Marshall JCM-2000 DSL 100

I totally disagree with the previous assessment of this fine amp. It is amazingly versatile and kicks ass in any of the clean or gain channels.

Great clean sounds. nice warm mild crunch in 1st channel. Gain and Ultra gains sound better than any amp Iv'e ever owned.

No Problems

NA12

Been playing 22 years. Have a Hot Rod deville , Carvin X100, Strats, Satriani Ibanez, Jackson. Would buy again.

Two channels with two gain modes, reverb, mid-shift button, bottom-button, shared tone-controls for both channels.

I play a Fender Strat and play funk, rock, jazz. I already have a Marshall 2100 SLX Head that I use for rock stuff. This is only
a 1-channel amp, so I hoped that the new DSL 2000 head from Marshall would finally have also a good clean sound, since the JCM 800 and 900
models sound like crap.
I had the possibility to try the DSL for two days. Unfortunately, I really have to say that the clean sound is somewhat better than the
mentioned Marshall models and the reverb is good but an Plexi reissue
sounds 100 x better. The so called Ultra Gain channel is a joke and really a shame. What the hell were they thinking? Ultra-Gain? In Mode 1 what you get is a better chrunch sound, Mode 2
sounds like cardboard. No dynamics, nothing. Compared, the SLX is Ultra-Mega-Giga-Gain.

It seems like the guys at Marshall dont know what their doing.
The only amps that you can use form this company are, in my opinion,
the non-Master-Volume Models and the SLX. The rest sounds like shit.

Never had problems with the 2100 SLX (3 Years old) except with scratchy pots. This seems to be a common problem with Marhall amps.

If Marshall wouldn't have started in the 60' and would start today in the amplifier business, with amps like this they wouldn't last for long.

This is a 100 watt all tube 2 channel amp powered by EL34s. The two channels - Classic and Ultra Gain both have the ability to be country clean to, well "Ultra Gain". Each channel has a mode switch that increase the channels gain structure. (Basically pours more of it on) Let's see, what else? Oh yeah, the amp also includes a Deep Switch (a bass boost) and a Tone Switch (cuts midrange). The two channels share the equalization but have their own reverb controls. A provided footwitch changes channels but changing each channel's mode switch must be done manually. (Bummer) I'd say the footswitching is the only negative I can find on this amp thusly dropping this category's rating to 9. (Marshall, if you're listening and you fix this, please make the modifcations retro-active and free.)

The sounds on this amp are terrific. The clean sounds on the classic channel with the crunch button unengaged really are world class. I'm using the head with Marshall's 1936 2x12 cabinet and it's clean sounds will compare anyday with a twin reverb. (This I know because I've had several.) By the way it will also get much louder. The classic gain channel can be dialed in to sound anywhere from slightly overdriven to pretty much rocking out with the Crunch button engaged. I guess the comparisons would from SRV to AC/DC.
I'm playing a '64 stratocaster and an Eric Clapton strat and both sound great.
The Ultra Gain channel also will take you from clean to ultra distorted. It is a little darker(less trebly, more bassy) and can provide all of the heavy distortion we kids could ever enjoy.
I really like this amp and I'm going to keep it. (At least for 6 months until the next great amp comes out and I have to have it.)

This is probably the first Marshall head to effectively include a clean channel. It also includes an Ultra-Gain channel,adjustable (-4/+10) effects loop, independent reverb for both channels, standard Bass, Middle, Treble & Presence controls with Deep and Tone Shift switches, reverb/channel footswitch jacks, 4/8 & dedicated 16 ohm speaker jacks. The only major features drag is that both channels share the tone controls. The Deep and Tone Shift switches are also shared. So settings for one channel compromise the other. On the back panel, the loop Send level selector has no indicator of which setting (+4/-10) is slelected. Also, a loop in/out footswitch feature would be useful. The printing on the back panel is hard to read in dim light. A nice touch, however, is the speaker jacks are red in color.

