Marshall JCM-2000 DSL 401

I bought this one used in 2009, but probably it was built back in 2003-2004.
I play classic rock, hard rock and a bit of metal (Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Clapton, Guns n' Roses, Metallica, Muse).

It has 2 channels, Clean and OD, then OD is splitted in OD1 and OD2 that has a 20dB boost. Clean has Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass controls; OD has Gain, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass controls. There's a Master Volume knob, Accutronic 2-springs Reverb and parallel FX loop mix. Comes with a 2 switch footswitch to select Clean/OD and OD1/OD2 channels.
Master power switch to warm up tubes and secondary switch to cut signal.
In the back it has power cord, two fuses, two plug speakers output with a switch between 16ohms and 8ohms, Digital out, Send/Return FX Loop, Reverb Footswitch (not provided, fits Marshall PED801) and Channel Footswitch.
Comes with a Celestion 100W 12" 16ohms Speaker.

The back is closed with wood plates, and it has a little metal net for ventilation where you can see the glowing tubes inside.

Comes 4 12AX7 pre-amp tubes and 4 EL84 power tubes, all with Marshall writed on it.

It's easy to open and to reach inner components.
I never never never used the FX Loop: I plug my FXs directly in the main input.

I have bought the additional pedal switch to control reverb, I wished it had it from the beginning, maybe a 3-switch pedal to control everything.

I use it mainly at home, with master volume barely reaching 5 out of 10. Never gigged with it.

I use it mainly with a '94 Gibson Les Paul Standard and a '91 Fender Prodigy. My FX chain is an Ibanez modified TS-9 Tube Screamer, a Dunlop Cry Baby 535Q and a Boss ME-50 Multi Effect. I use the Boss for heavy distortion, chorus and delay, and tubescreamer and wah for overdriven wah sound.

In most cases, from the day I bought this amp, my whole FX chain fell silent and switched off. The sound from the 3 channels il so spectacular, so brown, so hot and warm that I need nothing else.

Clean channel is simply incredible with the Gibson, especially in the first half of the Gain knob. Turning the Middle knob, you can travel to full '50 vintage sound (at 0), to warm acoustic sound (at 7-8). If you want to use this channel at its best, leave the bass knob at the final quarter. Of course, like all Marshall tube amps, it lacks of screaming high tone sound, and the treble knob is way less capable of hights than cheaper solid state amps. At full Gain, there's a light distortion using the Gibson at high volumes, mainly due to humbucking output signal; with the Fender single coils the distortion is less audible.

Overdriven channel is very subtle: in OD1 and low Gain, you can bring to life a high acoustic overdriven sound, full and coloured (something like AC/DC in "You shook me all night long" or Dire Straits in "money for nothing"). At full Gain you get a lot of harmonics for many pure rock sounds (Rolling Stones but some other rock classics too). OD2, that I play at high Gain, has some incredible powerful tones for G n' R and AC/DC but even Sex Pistols, Kiss and so on.

As I stated, you cannot bring a decent heavy metal sound out of the OD2word channel, so you need a pedal for it.
For now, the amp is noiseless in all conditions. If you go really near the amp, you can ear a low humming sound, but only if you stay perfectly silent.

It never broke down. This thing is very heavy and sturdy. I always let it warm up and I try not to move it while it's hot.
And it gets really hot playing! After one hour or two the front panel is so hot that you can hardly touch it for a second or two. I've read that someone put a fan in the back to vent the hot air outside, but I'm not willing to do that for now.
I now I will change the tubes and I will try to adjust the bias by myself. I've read some instructions on the web (on the Marshall site too) and I found it very easy to disassemble: only a couple of screws.

I've played for nearly 20 years, sometimes in a band, now only at home with friends, but this is my first tube amp. Passing from Marshall solid state to tube is worth the price, always. This Amp is for pure rock lovers: no digital effects built in, no heavy distortion, pure brown vintage sound. And an affordable price. Trying a lot of amps, listening at the ones my friends own (Vox AC30, Hughes & Kettner Edition Blue, Fender too), I think this one is perfect for me. OK, if you want high tone clean sound, this one isn't for you and so if you want heavy distorted metal sound. But for warm tones, it's the best combo amp you can buy.
In the range of combo tube amps for <1000euros, I think it's the best choice.
Never gigged with it, but I think it's ok for a club or a small venue.
There's nothing that really disappoints me: if I have to say, it can come out of the box with a reverb switch pedal, and maybe it becomes too hot while you play; but all we are talking about is the quest for killer tone, isn't it?

I bought this one used in 2009, but probably it was built back in 2003-2004.
I play classic rock, hard rock and a bit of metal (Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Clapton, Guns n' Roses, Metallica, Muse).

It has 2 channels, Clean and OD, then OD is splitted in OD1 and OD2 that has a 20dB boost. Clean has Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass controls; OD has Gain, Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass controls. There's a Master Volume knob, Accutronic 2-springs Reverb and parallel FX loop mix. Comes with a 2 switch footswitch to select Clean/OD and OD1/OD2 channels.
Master power switch to warm up tubes and secondary switch to cut signal.
In the back it has power cord, two fuses, two plug speakers output with a switch between 16ohms and 8ohms, Digital out, Send/Return FX Loop, Reverb Footswitch (not provided, fits Marshall PED801) and Channel Footswitch.
Comes with a Celestion 100W 12" 16ohms Speaker.

The back is closed with wood plates, and it has a little metal net for ventilation where you can see the glowing tubes inside.

Comes 4 12AX7 pre-amp tubes and 4 EL84 power tubes, all with Marshall writed on it.

It's easy to open and to reach inner components.
I never never never used the FX Loop: I plug my FXs directly in the main input.

I have bought the additional pedal switch to control reverb, I wished it had it from the beginning, maybe a 3-switch pedal to control everything.

I use it mainly at home, with master volume barely reaching 5 out of 10. Never gigged with it.

I use it mainly with a '94 Gibson Les Paul Standard and a '91 Fender Prodigy. My FX chain is an Ibanez modified TS-9 Tube Screamer, a Dunlop Cry Baby 535Q and a Boss ME-50 Multi Effect. I use the Boss for heavy distortion, chorus and delay, and tubescreamer and wah for overdriven wah sound.

In most cases, from the day I bought this amp, my whole FX chain fell silent and switched off. The sound from the 3 channels il so spectacular, so brown, so hot and warm that I need nothing else.

Clean channel is simply incredible with the Gibson, especially in the first half of the Gain knob. Turning the Middle knob, you can travel to full '50 vintage sound (at 0), to warm acoustic sound (at 7-8). If you want to use this channel at its best, leave the bass knob at the final quarter. Of course, like all Marshall tube amps, it lacks of screaming high tone sound, and the treble knob is way less capable of hights than cheaper solid state amps. At full Gain, there's a light distortion using the Gibson at high volumes, mainly due to humbucking output signal; with the Fender single coils the distortion is less audible.

Overdriven channel is very subtle: in OD1 and low Gain, you can bring to life a high acoustic overdriven sound, full and coloured (something like AC/DC in "You shook me all night long" or Dire Straits in "money for nothing"). At full Gain you get a lot of harmonics for many pure rock sounds (Rolling Stones but some other rock classics too). OD2, that I play at high Gain, has some incredible powerful tones for G n' R and AC/DC but even Sex Pistols, Kiss and so on.

As I stated, you cannot bring a decent heavy metal sound out of the OD2word channel, so you need a pedal for it.
For now, the amp is noiseless in all conditions. If you go really near the amp, you can ear a low humming sound, but only if you stay perfectly silent.

It never broke down. This thing is very heavy and sturdy. I always let it warm up and I try not to move it while it's hot.
And it gets really hot playing! After one hour or two the front panel is so hot that you can hardly touch it for a second or two. I've read that someone put a fan in the back to vent the hot air outside, but I'm not willing to do that for now.
I now I will change the tubes and I will try to adjust the bias by myself. I've read some instructions on the web (on the Marshall site too) and I found it very easy to disassemble: only a couple of screws.

I've played for nearly 20 years, sometimes in a band, now only at home with friends, but this is my first tube amp. Passing from Marshall solid state to tube is worth the price, always. This Amp is for pure rock lovers: no digital effects built in, no heavy distortion, pure brown vintage sound. And an affordable price. Trying a lot of amps, listening at the ones my friends own (Vox AC30, Hughes & Kettner Edition Blue, Fender too), I think this one is perfect for me. OK, if you want high tone clean sound, this one isn't for you and so if you want heavy distorted metal sound. But for warm tones, it's the best combo amp you can buy.
In the range of combo tube amps for <1000euros, I think it's the best choice.
Never gigged with it, but I think it's ok for a club or a small venue.
There's nothing that really disappoints me: if I have to say, it can come out of the box with a reverb switch pedal, and maybe it becomes too hot while you play; but all we are talking about is the quest for killer tone, isn't it?

Just got this amp for $420. I'm a songwriter who plays originals in different styles, but all the stuff is kind of edgy and garagey. I need a good clean sound, a good semi-gainy, airy rhythm distortion, a high gain punk, thrashy rhythm sound, and a nasty high-gain metallish lead sound. I can get all these sounds with the aid of a Tube works Overdrive, vintage DOD Overdrive, and a Milkbox conpressor. So, I have to say this amp is pretty versatile.

Dig, sometimes I get the impression that folks want to turn on the freakin' amp, crank it up and get the perfect tone. Forget it! That's not gonna happen. Even if you spend $4000 bucks. You've got to know what you want in your head and suffer to get it. This amp has the goods to allow you to do that. If you don't like that growly, ballsy Marshall tone to begin with don't buy this. If that's the tone you basically want, you can work with this amp to produce a myriad of blissful tones from nasty metal stuff to sweet, clean honey. But use your noodle. Don't give up, be fierce in your desire to get the tone you want, and I think you'll be rewarded.

Just got it, so I don't know, but I will be using a fan behind it, due to the overheating issue I've read about.

I've been a rock n roll freak for about 45 years, starting off with the drums, but committing seriously to the guitar about 10 years ago.
I've been in several bands, but only one as a guitarist. This is my first Marshall tube amp. I've been working with an AVT 150 for six years and I like it alot. I think you can't get a better solid state, but it ain't the tube sound. I had a Fender DeVille with 4 10s, but the overdrive was a bad joke and I couldn't get enough gain without horrendous feedback. I play an Ibanez RG450DX which isn't a super ballsey guitar and the Marshall gives it some nougies. To me, the thing I love, is that I didn't pay a hell of a lot and I got the great basic Marshall tube sound with three channels and reverb. From there, I feel I can do just about anything and it's all gonna have that great Marshall tube sound. The first night I got this thing I only got three hours of sleep, cause I spent the whole night finding the sounds I needed. And I found them. Now it's daily tube bliss. Ya know, one final thing, for a single speaker amp, this thing has amazing presence and it's loud as crap. Getting all this blissful sonic s--t for $400 bucks--man, somebody up there likes me!

Pretty versatile but not as many features as a lot of those all-in-one copy cat amps out there that want to cram in as many features as possible while keeping the costs down. unfortunately those amps usually end up sounding like crap. The 401 is a basic 2 channel amp with a footswitchable boost for the od channel. If you want fancy effects, there is an effects loop which allows you to blend it in via the front controlls. The good thing about this is that you can upgrade your effects later withoug swapping out the whole amp. It does however have a built in spring reverb which I find is more than enough for every day use. What is it missing? A lead boost for the clean.

The clean is prestine. With the gain at about half you get just a touch of drive which is where most solid state amps fail. Most pedals and solid state amps fail miserably when you are tying to get a clean with a slight drive and end up sounding harsh with a "static" like ticking sound generating the od. This usually leaves me wanting it either clean, or with enough drive to mask the overly digital clipping. The DSL Clean has no such problem and gives you smooth drive that is barely noticable.

The od is another story. As said by others here, its a little sterile and dead in comparison and only starts to shine when you set the master volume well over half way. A change in seaker did help (Celestion Vintage Neo) but it was a change in valves that did the most. All in all, i'm still not happy with the overdrive but it IS good enough for live use as well as rehearsals and sounds a lot better than a lot of others I have tried. Then again, I could be just fussy because I am comparing it to the clean channel? ;)

No problems yet but I have a lot of marshall gear and none of it seems to give me trouble. It DOES get very hot, to the point where you cant touch the metal front face/panel for more than a few seconds but its a 2001 model and still going strong.

Took my jtm45's to the Milton Keynes head office for a service and the guys there are great.

Its a great amp for rehearsals and live shows. Its small yet has enough power and good tone but I honestly cant recommend anyone to spend well over ??500 for new one. Look for a deal second hand or on ebay and you will not be disappointed.

Mine was made in 1998, which is one of the earliest versions of the this amp. I personally feel the first couple yr. models definitely are voiced a little different than the later ones (not saying it's bad, it's just different). I purchased it used in Austin, where I live.

mine is the 100 watt head version (Modded). At the store I bought it @, I had the amp tech drop a Massive stand-up output transformer into the amp plus 6550 power tubes. Needless to say, this beefed up the sound considerably. The clean channel doesn't wimp out like it would before, and the Red channel is more ballsy, with more warmth and sustain.
I play Power Blues/Rock n Roll. i.e. Johnny Winter, Albert Collins, Hendrix, DB II, Stones.

This amp is versatile, one just needs to plug in different guitars, for what you like. I don't know what it sounds like with a heavy metal guitar w/ EMG's sooo...you'll have to check that out...

It has 2 channels, I always leave the 'clean' on the crunch setting put the gain @ about 12 o'clock (that's still pretty clean sounding). the Red channel is usually set @ 2-3 o'clock on the gain 1 setting. If I want 'more' I hit the dip switch for gain setting 2.

Here's where I cheat a little...On top of having the amp set for a pretty clean sound (blues power, baby) I um....ahem, run it through a 2004 Boogie cabinet loaded with 70 watt Vintage 30's. yes I know 70 watts?? huh? they made those for a little bit, they're clearer sounding. Also I use a very heavy gauge dual copper speaker wire to connect the amp to the cabinet! yes! Go audiophile, Go!! Also, in my pedal setup I use an overdrive pedal to push the red channel for leads and such. Just bought the Xotic AC Booster pedal, this sounds REALLY good on the Red channel, a bit of a compromise on the clean channel though.
Don't use the effects loop, yuck!
Love the reverb. I do wish the amp wouldn't fizz out. Occasionally, I hear it. On the red channel it will fluff balls, as opposed to punch balls.

With the upgraded output Xformer and the 6550 tubes, it had plenty o' power. I tour around regionally, and play clubs in my hometown.

I play 3 strats out live. one is a custom shop w/god only knows what pups those are. the other is a '68 reverse white strat (yea, I know dorky) but a damn good guitar it can do some tonal things that the custom shop can't. the 3rd is set up with really high action for slide. 58-13 gauge. tuned to Eb. this combo with this amp is very musical.

The only time I've ever really wrestled with the amp is @ one club in particular. They have the stage power setup so that when the stage cans light up they suck almost all the power coming out of the wall. 120 v goes down to about 90v. NOT good for the Xformer!! and no, this does make one achieve 'Brown Sound' Nirvana, I'll take the shotgun please!

This amp, when running smoothly can go from Winter to Hendrix, to ACDC to Keef, to modern day shred, you just need to be willing to turn knobs. oh yeah, do not use JJ preamp tubes in this amp, sounds super brittle!! Try Groove tube preamp. I don't know what kind of Power Tubes are in this amp, I think they're Svetlanas...not too sure.

I wouldn't call the distortion brutal, with the upgrades it saturates more, and punches and sings. The clean channel clips @ higher volumes. For instance, if you have 2 cabinets plug this amp into both side by side, put the clean on almost noon and the Red channel on 1 o'clock. This is when the amp sounds best!

It is a dependable amp, but I have to replace the power tubes every 6 months due to gigging. That's normal, if that didn't happen I'm not playing enough. I don't own a backup. I need one though.

The amp did blow through the tubes in 2 months after I had the modification done. This was to be expected. Think of it as an organ transplant. It takes a little time for things to settle down.

All in all its a good amp, I do wish Marshall would stop skimping on the internal components that lie on the PC board. ex: Right out of the box the new 5150 III has more power and clarity because it's built with better components. Whereas with this model Marshall I had to shell out some cash to get it running right. Marshall should reconsider some things and stop making that silly Vintage/Modern, digital reverb, Really??

Umm...I think we all know how soon Marshall gets back to your emails....like NEVER!!!

I've been playing for 14 yrs. Professionally for 8. If it were stolen or lost of broke beyond repair. I would take that as the high sign from G_d that its time to move onto a different amp all together.

I think suits me better than a Boogie head, especially the newer ones. I don't like the new 3 channel ones...

The DSL suites me better than the TSL. The TSL I found, compresses too much, and doesn't sing.

I wish this amp was better made, less B.S. more solidity!

I rate it an 8 because i've dorked with the original amp like i stated previously.

Not sure what year
64W Two Channel
Tube
Great for Blues, Rock, Heavy Metal and Clean as well.

I play either a Washburn N4 or a Strat with half stacks and a hotrails on the bridge. Boss Compressor, Boss Ds-1, Boss Metal Zone and Boss Noise Gate in that order between the guitar and the front of the amp. I do not use stomp boxes thru the effects loop because the effects loop is designed for racks.

I get anywhere from single coil Texas Blues tone to Heavy Metal. The clean channel is beautifull. I sometimes use the compressor sustainer to make it just a little fuller with single coils. For Humbuckers... no need.

The gain channels are great, although I like the OD1 just pushed a little further with my Boss DS1 and Compressor during solos. If I want a lot of gain, I use the clean channel with the Metal Zone engaged.

It is just a Fat Tone Machine. I went with the 40Watt heat, since I do not play arenas and I prefer to have less watts to get break up from the tubes at lower volumes.

It has been rock solid, but I treat it with respect.

Have not had to use them, but I once spoke to Mr. Marshall at the NAM show and he's a super nice guy.

The amp is great... no other way to explain it. I believe the OD2 gain level could be a little less than some people would expect, but the amp reacts great to my pedals... which I do not us many off. The clean channel is fantastic. Not what you would expect from the stereotipicall Marshall sound.

I have been playing for 26 years. And for a long time, I tried to emulate the Marshall sound with all kinds of gadgets.. but could never get the real tone I wanted. I finally broke down... got a Marshall... and I have only played Marshalls since. I am not saying that it is the best Amp in the world, just the one I like best. I use a JCM2000 TSL60 with a 1960A cab for larger situations, and it has a bit different voicing, a little deeper and chunkier... great as well, and you can use the same pedals without really changing settings between both amps.

2002 DSL 401
2.5 Channels

Post Phase Inverter Master Volume (Huge feature for those who intend to use it in very small venues or even at home)

I wish the Parallel FX loop could go from 0:1 to 1:0 wet:dry ratio but it's fine for the FX that SHOULD go after the pre-amp like Reverb, Delay, (all time effects).

Surprised to find a DI Output for silent recording. Very convenient for gigging or recording.

8/16 ohm switching with the option of using both internal/external cabs together is real nice too.

Both 2.5 channels + Reverb are footswitchable.

Using a PRS Custom 22, stock Dragon II pickups, no effects.

What You Need To Do Before You Play:
Change R31 to 27k ohms Change R36 to 33k ohms. Set bias to 550 millivolts (Service Bulletin Issued for Pre 2003 DSL 401s)
Tung-Sol 12AX7 Reissues in V1/V2/V4
(NOS Mullards + Balanced NOS Mullard in V1/V3/V4 if you can afford it)
JJ 12DW7 in V2
JJ EL84 Matched Quad For Power Section
Celestion 16ohm Vintage 30 Speaker Change
Patch Cable through FX Loop Send/Return
Put Amp in very corner of the room to emulate a closed back.

I gotta say when I first got this amp, I hated it, but after months of experimentation, I now think it's the most versatile little thing on the planet.

It's a Post Phase Inverter Master Volume Amp (PPIMV) meaning that whatever signal created in the pre-amp stage is sent through the V4 PI before hitting a Master Volume Potentiometer. This means you can have PI distortion (which in theory is output stage distortion and distorts smoother than pre-amp gain) without power-tube distortion (only available at very high volumes). In most other tube amps, the Master Volume comes before the Phase Inverter so that PI distortion and Power Tube distortion are no longer independent.

Simply put, for those who aren't getting enough Bass response from the OD channels, max the OD Volume. Always, unless you hear a "fizz" which is the PI tube distorting TOO much. To get even more saturation, use a patch cable through the FX loop and turn the FX setting to maximum because there's a gain circuit in the FX loop, amplifying the pre-amp signal even more. For a beautiful saturation, I run my bridge humbucker at about 6-Volume, 9-Tone, and the OD1 at 5-Gain, 10-Volume. If in doubt, try to get less gain through the Gain knob, and more though PI distortion and you'll notice the sound is much fuller. If there isn't a noticeable difference between OD1 and OD2, you're setting the Gain too high or you're keeping your guitar volume too high. If you're doing things right, it's gonna sound similar to a Vox AC30. At balls out volumes, it'll sound closer to a deep Marshall tone.

The Clean channel actually sounded better with the stock Goldback speaker strangely but it's still good. I use it mainly with the Cu22 pickups in parallel for an acoustic-like clean. I actually used to use the Clean channel exclusively before I figured out how to use this amp (and the slight modifications) but now the OD channels get 85%+ of my time.

I usually keep the Reverb above 5.

If I wasn't lazy and afraid of circular saws, I'd fabricate a 1x12 closed back extension cabinet with the same width as the combo to make a mini-stack.

Reverb and FX potentiometers died because I assume the heat from the Power tubes melted them (had the bias set at 1.375V w/o changing R31/R36). Pre-amp cuts out sometimes... I think it's a tube problem and not the circuitry.

Worthless. Trust me, I tried multiple times. I'd rather eat burned popcorn than go through Marshall customer service. I think my problem is that I tried to contact Korg USA (which is Marshall's USA distributor)

I love this thing. I wish it wasn't so damned heavy (even heavier now with the V30) because I bring it everywhere and I'm afraid I'm gonna drop it one day... and break my toes.

Clean, Overdrive 1, Overdrive 2, Reverb, effects loop, D.I out

I have only the stock valves in and i think they sound pretty good, The best feature the amp in my view is the gain for the clean channel because it gives you just that little bit more when using clean. The distortion channels are good too but ive heard changing the valves to some better one changes the tone of the OD 1 and 2 quite alot. The reverb is nice but controll over the reverb time would be nice

Ive had this amp for just under a year and it went wrong about 5 months after purchase, i think it was the preamp but im not too sure. One thing i dont rate about it at all is the heat it gets to! after a couple of hours of it beeing on it does get really hot, so much so that you cant touch the front pannel!
I dont have a backup amp fpr gigs but this one serves its duty well, i havnt had a problem at a gig with it yet.

The first time it went wrong we thought it would cost an absolute bomb to post back but when we rang up marshall they were really helpful. They sent a postal service to come and collect it and then gave us a date when it was really to be sent back. ALL free of charge! Another thing is, if you live near the marshall factory you can have it booked in. So you just drive to the factory and have a look round while your amp gets fixed.

