end and sounded buzzy at low levels and lackluster at full volume.  I took a loss on that one but glad it's gone.

Where the hell does one get a black-backed gold top anyway?
  • From: London, UK
  • Registered: 2008-07-27
  • Posts: 615

Re: Marshall dsl401

Easily one of my favourite amps I've ever had.. Only stopped using it a month ago, when I got a JVM 50 head! Only reason? I have a bl**dy loud drummer, and pub gigs were calling for more volume! Haha.. But seriously, the 401 is incredible, I've done all sorts of gigs on one, from Big Band Jazz, to Hard Rock + Metal! Fantastic tones, and the perfect wattage really, quiet enough to crank, but loud enough to be heard (in most bands  lol )
If you get one - enjoy!

Rus

Jamming with Joe and Bernie Marsden:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18zqg3brNH8