The sound quality on both channels are superb: As expected, the Ultra Gain channel is killer. In Lead 1 mode, the gain takes you from JMP master volume crunch up to a JCM900 SLX style of shred. Engage the Tone Shift switch to incorporate a radical mid scoop sound, perfect for death-metal and the like. Use Lead 2 to push the overdrive off the scale. No matter how much gain, the notes stay distinguishable and singing. At high volumes, you don't really need the Lead 2 for a brutal sound. No need for a booster or overdrive pedal; I gave my trusted Boss HM3 to my brother. I use an old Ibanez AH10 with a Dimarzio PAF and this sounds great for the heavy, droptuned stuff I play. Even at practice/bedroom volumes, using the Deep switch makes this amp sound great. Channel A, Classic Gain, is truly startling. Blindfold someone and have them play through this channel: they will not believe it is a Marshall. Keept the crunch switch out and the channel gets VERY loud with, unbveleivable headroom.Glassy-sooth,rich and complex, it sounded great with a stock '73 Strat or the AH10. Very low background noise and plenty of bottom thump. Engaging Crunch lets you get a perfect AC/DC anvil tone, right up to Zep or hard-rock grind. Better than most amp's high-gain channels. Flipping back and forth between the two channels was like switching between two different amps. A note: this amp requires EQ'ing at the volume played at; it is very responsive and flexible. It would be cool to switch the Deep and Tone shift switches, though, instead of the reverb. The reverb is good, not too surf. Sounds best on the Clean sounds. remember, the tone controls are shared, so some creative EQ is in order.

I've only had it 5 weeks, but have used it on as many gigs and twice again as many rehearsals: great every time. I would and have used it without a backup. It's built well, seems solid. The Deep and Tone Shift switches are a little dainty, but the control knobs feel smooth, solid. The reverb sproings a bit when you move the amp, but that's normal. I trust this product. My old Marshall was the very definition of reliable: hundreds of faultless hours. I hope this proves to be as reliable. I am optimistic.

No reason to contact them as of yet. I have not had a problem.

This is the first amp I have bought new in a decade. And I would normally stay clear of a brand-new, first run product, too. But the buzz on this one was very good and my demo of it really hooked me. I needed a new amp and the DSL100 had most of the features I wanted, a good rep and right in the price range I was looking for. But mostly, it had the tone I wanted. I get a lot of compliments on the sound and I know I will get it sounding even better as I get to know the amp's potential. If not for the shared tone controls and the footswitching ommissions, it would be absolutely perfect. But I can console myslef knowing I have a great, reliable sound. I think Marshall hit this one on the head.

I just tried a DSL 100 today, with a Gibson Les Paul. This is not a real review, but more of a little hint to what you can expect from this amp.
I got to play it at "real" volumes, and here's what I think:
The clean channel is good, far more clean than anything you've heard from Marshall before. The sound is VERY glassy, and way to bright for my taste. I was annoyed by the amp being so crispy and bright, I couldn't get a softer, darker clean sound. Backing the treble or presence off only resulted in some strange "muddy" sound, but still with that annoying brightness. However, the "crunch" mode on the clean channel produced a great, singing and pushy "clean" overdrive. The brightness was less annoying in this mode, and I was impressed by the amp's volume resources. BTW, I was playing through a red 1995 special edition 4x12" (75W standard Celestions) and this cab might have added some of the brightness. A cab with vintage 30s or greenbacks would probably have sounded a lot better.
Now, on to the lead channel. Well, a lot of you guys are going to shoot me now, but I did not like this. WAY too much gain. A Mesa Rectifier doesn't have half the gain. Just like with the 6100's 3:rd channel, Marshall has made a distortion channel that is incapable of delivering a great rhythm sound. With gain boost off and gain at 12:00 it was already "way-more-than-SLX". Backing the gain off to about 9:00 resulted in a sound that was OK, but NOT GREAT. Lead sounds were good, lots of sustain and nice texture but no sensation. That guy in Pantera would love this channel.
The amp was dead-quiet at moderate gain settings, and only a slight "hiss" was present at gained out settings. The EQ (which is shared by the two channels) worked OK, the balance between the channels were good. The reverb was great, in small doses, became a little too hard when I tried to get a "surf" sound. One problem that I (as a 4100 owner thought about) is that there is no "master master" volume. This causes a problem when using long delays, switching from clean to OD or vice versa. Let's say you are in the OD channel with something like 500ms of delay. You hit a note and immediately switch to clean. The delay will then be amplified at the level of the clean channel, thus being louder than the original note, since the clean channel will most likely have a higher master volume setting. (OK, I know this is a SMALL problem... Go ahead, hate me... :)