I do like this amp, but an upgrade will deffinatly be happening if i continue with gigs. I dont use the distortion on the amp that often because i use a boss gt8. The amp makes this sound well with a thick warm tone.

Its a 1x12 combo amp thats all tube. 3 channels and an EQ for clean and distorted. it has reverb a standby switch, footswitch, effects loop and a direct out which is really helpful for recording (a feature the other JCM2000 DSL heads dont have!)

im playing this amp with a PRS santana se and a fender mexi strat and the clean tones are ok. not really inspiring but one step above a PA head id say. OD1 is kinda like a vintage marshall where it doesnt get too distorted but pushes the signal hard. its closer to the distorted clean channel than OD2. OD2 is like the JCM 800 or 900. its not a true metal sound but it is HEAVY. if youre a fan of van halen randy rhoads or newer santana this is a great channel. like all tube amps the louder you play it the better it sounds so crank it up some if you feel uninspired. i also want to mention marshall made their fame and fortune on stacks and half stacks not 1x12 combos. unless you enjoy the sound of a crappy cabinet buy a decent 4x12 and you will be amazed at the improvement. i tested it against a 15 watt line 6 spider and the little line 6 had more bass!

I have used this amp for about 5 years now and it cranks hard still. make sure to get the tubes changed or you will wonder why an all tube marshall sounds like a crappy practice amp

the only thing that has gone wrong was the reverb tankwent out but you can buy a new one for $20 to $30

i have not dealt with customer support but i was trying to build my own marshall 2 button footswitch and i couldnt find schematics anywhere online

Its a great amp overall. not for metal players but if you like guns n roses, earlier ozzy, nuno bettencourt, or any rock n roll up to the late 80's this is your amp. once again buy a 4x12 for it if you buy one because marshall sucks at building combo amp enclosures but their cabinets rock. if it were stolen i might buy something else due to my huge dream theater fascination and all the options out there.

My DSL 401 was a 2007 model that I purchased new from my local music shop. The amp is very versatile, can go from jazz, to blues, to rock and classic metal.

This is a simple 40W EL84 driven, 2 channel amp, clean and distortion with spring reverb. The distortion channel has a second gain stage for more saturation. The lack of a volume control on the clean channel is frustrating. Also, lack of bias points on the back would have also been very useful. When rebiasing the amp the whole chasis needs to be taken out the cabinet and you need to then locate the bias pins on the PCB. All the other JCM2000 series amps have the bias points on the back so why not the combos?

It is quite well assembled though, it seems strong and sturdy and coulld probably take a fair bit of bashing.

Sadly this amp does not sound very good at all on the overdrive channel which is why I no longer have it.

It has a good clean channel, bright and warm and stays pretty tight. It's ideal for blues, jazz, country etc. The lack of a separate volume control is bloody annoying though. You have to find a balance with the overdrive channel and it usually means sacrificing the tone on the overdrive channel because you have to bring the master volume down so the clean channel isn't deafening when you switch to it.

Now, the overdrive channel in my opinion is pretty poor. The amp has been voiced with too much gain and too much treble. High notes are shrill and harsh. Low notes are flabby, loose and undefined and the amp overall has a nasty fizzy muddy character. Using the neck pickup will take obviously take away some of the harshness on the high end but the low end gets even more muddy and flabby. It just doesnt sound musical and isn't pleasant to my ears at least and at ??450 this is no way worth it.

In an attempt to improve the sound, I replaced the stock speaker with a Celestion G12T-75 and did and did a retube all round with JJ Tesla tubes and has the amp rebiased. This improved things a little bit, the amp sounded abit smoother and tighter but still pretty mediocre and wasn't worth the money.

The spring reverb is pretty good, at least on the clean channel, but on the overdrive channel it seems to make the amp sound even more fizzy.

It hasn't failed on me but it's only beed used at home and did one short gig. However, there is a serious design flaw with this amp. It gets extremely hot, to the point when it's too hot to touch the front. This is really worrying. Also, the valves just plug directly into the PCB. This is worrying as the heat eventually results in cold solder joints which can cause the amp to fail. When the tech installed the new valves for me he told me that some of the joints had cold soldered around the valve sockets. Very worrying.

One year warranty but I havn't dealt with Marshall so cannot give an opinion.

This amp is a real let down I'm afraid. Marshalls are made for dirt, crunch, and rock n roll. This Marshall lacks an acceptable overdrive channel and for a valve driven amp its very disappointing.

The heat issue is very worrying and there's just no way I'd ever use this amp for frequent gigging.

In this price range, there are far better sounding, more reliable amps.

This one just didn't do it for me, and after a year of being frustrated with the tone, I finally decided to get rid of it.

My advice is to stay away from it.

Thanks for reading

clean + overdrive + boost + reverb

this is the perfect amp for the overdriven clean sound, alla hendrix little wing and chilli peppers stuff. not quite got the spakle of a fender but for that break up sound it is top dog.

1st 1 made fart noises when turned up, second 1 i got home didnt have a fuse in it ?????

if ur in england i reccomend this amp coz its cheaper and better than the fender hot rods. This amp is big enough for any gig as u will be micd up. Sometimes i have to really crank it at practice, but thats how it sounds best. If u buy a fender hotrod, u will never turn the volume past 3, hence its very hard to get a good clean break up sound.

40w all valve amp with 3 channels - Clean, OD1 and OD2
Channel switching is footswitchable and the footswitch is supplied. Reverb is also footswitchable but unfortunately you have to buy that seperately. It would have been far better and easier if Marshall had supplied one footswitch that did the channel switching and reverb all in one. There is an effects loop which is of the parrellel variety and a control on the front panel determines the level of effects that is incorporated into the final sound. As a 40w valve amp there is plenty volume available for smallish gigs.

This particular amp has had the speaker changed to a Celestion G12T-75 and the valves changed for a full set of JJ Tesla's.

I use this amp with an Ibanez RGT42 fitted with Bare Knuckle 'Cold Sweat' pups and use it for everything from 60s and Blues music up to Metal. There is a surprising amount of headroom on the clean channel for a Marshall amp and the sound is initially crystal clear, eventually moving into a pleasant light crunch. With the stock speaker the sound ir fairly bright but has a touch more bottom end with the new speaker fitted. The sound is clear and warm but isn't really what a Marshall is all about.

OD1 introduces you to some of those classic Marshall tones that we all know and love. Think in terms of AC/DC and you have the basic idea. The OD2 channel increases gain levels and also adds a 20db boost for solos. In terms of gain, think of bands like Iron Maiden. Overdrive on both of these channels is harmonically rich, creating a warm tone. The stock amp can be a little fizzy and 2-dimensional but the changes made to this amp give more depth to the sound and greater articulation. It's a good amp at this price point as it comes but improving speaker and valves certainly helps to make a good amp great.

This amp cannot get to the heavily saturated gain levels of modern Metal so don't expect it to. Realistically, at this price point, very few amps do in any kind of successful way and is easily solved by using a decent pedal. Try a Seymour Duncan Twin Tube Mayhem and then the amp will do absolutely everything.

Cranked up the amp really sings but is surprisingly versatile. At very low volumes in the home, the whole thing seems flat and lifeless but the volume doesn't have to be that high for it to be very useable. I use this amp in the home and will work fine unless you're trying to play at a time that neighbours would object to.

My rating is based on the modifications done to this amp but it would be a point or two less if it was a stock item.

I believe early examples needed additional valve cooling to avoid problems and I may also do that but so far it's been fine.

Not really needed it so it would be unfair to comment.

I looked at loads of amp options before buying this and there was a case to be made for each. Laney VC/LC-30 is a cheaper option but not quite as versatile or reliable as the Marshall. The Spider Valve is very versatile but doesn't have the same quality of tone and ultimately is more expensive. This Marshall is just a really good amp for the money it costs and, as I discovered, there are some decent used examples around in stunningly good condition for relatively little money. I would certainly buy it again if I had to in a heartbeat.

Judging from the cosmetic condition of the tolex, I assume that this model was manufactured within the last two or three years (I am far too lazy to perform serial number searches). The DSL-401 is a fairly basic, two-channel, all-tube combo. It sports 4xECC83 in the preamp and 4xEL84 for power, which push 40 watts through the stock Celestion 1x12. Each channel has a volume, low, mid, and treble, and the lead channel includes a gain control and two foot-switchable gain stages. In addition, there is a master volume, a master reverb, and an FX mix which is used to color the parallel FX loop. Included is a two-button footswitch that switches from the clean to the lead channel, as well as switches between the two gain stages. Also, there is an additional ext. speaker output jack, a speaker emulated D.I. output jack, and an input jack for the reverb footswitch (not included). The drawbacks (feature-wise) include: the lack of a presence control; having a master reverb (as opposed to independent reverb for clean and lead); and finally, I dislike the need for a second footswitch for reverb (just give me a three-button footswitch). I cannot comment on the FX loop: conceptually, I understand the difference between a parallel and a series FX loop, but since I have never needed to use either, I cannot comment on which would be considered a more beneficial feature. Overall, when one considers the features as a whole, the drawbacks are not earth shattering.

Like many guitarists my age (early twenties), I started as a metal-tween, but quit that gig before I learned how to sweep well, after which I played rock band (the real thing, not the video game), then I forayed into college-guy jazz, then blues, post-rock, and then folk. Now I am having an existential crisis and just want to play guitar again (working my way to guitar hero). Luckily this amp understands me and can indulge my multi-faceted identity. I am in between genres and guitars right now, so I just plug in my MIM Fender Toronado (sp?) and see what happens. The Toronado's humbuckers do not have the hottest output, but they can push the clean channel to break up nicely, and they provide enough sustain on the lead channel to have some fun (it has a nice 70's moustache tone). The tonal spectrum of this amp seems quite promising although I hate to indulge the cliche and say that it will play anything from Jazz to Metal because it will not; that being said, it is also not a one trick pony. The amp is responsive to the player's dynamics, and it behaves like most other tube amps. I believe that it is most comfortable when you accentuate the throaty midrange and keep the crunch under control. That being said, it is pretty safe to say that most classic rock, alt-rock, stone-rock, and crack-rock are at your fingers. Further, the DSL 401 is rather unique for a Marshall in that the clean channel has some quality to it and can go anywhere from Nashville to Jangle (again, it is neither a blackface nor a Ac-30). The first overdrive is a nice controlled crunch, while the second overdrive saturates to levels beyond my need. One can get a "metal" sound out of it, just not the type of gain/tonal character of a Mesa Dual Rectifier (it's more Rudolph Schenker than Max Cavalera). Hey, it's a Marshall. This amp has plenty of volume on both channels for small clubs, but it performs reasonably at lower volumes as well. I'm sure one could throw a mic in front of it if needed, but I remain skeptical about the D.I. output. In conclusion: if you are looking for boutique tone, look elsewhere and blow the kids' college funds. If you are looking for scooped, ultra-high gain, then this is probably not for you. I am sure that with more experimenting, and some higher quality pieces of electrified wood, I will be able to wring some versatility out of this amp.

Apparently the JCM 2000 DSL-401s manufactured prior to 2003 have issues with overheating and cheap circuit soldering. This amp was no exception. While I was testing it at the local Guitar-wall Mart the amp just lost power (the main power switch and the ECC83s remained lit). Needless to say, the salesman I was working with became rather flustered and asserted that he would sell me the amp at a "stupid discount," assuring me that the only issue was the power tubes. His "stupid discount" was a markdown from $799 to $249 (that is roughly a %69 discount) if I took the amp as-is. Luckily I had read about the reliability issues, and I was prepared to sacrifice some more $$ to get it up and running. I took it to my local shop, had the bridge rectifier replaced, the soldering redone, and the pots/jacks cleaned for $125. This brought the total to $393, when one considers the taxes. I plan on throwing in heat sinks and a fan when I retube it (and maybe a Vintage 30). If problems like these are inherent to this amplifier, then I would be hesitant to gig with this w/o getting the mods done, or having a very reliable back-up (I would hate for the power to go during your shred-slam-twang-post-punk version of Freebird).

I didn't seek out Marshall for troubleshooting. That being said, there are many fantastic online communities that readily discuss all types of gear issues.

I love this section - the biography - here it goes: I've been playing off and on for about a century. I've owned hundreds of amps and thousands of guitars. I once played with Robert Johnson and Buckethead at the SAME TIME...in reality I'm a hobbyist who can appreciate value and quality when I see it. When all is said and done, this has both going for it, although it does not exemplify, so to speak, either aspects. When I bought this amp, I was initially searching for a modelling amp of similar wattage and comportment. However, after about 2 hours of testing and consideration, I felt deeply troubled by the fact that these modeling amps were metonymic for the post-modern individual: trying to accomplish too many things at once. I would rather have 4 pieces of equipment, each of which did one thing well, rather than one piece of equipment that screams, "mediocre at best." I understand that modelling amps have come a long way since their inception, and that their price and versatility tempt use to bite the apple, but I don't think they really are for me. I'm happy with my purchase and will enjoy this amp until the necessity or fate deprives me of it.

Yet another update to my previous review !!!
Ok i have now totally sorted this amp... I have replaced my gain changed ECC83 tubes and put back the standard marshall Pre amp ECC83 valves back in. The secret with this baby is to max out the master volume when playing , then use the channel volume and guitar volume to trim the sound. Using this method i can get a range of great tones from clean to grind. This is not buzzy at all and makes this baby sing. The guy playing a MG100HDFX through his 4x12 was nearly in tears
opposite me, The DSL401 tone was so good with my USA Tele...

Addition to my previous review..
After further reading and reserch on line i can now add i have further changed the gain structure of this amp.
1) Adding a JJ 12DW7 (in the V2 position) like the guy who wrote this....
"This is where the 12DW7 tube comes in. It is half a 12AX7 (high gain) and half a 12AU7 (low gain). I looked into this but found that in the V1 position,the way the tube was setup the 12AU7 section was the half working on the clean channel. After learning more about what was hapening in the mpa I looked at the schematic and found that in the V2 postion the 12DW7 would do just what I wanted it to - lower the gain of the OD Channel, while leaving the CLEAN channel unaffected. I popped it in and WOW!!! I could actually get clean sound out of the OD channel. The Buzzyness was gone, too!! On the RED channel I could actually hear that at a certain point the buzziness would come back. It still has PLENTY of GAIN, and it sounds SO much better. As a side effect the difference between OD1 and OD2 is much more pronounced now".
2)JJ Ecc83S (in the V4 position)
"A good balanced ECC83S in V4 for the phase inverter really helps these amps...."
Adding the above pre amp valves has significantly improved the gain structure, i have also added NOS Mullard's in V1 and V3 positions...nice !!!
Top stuff with these mods...

I have a very early 1998 model amp. 3 channel used for rock and blues / indi etc... Strange use of parallell effects loop instead of series but mine works fine !!! i have modified my amp to play as i like it. it is now awsome.

Ok the amp needed re valving and a speaker upgrade to get it to sing properly. I have read other reviews and taken advice and can say this amp is now fantastic. Shame that Marshall could not do it properly in the first place but.... modifications take heed the route to pure tone with this baby. 1) Speaker upgrade - get a Celestion Vintage 30. 16 ohm is fine. 2) Matched Quad set of JJ EL84's.3) Set the amp Bias to 0.7. This requires taking the chassis out finding the trim pot behind the reverb pot and then the 3 pin connector on the circuit board then using a multi meter. Take heed here dont do this unless you are very carefull and used to dealing with electronics. Info on how to bias amps can be found all over the net. After these mods the amp will run cooler and sound bloody marvelous.Score with mods perfection, without, sounds muddy and i was unable to find my sweet toneusing the EQ. As for the effects loop. it works fine using the mix knob. i use it at 9 oclock for delay, 1 oclock for flanger etc...experiment it works !!! i read another review regarding wah in the loop ??? no wonder it sounds awfull, wah is a front end device dude plug it between your axe and amp.

mine was made in 1998 from reading other reviews the early ones are supposed to be avoided due to overheating problems etc... but mine is re biased to 0.7 and has been going for 9 years !!! hope i havent talked up a problem now !!!

Marshall are brilliant just ring em up if you live in UK

30 years plus playing, i love valve amps, and marshall are my favourite and i have a JCM 2000 DSL 100 head as well. This little baby rocks seriously hard, good product with the mods. I use a 1992 EVH music man amongst others. if you own this amp or are thinking of buying one do the mods and you will not be disappointed.

Good range of tones, nice and warm - but I have swapped out tubes twice - see below

Bought it new out of the box - has burned out on my three times. Took it too authorized Marshall repair shop - they added a fan, replaced internal fuse, replaced tubes, took it in again, rreplaced tubes and master volume. Now it's down a third time (lights on, no sound). Whatever the true problem is they haven't fixed it. This is a lemon!!!!

No response from Marshall - service center clearly has no clue.

Being a 3 channel foot switchable amp with reverb, it would seem pretty versatile. However, it doesn't have the traditional Presence control, and the parallel effects loop doesn't work with any pedals, including wah, preamp for volume boosts, EQ, chorus, delay, etc. The most you can get out of any pedal is 50% of its effect output.

Sounds great. It's a bit buzzy and the top end is thin like the rest of the JCM 200 series. I've also owned the TSL100 with a 1960A cab. It's decent, but I've certyainly heard better.

This would be an awesome amp if the effects loop were of the series type instead of the parallel type. This amp is almost $1,100. new, and that's just way too much cash for an amp that has a useless fx loop. What were Marshall thinking- did they expect us to run rack effects through an amp this small? Did they intend it mainly for studio use? Because if they did, they still made a mistake because if you were to use this in the studio, you would use the studio's effects rather than run rack gear through the amp.

I'm disappointed because I can't do anything with this amp beyond simple plug and play. I should have opted for the Peavey Valve King 2x12. That thing is 100 watts, 2 speakers, 3 channels, Presence AND Resonance controls, and a host of other cool options such as a real effects loop and you can plug in an extension cab while using the internal speaker at the same time, and class A/B controls.

Overall this amp sounds like a Marshall and the basic coolness factor is high, but in the end it lacks a lot by today's standards. I suggest buying something else.

Is a all-tubes Combo 40 watt with one Celestion 12" 100W 16Ohm speaker and spring reverb.
Has 3 channel (1 clean with gain,treble,middle,bass controls; OD1/OD2 with volume,gain,treble,middle,bass controls and switch for Od1/Od2 selection),the OD2 channel is same of OD1 boosted with more saturation.
Has FX mix,reverb and volume master controls.
In rear pannel 1 output with impedence selector(8/16 Ohm) for external cabinet , 1 output for direct mixer with cabinet simulator, send-return for loop efx, 2 input for reverb and channel footswitch.I have only the 2 bottons channel footswitch.
Don't has presence control.

I love the clean sound: is warm and jazzy, set T-M-B controls at 7-3-6 (range 0-10) and sound good with my humbuchers guitars. If you take the gain under the master volume control there is no distortion.
The OD1 channel is "vintage", very vintage. Good for Cream sound.
The OD2 is more saturated and confused, more aggressive tone, good for Greenday sound.not bad at all.
Set Vol at 2 has enough power to me at home, at 4 in rearsal room.

Is my only Amp!
I change the preamp tubes, and all the soldering on the board: they brokes after 3 years (teach explain that happen because of the vibrations of the speaker).not good soldering!

My Brother has a Fender Hot rod Deville 60W, Very good clean sound but not good enought distortion (Bright, and no eq. controls, good for rythm parts not for lead ones).
Not too much versatile, but enought for my style.

Mine's a 2002 which I bought in about 9/10 condition, and I retubed it with all new Groove Tubes Gold series, including a matched phase inverter.

2 and 1/2 channel marshall 40 watt combo w/reverb. Channel switching is cool, no delay, dropout, or popping when switching. I think the parallel effects loop is the most useless feature of the amp, virtually making the fx loop useless. Series loop would push this amp's features to 10.

It's pretty loud, loud enough for just about any gig the common player might play. It does everything from clean to high gain classic rock, a bit beyond Priest/Maiden metal, but nowhere near modern metal territory.

It's generally quiet, but there is some white noise which would be significant in a studio mic'ing situation.

I like the Who, Thin Lizzy, Zep, Skynyrd, AC/DC, 70's Kiss, Aerosmith, etc, and this amp does that schtick as well as any other Marshall available so far. It's no prize winner, b ut a good all-around tone tool. The clean channel gets really nice Jazz tones from all my guitars, and that's saying a lot.

I like the tone a lot, but the top end is pretty buzzy- especially with the red channel. Less so with the new tubes, but still it's pretty slicey. It cuts through a mix ok depending on which type of guitar I use, but that buzz can dominate sometimes.

The clean channel distorts pretty early, so you need to keep the master volume up pretty high and set the volumes of each channel relatively low.

I'm not into this bit about changing tubes and speakers, and modifying things, I like things stock. I retubed it because it was used, but the speaker will remain original.

These amps aren't the most reliable combos in the world, but I feel if you take care of them properly they should last indefinitely. In fact, mine's used and 5 years old now; I took the guts out and the board looks as pristine as the day it was made. As for overheating goes, well it hasn't happened with this one yet, though the top does get hot. I would expect that since heat rises and gets trapped under the chassis. I will not even consider adding my own internal fan mod. If it comes to that, i'll just tag along a desktop fan.

Playing since 1977. I've been in glam bands in the 80's and turned to a church worship group in the 90's. I've played for more 30,000 peeps per year. I use USA Made guitars like Gibson and Fender and prefer fender and Marshall amps.

2 overdrives and reverb. Its a Marshall tube amp, what else do you want?

I play a Gibson SG with exposed pick-ups so the clean channel is still pretty dirty. OD1 is fat, but there is that lag in the button depression to OD explosion that I still am not used to. Boss pedal distortions are instantaneous, so I have to learn the pedal click, amp click lag. The clean to OD2 seems to have less of the lag. The OD2 is an oh so yummy cherry, but I can't seem to find a sharp edge to the tone.
For a 40 Watt amp, this thing is bloody loud and powers an additional Nemesis 2x12 bass bin just fine.
The amp does make this strange metallic rattling sound when it powers up, which I assume its the tubes warming or being faulty. Not noticeable when cranked.
Since I play jangly pop through to experimental noise, I guess I could be using any amp, but it's Marshall and I'm a poser.

It seems to be reliable.
Well I haven't had problems with it.
It's never been gigged by me, but jammed numerous times at about 8-9 on the volume and I just gave it some. Real wall of noise kinda stuff.

Second-hand, but the guys at the Swop Shop in Carlton said to bring it back when I mentioned it was cutting out. I replaced my guitar lead and surprise surprise, it wasn't the amp.

I've been playing for 10 years.
I use the SG plus a back up Washburn my bro gave me, am currently trying to sell a Fender Jaguar(looks nice, but a guitar should not be this much of a nuisance), which sounded alright through the amp.
Pedals: BOSS ME-50 + side board of Boss DD-3 delay, OC-3 Super Octaver and HM-3 Hyper Metal. Also have a Jimi Hendrix Cry-Baby Wah for when I feel inspired. Trying to learn an E-bow presently.

This amp is good, but will probably get the 60 Watt version of this amp with the twin Celestrials in future.

this amp is a 2004 model. Offers 3 channels, 1 clean, 2 ODs.
the OD channel has a gain and volume. the clean channel has a gain.
there's a master volume and master reverb. The amp runs the EL-84 power tubes. Has an effects loop, foot switch for both ODs and Clean.
also has a foot jack for reverb on the back of the amp.

i was really suprised by this amp. Its actually the kind of amp i like, but never had. I had a DSL 50 head into a 2x12, but I think the 2x12 cab ruined the tone, crappy cab, too muddy. anyway, i actually can't stop playing this amp. It produces great raw bite tone. Yeah, i agree its not a warm tone compared to other amp. But, I think for playing vintage rock such as led zepplin and ac/dc its great. I think the clean is a great warm tone. But, i usually play the OD 1 channel, which is a smooth OD with some bite. I have a lot of fun with this amp. The OD 2 can sound close to OD 1 when backed off, but when cranked, its heavily distorted and sound great with the bridge humbucker. I like this.

i bought this use, which is the way to go. Beat inflation and Tax, always BUY USED !

never dealt with marshall

I've had a lot of amps. I currently have three. I have a MESA Roaster, which is the best amp ever built. I have the Vox VTX 60, which is an effects amp and is fun. I have this marshall DSL. I play the marshall the most because it offers that BOXY MID RANGY RAW BITE i like. The mesa is a much warmer tone and build quailty is as good as it gets; sure is HEAVY though. Anyway, never was a marshall fan, but I like this amp. I think the 1x12 cab has a lot to do with the unique bite. I'm becoming anti 2x12 and 4x12 and 4x10 and liking the 1x12 amps because of the tightness they offer.

made in y2000 and bought last year

lack of bass in Drive CH when received.
I have swapped the tubes and some by-pass caps and now I do like its sound. Then why "9"? I have not tried the replacement speakers though I do not need it at the moment.

anyone needs more low end, swap the by-pass cap C83(Clean CH) and C84(Drive CH) with larger ones such as 25uF. But 25uF in Drive CH might be too large in case of high gain usage(causes boomy sound).

anyone needs less gain, replace V2 with 12DW7/ECC832.

I was in luck, I found NOS Mullard EL84(Quad), 2 x GE 5751 Black plate and 2 x RCA 12AX7 by US$150.
Now they are set as,
V1:RCA 12AX7
V2:JJ ECC832(12DW7)
V3:JJ ECC83S(12AX7)
V4:GE 5751 Black Plate
V5-V8:Mullard EL84
provides great sound

The Master for the reverb control has gone(always on).
removed tank and cable as I'm not a big fan of delay/reverb.

never used

When I was young, I could not buy Marshall. At that time, there was no valve state amps. Now I have it with the great sound after the minor/small modification.

2 channels + overdrive 2. Good to have a switchable clean channel. It's a shame there's no separate volume control for OD2, as there's too big a jump in volume from OD1 to OD2. Spring reverbs are always a little tacky. FX loop and footswitch are useful.

Over the years I've variously owned (among many others) a Vox AC30, a Marshall master volume 100 stack, a Fender Twin, and a Marshall JMP Mk2 50 watt combo. The AC30 had one very nice tone; the 100 watt stack was too loud (!), the Fender Twin kept blowing valves, but the Marshall JMP Mk2 50 watt is gorgeous, and the only vintage amp I've kept.

Overall, the DSL has come as a bit of a disappointment. Although only 2 years old, it came initially with a loud residual mains hum. Once it was serviced some of the hum went away (but not all). However played next to my old 50 watt JMP the DSL just lacks... something indefinable. I've since changed the gold-back speaker for a vintage G12-65 heritage... which has given it a little more bass. But it still sounds brash next to the JMP.

I was planning to gig with the DSL and to keep the JMP as back-up ... but to be honest I think I'll do it the other way around. The flexibility of the extra channels is in the DSL's favour... plus it's smaller and lighter ... but as I say, the JMP oozes tone, and the DSL sounds harsh and tinny in comparison. It's a shame, but there it is. Perhaps it's down to the DSL having different valves, I don't know?

Apart from mains hum, no problems yet ... but I have read about overheating problems with this model so I've installed a switchable fan just in case...

No contact with Marshall, but the amp technician I use says Marshall parts are usually easy to get hold of.

2004. update. got it july 06 and love it. very easy to use. great tone!

loud amp once broke in. very marshally sound! sounds awsome clean and od 1,2! had no problem with volume difference in channel switching. adjust the clean volume and od volume and master to get equal volume. the reviewer that couldnt do that is retarded. pedals in front end sound great. i always use a box fan with all amps. hard rock with a LP is great! i use a reverb pedal too for variety. the stock speaker is fine.

no trouble yet. 2004 model. i bring back up anyway in case.

who knows? who cares? i know where the repair shop is.

30 years, yes again and love it! very expensive but worth it. its small and light. can be used as a 40 watt head so its like having two amps!

I bought this amp in 2003. I have to say I love how this amp sounds. I've always been able to get really good clean sounds (used to play in a reggae band), and the overdrive will take your head off. I run it through a 4x12 1960A marshall cab, and that makes a huge difference as you can expect. It adds all the bottom end that is missing, huge sound. It is also very loud. I've used it to play many shows, and it has always been loud enough, even when there wasn't an appropiate PA.

I got really good clean sounds from it. It doesn't sound like a vintage Fender by any means, but if you want a Marshall amp you're probably not too concerned with the clean channel anyway. The over drrve channels are AWESOME, everything I expect from a Marshall. OD2 is great for metal, or other types of music that require very heavy distortion, specially if you run it through a cabinet. OD1 is great for blues and lighter rock. The louder you turn it up, the better it responds. I play blues, reggae, jazz, and punk rock through it, it handles all those styles to perfection for my taste. I use a Les Paul junior with two humbuckers, and epiphone dot, and a fender stratocaster.

I know there are lot of complaints from people on the reliability, and a lot of complaints about it getting too hot???? I've NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS AMP, and I've used it EXTENSIVELY for touring, and many, many shows, in not very good playing conditions. I've played many hot and humid basements and bars with no proper ventilation, and never had an issue. I don't think it gets too hot, even after hours of being on and turned up way loud. It's never broken down on me, and it's never done anything weird. In fart, it's been the most reliable amp I've ever had. Will continue using it to gig with no backup..... this "little" guy has proven himself worthy of handling any playing condition over and over.

Don't know about Marshall, but Dietze music in Lincoln, NE, where I bought it, provides the best customer service and has the best techs. I'll have to give it a 10 since Dietze is representing Marshall.

I've been playing guitar for about 17-18 years. If it were stolen I'd like to get the DSL50 head, just so it can match the cabinet I have, but I really have to say I love this little guy. It is very loud, plus it has an advantage over the head: you can actually carry it around! you can play with your friends on a Saturday afternoon without having to carry a cabinet with you. If you want the "true" Marshall sound, but don't want to get a bulky cabinet, check this guy out! you need tubes if you want the real Marshall sound, and this amp delivers. I absolutely LOVE the overdrive on this amp, it kicks you in the face.

Real valve sound, clean, blues middle variable distortion and Marshall overdrive.

This amp makes a lovely warm and variable tone, letting you play and vary the sound without digital effects. The reverb is a real spring and is really noce, I have tried a new fender digital reverb but i prefer this Marshall.

It has been fixed, may sometimes whistle. It has a smooth on button that doesn't click. The volume controls might be a bit scatchy now, but the sound and makes up for it.

Repaired under warranty (through guitar shop).

This is the best amp I've had.

- 4 ECC83 Pre-amp Tubes
- 4 EL84 Power-amp Tubes
- 16ohm speaker
- Separate Clean/Overdrive EQ controls
- Master volume/reverb/Parallel effects Control

Fairly simple amp to operate, lacking in excessive controls you will never use. I occassionally use the clean channel as a bass amp also. Only a 9 because I just wish there was a separate master-volume control for Clean/Overdrive and possibly a built-in power-attenuator.

I love the amp's clean channel but am warming up to its overdrive. I think the whole +20db Overdrive2 channel is a little pointless if you have high putout pickups but I suppose it would be pretty awesome for people playing vintage strats to stomp on the footswitch for a solo.

The OD channel seems to have less bass but I believe this is because my tubes are dying.

Overall I couldn't ask for more except for a power attenuator.

... no comment

N/A

If it was stolen, I would think about buying it over or possibly getting the Mesa F-50. The F-50 has a harsher tone in my opinion but has the reliability advantage.

Amp is a 2005
This amp is very versatile.Great for rock,blues,funk,jazz,punk,metal.
3 channels clean,OD1 and OD2,all footswitchable.FX loop is OK.reverb sucks period!I wish it had a 3 spring fenderish type of verb.I use midiverb in my rack so the stock verb is turned off anyway.I use this amp anywere i want. It has loads of volume if needed.Keep in mind this amp is all tube and is 40 watts with 4 EL84 power tubes in it.I love these tubes. saturation out the ying yang!!!!!!

OK Let me give you some great advice.CHANGE THE STOCK SPEAKER!!
I went with a HELLATONE 30watt or try a vintage 30.The 100watt stock speaker is good for clean but still lacks bottem end and low mids.
The hellatone 30 made this amp sound like early van halen,with a big warm bottem end,low mid crunch with nice glassy highs blended in.Think van halen 1 or early 80s Gary Moore (Victems of the future).
I,ve had lots of marshalls,100watt 50watt old 4 input MK2 models,70S,80S AND 90S and this amp with the 30watt celestion in it hold its own next to its bigger brothers.You also can run a 4x12 or a pair of 4x12s off this amp and get great results from it.If you go that route make sure the cabs are loaded with vintage 30s or 25watt greenbacks.YOU WILL THANK ME FOR THAT ADVICE!!!!OK With all that been said, let's get to my favorite settings.OD2= GAIN-5 VOL-5 TREB-5 MID-3 BASS-10 REVERB-0 MASTER-sounds great 3 on up!!!!I use a Digitech bad monkey tube driver to push the front end a little.This is very comparable to a tube screamer.set for clean boost only (no distortion) at all...LEVEL-10 LOW-5 HIGH-5 GAIN-0.If I want to go clean,I simply turn off tube driver and roll back the guitar volume.If I want to go cleaner then switch to OD1. And if I need total cleanliness I go to the clean channel in the amp which is set as follows, GAIN-4 TREB-7 MID-4 BASS-7.This amp has great saturation with loads of harmonic overtones.I use a TELE with DIMARZIO tone zone stacked humbuckers and a 1982 JACKSON randy rhoads with stock pickups.Both sound great for various styles.Anything from big and bluesy,oversaturated sustain to super fat SCORPIONS type of crunch.Another cool trick is to slave your preamp via FX SEND into a rack then into another amp (set clean).This gives you a wet / dry effect. (very cool).

Buy a fan 4 inch at radio shack and mount it on the grill on back of amp so it pulls air out.
My amp has never let me down!!!!!!!!!

What can i say?

Marshalls are the best amp in the world. period. and
they stand behind warranties.

Trust me, you will love this amp and will have a hard time putting your guitar away at night......
10 all the way.
My hat is off to MARSHALL on this one.
My hat is off to DAVE AT AVATAR SPEAKERS FOR THE HELLATONE 30WATT.
If you own this amp go to avatarspeakers.com and you will thank yourself for investing about 80 more dollers in your amp.
Watch your amp come to life!!!!!!!!

Features, 40 watts all tube EL84 and 12ax7 (ECC83) tubes Two channel amp with "boost" on the overdrive channel, 1x12" speaker effect loop and reverb. comes with footswitch. I play mostly classic/hard rock and blues, using a fernandes ravelle, fender tele, and customised yamah rgx420s. jim dunlop db01 wah jekyll and hyde od, boss ge7.

Its a marshall so you know whats its for ...... rock and roll. If your after an amp to try and make your own tones look somewhere else as all marshalls share the same charateristics, if you like angus young, slash, gary moore or any other marshall user its as close as youll get for this price. for the clean channel i set the gains to 5 trebble to 7 mids to 4 and bass to 6. i find these settings respond well to my picking dynamics even more so if i increase the gain. The od channel gives really good but not exact angus and slash rhythm sounds, perfect for what i do, i just use the boss ge7 as a solo boost, i dont like the amps boost. i use the jekyll and hyde for heavier stuff and it sound great. i really like this amp, its a great first time tube amp but it will undoubtly be compared to a jcm800 ro some other classic for this reason alone i give it an 8 but this is a very good amp

the first one i had packed in after a week and a half, but a new one was sent straight away and has been solid since.

havent dealt with marshall but gak were great

ive been playing 3 years now and its my first tube amp so i dont have anything else to compare it to. When i first got the amp i was a little deflated i was expecting a massive bone crushing tone like heard on appetite for destruction or back in black, but i didnt.Ive come to realise that like myself most peole hear music on cds and try to emulate that tone by buying similar equipment, but you wont get it because albums are edited and polished in massive recording studios. you can however get a good tone from this amp though it did take me a few months but ive put this down to the tubes as the tone improved the more i played it. you can get good bedroom levels out of it and it will easily fill most pubs/clubs. For the price its a good gigging amp, if lost or stolen i would push the wallet for something more boutique to try and establish my own tone.

2004 model I think, 40w 1x12 tube combo. Fairly basic 2 channel system with clean and overdrive/distortion channels, selectable via footswitch. Also has rubbish reverb and an effects loop. I play mainly rock and indie. This thing is loud enough for gigging small to medium sized club venues.

This amp tends to be good at several things, rather than great. The clean channel is probably the highlight, but is lacking in sparkle compared to a Vox or Fender, particularily for aggressive chording. The overdrive mode is nice and makes a decent blues sound, but lacks articulation. The distortion channel is overkill, its fuzzy and pretty useless with effects, unless you like washy unintelligible noise. Don't expect to play metal solos and hear every note clearly.

On the plus side, when this thing is played loud it sounds much better. It cuts through a band mix pretty well.

After a few months the amp began to periodically go silent (a common problem). After getting this fixed I haven't had to take it back. Seems to run very hot.

N/A

I have been playing about seven years, and I play a Telecaster fitted with a Dimarzio Tone Zone. I also have an Ibanez RG320 and an Epi Les Paul Custom Plus.

If it were stolen/lost, I would be sad, because I intend to sell it. If I bought Marshall again I would go for a DSL50/TSL60 and cab.

Its decent for a garage band or doing small gigs, but it just isn't really convincing at anything. Its reasonably inexpensive for a valve combo, but dont buy it just because it says Marshall on the front - theres better out there for less.

Mine is a 2003, just post heat fix era. The amp is plenty loud but not in the same way as you would get from a 4x12. I play all kinds of music but you mostly would get a Marshall for it's characteristic "crunch", everything else is just frosting. Features are well documented on the Marshall web site: http://www.marshallamps.com/product.asp?productCode=DSL401

The only surprise on this amp is the lack of a presence control.

This is a tricky one. If you pay $1000 and expect it to be perfect, you will be dissappointed. The stock speaker sucks (swap it for a Celestion Vintage 30 asap!) and the tubes are horible. Mine were microphonic, squealed and sounded like gravel. A quick swap with JJ's all around and a re-bias (colder than spec) and the amp sounds great. It's dissappointing that right out of the box, this amp is unfit for anyone at the semi-pro and above level.

The amp sounds pretty good with both single coils and humbuckers, very bright as you might expect from Marshall. The lead channels are usable but there is a SIGNIFICANT drop off in bass response on the lead channel(s).

Honestly, Marshall is WAY down the reliability ladder as compared to Mesa Boogie and Fender. There are heating issues, design issues and all kinds of random things that make this a very questionable amp for gigging.

I've owned in excess of 50 amps over 25 years including about 12 Marshall's. There are serious issues with this amp, however, if you are willing to invest the time and energy, this can be made into a good sounding and somewhat reliable amp. If you want the ultimate in engineering, get a Mesa Boogie. If you want the classic Marshall "whump", you might do better with a DSL-50/100 head and 4x12 cabinet setup. If you have your heart set on a 1x12 Marshall combo, this is your amp.

Features, Two channel amp with "boost" on the overdrive channel, 1x12" speaker effect loop, reverbtank

EL84 and 12ax7 (ECC83) tubes

You need to tweak it a litte before finding the "right" sound. I changed the speaker to a Celestion Vintage 30 (16 ohm) and it lifted the sound to "rock heaven".

Note that this is not an heavy metal amp, for Classic rock sounds - especially with a gibson guitar with humbuckers it sounds awesome. I have both strat and gibson, both sound very good.

You dont need anything else than guitar cable and this amp.

I had a 2x12" cab or 4x12" cab in addition to the 12" and it gives even more punch. it is classical marshal sound, and its not noisy (but you must also consider what you put in the chain too)

Both clean and od channel have an EQ, and that is good, They are easy to tweak, when you get the right feel for it.

Marshall, tube amp, proably like any other tube amp,

Very good - reply on email same or next day - good advices

It is kinda expensive, and the celestion vindage 30 speaker cost money too. But when you play on it, its worth the price.

I compared to other EL84 powered amps, ac30 cc2 ,peavey classic etc - they all cost about the same price, this one weighs 19 kg, and it has the marshall sound, so i went for this one.

They are still making these so i would get a new one if stolen - if you loose a marshall amp , you diserve it....

Have a lot of other stuff too - this one is nice and use it often.

2004 model.update

this amp rules. good clean channel and the best OD ever. if you forget your pedals. this will get you through the night alone. this amp heats up but not as bad others posted. my band uses fans anyway for air on stage so i set my box fan the size of this amp, maybe a little bigger where it blows on the amp and gets air on stage. another fan on the other side of the stage too. the reverb sucks but who cares. this didnt seem very loud at first but now i guess its fully broke in and very loud now. plenty of punch. i love it. i need amps with good OD in case of pedal break down or gigs where the amp will just do and this wins....

got it in july 06 new. floor model. no probs. yet

i ve had good luck with marshalls in the past

30 yeARS ALL HARD ROCK. STILL LOVE THE BOSS METAL ZONE but this amp does the trick if the pedal breaks.i would try to replace the amp if stolen but they are $$$. i would just use my fender twin amp '98 USA.that has good OD too just different sound but gets it done without trouble. the dsl401 is just as portable as the hot rod deluxe but doulble the $$$ but way better tone. no ice pick highs. just tone...the tone i get with the les paul standard is worth the money to me..

you know all this already.

Very amazed with sound qaulity but it is ??400 worth of amp, much better than my old JCM900 4100 100 watt tube head. Lots of dynamics and good low level overdrive and natural tube break up distortion with a humbucker on the clean channel.

Only 2 days old.

Met Jim at the london guitar show this summer, had a prob with my old JCM900 marshall at the time and he invited me down the factory to pick up spare parts (I live in MK also) and they didnt charge me for them, the head was 15 years old, well out of warenty! Good stuff by Marshall.

Playing 6 years, 2nd tube amp, much more usuable, have mic'd it up through a PA and plays great with the band. Looked at MESA F30 and AC30s but this beat them all.

see the marshall web site.. 2004 model

bought it yesterday. this amp was made in 2004 and has been the floor model for two years. ive been playing this amp for a while in that store. 2 years and no problem while in the store so i thought it might be trouble free. hope so. i traded my blues jr and hot rod deluxe and a fender cabinet even for this. used the amp lastnite at a gig and worked great. pure marshall tone 100% and was very controllable. used an amp stand and a sm57 mic and sounded stellar. o/d 1 and o/d 2 flat out rule. need more compression ? buy a Boss metal zone and youll be set.

ive always had good luck with marshalls. we'll see. cant be any worse than the crappy made in mexico FENDERS. ive bought 4 Fender amps in 2 years and have nothing but trouble. deville, jr, deluxe, twin reverb. all mexico garbage. and sounds like it too.. i sold them all.

30 years of playing. more gear than god. Gibson and Marshall rule everything....

This is an "What you see is what you get" amp - Controls in front, standard marshall style. Two Channels drive channel has a +20db Boost stage , there is an reverb tank, and effect loop. Marshall gives a foot controller for channelswitching

Basically, buying this amp - knowing why you buy it, and what you want from it there should not be more features. It is an basic tube amplifier with a classic technical design.

Want other stuff, with more "jalla" ? - buy the valvestate - good sound for less money (DSL 401 is not cheap)

Due to the thermal stuff undernath I would like to see air holes on top to let the heat escape better...

I bought this brand new - so it took some hrs to "Burn in" the tubes (EL84) And that doesn't take too long time - it gets really hot. But the sound gets better the hotter the amp gets.

I Have tried with three differend guitars :

Gibson Les Paul WIth Burstbucker II pickups:

You get everything from classic Zeppelin, AC/DC Guns and Roses (Slash style) Allmann Brothers rock style sounds - from tne OD1 Channel - Dont need the OD2 unless you want real gainy lead stuff.


Epiphone ES335

Get the classic Jazz styles, and the "allmost distorted" blues stuff like BB King etc this is very good - Get allmost the same rock sound as les paul, but the ES is a little brighter in itself.

Fender Strat with Texas Specials

Sounds like a "texas" strat with this amp. Also very nice Country Twang - with a little "break" on the clean channel.


All in all this amp sounds great. However I dont think I would play Heavy metal with this amp - but that is not of any interest for me either...

Dont know - it is all new - with a warranty. But my other marshalls have been OK for 20 years or more - tubes blow sometimes - but its an valve amp yoy know

Give 10 because of preivous marshalls have never been bad

Warranty is OK

Repairs is OK, done by my own or guitar tech.

But Marshall is hard to get on e-mail, you have to call them, but in Europe that is OK -

I played for 30 years in various settings, I Own a Marshall Rack and some guitars + some stompboxes.

If someone stole it, I would get a nother, the will still be made for a while I guess. But if it gets stolen in 20 years, I'd proably be too old to catch the bastard stealing it..

I compared this to Peavey Classic, Peavey Valve King, and Vox AC30CC2 - I chosed this one because it doesnt weigh a ton (my rack does...) and I feel familiar with Marshall and how to crank them and tune them to "my sound". THe others are very nice too.

I WIsh it had tremolo like the AC30 - but I use a BOSS TR-2 who does the job very well - so it doesnt bother me.

This is an amp yuo can plug right in to, and get the right sound at once. I think it will be better as I use it. Only had it for some weeks, but have gigged, rehearsed and "explored" it a lot, and I have already a better rig (Marshalll rack : JMP-1 & 9200 Mono Block on 2x1922 cabinets with an BOSS GE215 EQ, and an ALesis Qadraverb II in the loop) but this is my "backup" and "small gig" amp. ANd I look forward to use it

I have had this amp for about eight months. Made in 2005. Featurewise I first liked the cruch channel with higher gain, and did not like the clean and the red chanels, and the fx loop. Later I started to like to clean channel a lot (with adjustable gain), and the yellow (cruch) channel with touch of gain. Also, I grew to like the fx loop as well, it's really designed to sound well with time based fxs, like a reverb. I don't care much for the red channel. I can't think of any further features that I would really need. I take one point off, because the fx loop (as well as the built in reverb) is too much weaker on the clean ch compared to the drive channels.