Marshall's newest amp (and probably they're best) is a well designed union of classic/modern tones, simplicity of use and usefull features. This head is is the consumate Marshall. Two channels, each with a mode switch. Also a "DEEP" switch coupled with a "Tone Shift button that is common to both channels. It has the classic Bass, Middle, Treble, and presence controls in addition to Dual reverb controls for each channel, Gain and Master volume for each channel. Moving to the back, you get 3 speaker outputs and an effects loop with a level switch, and two footswitch jacks for channel switching and reverb. Straight forward, with the more modern features all guitarists can really use. Oh yeah, did I mention The TONE? INCREDIBLE!!. Really the only thing missing is a way to switch the modes within a channel. Also, seperate EQ for each channel would have been nice, but this amp is voiced perfectly in all 4 modes for the one EQ section.

This amp produces the most incredibly juicy sounds I have heard in a long time! Channel A (Classic Gain) goes from clean to blues to hard rock and further. OHHH the Clean sound! Marshall has finally done it. This amp has some GREAT clean tones. Reminds me of a Twin mixed with a Hiwatt. Very full with a great top end. Three dimensional sounding. Turning the gain up will get you into the realm of the Mighty PLEXI--even at lower volumes. Engaging the Mode Switch yields tones from SRV to JCM 800 AKA 2203 with a very big, tight bottom end. Tingled my legs. Incredible! Moving over to Channel B (Lead), you get what you paid for--The best marshall distortion since they invented it. Lead 1 is punchy and full with a smooth top end that doesn't tear your head off. This sound is very dynamic, yielding different characteristics depending on how hard you pick and cleans up nicely when you back off your guitars volume. Juicy very Juicy. Hitting the mode Switch and going to Lead 2, it gets even better. An increase in gain and more mids(in the right frequencies-not nasally) is just the start. This mode reminded me VERY MUCH of my Boogie Triple Rectifier. EVen more juicy! Single notes just get huge and chords just ring out clear. No harsh top end, a buttery midrange, and a tight bottom end--and then you have the DEEP and TONE SHIFT buttons. Engaging the DEEP switch will have you thinking you are playing a Rectifier head but this bottom end stays tight even as you turn the amp up. This feature compliments all four modes perfectly, adding a whole new dimension to all sounds. The Tone Shift button scooped out the lower midrange and made the amp extremely tight. This is definately more for the guitarists that want a Pantera or Metallica sound, although I found it useful in all modes on both channels. One very cool thing about this head is that it sounds really good at lower volume. Of course it sounds even better the more you turn it up. The four Svetlana EL34's overdrive in a very sweet way and the distortion gets clearer and smoother the more the Master Volume is turned up. Even all the way up on 10 the amp was still smooth and tight and just plain HUGE sounding. I am so impressed by this Amp!. The clean sounds got a little dirtier when the amp was cranked, but backing off the guitars volume a bit cleaned it up. You can get a very loud Clean sound without harsh distortion if you adjust the gain control for your guitar. If I haven't made it clear.....This head has tone out the ass. Without a doubt the best marshall in at least 20 years. All this tone combined with these very cool useable extra's makes you want to play it all night and day.

I have owned(and still do) many Marshalls. Most were reliable for the most part. This is a brand new head so I don't expect problems. It has Svetlana tubes which are from my experience very good tubes and this head seems to be built very solidly.

Have dealt with them on occasion concerning minor repairs ie, Biasing, knobs, jacks--and they have been very good although sometimes slow. Authorized servic centers for marshall are fairly common so If I needed a repair, it would be no great chore.

Overall I can't say enough about this amp. It is best Marshall I have ever personally owned and probably always will be. It has totally cool features ie. 4 modes, Dual reverb, DEEP AND TONE SHIFT buttons as well as tones that will make you SMile ear to ear. I'm gonna have to buy another--hey Mom, are you listening, christmas is coming. The tones this amp produces are beautiful and it covers the entire spectrum from Crystal clean to brutal distortion. I have yet to find a bad sound on this amp. Just for kicks I set it up right next to my Boogie Triple Rec. and it sounded as good if not better in almost all areas. And I didn't have to reach around the back to change channels or modes like the Boogie. If you love Marshalls or great tone for that matter, check this head out. It aint cheap, but you get what you pay for. All in all this amp has the features and the sounds I love. It sounds great with a Les Paul or a Strat..probably anything. Very versatile. Sounded good with a variety of speaker cabs..my favorite is the 1960B with Celestion 75's. Definatley a head worth playing and playing, and playing and playing....It's addictive.