It takes a while to get the hang of this amp. First I too felt bad about the fx loop, the too big volume difference between the yellow and red channels, and a weak clean channel. Then, I discovered the clean channel, it has a really nice sound with the neck pickup, and as you go up with the gain, each twist up gives another sound. At about 2-3, and 5 are my two favourite spots. One problem is that the fx loop is weaker on the clean channel, but I solve that by using a Digitech multiFX processor (only for the reverbs) in the loop, and I have a softer and a stronger reverb setting ready, for the od and clean chs.

The sound makes me want to play the amp again and again, the dynamics is beautiful, and dhe cruch is soo sweet. The only weakness in terms of sound is the built in reverb, it sounds week and tinny, or boingy, I don't know how to put it. The spring reverb in my Tech21 Trademark10 (also accutronics) is way nicer.

I don't really like the red channel. The way to think about it is that (if you turn the gain to about 1) it picks up where yellow channel stops with the gain at 10. If you use it that way, there are no volume difference probelms (though you have to adjust the gain). Anywhere above 3 with the gain on the red channel is way too fizzy, noisy. And I have relatively low output humbuckers (super 58's in an Ibanez Artist)

The direct out is far poorer than the mic-ed sound of the amp (too buzzy, harsh), but that I guess is generally true for all amps.

All in all, if you have a way to footswitch reverbs in the fx loop with varyous levels, it's easy to have beutiful clean and dirty sounds footswitchable.

No probelms yet (although I was conscous to get one made after 2003 as others recommended on this forum - thanks).

no idea, got it used.

I like the stories people make up about what they would do to someone who stole the amp. Well, if the thief ran away with the amp qiuck anough (about 45 pounds) I wouldn't bother trying to fight that guy.

Not my amp, a friends'. Made 2000-2003. This amp is versatile, but it doesn't completely satisfy with the clean or overdrive. It's nice that there's two overdrives, good for kicking into a nice solo.
The amp has more than enough power for a garage(with a drummer and bassist). I don't mind the ok cleans, but the overdrive could be better.

I play a Gibson Les Paul with Burstbuckers, and it suits my music styles just fine. It suits it, but could have gotten the job better! Sounds from Allman Bros. to Sabbath. The clean stays pretty clean the whole way through the volume range. The distortion can get pretty dirty, but not dirtier than Sabbath, for example. The distortion has a certain quality that I do not like, maybe it is the el-84s.

It hasn't broken on my friend, but the tubes are starting to sound weaker.

n/a

I've been playing for two years, but I don't mean to brag I have a good ear. I play through a Rivera Chubster, which I bought used for $670. (goes 1300+ new) The Rivera is by far superior, and I would recommend people to save up or wait for a good deal on a Rivera, because although this amp gets the job done and is good compared to Solid State, it leaves something to be desired. I didn't expect it to be a plexi in a box, but still... :(

This is not my amp, it belongs to my girlfriend's father, and I generally use it playing in his band filling both lead and rhythm duties on 3rd guitar.

The DSL401 is a fairly compact 1x12 combo rated at 40W that uses 4x12AX7/ECC83s and 4xEL84s in - as far as I can gather from the schematic and what Marshall say the amp ISN'T in their manual - Class AB mode. It uses a solid state recifier and there are op amps and transistors used in the reverb, FX loop and switching control sections.

It has 2 fairly independent (separate EQs) channels, with footswitchable (included) overdrive voices (basically crunch and lead), global spring reverb (optionally footswitchable), global FX loop and master volume. It has a DI out but no headphone out, but does have selectable 8/16ohm speaker out settings.

Basically it is a very well rounded amp that does everything you'd expect a proper amp to have, without all the extra stuff you probably won't use. Footswitchable FX loop would be useful but you can just control your pedalboard instead. Bit of a shame they left the reverb switch off the otherwise very nice included footswitch.

Everything's nicely laid out and it only takes seconds to figure out how to drive this amp, which can't be said for all amps certainly. It's also not too weightly, which is important because we have to cart the band's gear around a lot.

I have a standard Fender Mexican Telecaster and have used this amp extensively with a late 90s PRS Custom 22, but most of the time it is played through a.... Fender Squier Strat!

And my word, it sounds flippin' awesome through this amp!

In this band we play classic blues and early rock staples - think songs that have been covered by so many people you don't know who did the original! We also squeeze in some Elvis, Clapton and Creedence, amongst others. So I'm usually using a fairly clean tone just on the verge of overdriving, using the guitar's vol control to give me more dirt for leads.

In this roll, the 401 works brilliantly. It has a lovely chimey sound and the lower output fits this band very well. The other two guitarists both use Fender amps (Hot Rod Deville 2x12 and Reissue Blues Deluxe) which are simply too loud (I'm also the band's sound man). Naturally, they both complain they can't get that "just breaking up" tone at low volumes. The 401 has no such issue.

The overdrive channel sounds great though I rarely use OD2, it has a nice cremy lead tone but in this band there is rarely a need for it. The reverb isn't the typical Fenderish "spank" but it adds a nice depth.

Very little hiss through the amp too. Bottom word, it sounds great! Ironically, the other guy in the band who sold it to its new owner (who is the drummer, btw) really regrets selling it and getting a DSL half stack.

Not mine but as far as I know, it hasn't had any problems. We don't back the amp up with anything (already enough guitarists) at gigs. Will probably need a retube and rebias at some point but otherwise totally troublefree.

Other than getting the user manual off their website, no involvement.

I've been playing for about 13 years, and play a lot of different styles of music. I've been lucky enough to play a lot of really really nice guitars through really really nice amps and to be honest, the sound of this amp through any guitar is very very surprising. It sounds fantastic! For what we do in our band, it is simple to use, gets the right tones at the right volume and doesn't weigh a tonne (have you ever picked up a DeVille 2x12"? it weighs more than our loaded 14U mixer rack!). For the price, it is insanely great. I'm building my own tube amp now, but if another came up around the price, I'd probably buy it.

Very impressive.

Made in 1999. In good shape

I would prefer the option of making the effects loop series rather than parallel. It is a little limiting, but the fact that you can crank the effects send volume up loud enough makes up for it. I would prefer a single footswitch for channel-switching & reverb.

I use a Les Paul Standard SL. I play Claptonish blues and rock.

It took some doing, but this amp now sounds fantastic. I replaced the tubes and biased them. One thing I learned is that you cannot try this amp out in the store out of the box and know how it sounds. You can get the Marshall sound out of this amp. but you have to let the tubes burn in at least 3 hours, and it has to be set up correctly.

I just got through the entire process of re-tubing my Marshall DSL 401. Here is what I found after a lot of research and trial & error.

First of all, the amp takes EL84s for the power section, but many brands of that tube will not fit. One brand that does fit is JJs. They slide in very easily.

To get them in you must take the whole electronics section out of the amplifier - don't try to push them in without seeing the sockets, you can really mess up the pins.

Once you get the tubes in - you MUST re-set the bias. You can do this yourself but be SURE to read up on how to do it, and get the correct tools. You need a DVM and SMALL alligator clips.

Here is the recommended procedure from Marshall:

Here's the Marshall Service Bulletin on biasing the JCM2000 series amps:

Procedure:
1. Make sure the amp is connected to a load with the proper impedance selected.
2. Power up amp on Standby, and let the circuit stabilize for a couple of minutes.
3. Locate the male three pin molex connector (CON2) with the two mini pots (PR1 and PR2) (located on each side of the molex connector) on both ends found at the bottom of tube bay.
4. Connect DMM (set to read mV) with alligator leads, reference common lead to center pin (pin2) on molex connector CON2 and positive lead to pin1 on CON2.
5. Take amp off Standby with no signal, adjust mini-pot (PR1) closest to pin that the positive lead from your DMM is connected to and set it to mV voltage that is listed below.
6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 for pin3 mV and until pin1 & pin3 mV readings are the same.

Bias Settings:
DSL50 45 mV TSL 601&602 80 mV
DSL100 90 mV DSL 401 1.375V
TSL100/122 90mV DSL201 .675V

Note that it says the correct setting for the 401 is 1.375 v.

I strongly recommend going lower. I got this from another message board, an experienced tech had done many of these amps and he noted that first of all that setting is above the tubes suggested range (will burn up the tube faster) but more important, the amp simply sounds better when it is biased lower. He suggested about .7 v.

I did a listening test, first at the recommended voltage and then at the lower voltage. With the JJs I installed all around, I found I could only bias as low as .84 v.

Without a doubt, on my amp the overall sound was better at this lower voltage. At the highwe voltage I got a cleaner, truer guitar sound, especially on the cle3an channel. But that isn't why we buy Marshalls, am I right? I wanted that biting lead, sustain for years sound. The lower bias setting got that.

I did notice a little more not-pleasant saturation at that setting, (THD?) so I tried to raise it a little to see if I could get rid of it but keep the tone. No, I went up to .9v but I lost the tone and still had the saturation, so I went back down on the bias.

While I was in there, I also replaced the black 16-ohm Celestion with a vintage 30 (8-ohm). If you do this, be sure to change the switch on the back of the amp to 8 ohm.

My 401 now sounds great. I was definitely worth the trouble.

Here is another tip. If your reverb sounds weak open up the amp and make sure it is plugged in correctly (red plug to red socket). Mine was backwards and it did not sound good, but by fixing that I now have plenty of reverb even on the dirty setting.

The amp now rocks.

Well, it started acting strange so I decided to re-tube it. It is not easy to work on. Be sure to buy replacement tubes that fit. Other than that - yes it gets hot, but I have no problems with solder parts. I have just installed a fan and will probably use it. If you buy a fan, get the large one.

All I have to say is under "sounds" - this amp can really rock, but you have to baby it a little. If you are afraid to work on it take it to a tech. Ask him if he can bias it as you listen to what he is doing. Get the sound you want.

For what I do, which is playing a combination of light rock, funk, pop and reggae, this amp is perfect. There are no built in effects apart from the reverb, but that suits me just fine as I don't use 'em. The footswitchable channels work a treat and the amp is LOUD on the overdriven channels!

I play two Epiphone Les Pauls (not at the same time - still working on that trick!) and it's damned near impossible to get a totally clean sound at high volumes - I've experimented with rolling the guitar volumes right down, and this can produce some quite fat cleanish tones. I play rhythm with the gain on 5 on the clean channel (just starting to crunch up when you strum hard) and then switch to the overdrive with gain on 10 and vol about 7 to get the perfect soloing sound. I have the EQ pretty flat on the clean channel, but lift the top a bit on the od. If I were playing a Strat or other single coil guitar I'd probably roll the top off a little, the other way, and maybe the bottom up. This amp suits me well as I never go for totally clean sounds, and when everythings turned up the sound is penetrating, dynamic and fat, in equal proportions.

I bought the amp new in November 2004 and have gigged it regularly ever since. One of the El84s has just started to develop a bit of a rattle, but they're inexpensive and easily replaced (the back cover simply unscrews, and the valves drop out once you remove a little metal cage under them). I use the amp all the time with no back up.
Note - this is a valve amp - you need to let it warm up a bit before you crank it!

Never had to deal with em, but you get a 3 year warranty, and a nice letter from Jim Marshall!

Fantastic little combo for the money, looks good, sounds good, fairly portable and reliable. If you want a bright, clean sound buy a VOX or Hot Rod, but if you want authentic Marshall tone at a good price with a beatifully driven valve tone at sensible volumes levels, this gonna be ya baby!

40W, 2 Channels with lead boost, fx loop, reverb, footswitchable channel, boost and reverb with seperate pedal.

4xEL84 4X12AX7 ALL TUBE except rectifier - printed circuit board

I wish it had footswitchable Tremolo - then it would be a 10

Amp will do Country/Jazz thru Thrash Metal - Great Amp for the Money - Very versatile. Don't be afraid of Marshall clean. Just use your guitar volume and get great clean sounds with any guitar!

I play all types of music with it on all types of guitars...American LP's, Strats, Teles, PRS's, Carvin's - even Taylor acoustic!

This Amp does any sound you want! - just dial it in for a type of music or a certain guitar and you're there. - Marshall distortion Rocks!

All Marshalls I have ever used are very reliable.
I would never gig with only one amp without spare fuses and tubes.

Amp got very hot - I installed a small $8 fan in back and tied it to the power switch to pull heat away - works great - now stays warm without overheating. Has never broke down in 3 years except one blown fuse.

not contacted them

Great Amp for Live or Practice! - 40W perfect for cranking up and pushing the power tubes - Great overall machine for the money.
Tremolo circuit would be nice.

Best overall amp I have used for many types of music.
it's a 9!

I would give this a 10 but for the lack of a footswitch jack for the effects loop and the fact that the channel 2 boost is not loud enough to really lift your solos. I use the amp on channel 2 boost all the time and lift the volume with a Morley volume pedal. Many amps have loads of built in effects. I prefer the sound of the amp with just a bit of echo and reverb. That's all you really need isn't it?

I just had to replace the crap speaker that Marshall put in this otherwise superb combo. The stock speaker does not have enough bottom end and also somehow stops the amp from sustaining properly on solos. I have now installed a 16 OHM Celestion G12T-75. The sound is now simply awesome for a small combo. This amp (with the right speaker)can give you any sound you want from REM/Audioslave clean to really overdriven 70s metal.

I do not understand why Marshall install these cheap speakers in their combos. The G12T-75s are what they put in their extension cabs so why not in their combos for Christ's sake. They only cost #43 retail. Marshall - you really should do something about this because your amplifiers are just soooo good!

Only had it for 3 months. Reliable so far. I gig with this regularly with no back up.

NA

Once I had replaced the speaker the sound was superb. You can really get that Marshall stack sound without breaking your back or your wallet.

I have now built a cab the same size as the 401 and fitted it with another G12T-75. I use this and the internal speaker together and they sound fantastic. The fact that you can connect a second speaker is a real plus and gives so much more flexibility. I can use the second cab to spread the sound either side of the stage or as a monitor. (Warning - do not use an 8 OHM speaker plugged in at the same time as the internal 16 OHM speaker. You will damage your amp).

If this amp were stolen I would definately replace it with another one. This amp rocks. Accept nothing other than Marshall - they know what they are doing (apart from their choice of stock speaker - moan, moan). I REALLY LOVE THIS AMP. BUT ONE. NOW!

I am writing this after having this amp for about 8 years, so Ive got a pretty good idea of it.
Loud enough for small gigs, clean channel can't keep up with OD1/2 though in terms of volume if you want to keep it dead clean. This is what youd expect though from a valve amp. I use this amp for practising with my band and gigging, no problem in terms of volume.
Has all the features you need, though would be nice to have a 3rd eq'd channel for solos.

I use this amp for what it was built for - ROCK baby! DO NOT judge this amp at low volumes, distortion can sound a bit $%^&, but when you crank it up it sounds sweeeeeeeet! Very noiseless (unless tubes are wearing out). As i mentioned, with clean channel gain past about 4 on decent volumes, it will distort. So you cant go rockin out with disortion on gain 10 vol 10 then expect to jump back to a nice clean sound at similar ear-splitting volumes. Ain't gonna happen. Though this can be a good thing as you can use the clean channel as an extra distortion channel, specially with a stompbox. Overall though has a freaking great sound!

No problems, had to replace preamp tubes after about 6 years of use, which is pretty good usage. Apart from that, nada de nada.

ooookay, but i emailed them once re replacing tubes, and they told me not to be messing around and take it to a qualified techician, which is a bit of a piss take, as all you have to do to replace tubes is literally unplug one set and plug in another (I found out afterwards). On the other hand, i guess they have to cover their backs as there are some decent voltages lurking around in amps!

Been playing 10 years, this amp is the mutt's nuts. Not the loudest beast in the jungle, i mean if you want an amp for massive gigs go look for the dsl100 or tsl100 and get a stack. If you want an amp that produces wicked tones at reasonable volumes, and doesn't bust your suspension when loading into a car, this bad boy is just the ticket. Only problem is it's smaller (than stacks etc) size can make the ignorant bystander believe that you posess a cheap and crap amp. Remedy this by angling it into his unsuspecting ear, cranking it to 11 and busting out a few of the evilest licks in your reportoire. That'll shut the twat up.

This is a follow up after having this amp for over a year. I have previously had amps from Mesa Boogie, Line 6, Peavey XXX, and several effects processors that I used through a power amp. I was always quickly dissatisfied with all my amp set ups. After over a year I still love the sound of my DSL 401. I honestly don't think I could find something I would like better. I gig with it 1-2 times a week and have never had a problem. I did install a cooling fan from radio shack (blows air out from cab) when I bought the amp based on things I had read. With the fan, the amp is barely even warm to the touch after 4 hours of use.

This has a pretty standard Marshall set-up; Clean channel w/ gain and independent equalizing options, Dirty channel has gain and volume and goes from crinch to OD. There is a master volume, reverb and effects mix. This is an all tube amp (40 watts- loud!) and as such will not offer some of the options of a solid state amp. It does have a line out for mixing and can easily drive a cabinet if the situation requires. I give the options a 9 only because I would have liked an independent volume for the clean channel.

I play through an American Deluxe Strat (1999) and a Schecter C-1 Classic. This is my first Marshall although I have owned and played through many other great quality amps (Fender Deville 212, Peavey classic 30, Genz Benz El Diablo 60, Fender Twin, etc.). I have never really wanted to own a Marshall. I thought it didn't match my sound. After trying this amp out, I have decided that I was wrong. I love the clean on this amp!! Outstanding. Unlike other reviewers, I could not get the clean channel to distort at any volume.

The OD is very impressive. I have read some of the other reviews and my advice is "Don;t buy this map if you are looking for a rectifier, or modeling type amp!". This is a Marshall and as such SOUNDS like a Marshall. It sounds great! However it sounds like a great Marshall. I feel like it may be getting a bad rap from some of the reviewers who have complained that they can't get a differnt sound from it. If I had read the reviews, I probably wouldn't have bought it. Man, am I glad I didn't research this amp and tried it out on a fluke.

NA - It looks like it is built like a tank! However, I will get a road case for transport as I do with any amp of considerable investment.

NA - Met Jim Marshall at a NAMM show in 2001. Seemed like a great guy and I would think if Marshall didn't stand behind their gear, I would have heard about it by now.

This is a BIG Marshall sound in a very portable package. I bought this to use on smaller gigs as an option from my Genz Benz El Diablo 60. The Genz weighs in at 75lbs. with a speaker upgrade. The Marshall weighs in at 42lbs. I thought I would "compromise" my sound and trade the portability. However, I am finding myself playing the Marshall almost exclusively. This was a great purchase!! If lost or stolen, I would have to try another all tube Marshall, but would probably come back to the 401 DSL just because of the size and weight. It packs a great punch and would hold its own pound for pound with any amp on the market

good for rock light metal- like led zep, black sabbath and the who type of music. i use all the features - reverb, cleab, distortion , od1 and od2. i wudnt want anything else put in2 it. using loads of effects covers up the quality of sound you get from it.

so dam good - the louder you play the nicer it sounds because it makes the valves sing more. distortion good for rock and light metal. not good 4 death metal- not that any1 would want to insult the quality of marshall by playing death metal through such a class amp

because of the nature of the valves you have to treat the amp with respect. it isnt like a transister were u can throw it downstairs and it wont break. u have to respect it but dont worship it too much if u understand what im saying. i would gig with it. it blasts out a mammoth sound and can easily cope with a live drum kit, in fact u might want to keep the volume down, it mite be a low powered amp but it can drown out a drum kit easy!

the shop i bought it from gave me a years shop warranty then marshall gave me 3 years warranty and also i year warranty for the valves.

i have been pkayin 7 years. i own a gould les paul shape. lovely guitar and it plays better than a fender strat in myy opinion. if it was stoen i would get the same amp maybe a 60w version though. i love everything about it i hate nothing. i was gonna get a transister but it didnt have the clarity of sound that the jcm does. the extra #250 was worth it a mile.

Excellent amp for all typs of playing .Dont let the size fool you , I run a 4/12 cab and the sound is so sweet. You can get almost anything from classical to blues to metal, I play all of those , so this amp is my dream come true . I have the 100 watt heads , and this amp can keep up very well. The quality and workman ship is there and shows. The EL84's are great I love the tight fat sound you get , I use GT 4's , the sound is incredible! If you have not pluged into a 4/12 with this amp you just dont know what this amp can do. I've used mesa's like the rocket 44 is very close to this amp.I would trade the mesa for the marshall any day.Mine is like new mint ! I payed 490.00 shipped off ebay and it was well worth it !I got a screaming deal! I would pay the 1000.00 If i had to, its worth every penny. The reverb does not suck ,Its warm and brings a great sound to your ears. You have to have a 4/12 hooked up to hear the true sound of this amp. The 1/12 is great,but the 4/12 brings out the true sound. Clanell 1 gives you the best clean marshall sound I have ever heard(I've had tons of marshall mesa amps). You get this fender vibe from it . The od1 is nice and bluesy, then kick in the od2 and start playing arpegieos roll off your tone cut back on the volume and you get a a sweet solo to die for. This amp is a 10 all the way in my book for $490.00 what I payed .If your looking for the high quality go with this amp its affordable and made to play.

I play 2 USA Jacksons a USA kelly ke-2 black flametop 2 hum and USA Jackson SL1 with EMG's , 100 watt JCM900 4100 6l6 dual reverb. Boss efx.
All my stuff makes this amp sing like a bird.

I have never had any problems 100 % reliable !

Manuals are not to good in my opinion , but the quality of the amp is !

100 % well worth the price , I would buy it for 1000.00+

Amp's made in 2001 A.D
What a coincidence, its has 4 12AX7s and 4 EL84s. All small tubes, needless to say, it won't sound like one with EL34s or 6L6s.
It has all an amp should have, the older JCM comes with "Presense" knob which enhances the sound. I think there is a need for that. The reverb sucks, as many would agree.

It gives a warm tone/sound/resonance whatever for the clean.
Its best suitable for ROCK and Blues, if you like Gary Moore kindda blues, this amp is for you. Otherwise go get a JCM 800. Apart from that, the Clean distorts at 4 onwards, too early to distort I should say. Prolly 6 onwards would be better.

I use an Xtreme pedal for this amp, the stock distortion doesn't sound good to me, you gotta crank up at high vol even so, it still gives a crunchy sound which I don't fancy in my playing. So as what some people would do, just mod a DS-1 and plug it in. Forget about the stock distortion

I bought this amp used, in 2005. The previous owner took really good care of it and had the tubes replaced to its own original tubes. He also added a heat sinker to absorb the heat. So far the longest I played on the amp is about 3 hrs and it get hots but not too hot until the transistors fall out. Its alright.

Never needed them.
Its outta warranty since its more than a year old

As i mentioned, i bought it used.
The original price was twice the amount I paid for this baby. Its overpriced as many would say in the previous reviews, I agree 100%.
My only regret is that I never sourced out for vintage amps like the JCM 800 or 900, which they still are available somewhere out there, more reliable and better sounding.

If I had this amp stolen or spoilt beyond repair, I'll beg, borrow or steal to replace it. I never gig with this amp before and am going to do so this Christmas. Whatever the case is, its still a Marshall and made in the UK.

2002 Model. Two channel Clean, Overdrive 1 & 2. Seperate tone stack for each channel. Seperate Gain control each channel. Reverb, Effects Loop, Master Volume, DI Out, Speaker Out, 1 X 12. This amp has all the features I need. Great for practice at home, and small and light enough to easily haul to the Open Mic or gig.

This amp is overpriced. I picked mine up on EBay for $450. As much as I love this amp, $1300 is outrageous. But well worth what I paid for it.

I primarily use this with a Gibson Les Paul Studio. I also have used a Fender American Strat, Fender American Tele, Danelectro 56, and Squier Standard Tele with it. But I like the LP through it best. LP's and Marshall amps are the tone.

I am a simple guy. I like a good Clean channel and a good Overdrive. The DSL401 gives me what I need. I would say it is a Rock/Blues amp. The Clean channel is warm and not too bright. When you dial up Gain on the Clean channel to around 6 you can get a nice Blues overdrive. Smooth, round and rubbery, not bad at all. I really love the Overdrive channels. I get that classic Marshall tone which is what I wanted. Not too distorted like many amps, and not harsh at all. You can get the classic AC/DC tone which is what I truly love. The Overdrive channels are what make this amp a winner in my book.

I do not care for the Reverb at all. It is weak and lame. If you want great Reverb, go Fender. Also, I found that when switching from either Overdrive back to Clean the amp makes a feedback type noise that lasts for maybe two seconds. Totally unacceptable for live use. After investigation I found this was a common problem on the early amps and has since been corrected. This is a bad problem. I ended up disconnecting the Reverb tank. This has not been a problem for me, I got this amp for a Rock tone and do not care so much for Reverb anyway. But check out Reverb first if this is important to you.

I also did not care for the Effects Loop. I don't really use any effects with this amp, but if I did, I think they sound better before the amp. Can't describe it, but something is missing.

I do like the DI Out. I have used it several times at an Open Mic run into the PA. Very quiet.

I like the seperate tone stacks for each channel. I think this is a great feature allowing you to get both a great Clean and Overdrive tone.

I am not real sure this amp could handle loud gigs, especially the Clean channel. It starts to break up around 5 which is not that loud. So, I think you would have to mic this amp to get a clean tone without breakup at gig volume levels. I use my Hot Rod Deluxe to gig, as it has the volume to handle anything. The Overdrive channels on the DSL401 are plenty loud though. The DSL401 can handle small gigs or an Open Mic easily.

These amps are known to get hot, and mine is no exception. The front plate does get really hot. But I have not had any problems. I used my DSL401 to play an outdoor gig on a very hot summer day. The amp was in the sun at all times. The amp performed flawlessly for over 6 hours straight.

As I mentioned earlier, there was a problem with the Reverb, so I gotta take some points away there.

I have owned other Marshalls and had problems, but so far this amp has held up well for a year with heavy use.

I have never had to deal with Marshall, so I can't comment on this.

It might not sound like it from my review, but I love this amp. I get a great Clean tone I like, and the Overdrive tone is awesome in my opinion. And this is what I care about, great tone. I don't care about effects and all that other junk people use to cover up lack of ability. I have been playing over 30 years, have played in many bands, currently in a 4-piece Classic Rock band. So, I think I know great tone when I hear it. If this amp were stolen, I would definitely get another. Heck, I'm gonna pick up a few more on EBay. That is the way to go on this amp. If you want a great Rock tone, pick up this amp and plug a Les Paul into it. Oh yeah.

it has all the great features -but i am amazed non ementions this: the effects loop stinks, my delay pedal would not work through it,, the reverb is lacking on the clean channel-even when pinned -loike non existent--and the overdrive channels-the reverb is too much

also, ther is a drop off in volume when switching for clean to overdrive channel--this makes vchannel changing a bitch

ius anyone else here gigging eith it-too have missed these major flaws

sounds great--i thought that the AVT have a nicer sounding clean channel

with the channels tweaked indidually or with effects it sounds great

but nothing sounds better than plugging straight into the amp--and u cannot utilize all channels by doing his. This causes a problem when giigging. the amp simply does not love effects--make sure they are true bypass.
i play a slew of guitars-but i find every guitar with diff pickups necssitate a diffent setting palette on all channels-this is opbvious

but i find that my tele (mexican crap with broadcaster bridge pickup, and brass saddles--sounds great clean, or THROUGH OD2--OD1 SIMPLY DOES NOT SUIT THAT GUITAR
WITH OD2, AND THE GAIN AT A LESS THAN MODEST SETTING, MIDS DOWN,-I GET A GREAT '60'S EARLY SYD BARRET PINK FLOYD SOUND, ALSO GREAT EARLY WHO SOUND--ALL THE SLIGHTLY DIRTY FULL CHORDS SOUND GOOD IN OD2

THIS IS ALL TESTAMENT TO THE LACK OF CONTINUITY WHEN CHANNEL CHANGING

THIS AMP WAS SIMPLY DESIGNED WRONG. bUT YOU CAN HARNESS SOME BEAUTIFUL TONES WITH THIS AMP-i bought mine in 2002

I WANT TO BUY A CRATE PALLOMINO 32-IT IS ONLY $600--u have to try this amp out-i know it is crate-but it is simply a fluke it is soo good (30 watt IT HAS EL34'S AND SOUNDS IN BEWEEN A MATCHLESS AND A FENDER-WITH AWESOME REVERB-ALTHOUGH IT HAS ONLY ONE EQ--AND JUST GET A GOOD MARSHALLY PEDAL

ANOTHER GREAT AMP COMBO AMP IS THE DUO JET BY AMPEG WITH TREMELO .

had to repalce the tubes after 1 year

Bought new about 2 months ago, 40W 2 channel amp with an extra gain boost on channel 2. Each channel has its own EQ. Channels and lead boost are footswitchable. Reverb, extra speaker out for an extension cab. Ohm load is switchable between 16 and 8. EL84 power tubes. Celestion V30 loudspeaker.

I mainly use a Strat w/ Texas special P'ups and a Pearly Gates Humbucker in the bridge position. Also have a PRS CE22 I use for high gain lead stuff. The amp is perfect for what I bought it for, a grab and go jam/practice amp. I started out with a blues junior, which was fine, just not enough power. Took it back and swapped it out for the Marshall. I have 3203 Artist head/cab setup I use for gigs and a TSL122 combo I don't use much right now, so I was partial to the Marshall sound to begin with. The DSL401 is my favorite of the 3. I play a wide range of cover band stuff, blues, classic rock, hard rock, etc., and the Strat/Marshall match up is great for hitting a wide range of sounds. I get the most out of the amp with the clean channel gain on 7 and the overdrive gain on 4, and the overdrive volume on 8 or 9. That way when I hit the gain boost I get a volume kick too. What I end up with is a a clean sound and med overdrive sound that are about the same volume, and then a lead sound that jumps out volume wise. One key to this amp is to turn the master volume all the way up. At 40 watts this is damn near perfect for playing with a drummer, and the "clean" channel comes alive, making it just as useful as the overdrive channel for rock rhythm playing. If you want the fully saturated lead sound, just dime the overdrive gain, hit the gain boost and you're there.

Only had the amp a couple a months. My Artsit head is almost 20 years old and it still kicks *ss. The TSL had some problems out of the gate, but were fixed under warrenty. After about 2 years the footswitch crapped out. It was a pisser, but I was already aware of that patticular defect. If the DSL proves to have similar quality problems, it will be the last "new" Marshall I buy.

Customer support from KorgUSA was great when I bought the TSL.

Like I said, its my favirite of my 3 Marshalls, it's light(40 lbs) you can turn it all the way up without getting things thrown at you, and the sound is Marshall all the way.

Not sure of year, but i bought it new about 5yrs ago. The features etc have been covered in other reviews. For a small amp features are fine.
This amp has been gigged alot - prob. 100x now......however in a loud gig (ie normal gig!) it just doesnt have enough power, especially when its time for a solo. The other guitarist, with a 100w valvestate, constantly overpowers this amp.
Sounds great miked up through the Pa though!

A mixture of styles, though not much clean.
At first I thought that this amp was brilliant, but that didnt last...overall this amp is quite limited. The clean channel was just ok and the extra distortion is almost unusable for what I play. Crunch is what a marshall is good at and this is its best sound. After a while though you realise that this amp can only really sound like a half decent overdriven amp-if you took away that sound then there would be nothing left!
A decent clean amp (like an AC30) with a tubescreamer is sooooooo much better than this. Really this is just a beginners first valve amp.

Its never broken down, and as I say Ive gigged and practiced loads. Still sounds like it did when new.

Not dealt with them- but im guessing that customer service is a bit better than line 6!!!

Ive been playing 16ys and played in a few well gigged bands. Ive played mostly strats-currently a 1984 jap with fat 50's which sounds great. Been through all that effects rubbish and now only play through a wah pedal.
I like the fact its not as heavy as my old AC30 and that it sounds ok in small venues. I dont like it being just a one sound amp and for me its not really loud enough to gig with.
I had my choice of a few amps in a similar price range, and in hindsight I wish that i had got a peavy classic instead.
This amp is ok for a starter valve amp. Unfortunately when I first started gigging i played through a friends old AC30 and then later a fender twin- this now means that everything I now play through sounds a bit shit in comparison.
If you want a really pro sound then save a bit more money and buy something decent.
I wouldnt buy this amp again. I feel that it was overpriced and I should have waited until i had a bit more cash. Still saving for that fender twin!!

Bought it new in early 2002 or so. I love having a gain on the clean channel, and two OD options on the dirty channel. Mine will get downright sparkly on the clean channel.

A great clean side and good OD controls on the dirty side. My biggest complaint is the NOISE on the dirty side, even with no input for crying out loud. There's far too much white noise to use for close miking or recording. It will certainly do a nice creamy distortion at a low volume, but like I said, don't get a mic too close.

The OD1 channel started acting up within a year of buying it. I'd get the OD set like I want it, and then intermittantly the distortion level would fall off. Other channels were not affected. The retailer suggested retubing, which I did, but after a little time I found it wasn't fixed. The retailer said it would be really expensive to debug it, so I opted for a stompbox instead. Other channels have been flawless. I've also had to rewire one foot pedal and buy a second for backup because the wiring just didn't hold up for me. Also, the reverb did not work when I got it home. I took it back to the store and they found a broken wire in the spring chamber. The Quality Control stinketh.

I have exchanged emails with a Marshall rep on it. They've been helpful with advise.

I loved this amp for the first year, but now that I've had it for about 3 years I can only use it at home. It's let me down on stage.

Just a footnote to the gent below who says the distortion is 10x's better than an F-50. Well that is subjective, and for an extra $200 you could have had an F-50. I beleive you must tell yourself that it is better because you paid, WAAY too much for the amp. I have had a 401, and it sounds nice but sold it. I saw one in a local music store in great shape for $595 ...Canadian dollars!!!

I now own a Mesa F-50 and think its the dogs balls, and distortion, ??dont even talk to me about it. I paid $1440 brand new CANADIAN.. and its the best amp i have owned so far. The DSL 401 is a great little amp, but ,,,please, dont say its 10 x's better than an F-50, because we are talking DIFFERENT TUBES, THAT HAVE DIFFERENT TONE. HELLO..MCFLY?? You paid a bit too much for it, and again, if you had the extra bucks you would have picked up the F-50, simply because the F-50 will be around much longer than the marshall. Its build quality, and tone, and simple to use, but great tone. nuff said.

This amp is perfect for classic rock. It also gives you better distortion than a mesa/boogie f5o which is around the same price (10$ more to be exact)and the f50 also sounds like its just a good solid state amp. Go listen for yourself im sure you will know what i mean.

I play through an american deluxe stratocaster and it works like magic with this amp.The amp is not to noisy just right. This amp can get you alot of sounds if you use it right.

Not sure but ive heard people on this site say marshalls are not reliable anymore? I find that hard to believe considering how many artists still use marshall today.

Overall I would have to say this is worth the money compared to other amps in the price range at guitar center. It would be nice if it was $700 like most people say they payed for it on this site. I dont see how I could have payed $500 more than almost every single person on this site. Ive looked around and found it impossible to find one that price. o well. Once again if classic rock is your thing pick one up you will not be dissapointed.

This all-valve amp has three channels (clean, overdrive 1 and overdrive 2), but there's not a ton of difference between the two overdrives. The second adds a little more gain, but don't expect to get any ultra metal sounds from this amp without some help from a pedal. There's an effects loop and reverb, neither of which I use. You can also plug the amp into a speaker cabinet. There's switch to choose 8 or 16 Ohm speakers.

I'm a basic straight-forward heavy rock, blues punk who just wants to plug a guitar into an amp, turn it up and go. No effects, no pedals, no racks. So, while this amp doesn't have a lot of features, it has more than I'll use. There's something to be said for simplicity.

I use mostly a Les Paul and this amp suits my musical taste just fine. It has 'THAT' Marshall sound you hear on so many classic rock tracks. Sounds great if you're looking for an Aerosmith tone or AC-DC, and even punk music like the Ramones or Sex Pistols. The amp sounds great at bedroom volume but gets better as you turn up the dial. With everything cranked and the Master Volume at about 1 o'clock, I was easily able to get some wonderful harmonic sustain while bending notes or holding out open chords. It's pretty by-God loud, too. I haven't played with it with a band, so I can't say how it keeps up with a drummer, but I would bet it would do OK.

Keep in mind that this amp is somewhat limited. It doesn' stay real clean (a Roland Jazz Chorus it ain't) and it can't get ultra heavy (no Nu Metal for you, kids). But it has a fantastic classic Marshall overdrive that so many of us crave. I think most of the negative reviews are coming from people who expect this amp to be something it's not. I've been playing for 20 years and used to work at a music store that carried a lot of vintage gear, and I say if you want a classic hard rock Marshall sound, then this is an amp you should consider.

I mostly play on Overdrive 1, because despite adding some nice extra gain, Overdrive 2 is a little noisy.

I haven't had it very long, so it wouldn't be fair to comment here. I would never play a show without a backup amp, though.

Same as above.

I love this amp. It sounds great for what I need it to do, but I can see its limitations and how others may be disappointed, especially players into really heavy metal.

good enough to play all areas of guitar work in songs........rythm
clean or crunchy.......lead guitar duties channel 2,great fer fill
graceing thru songs and nice overdrive for heavier rythm......channel
3.......nice guitar solos........to.....heavy all around stuff.

srat or gibson or ibanez semi.......all sound better than ever before.
all have been fitted with "earvana.com " NUTTS.nice sounding amp in
all channells...........it did get real dam hot.....2004 model too,...
so i took it to Ho s electronics in vancouver b.c.,......added a quiet
fan ,wired right in........JJ TESLA POWER TUBES and one JJ TESLA 12ax7
in the phase converter behind the power tubes. Mr ho also adjusted the
...too high......bias , by adding a resister across the bias circuit.
it now runs nicely at a warm temp.....not hot hot anymore.
also ..you can use a POWER ATTENUATOR built by mr ho to increase your output wattage to 80watts from the 40 original. his little box costs 300 canada bucks.....cool dude

i believe i can depend on it now that it runs 25 degrees cooler,very
quiet fan ,i will gig with it without a back up cause i hate lugging my TWIN AMP fender tank around.

after 38 years of playing i know there is no one brand that is always
perfect for all styles ,or always building reliable tone gems.but
fer 899 used plus 80 fer tubes and 60 fer fan and bias.........it
cost me 1050 for a very nice sounding liquidy smooth warm and cutting
amplifier.......light too at 45 lbs.....now add 300 more bucks and
ive doubled the wattage to 80 tube watts..variable from the attenuator
from 1 to 80 watts..........cool.............SO AFTER THE SIMPLE FEW
MODES........I RATE THIS AMP TOPS...........inspires ya to play and
play and create and play and play

See the Marshall website.

I am using this amp with a bone stock OLP MMI (axis) with the bridge pickup pretty close to the strings but not so close as to be muddy. Let me first state that the sound I was looking for was the early Van Halen and George Lynch Marshally sound (think Back for the Attack) which I think are the best tones ever recorded. I've searched high and low for 10 years now and have been through a slew of gear-- Early Marshall JMP's, JCM 800's, Soldano Astroverb and HR50, Mesa Boogie Subway, Peavey Triple X, Etc. Why I never considered picking up a new Marshall until recently I don't know. After all, those sounds were recorded with Marshalls and the new ones are the closest to capturing the raw tone as well as the gain present on those recordings. I've had the amp now for 6 months as to give a more accurate review because I've bought gear that sounded great only to get tired of it after a few months. In short, this amp is awesome. I don't have the space or the inclination to buy a big rig and was looking for the above sounds in a smaller package. This amp does it all. It has "that sound" that I wasn't able to get with the other brands (although I got very close with some of it). It goes from JCM800 on OD1 to hot rodded JCM800. OD2 is where I get that Lynchy high end crunch. I only have the gain on 2 1/4 or so and the rest at about 3 O'Clock. It's all here. For early VH I go to 3 on the gain. For reverb and delay I use a Digitech DSP-16 and that's it. I was reading an article about the designers of the JCM2000 line and they stated that the purpose of the line was to retain that trademark Marshall sound and provide a tone like a good overdrive pedal into a good older plexi. I don't even need any pedals for this thing. The sound is already in the amp itself.
I did hear the high end buzzing that some posters have complained about and decided to try some tube swapping. I found that the problem was solved completely by installing a JJ 12AX7 in the "phase inverter" slot. This is the 12AX7 tucked behind the power tubes. One more thing, as an earlier poster stated, the heat problems ended after Marshall went to a different recifier so serial number M-200318XXXXXX and forward should be trouble free. By the way I love the stock speaker after making the 12AX7 switch- no more buzzy high end and it sounds fat, round and organic.
Finally, this amp will do much more than what I wanted it for. The clean channel will do a nice Chris Isaak or country type of clean with a lot of reverb added. OD1 will do the 70's classic rock type of stuff and you can do the Nu-metal detuned thing by dumping the mids and boosting the gain on OD2. In all, this is the best and most versatile amp I have ever owned.

Has been very relaible so far.

Have not tried customer support.

I would definately buy this again.

I think this amp was made in 04/05 but I'm just going on the fact I bought it new in 05. This amp has a clean channel and a overdrive with an option for a more boosted overdrive. Its clean channel is fine but i'm not too bothered about that so I can't really say how good it is and the overdrive 1 is not really my style more for libertines or franz ferdinand type of music but the overdrive 2 is more my style as I play punk/emo/hardcore. The clean has .gain.treble.middle.bass knobs. the overdrive has .gain.volume.treble.middle.bass and for the master there's .fx loop.reverb.volume. It comes with a channel footswitch but doesn't have a headphone jack. I wish it sounded like all the guitarists amps that have this in a head version. I use this amp in my room and for band practise but haven't gigged it yet. At band prac. it just about has enough sound. oh and it's a tube.

I have a fender fat strat(mex) but I'm hoping to get a seymour duncan invader soon.It doesn't really suit the punk and emo thing I've heard it's good for blues and I can see why but just lacks something(like the ds-1 I added) It's not too noisy as it's only 40 watts but that is the problem. The amp was designed to sound good at low volume levels aswell as high but it seems they've forgotten about quality when you crank it up as the distortion sounds weak and as if it's being strained which it shouldn't so I'm going to add a marshall 1936 to help with that problem. Also another problem is that when you turn the volume up on the overdrive channel you also have to turn the gain up on the clean however when you turn the gain past 4 it starts to become distorted which is great for blues but not for my small pristine clean parts however the extension cabinet should solve that aswell. the second overdrive has potential but just misses the mark it's like a footballer that could be really good and just as he gets all the hype he starts smoking and loses it. However instead of the lacking overdrive that could sound good being palm muted to save its life I added my boss ds-1 to it and now it sounds v.good (the ds-1 was like the cure to stopping the footballer smoking...)

seems reliable I've bumped a few times nothing serious but it's still fine the only problem is it heating up and im hoping something inside isnt going to melt as its like a radiator.hoever I think I'm going to strap a fan to the back. I think I'd have to use this without back up as I could afford back up but if i could afford it I probably wouldn't have this amp.

...

I've been playing for 3 years and this is the first amp I've bough as I used to borrow my dads...I have a fender (mex) fat strat a Ds-1 which saves this amps od and I'm hoping to get a marshall 1936 cab and a sd invader in the near future.If it were stolen or lost I wouldn't buy it again I 'd take the insurance money and probably get a marshall head or just a tsl combo. I love bits of it but I also hate bits and you can probably guess from my ranting which bits. I wasn't sure whether to get this amp as it was only 40watts but i wanted a dsl cause Bands I liked had them(in a half stack though) But i'm not sure if the heads are way better or just people use rack mounts or pedals to make them sound good but this doesn't get too close to other bands dsl's.

my marshall JCM duel super lead was manufactured in 04 I think. it is the 40 watt combo, all tube with three way chanel switching. (clean overdrive and OD2) in my opinion it is pretty versitile. it also has the master volume with efects loop reverb and. I play metal but I also play blues, classic rock, hard rock, and minimal punk. so this amp has proved to be good for all that.(granted I have not had the amp for long but I play alot.) it dose not have a headphone jack so thats kinda a bummer. I use it as a primary source of my sound at home, to practice with my band so it dose have enough power for me.

as of now I am playing an old old epiphone ET-278 with oldschool humbuckers. I play metal (not metalica metal, real metal like from iron maiden to children of bodom metal) and the JCM has been the backbone of metal ever since Judas Prist or farther. so thats why I got it.
the clean chanal has the treb, mid, bass and,gain. it sustains it's tone with the volume. it can play a real soft traditional clean or if you turn up the gain it crunches up for a good blues tone, punk and clasice rock at a strech. the overdrive chanel is good for classic rock. the OD1 shares an EQ with the OD2 wich consists of: volume, gain, treb, mid and bass. every chourd shines and is great for what I play. although the OD1 can lack in gain. The OD2 is my favorit. what it lacks in the OD1 it makes up for in the OD2. the sound is great meaty and thick though, playing through humbuckers creats a real thick low end sound. this is good for me becaus I play rythm guitar, but is hard to play lead with. It has powerful distortion!!!!!!!
minimal feedback, I haven't had much problemess with it.( but I am used to feedback) on the overdrive chanels it dose buzz a bit but it's good then to turn it on standby.

I have not had my amp for long, but for what I have done with it, it has shined through in. I would use it on a gig without a backup because I can't aford another one. marshalls like this one were biult to last. It hasn't broken down but anual tube service is requiered

I have not delt with marshall before and I can't remember the warranty length of hand.