The JCM 2000 is a very versatile 100watt rock amp. It combines classic Marshall overdrive tones with modern high gain settings. It is a two-channel switchable head with four modes and dual reverb. The Modes include Clean, Classic Gain, Ultra Gain Lead 1, and Lead 2. In addition, there is a Deep Switch which acts to add low-end bass resonance and a Tone Shift button that scoops mids. Just like all modern amp heads the 2000 has an effects loop.

If you are a rock player who enjoys both the old Marshall tones and more modern hot-rodded sounds, then it would be hard for you not to like this amp. In the "Classic Gain" channel under the clean mode the 2000 offers a suprisingly good sound. When I first read the claims in the ads about the new JCM's "Nashville Clean" I laughed, but in reality that wasn't too far from the truth. The clean sound is more than just usable. For a closed-back stack it is certainly one of the best cleans I have heard. Also found within the Classic Gain channel is a drive section that does a good job of taking you from the early Marshall sounds of the "Plexi" to the JCM 800 series amps of the 80's. This mode is one of the amps strong points. While its not a dead ringer for these classic Marshalls, it gets you about as close as possible without actually going out and buying the origionals. The Ultra Gain channel offers a distinctively new Marshall sound. In terms of gain it basically picks up where the Classic Gain channel left off. However, in terms of tone it is substantially different. The new Marshall sound is much more refined with a little less bark than those of the past. Gone is the "ratty" sound of the JCM 900's so-called "high gain" channel. The 2000 delivers with a smooth, quality high gain tone that is truly enjoyable to hear and play. The difference in the Lead 1 and Lead 2 channels is that the Lead 2 channel has boosted mids and a little more gain.
Two other features of the JCM 2000 that warrant mention are the Deep Switch and Tone Shift. These features address two of the complaints that players have had with Marshalls in the past, not enough bass and too much mids. The Deep Switch gives an added bass punch and a looser resonance. I really liked the tone that the amp produced with this feature enabled. It gave it a heavier, bigger sound. While not as excessive as a Mesa/Boogie it was still quite noticeable and enhanced the overall sound, especially for the heavy metal type tones. The Tone Shift scoops the mids and is geared towards metal. Personally, I would only use the Tone Shift if I were trying to play hard rock or metal, however the Deep Switch sounds good with all four modes, in particular the Clean and Ultra Gain.
As far as the potential of the distortion is concerned this thing offers a really heavy sound. It is not a Triple Rectifier by any means but it can do most anything a sane man could want. It excells at hard rock but falls a little short of mega metal distortion.

No problems yet but it is comforting to know that there is a five-year warranty.

Never had to deal with them.

I would buy this amp again. It is exactly what I have been looking for. I have always wanted a really good hard rock tone, unfortunately that has proved to be hard to find. Older Marshalls never had a really heavy sound and most of the newer ones just sound like crap ie: JCM 900(what the hell were they thinking?) I tried a lot of amps and I guess the one that I liked the best besides the 2000 was the Mesa Tremoverb. The problem I always had with the Tremoverb was that even when you turn the gain down it is still so dark and loose that it sounds more like metal than rock. The 2000 allows me the ability to bridge the gap and play a nice clean, good vintage rock sound, and a heavy rock tone all through one 100watt amp. Another thing I like is the amps ability to sound good with either a humbucking Gibson type guitar or a Strat with single coils. What enables it to do this is that the basic tone of the amp is very smooth with none of the harshness of past high gain Marshalls. Furthermore, the Deep Switch and Tone Shift add the necessary tonal versatility that makes this possible.
This is definetely the future for Marshall. For a while there I was concerned as I watched both the sound and quality of there line-up diminish before my eyes. The 2000 has renewed my faith and brought them into the forefront of rock once again. The 30th Anniversary was probably the first step in the right direction and this amp takes over from there. I know a lot of these amp reviews are blown way out of proportion, I even read one where a guy claimed that God appeared while he was playing a lousy JMP-1. I wouldn't expect a visit from God over the JCM 2000 but you can expect a great sounding amp. This review speaks very highly of the 2000 and I truly believe it deserves it.