I have been playing only over a year and got a real lucky break to get this amp. the only other thing I have at this point is my epiphone and thats all I need. If it got stolen I would go acustic becaus I can't aford a new one. but If I could aford one I would buy a new one. I love the tone and the sheer volume of it, the tubes are that important. and I love the three chanel switching. I can't think of a thing that I hate about it exept I can't figure what guitar woould be best with it. I allos wish that it had a headphone jack, but thats not that important. I compared it to other marshall modles like the MG the AVT (solidstate) and the solidstate dose not compare to the tubes. and a few other amps but nothing compared to the JCM DSL (duel super lead) 40 watt combo.
note that I got it just befor they jacked up the price

Mine was made in 1999 I believe, the sound is just brilliant, the amp is not really intuitive at all when it comes to switching from cleaner to dirtier sounds due to the three separate channels: clean, Over-Drive 1 (normal) and 0D2 (like OD1 but with much more gain). I bought it used, and the idiots at the store provided me with a used 2-way footswitch which only lets me switch between clean and OD1; the amp actually should go with a 3-way footswitch. This amp has more than enough power for anything short of professional/celebrity-magnitude performances, the 40 watts are created by FOUR pre-amp and FOUR power amp tubes, more than on the most famous and beloved Marshall heads. The power tubes are EL-84s instead of the most popular 34's, these sound a lot warmer. Playing with the balance of the two volumes (OD vol and master vol) and the OD gain is quite an intuitive experience in perfecting your AC-DC'esque or Zeppelin-esque tone.

I'm playing a Gibson SG through this, with a Dunlop Classic Crybaby in the loop also. It sounds just great with and without the wah, warm, extremely responsive sound that just bursts with tone as long as it is not on too quietly. I have never turned this on close to the max volume settings, even when practising with my band in my drummer's basement at with him playing as loud as he can, i have not had to utilize more than 2/3 of the amp's volume potential.

I have had to replace the power-amp tubes twice and have owned it for only a year and a half. The EL-84's it is made to work with are NOT the most-common Groove Tube brand but rather the Yugoslavian EI or Marshall's own brand. This is a major inconvenience and expense in repairs (see below).

Marshall apparently charged my repairman $106 CAD (Canadian) for 4 power tubes. Not exactly cheap as far as i can see.

This amp has caused me a lot of grief, but I love it dearly and it has rewarded me with what I consider an incredibly good and warm tone. I would not part with it over a considerable amount of further aggravation or expenses of the type mentioned above, and for the budding guitarist or the pro who needs something great-sounding for practise, this seems to be the only all-tube Marshall option around.

Essentially a 3 channel amp which is nice.

I've been through several high quality amps: tube, solid state, & modeling. This is my favorite by far. Sounds great at reasonable volumes. We only play venues where the guitars are mic'ed through the PA, so this is perfect. But, it can also get plenty loud enough for band practice where we don't use a PA for the guitars. A lot of people (including me previously)just don't get the fact that a small 1x12 combo pushing fairly hard through a PA sounds way way better than a 100 watt half stack when the sound guy will only let you turn it up to 2. This won't have enough gain for some gain freaks. But if you want to sound like VanHalen, Slash, or just about any classic hard rock guy, this is the ticket.

Mine is a 2004 model with the modification discussed below, but I installed a cooling fan (from radio shack) just to make sure I don't have the problems that many people mention. The fan blows the air out from the cabinet. I can play for 4 hours and it hardly even gets warm (no where close to hot).

If you want classic Marshall sound used on countless rock and hard rock recordings this is the ticket. If you want the super modern Mesa sound then you should get a Mesa.

some of you read informative post about the revisions on the DSL 401, Here's more info I thought you'd like to know:

just spoke to marshall again.

The revised PCB with a beefier rectifier (same As but different brand, more sturdy) is in effect from week 17 of 2003

So M-200318XXXXXX onwards are revised and should be trouble free...

2003 yr of production and 18 week of production


Hope this helps!
__________________

I guess everybody knows the specs...
I'm playing since 23 years now. I have had only one Marshall 5150 (solid state) before. I own an old Fender tremolux (1964) ans a Peavey Classic 30. I'm playing mostly blues-rock and "classic rock" of the 70'.

I played this amp with my Fender deluxe powerhouse Strat, which is my main guitar. But I sometimes played it with a Gibson Les Paul Studio. Very good sound. The clear channel is not as clear and punchy as my Peavey Classic 30, but I use to play with the 2 amps and I only use the clear channel of the 401 to get a good bluesy crunch. OD channels are interresting. OD2 channel is very "singing", with a lot of compression and sustain. But I think my Peavey as more volume and more low ends... DSL401 is more noisy too, but I don't care about this !

There's the problem !!! I bought it in october 2004, And it was still repaired 3 times since. When the amp is too hot (after 1 hour of playing), volume vanishes mysteriouly every 3 minutes !!! like a slow tremolo ! This is not serious with such a fame in the world. Marshall amps should be reliable - and THEY ARE NOT ! It's unbelievable, it's a real lack of serious.
Mine is returned at the shop again. I don't want to get it again. How can you put a confidence in this king of amp for a gig ? Never had this with my old and reliable Classic 30...
Marshall has been the best... a long time ago. But now they are nothing at all !

My customer is really one of the best there is (Rockamusic - Namur - Belgium). He asked Marshall to get it replaced if something occured again when I came for my second repair. 1 mounth after... It is my third repair. But I don't want any DSL401. I'm going to pay the difference and try a TSL601... Maybe this time (other valves)! But how can I trust Marshall now ? I cross the fingers... and keep my Peavey in backing for every gig or reherseal.

When working, it's honestly a good amp, but I personnaly prefer the Peavey Classic 30. Better sound, more volume, reliable, reliable, reliable !!!

simple little tube amp od1, 2, reverb clean

this thing...i dont know....disappointed as hell... this just doesnt have the classic marshall sound. It doesnt distort well AT ALL ...WAYYYYY TOO MUCH TONE. warm is good in tube amps but this thing sounds waaaay to warm, the only player i could see using this amp is a blues player. My valvestate 100 kicks the crap out of this junk. this amp is an all around rip off, its all i have to say about it. If your looking for a good crunch or a good versatile overdrive get youself a tsl or a jcm 900, this thing just sucks.

As many have listed here already... but the best feature for me is 40W of tube power is all i ever need.

features compared to other Marhshall amps then it's lacking in some.

Took awhile before i figured it out, but the tone is incredible delivering that Marshall sound. The trick is get the master vol past 12oclock and that's when it sings. I jam with this 50+ pure classic rock guy and he's jealous of the tone i get from this amp. Bottomline, i can get all sound I need for the music we play from classic rock, grunge, new wave, U2, etc.

The clean sound can use a bit of headroom. It does still sound great though, good thing we don't generally play that loud on the clean portions. Probably not good for squeaky clean jazz :).

Distortion is classic Marshall and that's all i need. They added this OD2 quasi-channel which i seem to never use. Instead, i have a Keely DS-1 which i use as a clean boost (0-3 gain, max level). With the OD1 gain at 5, the tubes start to harmonize those electrons and sing. Cool harmonics and musical feedbacks.

It can do classic Metallica but no scooped metals for the NuMetal types.

Since it's a combo, the overall sound is limited though but for what it is, it clearly rocks.

not sure if mine is the improved model, but i bought it last year (or late last-last year), back when prices were still good. Couple of gigs but mostly extended weekend jammings and so far the PCB hasn't fried itself yet based on the reviews below.

BUT recently my footpedal is acting up and it seems like all recent Marshalls have this problem. I'll try not to stomp on it heavily.

Stolen or lost, i would step up to a head/cab. It would still be a Marshall though, prolly a DSL50.

I love it, my bandmates love me for getting it.

A late 2003 model. All tube. Straight forward controls, clean, OD1 and OD2 channels with tone controls. Master reverb, volume and effects controls. If I had a say, I would have liked having the reverb control on each channel, otherwise I like the simplicity of the amp controls.

Excellent clean tones and OD1 distortion, great for blues, jazz and classic rock. OD2 is basically a boosted OD1.....I never use it, but I'm sure others will.

I know that there have been overheating problems with other DSL401s, but I haven't experienced any of those problems with my amp. The previous post explains the redesign Marshall has done on this amp. I don't expect any problems thanks to the Marshall updates.

Based on my experience, I give this amp a 10.

I've had good dealings with Marshall and their products for over 20 years.

I've been playing for almost 40 years. I bought this amp because the store owner has known me for a long time, he liked this amp and thought I would too, so he called me up and gave me a great deal. I love the DSL401 and the el84 tube sound for the music I play. This amp compliments the other gear I own. I wouldn't say that it's anywhere close to being the ultimate Marshall amp, but if you let it be what it's designed to be, it's a very good amp. At the price I paid for mine new, it's the best value of any amp I've owned.

Hi all,

I ve just spoken with a Marshall engineer/designer directly on the phone and she gave me the COMPLETE lowdown on DSL401 amp as well as the DSL/TSL series.

So,

The DSL 401 has been REDESIGNED on the pcb, all the solder joints have been beefed up, the overheating bridge rectifier has been replaced with a different one that runs at lower temperatures, and the amp is now biased differently after the redesign in order to run cooler than it used to be.

On the Master volume issue, the DSL401 has post PIMV as well as the TSL601/602 so they will perform better at lower volume (home practice) but according to them, the DSL401 is more suited to the task. The DSL heads dont have that master volume circuitry hence they need more cranking to perform.

The PCBs are IDENTICAL in quality throughout all the JCM2000 range.

Finally this is the FIRST company that has satisfied me COMPLETELY on the customer/technical support, in ANY commercial product i have associated with. Props to them... they deserve to be a market leader.

Yannis...

PS. DSL401 here i come!!!

Awesome!!!!!

I bought mine in '99 so it was probably made around that time. This amp does sound good with some help meaning if you change tubes and speaker. Stock it sounds too brittle compared to the marshall sound.

It does squeak out that "marshall tone" if that's what you're after. It can be noisy though a lot of noise is usually contributed to exterior sources.

As many have previously posted this amp gets too hot for it's own good. I've already had the PCB resoldered. Use a fan.

5 year warranty is good.

I've been playing >16 years. If you're after that "marshall tone" and need a combo for practice/gigging purposes this will work though I wouldn't buy new. I only purchased new 'cause of a deal from a friend that "worked the system" for me at the store.

Purchase used, get PCB looked over/resoldered, change tubes/bias, replace gold back speaker with a vintage 30, and use a fan to cool the tubes.

We all know the score... Clean/OD1/OD2. 40 watts of pure valve tone. Effects loop with level control on front panel. DI output from 1/4" output on rear panel.

The thing I found odd is that there is a seperate reverb on/off input socket... seperate from the channel foot switch socket. That means you need a second single button footswitch.

Packed full of the Marshall features you'd hope for/expect in a combo of this size.

I wouldn't ask for anything else feature-wise from this amp, so it gets a 10.

I mainly use a 2004 Les Paul Classic, sometimes using a 1996 Fender Strat. The Les Paul matches the amp perfectly, while the strat tends to sound a bit thin. By setting the clean channel's gain to just below half way, and adjusting the Les Paul's volume controls, I can get sounds ranging from warm and deep(but not thick and muddy) glassy tones to a light crunch sound.

The OD channel starts from light barely crunchy tones quite chunky distortion. The channel's not designed for extreme gain nu-metal sounds, but delivers great late 1970s classic rock tones.

OD2 shares the gain and eq with OD1. Basically it gives you a 20db boost over OD1, and therefore is great for being heard over the rest of the band while playing lead.

I play a variety of styles, from christian rock/soul/funk/heavy metal, and the amp delivers on most. For some of the heavier higher gain sounds, I got a ProCo Rat, which delivers more than enough versatility... but that's another review!

Sounds.... it gets a 10!

Haven't had any issues with the amp, and I don't expect anything to go wrong with it! This amp replaced a Marshall MG 50, which I still cart around with me... but only so I can hook its speaker up to my new amp for extra kick!

I did wonder what the hell was rattling around when I was driving it home after buying it, but i think it's the spring in the reverb tank.

Only had it a couple of weeks, but it's been fine so far, so it gets a 10!

Never had to deal with them, so I assume it's all good... but no score from me on this one!

I've been playing for about 8 years, but only spent about two years gigging on a regular basis. I'm playing at least 5 times a week (at gigs and rehersals) with my different musical endeavours, plus all the hours jamming late into the night in my room.

I own a fair collection of stompboxes: a marshall ed-1 compressor, proco rat, dod icebox chorus, dunlop cry baby

plus i also use a korg ax1500g in the studio and occasionally live.

if this amp was stolen i'd definatley get a new one, cause it rocks! it'll cover all the classic marshall rock sounds, and has a great clean channel too. stick a distortion pedal ala tubescreamer/rat/big muff etc, and you're into nu-metal as well!

I don't have a clue what year this amp was made in, but it must have been made quite recently judging by the launch dates.

I like playing Hard Rock, Blues, Rock etc. This amp fulfills all these criterias, as it is after all an all-valve Marshall.

This amp has all the basic features, reverb, master volume, clean, od1, od2. It also hasn't got a headphone jack, but it would be pointless if it did. Who buys a 40 watt amp and plays it quietly? I believe it doesn't need all the effects stuff on it as well. If you want a digital effects amp, buy an MG50.

Since this an all valve Marshall, the power of OD1 is very high. OD2 is even more powerful!

I use a Les Paul with Duncan Alnico 2's installed. This set up is perfect for my playing styles. You can also get an accurate ACDC type crunch too!

The distortion is not brutal at all, it's very round and warm. Still powerfull, but it has a very nice edge.

Haven't owned it for long, but 3 years warranty sound great!

Marshall have one of the leading customer support teams. They are always willing to help, and always have (for me anyway).

I have been playing for many years, and i have to say for this price the DSL401 is great.

If it were stolen, I'd find the git and ram a Jackson up his a@s!

The sound is that of a classic Marshall. No hybrid rubbish here.

Compared to other amps of the same price, this amp is a serious contender. No doubts.

The only fault that i can find is that it does overheat, but what the hell, it's a valve amp after all!

If you do have the #410, consider this amp. Plese don't go and buy an MG100DFX!

For the "ALL NEW PRICE" of *****$$$1079.00*****, the amp should wipe my ass!! Can you believe it?? A 40 watt amp with reverb....I'm waiting for the New Peavey JSX 120 watt combo with reverb and custom speakers designed by Satriani himself!

Hey Marshall!!! F--K YOU!! Choke on your name and price. Sell your amps to some body in a 3rd world country.

For $1079.00...I really CAN'T stand the sounds. What a RIP OFF!

My DSL-201 was an anchor...I got rid of that piece of shit...My TSL-122 had footswitch problems from Hell. I couldn't get a marshall tech within two weeks. I praised a customer service tech at Peavey and Mr. Peavey himself contacted me. Yeah! The CEO. Marshall can go pound sand.

What support?? Support?? What the hell is that. Marshall only exists to take your money. After that...they don't know you.

Marshall finally did it. They drove a loyal customer out. I used marshall equipment since 1969. They will NEVER see another dime of mine. They think they can live on their name...Yeah...Right! Avatar speaker cabinets are far superior to marshall's. Avatar uses the same, or better speakers for less than 1/2 the price! I'm not kidding here. Check them out. The cabs are literal tanks and built more solid and with way more choices than marshall cabs. Jim Marshall, I'm sorry man. You just drove your company in the ground. You have to be pretty arrogant to charge boutique prices for production mediocre quality amps. I thought you would fix your customer service, amp quality, and price them fairly before the end of your life. Marshall used to be decent. I wouldn't give you the sweat off my balls for anything marshall manufactures, period. $1749.00 for a TSL-100; $2049.00 for a TSL-122; $1079.00 for a DSL-401...sounds like Bull Shit to me. Great fertilizer and anchors though!!!

I bought mine Jan 2005 but the first few characters of the serial number are M-2004-??. so maybe it was made 2004. 2001 JCM2000 DSL401. 40 watt combo, 1x12 celestion speaker. If you need more detail just go to Marshall web site. The features is pretty much standard with the other brand name amps I have tested so I will give this a 7.

I like the clean channel although I did not buy this amp for the clean channel. But of course my Fender clean channel is better. I like the distortion of DSL 401 and this is one of the reasons why I bought this amp. The reverb does not sound impressive. Marshall manual used the word ?cavernous depth ? to describe the reverb for me this is over stated. The sound of the reverb of my other amps (Vox AD60VTX, Fender HR, & Fender Deluxe 90) are a lot better considering the D90 is a solid state

The first amp I bought the reverb does not work at all. So, I went back to the store and exchange it with a new one right out of the box. If I am spending this much money for this amp, they better work the first time or you, Marshall, will flunk my review in Reliability. I expect this amp to be reliable especially when they are made in England. I heard about over heating problem but I do not play very loud so it does not draw too much current. When the room temperature is hot, I?ll use my big electric fan to blow the air at the back of the amp to cool it off.

I have no problem with this amp so far.

I think the amp is expensive for $693 + tax. I think the value of this amp should be around $500. I wish they used plywood not particle board. It comes with a pedal for clean/gain/more gain but I wish it comes with the pedal for the on/off reverb (free of charge). There is no delay, tremolo, phase or anything like that. You need to get your own and plug them in. That is Okay because that is what I would expect with a tube amp. It this were stolen or lost, I'll get a Fender made in USA or something else.

Mine was made in 2004, i play rock on it but its got enough balls to pail preist on it
Clean, OD1, OD2 channels, channel switch with footswitch, FX loop, cab output, speaker output, reverb
40W Valve

Nice little combo enough meat for large halls really if you mic this thing up nicely itll do anything up to wembley... wont sound meaty past a large hall tho...
Use it at home bt its a bit loud b4 it starts to sound good and 4 gigs

Using Ibanez 2550 with JB and Paf pro, and a RG 270 with Dimarzio IBZs i nicked from the 2550, they are dual humbuckers.

Play Guns stuff on it and some queen, offpsring it pretty much nails the offspring and tie your mother down by queen, would be great for guns but i dont have a LP with alnico 2 pros!!! gets verrry close to the tone with the 2550 tho.. you could be mine sounds good.
Set the gain on the OD2 to 6, and eqs to the same... treble boosted to about 9 and its amazing.Can be noisy at low volumes but... it blows you away with the master at 10, you can solo forever such a great marshall tone.

Only probs is if you have the channel volume up, and master down you get probs with diference in gain in all channels, eg OD2 changing to OD1 will sound very simmilar and the clean channel starts to break up after gain of bout 4, to solve this rock with 40W of raw power and the master at 10

Uh ive only had it a couple a days, but my mate has one and his is going strong for over a year now, its got tubes so... they are unreliable but only if you dont care of them

Havent dealt with them but got a 3 year warranty so im quite happy

Been playing over 5 years, had a zoom 606 thru a 20watt tranny amp!! needed something with more balls really and 4 gigs. Ive played thru marshall cabs with rack units and various other combos at the same prive this kicks everythings ass, except a vox ac30...
If it was stolen id find the bastard who knicked it and take it back from him! If not id save up 400 pounds 4 a new one
I wish the master went to 11!!

Might fire in some KT88s for the clean channel, cos slash did.

2001 JCM2000 DSL401. 40 watt combo, 1x12 celestions peaker, 3 chanels, yadda yadda yadda -- if you're at all intersted in buying one you know this already i'm sure.
The 40w size is ideal for a semi-pro musician like myself who plays medium to large rooms and clubs. Not only is 100w complete overkill for such a room, but you could never turn up past 3 or 4 with something that large and let's face it: if you know anything about marshalls you know they don't really start to open up and sing and really cook until about 6 or 7. Great, very economical little amp.

I play a few guitars for gigging including a custom built P-90 les paul, a cusotm humbucker les paul, a G&L ASAT Classic Custom, and an all-original '71 Gibson SG Deluxe. I'm a tone nut so I generally don't use too many effects at all - maybe a pickup booster with the ASAT and maybe a delay in the effects loop, but that's it. I play this marshall without the internal speaker and into a 2x12 extension cab with celestion greenbacks in it and play it in an A/B rig with a fender deluxe reverb for cleans -- great setup - does everything i need and then some.
The thing i love about this amp is you can crank it and get it to really sing without blowing out the windows or your ears, for that matter. Not only is it 40w compared to its 100w DSL brother, but it packs a quintet of EL84's as opposed to EL34's -- Difference? The EL84's break up and heat up easier than the 34's making the amp start to sound great and cook at around 5 instead of 6 or 7 like on the others. Unless you own a hotplate or a power brake, this is the best club marshall you could buy; it'll suit your needs volume-wise, nothing more, and surely nothing less as long as you're not playing stadiums.
Nice tone -- truly nice tone. I use the clean channel mainly, turning the gain up to around 8 -- its thickens up nice and is great for crunchy gritty rock - I usually set the gain to 8, trebel to 6, mids to 7, bass to 5.
The lead channel I set the knobs as follows: Volume and gain: 6, Bass: 4, Mids and Trebel: 7.
The second lead channel is just a big boost, so no settings can be changed for it - it just goes off of what you set for the first lead channel.
The reverb is good -- very good -- obviously its not gonna beat out a fender reverb tank, but its admirable - nice spring reverb sound
If you put the master volume on 5 or above you'll see how this amp really performs - below 5 it just sounds 2-dimensional and doesn't have much character, as all class A/B tube amps do - no surprise there. This little package SINGS with quite enough horsepower for any club musician and then some - trust me there.

I ran into one mishap with mine after a month or two of ownership, but not with the amplifier itself. One of the stock tubes proved faulty the verdict was from the amp tech, which in effect caused a resisitor to blow in the amp, but the fuse blew before any other damage could be done, thankfully. The amp itself is fine - i just got caught with one of those one in a million faulty tubes that gets passed through insepection i guess -- lucky me...
Would i play this amp at a gig without a backup? I never play any gig without a backup, so no, but thats the case with any tube amp. I've always got my deluxe reverb with me and i carry an OD pedal just in case somehting happens so i can have my basses covered.

I looked on the website for service centers, found one near me, went to drop the amp off (brought the originaly reciept with me of course) an they took care of it. Got a call a few days later when they got to it, discussed the repair with me, told me exactly what went wrong and how, fixed it, and i got it back under warranty without having to pay another cent.
They were nice, helpful, and efficient.

I've been playing for about 6 years now - i've gotten really into it - i build my own guitars now, am quite frankly a tone nut, and am really just strait up a music guitar geek i guess -- when you find yourself involved in an hour+ conversation about the difference in tone between orange drop, ceramic disc, and paper in oil capacitors, you'll know -- i've been there many times - this has ben a great combo amp to work with - very portable, very useful, and sounds great - $899 isn't exactly cheap, but its oen hell of a bang for your buck - and i still say the reason why this baby shines for me is because you can keep the volume at a reasonable level and have the amp screaming and cooking and really opening up for you at the same time. You think you're gonna buy a 100watt or even 50watt plexi and play clubs? You're kidding yourself. Even a 100watt DSL? No way -- Hey - i'm a musician too - the bigger it is the higher the wattage we all tend to think right off the bat that its that much cooler - well, not if you can't use it and turn it up above mouse-fart volume. Thi amp is plenty for clubs, and soemtimes i'm pressed to not even bein able to turn it above 5 or 5 1/2 wihtout getting too loud. Hey - if you're playing a huge room and need some extra coverage and volume too, heck just throw a mic on the speaker and send it through the PA -- its plenty for everything you'd ever want for a the working musician -- feel free to contact me with any questions - i'd be more than happy to respond.

Purchased in 2002. Great gigging tool. Hit the footswitch for Clean, Edge Distortion and Lead Distortion. No fuss. Ample power and it won't break your back or your pocketbook.

Sounds great with single coils and sings with humbuckers. You can tell at very low volume you're not driving the tubes. But as you do it sounds great. You don't need to wake up the neighbors either. Classic Marshall tone.

Gigging it regularly for three years with no problems. Because of the info I've read here I bought a small battery clip fan to keep the air moving in the back. Not sure if it's been necessay.

Warranty is 5 years. I bought in a store who is an authorized Marshall warranty repair shop.

Playing 25 years. Own several strats and gibsons. It is the best sound for the dollar, portable and easy to use. Can stand up to drums but in most venues you mic now anyway. Would buy it again.

This 40Watt amp has three channels, well two really the drive channel has a 20dB boost giving the third channel. I only use the clean and drive with the 20dB boost. Each channel has its own three band Eq, the clean channel has a drive, and the lead channel drive and volume. There is also a master reverb and volume. There is also a parallel Fx Loop. A footswitch is provided for channel switching. I have the three classic guitars Tele/Strat/LP. OK now some comments, first of all I wish there was a volume control on both channels to help balancing the levels. The amp sounds lovely on both channels with my single coil guitars but the humbuckers on the LP sound dull on the clean channel. Maybe a bright switch is needed? Loudness wise its great for recording and home use but can struggle a little bit in a band situation. I bought an Ibanez TS pedal which compliments the amp very well and gives me that extra bit of power I sometimes need to make myself heard against the other guitarist.

Single Coils sound great on both channels. The Les Paul Humbuckers sound dull through the clean channel. You can get most sounds out of the amp apart from very high gain nu-metal stuff.

the amp seems reliable, however Marshall did a mod on the amp (under warranty) to correct what seems a general fault with some of the earlier DSL 401 amps whereby the generate quite a bit of heat. Since the mod, the amp works fine.

Excellent, 3 year warranty. Being UK based factory is just down the road and as mentioned they fixed the overheat problem very quickly.

I have been playing 10 years, this is the only amp I own, but I have had Line 6 and Fender gear before. I think the tones for my single coils are excellent and for the price with the 3 year warranty this amp is good value for money. Sure there are better sounding amps out there, but most of them are conisderably more expensive.

I bought this amp in 1999. It has a clean channel, and overdrive1 channel and an overdrive2 channel. As for FX loops etc., I never use them anyway. I used the reverb for a while, but then the reverb knob got a short (?) in it and the thing was stuck in full-blown reverb mode. Very annoying; I took it to the shop, and apparently the technician just disconnected the reverb (?). I don't need reverb much anyway: I can get a better sound using my echoplex. I mainly use the OD1 channel and the clean channel. The OD2 channel is a little too gainy sounding for the classic rock that I play, but I suppose it is useful for more modern metal sounds. The amp is plenty loud enough. I took it out to a friend's farm and cranked it up just past the halfway mark and it about deafened me.

I am at present, using a 1960 reissue Gibson Les Paul with the stock humbuckers. Playing through the OD1 channel, with the gain kept low in comparison to the volume, and tweaking the volume and tone knobs on the guitar itself, I can attain Jimmy Page's sound almost to the T.
The same goes for Hendrix, Zappa, Nugent, etc.: with a little tweaking of the gain, volume and tone controls almost any rock guitar sound can be attained. I am very pleased with the sound I can get out of this amplifier.

The amplifier is not noisy under most conditions, however from time to time I can hear a hum coming through that goes away when I touch the strings with my fret hand. I haven't figured out what is causing this (a neighbor with a blow dryer or a mixer perhaps ???)

The amp can go everywhere from clean to super-saturated distortion, but the whole while it still maintains that Marshall tone. I read another review that stated that the amp can only produce one sound. If you like Marshall you will like that sound. In my opinion, Marshall amps sound 1000x better than any Peavy, Mesa Boogie, or any of thos new-fangled boutique amps. But I am an old-timer, so please take that into consideration.

The clean channel does distort at high volumes by turning up the gain on the clean channel.

The distortion on the OD2 channel is utterly brutal. For my musical tastes, it is unusable, but I am sure there are those out there that play the newer styles of music that may find it useful.

Now for the bad news. No, I cannot depend on this amplifier; at least not anymore. I bought the thing in 1999, and I played through it on average about 20-30 hours per week. No problems with it for the first three years, so it was reliable to that point.

Then one day I was playing and the amp just died. I took it to the shop and I never did find out exactly what the problem was. I know it wasn't a fuse because I checked them, but the repair bill was only $30 so I didn't make a deal out of it. Shortly thereafter, the reverb got stuck in the full-blown position, as I mentioned earlier. Within a month I blew the tubes (this can be expected considering the heavy use I suppose), so I had it retubed. Now the thing is popping fuses when I crank the volume up, so it is back in the shop. I believe I paid around $720 for the amp when it was new. I already have spent an additional $300 in repairs and tubes, and the thing is in the shop right now. I love the sound of this amp, but in the past year or so, it has been in the shop three or four times. Not cool!

I never dealt with Marshall. All of my repairs have been done by an amp tech in a local music store.

I have been playing off and on for about 25 years, but heavily for about the past 7 years (due to finally being able to afford decent gear). I own the Gibson Les Paul 1960 reissue, an Epiphone Les Paul, a Fender Stratocaster, two Fender Champ 12's, the Marshall DSL401, a 1974 Marshall JMP SuperLead 100W head, a 1993 Marshall SLP1959 reissue 100W head, and 1960A cabinet. Effects I use occasionally: Vox wah, Echoplex, SmallStone phase, MXR phase, Fuzz-Face(reissue).

If this amp were stolen or lost, I would probably want another one due to the portability of the thing. It is fairly easy to carry around and it does have a hell of a good tone. It can also be played at fairly low volumes and still get a decent sound. I just hate the fact that the amp keeps breaking down on me here lately.

I did compare it to a Mesa-Boogie combo. The Mesa sounded somehow phony and sterile, almost like a solid-state amp would sound, and the overdrive was muddy sounding. But again, I just prefer Marshall sounds because I prefer to play rock music, and I love the live sound.

I wish this amplifier was built like my Marshall 100W heads. They are built like tanks: I have had zero problems with those other than an occasional fuse needing to be replaced.

I would like to say this: If I by another one of these, I would not pay more than $400-$500 dollars for it. I do not feel that the amplifier is worth the $720 I paid for it, and it DAMN sure isn't worth any $1000!!! If someone is going to spend that much money, go ahead and buy a 50 watt head and a 2X12 cabinet or something. One has to consider that the DSL401 is a relatively new amp, and so it is built with cheapo parts.

This is an update on the limited edition review. You already know the features. However build quality is an issue. The amp is made from a pressboard wood fibre like substance that makes it heavier than it needs to be and weaker too.If a korean manufacturer did that we'd jump all over them. Why is it OK for Marshall? It is not.

I use teles and a les paul studio. There is no real clean channel. You set it clean and wait for the tone. What you get is the sonic equivalent of somebody singing with mothballs in their mouth. It is not there. After a few months you just give up. The reverb is also non existant. It is the weakest I have ever heard. I used to owne a JCM800 2205 that had great reverb. How does a company forget how to do things that they were once good at?
The distortion channels are the only redeeming features. But heck for what you boys paid for this piece of cra., you might just want to plug a tubescreamer into the house PA. at least you'd get more than one sound and it would set you back $50.00 I see it like this, you need clean, you can always add gain. Kinda like the Canadian saying, " beer if food - but food is not beer". Figure that out. Back to the amp. It is a statement of arrogance from a manufacturer who has not kept pace. It is a neighborhood bully with a short guy complex who promises if you don't like his sound then his big brothers will be around to see you.

Don't use it live. Can't get more than one sound out of it. Not a players amplifier. one for the bedroom heroes. Rock on yeah, one for the headphone jack crowd.

Who cares? This amp is in the same league as a solid state traynor I bought in the 80's. Forgettable.

35 years. Use good tube amps under $1000.00 to gig with . This is not one.

Probably made in 2003. Clean, crunch and even more crunch channel. Some said 2.5 channels. Lacks headphone jack though. However, versatile enough for most people. 4 pre ECC83 or 12AX7 and 4 power EL84 valve or vaccuum tubes. Stating this as it will be elaborated more below.

Guitar used Japanese Fender EC Strat with Lace Gold and 24db boost, Gibson Classic with '57 Classic humbee. Music style are mainly blues and 70s rocks with some 70's/80's hard rock.

The amplifier out of the box sounds okay. Slightly harsh sound and lack the 3D sound. However, the tone has improved dramatically after some improvement done on the amp.

Reverb is very lacking as compared with some other amp like Laney LC15R. I tried changing the Reverb tank from the Laney (model : 1BB3C1B) to the Marshall (model : 4 BB3C10) and the reverb effect is like heaven and earth. The Laney Reverb is only a 2 spring while the Marshall is a 4 spring. Perhaps this explains the difference but I felt the 2 spring worked better. Another issue with the Reverb tanks is that according to Accutronics specs, the 4BB3C10 unit is supposed to be mounted on a vertical surface. Marshall mount the reverb on a horizontal surface??? Tried mounting the tank on the vertical surface at the back and the effect of reverb had improved. Marshall manufacturer - any comments here???

Valves tubes - as mentioned above, used 4 pre and 4 power tubes. Some comments from other writers have been made on improving the sound by changing to better tube. I definitely can confirm this improvement. Original tubes used has the Marshall marking on the tube itself. To understand more on the importance of tubes affecting the amp tone itself, suggest reader go to "www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com". Changed the 1st and 4th pre tube to Mullard ECC83 and 3rd & 4th tube to JJ/Tesla. The tone is fantastic. I know, the Mullard tubes are expensive but it's gonna last a much longer time and it's worth the money. As for the power tubes, JJ/Tesla EL84 works very well. One last thing on tubes is that not all tubes are exactly the same even for Mullard and not to mention that cheaper tubes. Tried the 1.5ma/1.8mav, didn't like it, the 1.1ma/1.7mav works much better. You've got to try different tube and that's where the fun of owning a tube amp is.

Speaker wires - one other reader mentioned this already and it's true, not a difficult thing to do, worth changing the wire.

Heat - install a fan, doesn't matter if it 220V AC or 12V DC, helps to cool down the heat if mounted an the base and angle it towards the tubes. Even in tropical weather, never had any proplem with overheating.

Pops and click - had some problem here if the master volume is max. However, it is not very frequent and found that effects like TS9 tube screamer contributed to this noise.

After changing and experimenting, the tone of the amp is just fabulous. It is cleaner yet has more sustain and bloom (3D sound) in comparision to the Laney LC15R on the Clean channel.

As for the crunch channel, it is tight and has more bottom oomph. The distortion can be brutal, just dail up the gain to about 7.

Amp is quiet if the gain is not dail all the way up. In fact, I prefer to have a lower pre gain at about 3-5 and max the master volume 8-10, sweet sounding whether on clean or crunch channel.

Last thing, using a patch cable and jacking into the FX send and received does have an effect on the sound, try it, you may like it.

Had it for less than a year, no problem so far. My unit came sealed in the original packing, not a demo unit from the showroom. Having said that, I installed the fan a month after getting the amp and now the amp is just slightly warm to touch.

1 year warrant, hopefully don't have to use it. So far, not problems, finger crossed.

Tried other smaller amp but found the Marshall to be very satisfying. Amp is loud enough for now and would certainly buy it again. As mentioned, wished it had a headphone output jack.

The usual. A 2 channel all tube 1-12 combo. It has an fx loop, extension speaker output, etc. It had enough features to do anything I needed to do live. I gig once or twice a week and I needed Marshall crunch.

It sounds like a Marshall only it has more gain than the older models. It sounds closer to the AVT than the JCM800 due to the very high gain on tap. No matter how you tweak it, it still sounds like a scooped mid Marshall at heart. At the higher gain settings it gets buzzy like a 5150, maybe worse, but I use medium gain anyway. I liked it, but read on.

VERY UNRELIABLE!!! Heres where it all goes to hell in a handbasket. I bought one from Musicians Friend and it arrived in an unopened box that had obviously never been opened since sealed at the factory. I played it the first day and was getting used to the sound and learning to dial the buzzyness out of it, and on the second day it would not fire up. I got the light but it wouldn't come off standby and it smelled like burning plastic. I sent it back for a second one and guess what? It NEVER WORKED! EVER! I never got to hear it! Sent it back and got the charges removed from my MF card. I bought a 601 from my local Marshall dealer and wouldn't you know: SAME ISSUE! WHAT IS MARSHALL DOING! They used to be the most dependable amps made. NOT ANY MORE! I'm buying another Peavey, maybe an XXX. It wont sound like a Marshall but it will work forever!

MF support was very good, and so was my local dealer. It wasn't their fault the amps were crap. Did email Marshall with a nasty note, but was respectful and not vulgar, and they responded that I should have taken it to a service center. THREE NEW AMPS IN THE SERVICE CENTER AND NOT BEING PLAYED! Yeah right. Fat chance. Not even an apology!

I really wanted a Marshall but this was ridiculous. Until they get their quality back where it was I wont touch a Marshall. I should have stayed with my Peavey Triumph. It always worked no matter what I did to it and it sounded decent, if not spectacular. I'm still dumbfounded at Marshall. THREE BAD AMPS! The manager at my local store has told me to bring the 60 watt back too. He said there have been lots of probs with the new Marshall stuff and he has been talking to them about returns at his shop too. He says there are problems with no cooling on the boards and so bad solders are happening and boards are burning up all over the place. He sells Peavey. I think I will be bringing one home tonight!

- 40w, 1x12 all-valve combo

- I think it's a 2003 model

- Just about versatile enough. I like to play in the styles of Oasis, BRMC, Jeff Buckley and Radiohead, amongst others. It works for many of my styles, although my gripes with the reverb (see below) mean it isn't completely ideal for playing Jeff Buckley... but I wouldn't ever expect any Marshall to be anyway.

- 2 dedicated channels (clean & overdrive), although the overdrive channel has a +20dB gain boost switch, which gives the effect of an external overdrive pedal. Getting even volume levels between the two channels is a right pain in the arse, thanks to no post-gain on the clean channel.

- 3 band EQ for each channel, FX loop, DI output, external speaker jack with switchable impedance, channel footswitch, optional reverb footswitch

- I would prefer a more shimmery reverb with a lot more depth - Marshall could learn a thing or two from Fender about making shimmery spring reverbs. A presence control would have been nice as well, as well as an independent post-gain control for the clean channel (like on the OD channel).

- I haven't gigged with it yet; I've just been using it for bedroom practicing so far. It's plenty powerful enough for this purpose, but I'm sure it could do the business in a gig situation.

- I use this amp with an Epiphone Riviera, which has two NY mini-humbuckers. I love the pickups, and they give a fantastic bite with this amp, as I would expect from any Marshall. I can get a great Noel Gallagher-like sound with this setup - a good warm indie tone with fantastic presence and bite.

- Very quiet. Hardly any background noise. Of course, high-gain settings yield some hiss, but even then not very much.

- The master volume and independent channel volumes allow you to get some nice cranked tones at ear-friendly levels, although it sounds even better when fully cranked. The amp is great for bluesy tones but can also deliver some meaty rock and roll tones as well. Pushing up the pre-gain control on the clean channel gives a wonderfully warm, bluesy tone with a little dirt to give it a bit of edge. It does make the clean channel a lot louder than the overdrive channel, however, which is why I would very much love a post-gain control on the clean channel.

- Great distortion. Fantastic bite.

- Now for the problems... the speaker isn't exactly great. In fact, it's not great at all. There is nowhere near enough low end, and it makes the whole thing sound rather raspy. I'll probably be changing it for a Celestion Greenback or a Vintage 30. Also, for some reason bringing up the reverb gives the distortion channel an unhealthy sounding fuzziness. The reverb itself is pretty bad, and it has quite a mind of it's own when switching channels.

- This amp overheats like CRAZY. After 10 minutes, touching the front panel will burn your fingers, and you can feel the heat coming off the thing if you get too close. I don't understand how Marshall could overlook this issue. I've now been resorted to using a desk fan pointing into the back of the amp to keep it cool. It does the trick, but it seems quite a lot of unnecessary effort on my part to correct a pretty big manufacturing fault.

- Now I use a fan to keep the amp cool, I'm pretty sure I could safely gig without it overheating. But I'll use a solid-state Peavey Stereo Chorus 212 alongside my valve setup anyway, so if the valves did fail mid-gig or the amp overheated, I'd just ditch the Marshall and carry on with just the Peavey. Out of principle, I would never gig any valve amp without a backup.

- Never dealt with them

- Although I have a few problems with this amp, I do love the sound I get from it. It is the best amp I personally have ever owned, and I certainly don't see myself replacing it in the near future. Considering I got it as new (and I do mean in impeccable condition) for a great deal less than its RRP, I'm pretty damn happy with what I got.

If you have some way of keeping it cool, and you don't mind replacing the speaker or buying a cab, I would say go for this amp! It really does sound awesome, and I am very happy with it. Otherwise, you might want to consider an alternative.

I really like this amp! There have been many that I have tried and used, but for the money, I think there is no better amp on the market. Reverb could use some more depth but you get what you paid for... I never use the third channel but it's always there if I want an extra 20 dB!

It has that well acclaimed Marshall scream, but is lacking on the low end. Loud, VERY loud but at high levels, you lose a lot of clarity and sometimes there's a hiss, sometimes there isn't. Have thought of replacing the speaker with an 8 ohm instead of a 16 to get the true 40 watts out of it. If you look closely, Marshall rates the amp at 20 watts with a 16 ohm speaker, and 40 watts with an 8 ohm. So needless to say I look forward to that.

I have had NO trouble, have played loud (not cranked) at about 7 for a long time OUTSIDE DURING THE SUMMER. Play live at least once a week and have had no complaints whatsoever. Yes it does get HOT but never hot enought to damage it. But, then again tube amps do have heaters in them so, YES it does get HOT. It lives in a case all week long and is sheltered, so drops and vibrations are kept to a minimal.

Have never had to deal with them but my dealer (Carls Music of Lexington, KY) has never left me complaining!

If you are looking for Marshall scream for cheap, this has your amp! If you are looking for clean channel tube warmth go with a Fender Deluxe. But, if you're looking for a good rock accompanyment for your humbucher axe, crank it up and let the good times roll!!! Oh , and don't forget the skillet to cook your dinner on, cause as everyone has stated and I will too, it gets hot.

This amp is part of the current Marshall catalogue. Standard features.
If you want the specs. check out the marshall website www.marshallamps.com.
My one gripe witht the amp at first was that the boost channel didn't have a large enough volume increase but as time went on I began to realise that with a suitable amount of gain (which i will get on to) it works fine.

Standard but also boost. Availibility for reverb footswitch.
If you think this is just like a 3 channel amp it isn't. It's worth considering if you need 3 channels when choosing an amp.

Using it with my Tele w/Seymour Duncan humbucker in bridge, standard in neck. Played a Gibson SG with p90s in it too. I play a variety of different types of rock, also some bluesy stuff. As you would expect its brilliant for these (typical marshall).
I would also point out that to get the most from this amp you need to learn about the controls. In my opinion there is more than enough gain, and to be honest it sounds bad with the gain past 8. I think it sounds too buzzy.
You can get a nice classic rock sound, also a good metal sound, not too harsh, not too smooth. As they tell you this amp sounds better turned up loud, driving the power amp to get some different tones.

The clean channel isn't so hot. It has a gain control instead of volume which has its good and bad points and can be annoying when changing volumes. I would not recommend this amp if you were going to use it on the clean channel.
I find a much better clean tone can be achieved using the OD1 channel and rolling back the volume on your guitar.

Hmm this is difficult to say. My first one was atop a bass amp and fell off. It needed repeairing because where it had fallen on the input jack with a lead in it, it had broken the PCB board. I had that fixed.
After this the reverb annoingly kept coming on all the time. I sent it back to marshall to fix this. They replaced the reverb parts but it wasnt fixed.
After about 6 months from buying it, it packed up all together one day. (no idea why). Marshall sent me another one, which is going strong now after a year. same problem with reverb but it can be fixed if you use a footswitch for it(which I do).

I'll give it a 9 because the first one had already been damaged and the reverb is a fault rather than a reliability issue.

They were good with repairs (free), and also were very good with a friend of mine.

3 year warranty.

Been playing 3.5 years. Played various other rigs.

If it were stolen I would almost definetly buy this amp again.

Great tone on overdrive channel, not so great on clean but not awful.

I wish it had a volume control on the clean channel.

The features are well stated below. It is a versatile amp. I had to change the speaker based on what I heard and read, but more below. It has channel switching. The 40 watts is plenty loud for any club gig. I always wanted an el 84 tube amp. Sold my JCM 2205 half stack and took it as a trade.

I use a tele custom with noiseless pickups and the combination is good. The boost channel is more modern sounding but I like the #1 O/D best. I play country and old rock and roll. It is easy to lug around, but less so now as i changed to a heavier speaker. Sounds like the 2205 but less bottom end as it has a single 12 speaker. The clean channel is a little sterile but playing with the eq can warm up. usable. Much better than the 2205.

I have read about reliability issues but haven't had any myself, too early to judge. My main amp is no a 40 watt traynor that has a better clean channel ( it sparkles) but this has it licked for overdrive.

I hear Jim Marshall exists but cannot attest to that fact. I've used these amps for 20 years and never had an issue. That says enough i think.

I use a les paul and a tele. That is what I like to hear and this amp responds well to both of them. The les paul can get a little muddy on OD3, but some people like that. I have kept a 1960 cab loaded with 75 watt celestions and think that will solve the bottom end issue. You cannot compare a single 12 with a half stack, simple physics prohibit that. I pulled the gold label whatever and added a g12 H 100 celestion. It is a much more efficient speaker and the audible volume increased. So the amp puts out 40 watts but it sounds like more. It is a cute package, as a limited edition I see a nice grill cloth. Not sure what else is different though. It is light for a combo but build quality will be an issue ( no plywood., excuse me?). Like my 1960 cabinet with white glue sprayed all around the joints, Jim needs to up the quality for the price. I take care of my amps and this one will also be babied. It is now my number two amp behind the new traynor ( also with a g12 h 100 celestion, and better build quality and price/value index). I like it, it is cute and roars. Kinda like an old girlfriend who you've dropped.

Twin channel 40w all-valve 1X12" combo with FX loop, reverb and master volume. Switchable impedance on the external speaker outputs plus direct out for micless recording, adjusted to sound like a cab. A boost function on the overdrive channel makes it a bit like a 3-channel amp but no extra EQ for boosted sounds.
I play in pubs and use an extension 2X12" to warm it up and get a better spread of sound and I've never needed a more powerful amp.

The clean channel is actually quite dirty if you have the volume above 7. If you have the master vol high it sounds really punchy and very full. The overdrive channell has less balls but lots of filth. There isn't a way to set the amount of boost on the overdrive channel, you get 20db. If you have it running flat out and hit the boost very little happens. I find its not really suited to kicking in a higher volume sound for a solo but like all good valve amps it works fine with the volume control on the guitar.
The master volume is supposed to make it sound good at lower volumes but it sounds so much better when its cranked. Balancing the master vol with the channel volumes gets some great sounds with big ballsy round bass or raw distortion
The cabinet-modelled output is very good and hugely useful too.
I'd be interested to hear from other 401 users with regards to the difference in tone of the clean and dirty channels

I've had it for a year, no problems. I've got a Marshall that was made in 1973 and that's had no problems either!

They're good but I never had to talk about the amp, only a T-shirt!

Should have gone straight to valves instead of messing about with MG's and Valvestates. All Marshalls amps sound good to me, but this amp interacts with your playing. The next best amp I ever had was a Line 6, trying to find an amp that did everything but there's no such thing.

As far as basic amp features, this thing was good. I wish it had a serial effects loop like my other amps (preamp out - preamp in) so I could run it through my pedals with less input noise. The reverb sounds fine to me, but I wish they would have included a pedal. Now the rest of the knobs and settings are great. Not too many bells and whistles to get confused with or accidentally bump out of whack, but enough to get the sound you need.

I use a Gibson Studio Lite with '57 classic pickups and a Fender American Strat. Great sounds come from both guitars, but not the full sound you would expect out of its big brothers. Maybe it's the single 12" stock speaker. I guess I shouldn't have expected the sound of a half-stack out of this thing, it's impossible. I do like the idea that this thing is only 40 watts though because if I tried to drive a 100 watt half-stack in my studio like I drive this thing I would probably be deaf by now. This IS Marshall sound though and if I want glassy clean from my Strat it just doesn't do that - that's what a Fender amp is for.

This thing worked great for the first year or so. I have rarely taken it out of the studio though. I think I only gigged with it once. One day an hour before my former drummer showed up (I was trying to get him motivated to get back in the band) and this amp gave up the ghost. It was my only "real" amp and I had to make a decision to take it apart to fix it myself (most likely voiding the warrantee). I found that many of the solder connections had cold jointed (from the intense heat + vibration) and then it quit. I tried to resolder many of these connections, but the pins on the tube sockets were most difficult to resolder because the solder wouldn't stick no matter how much flux I put on them. The solder would just melt around them. I gave up when the other band members were getting impatient and resorted to a 10-watt Squier practice amp. This killed all our creativity and the next hour of playing was a chore. I got it fixed aftwewards and really appreciated the beautiful Marshall sound that much more, but now I don't trust this amp. I especially don't trust it because it quit once more and I had to resolder the joints and replace a fuse that was inside on the circuit board.

I haven't tried to get customer support, but since I most likely voided the warrantee on this amp anyway I'm probably on my own.

I've been playing over 20 years and this amp is definitely the best one I have ever owned, but then again the other ones weren't Marshall tube amps either. Despite the problems, this is an excellent studio amp. It's only been out of the studio once. For the most part I like the sound. You mic it and get great recordings. If I were to go back and get another Marshall amp I wouldn't get this one. I would save up and get a classic half-stack rather than a combo. Unless you know how to fix things you probably had best steer clear of this amp.

Bought in Nov. 03 for 699$ brand new, (the Guitar Center I bought it from just upped the price to 899$. Dont buy this amp for that price!) So I've owned the amp for about 10 months. It's my first tube amp and I'll try my darndest to give you an honest, unbiased review of this baby. I think you know the features so lets get on to the sound...

Here's my setup: MIM Fender Fat Strat (Great Guitar!), to a 535q wah, to Boss TU-2, to amp. I can get a pretty good, heavy, rock n' roll sound. Now before I go on, let me remind you that this is a 40 watt, all tube amp. It begs to be cranked!! So dont seriously think that your gonna have superb tone if you've got the dang thing on 2! And you've got to give the tubes time to warm up. In my experience w/ this amp, I got the best tone after it was on for at least 45 minutes. Not saying you have to wait that long to play it, you'll just start noticing slight changes in your tone (and volume). With that in mind, lets move on...

The stock speaker gave off some pretty good clean tones, but the distorsion channel reeeeallly lacked bottom end punch. It just didn't have that chunk,chunk (think palm-mutted drop-D power chords). Solution: Vintage 30. You probably wont notice a HUGE diffence at first, but once the speaker breaks in, and you crank this amp you're gonna have a smile on your fat face! Stock I give it a 6.

At first I wasnt sure If I'd like the EL84 sound. It definitly grew on me over time though, and I like it because it's different. This amp can crank out some sweeeeeet leads!

The amp hasnt failed be yet (I gig regularly), but listen... if you're going to purchase something that costs over 700$ bucks, you better do your damn homework! I knew this amp had over-heating issues before I bought it, so I wisely had a tech install a fan. No problems! However, the reverb doesnt work (not a big deal, I dont use reverb),but still... point deduction.

Never delt w/ them.

It gets the job done for me. Is your worried about it being loud enough, please, DONT!! If you do the speaker change (which IMO, is a must) It adds even MORE volume. My band mate plays a 2x12 120 watt Crate (SS) and I can easily match his volume. If it were lost or stolen I'd probably shop around for something else. I really wish it had a presence knob. As for the review below me... staight 10's!? Im sorry, and I know thats your opinion, but come on! Thats like saying there arent any amps out there that dont sound better, and I know that isnt true.

Clean channel sounds better than my Fender Bassman - Seriously. This is my first Marshall. I have always had Fenders and Peaveys. I am surprised at how wonderful the clean channel sounds. The crunch channels are fantastic, also. This speaker (Celestion Gold) is perfect - Do not change it!

I use a wide variety of guitars - Les Paul, LP Special (P90's), Strats, ASAT, Ovation, Taylor. This amp has both beautiful clean sounds and smooth distortion.

I have read the reports on overheating and am leaning towards installing a separately switched cooling fan that can be used when necessary. I do not feel that a cooling fan is always necessary. If just playing around in the bedroom the amp does not heat up any more than my Fenders. I have not pushed the amp at high volumes so maybe that is where everyone is experiencing problems. I will use a cooling fan for those special occasions.

I love this amp. As I stated earlier , I am selling my Bassman. I am also selling smoe pedals that I do not need anymore.

Check out this website...I included some of the content...Summary is these tubes soundbest when hot...Deign of amp is to run hot - I amp considering a fan but need to thermostatically control to maintain a temperature instead of just blasting air at the tubes....- Will let everyone know what I come up with...

http://www.vintageguitar.com/brands/details.asp?ID=106

?The early Vox design was very similar to a Mullard-Osram valve company published circuit design for a power amp section,? he said. ?Vox was designing circuits for organs, so they probably experimented with the Mullard design and their own preamp ideas. It was all influenced by available parts, suppliers, and vendors. An engineer might choose a part he can afford rather than the best one made, and that will affect everything else along the chain.?

He detected a construction problem in the AC-30?s plastic input jacks and saw the amp?s lack of ventilation as a serious problem regarding the component longevity.

That said, there?s a positive aspect to the heat generated by Class A amps.

?Those EL84 tubes lose power when they?re not real hot. An AC-30 will typically get a bit louder as the night goes on. Same with a Matchless. We tried a fan on some of the early amps, but it didn?t work very well. In fact, the amps lost power. It got down to about 25 watts by the end of the night. The amps without fans went up to 40 or 42 watts of clean power. We?ve been railed on by a number of our competitors about this issue, and it?s not an accident that we let the our amps run hot.

?I did a lot of homework on this issue, testing different brands of tubes with various rectifiers, plate voltages, different cabinet settings (head or combo). And every time it produced the same results. I came to the conclusion the cathode in the tube has to run at a certain temperature, and lacking the extremely expensive instrument to measure the temperature of the cathode, I accepted the fact that, because it was cooling too efficiently, it was cooling off the cathode and producing an electronic emission inside the tube and affecting the tube?s performance.?

The following is a review of the 40 watt DSL401 combo...Since everyone else has listed the specs, there's no reason for me to belabor the point...Just my couple of cents on the features, though.

- Features provided are adequate for most performing musicians...40 watts are great for small clubs...However, I have found in larger bars, or with a louder band, there is a feeling that you are losing a bit of headroom...But, for a 40 watt 1x12 combo, it does the best that it can...

- I've recently been experimenting with the DI out, and I must say that I am very pleased with the results...I can get a nice sound through the PA, and just use what comes out of the amp as kind of a reference monitor...

I play the following guitars
- Les Paul Classic 1960 reissue
- SG '61 Reissue
- Ibanez JPM 1000
- Ibanez RG520

Music Style: My style is hard rock/blues rock...I play in a cover band that does a pretty wide range of music, from Billy Joel to Kansas, Metallica, and Black Sabbath, with some 80's dance tunes thrown in for good measure...

Noise: For a Marshall, this amp is actually pretty quiet...Not much in the way of buzz or hums or any of those fun things.

Sounds: As far as the music that my band plays, this amp does a pretty decent job of covering the bases...Taking into account that is only a 40 watt 1x12...Some fiddling and diddling with the knobs will be required, but I have found that on the OD channel, running the pre-amp volume high and the master at about half-way is a kind of "sweet spot."

- Clean Sound: I'd give it a 7 out of 10 for clean...Pull out your mids, run the bass at 10, and the treble at around 6 or 7 for best results here...

- OD1/OD 2...OD2 doesn't really do much to the overall sound quality, other than give you a little boost for your solo work...If you want to use the OD2 as a boost, DON'T max the gain...Put the gain at around 8 (or between 2 and 3 o'clock), as there is really NO difference in sound at that level or at 10...This way you can use the OD2 as a boost...Treble at about 8 or 9, Bass up all the way, Mids at 6 or 7 should get ya that classic Marshall sound...

Is the distortion "brutal?" Well, if your definition of brutal is that earth shaking low end rumble, then your answer is "no." It's a 40 watt 1x12 combo! It would be like buying a minivan for its 0 to 60 time...For what it is, sound is definitely not bad...

Amp works well, however the footswitch leaves something to be desired...I've had some problems in the past with the FS not working correctly...Have had it serviced 1x for this problem, and am worried it may soon happen again...Other than that glitch it's always done it's job...

Marshall customer support is not very good...The people that I have experienced seem to be very short with the customers...The warranty center staffs have generally been better to deal with...BTW, if you take it in for warranty service, don't plan on seeing it for a while...

Playing Experience: 17 years now...This amp is my small ammunition...I also own what I call affectionately "Big Bertha," a Crate BV150 stack...Comparing the two is like apples and veal...

If stolen or lost, I probably would NOT replace it...Would probably go with a 2/12 combo, like the Crate VFX5212 with the effects...

Loves: The "Marshall Sound" in a tiny package that I can toss in the trunk of my car...It's not a fancy-shmancy boutique amp that does 55 things...

Hates: No switch for the reverb (that's optional)...Effects through the loop have a tendency to sound out of phase and a little funny...That might be remedied with the addition of a 2x12 cab, but if I want extra speakers I can run it through one of my own cabinets...

I bought this amp new in 2002.
It is a mainly tube 40w amp with 4 EL84s in class AB driving the output stage. The preamp valves are all ECC83(12AX7 or equivalent). The overdrive, however is largely Tranny (owing not a little to the Marshall Guvnor pedal? Nothing wrong with that if you're not a valve purist, and it does not adversely affect the overdriven tones in my opinion)
It is extremely versatile, but the lack of solid bottom end will not satisfy baritone players, I think!
I play blues, a little jazz, country, and 50s and 60s Rock, but will have a go at anything.
The 40W output makes it a perfect stage guitar for medium venues, and it can be mic'd up or DI'd in larger venues. I had a bit of bother competing with the 80 & 100 watt combos of bandmates so I replaced the Celestion Gold Speaker with an old Celestion Sidewinder (avout 5 dB louder) and the problem has gone away.
It is a 2 channel amp that thinks it has 3 channels (2 levels of Overdrive).
I would have liked an on-board tremolo, but otherwise features are fine. The Reverb is particularly good.
I use the amp both at home and in Pub and Theatre venues.

I play many different guitars through this amp, Strats & a Tele & 12 String (Squier), LPs and SGs 335 Dot, and a DeArmond M75T. It is most satisfying with Humbucking pickups in the medium output range (not too hot!), less so (though still good) with Strats and Teles.
Surprisingly, my Squier Venus 12 string sounds absolutely magnificent through the clean channel. Driving the clean channel into distortion can produce a pleasant soft crunchy tone.
The first level of overdrive is quite satisfying, but the upper level is a bit too OTT for me.
The clean channel is quite like a good 60s Vox AC30 but without so much bottom end thump (or hum!). The first overdrive channel is pure Marshall Bluesbreaker, but the tones are all available at controllable volume levels.
This amp is definitely not a one trick pony!

This has been a little less reliable than my old Fender London (Tranny, whic I used for 15 years without breakdown), but sounds more to my liking.
I don't take a spare amp with me - this has let me down only twice in 2 years. The first time was a rectifier failure - the Amp repair tech said that in his opinion the 8A fitted rectifier was underrated for high volumes. He replaced it with a 10A unit - no further probs. He also reamed out the power valve holes to take the larger Sovtek EL84s. one of the output valves failed earlier this year, and I replased the Yugo quartet with Sovteks.

The amp was out of warranty when the rectifier failed, so had the repair done by a local Amp Tech, who was excellent.
I replaced the valves myself, as EL84s do not require rebiasing.
I cannot therefore give an opinion on Marshall's after sales service.

I have been playing since 1959
If the Amp were stolen or Lost, I would wish to replace it, but have concerns about long term sustaiability, given the PCB mounted sockets, etc.
I own 3 guitar Amps, A Zoom Mesia 100W combo (22 yrs old and no longer reliable, but a great sounding super - clean amp), a Fender London Reverb Head (built into a Combo Cab, still going strong, but lacking that indefineable valve tone), and the abve mentioned Marshall DSL401, which sounds best of the bunch. The slightly lower reliability of valve amps (compared to tranny)is something we have to put up with if we want the 'tube sound'.
I have a few effects and pedals, but don't use them much now, preferring to plug straight in and go.

Two channel amp with a 20 db boost on the lead channel. Separate EQ for each channel. Reverb and Parallel EFX loop. 1x12 configuration with a Celestion G12T-100 speaker. 4 ECC83s and 4 EL84s.

Missing a presence control and resonance control. Reverb is weak (by design).

I use PRS, Les Pauls, Strats, Brian Moores, etc. This amp is definitely "Marshall" sounding. The EL84s and small cabinet keep it from having a big low end. Even in a closed back cab, the low end isn't massive, but it is tight and usable. But it does go from a JTM-45/VOXy clean on the clean channel, to a 70's "post-plexi" to modded JCM800 type lead sound. A good sound for classic rock. Probably not great for Nu-Metal due to the lack of a huge low end. I closed back cab and better speaker does help.

Both channels sound good. The Clean channel is more clean Vox than clean Fender, but it is still a good sound. Overall, this amp has that mid focused sound common to EL84 output tubes. Tube quality counts in this amp. With good tubes (GT12AX7Ms) the amp sounds better. The post phase inverter overall amp Master Volume does a pretty good job of allowing full sounds at lower volumes.

My only complaint with the amp is that the EFX loop can't be series in the stock configuration and the reverb and the amp has a ducking feature on the Reverb and FX loop. The Reverb and FX are louder on the lead channel than the clean channel (which is sort of backwards anyway).

The other complaint is that the amp gets really hot.

However I solved both these issues by reworking the FX loop so I can switch between series and parallel and I disabled the ducking features. I added the series/parallel switch because if I'm using the amp with FX in the loop, I wanted to use it parallel. This keeps the amp's audio path entirely tube. With the loop in series, you're running through a couple Op amps. The only 'problem' with the series loop is the FX mix knob becomes a simple FX loop return vol, but that's Ok. I also replaced the speker (which reminds me of a G12T-75) with a Vintage 30 and like the amp better. Not that the stock speaker is bad, I just like V30s and use them in all my gigging combos.

The stock version of this amp gets really hot, so I added a fan to the back to suck the hot air away from the chasis. This helps keep the amp reasonable, heat wise. This is much better built than the JTM-30/60 line which wasn't great at all.

This amp uses modern construction techniques so it's a good thing I can fix it if something breaks. But it looks pretty well built so I don't forsee any issues other than having to replace tubes.

With the addition of the fan I feel that this amp can be trusted.

Don't know personally, but the website is good and there's schematics and resources on the net, so I'm set.

This is a good amp for small to medium rooms. It sounds good and has a decent mix of features.

I wish the footswitch worked like every other on the planet, so I could use the same pedalboard settings as when I'm using my Rivera's but that's more a nuisance than a problem.

With a few mods, it has become very useful. I bought it to have an amp for room too small for my Rivera Fandango and it works well in that role. It isn't as good sounding overall as the Rivera but it does get a nice sound.

If you want a small version of that Marshall sound, this does it well.

i presume this amp was made in 01 as it has a pack testing sticker dated 01 on the back!
the amp itself seems very good... nice distortion channel, and the clean is well, clean!
as u know 2 channels and a 20db boost ont he second channel, reverb and fx loop...
im complacent with the reverb... theres enough there for me... im not big on reverb anyways... i'd rather be playing a staduim and getting real reverb (like thats ever happened :O)
i use this amp in my bedroom at present, only had it a few days but i feel ive had it long enough to rate it! it seems to have well enough power!

Okay - im using a gibson les paul classic 03 with 490 and 500 pickups. - i play classic rock ranging to grungey rock and bits and bobs in between. some blues, some jazz, and stuff like that - (www.edison-glow.com - my band)...
it doesnt seem to hiss like my JCM 900 does... which is a good thing...
this amp can get marshall gfrowl, but only just about - and thats through an extension cab... speaking of that... the stock speaker in this thing is SHIT! PERIOD.
its voiuced for the clean channel as someone else said, and to be honest its a right royal load of dump... its tinny, metallic sounding, and it sounds very raspy on the gain channels... certainly not what it should sound like...
i know its the speaker as i run this thing thru my 4x12 and sounded uber cool,a nd again i run my 900 head through the speaker in this thing and that sounded raspy... NEVER before has my 900 sounded raspy!
i am definately replacing the speaker if i am to keep this amp... probably to a vintage 30, and just sell the other speaker or do something with it... its not worth keeping, sounds too shite...
the clean channel with the stock speaker is good... but im not all up on clean playing anyways... i like my stuff a tad gritty, afterall im a 900 user!
Sounds on distorted channel are pretty pathetic unless using external or upgraded speaker!

when i first got it the sound cut out for about 10 minutes and i was trying to find a fault... nothing happened... it came back on shortly after... i put it down to it having just been transported about 100 miles in the back of a courier van! it musta rattled me tubes :)
i would probably only gig with this in small places.. anywhere bigger and it'd be my 900 all the way, MUCH better sound overall!

never dealt with... although ive sent in a picture of both my amps and tried to get it on thier readers amps page... but still nothing :(

have been playing on and off for about 4-5 years... im not the best guitarist, but i know my tone, and this thing lacks it with the stock speaker... this is my only real niggle with this amp, is the raspy tinny speaker.... i will get it changed as soon as i can!
if it were stolen or lost i would definately not buy another... i'd go back to when jim made quality amps and get one of them, maybe an 800 combo or a 900 combo... definately not another 2000 model!
i didnt compare it to anything, i bought it online (ebay) and took a chance... the other amp i was looking at was a peavey classic tweed... they get good reviews... unlike this amp!
i wish it had a better speaker...
that is all!

This is a very versatile amp with 2 channels; Channel 2 (Lead) has a 20db boost that can be accessed from the footswitch. Of course, as with all valve (tube) Marshalls, the boost channel propel you to outerspace. The clean channel one has a very operative gain letting the muscician get from the glassy clean to crunch by turning the knob.

My guitar is a stock Gibson Les Paul Classic (with 490/500 pups). My style is classic bluesrock (70s). This amp does well for what I need. As with every Marshall amp I've had (plenty) getting loud is NO problem. This amp continues the reputation. At 40watts RMS, it can still shake the floor. My one beef is that I wanted to add the 1912 speaker cab to extend its "sonic capabilites" ; however, these cabs are no longer available in the USA. Bummer.

I can't opine here, it stays in my studio. It looks tough enought, though, to take a road beating. Insofar as trouble with the amp working--No problem!

I did email various Marshall dealers in an attempt to get my hands on one of those 1912 extention cabs (England, Australia). These businesses wrote back explaining that their agreement with Marshall would not let them ship to the USA. I could not find a direct email address to Marshall customer service on their website. I gave up.

I've been playing for thirty years. During that time, I have had the best (Marshall stacks, Fender Twins, etc.). I am content with this setup for now. If I were to start gigging our again, I would likely buy a more powerful amp (Marshall TSL 122?). But this amp could work in a gig setting.

I've been through all the phases of guitar playing, from garage band junk to lusting after ridiculous racks of gear...more gear than amps, that whole 80's shite.

I've come full circle. I play mostly blues-based hard rock . The stuff that lasts is the stuff that comes from inside and from great delivery. I like my LP straight into the amp now. Be a guitar player, not a synth player. Who needs elecronics when you have the Holy Grail of guitar set-ups--an LP into a Marshall.

I've thought about stepping up to the TSL series. Don't really need it though. The clean is just perfect with a bit of warmth going into that early Marshall crunch when pushed, and the OD2 produces a great lead sound. Learn to work the tone controls on this amp at different volume settings. It ain't a head driving a 412, so setting all the tones to 10 IS NOT going to work. Backing off the distortion settings and finding those sweet spots in the tone dials is what its all about.

Simple is often best. An 8 becuase there's not a lot of bells and whistles, but who needs it?

Okay, its got the rock thing down. 40W is realistic for opening up the amp. I see these guys with half stacks, what good are they unless you're AC/DC playing in stadiums? How many people ever turn a 100W up past 6 with any regularity?

You're a lot, lot better off getting a smaller amp that can be brought up to volume in realistic settings. Like most valve amps, its sounds okay on low settings for practice, but you only start to realize what its all about when the volume comes up and you hear the tubes start working.

I might replace the 'verb. I think its a two-spring tank, would like to get a 3 spring tank ($40) to get that a bigger sound when called on. Rhythm and lead usually just need a touch IMO, but I do have a weakness for those blues lines soaked with 'verb from time to time. I'd put it through a processor for a good plate or something, but that would defeat the "simplest is best" philosophy. Processors belong in the studio.

Might experiment with the speaker as well. I think a lot of guys get crazy about revalving stuff before they think of the obvious--the speaker choice is perhaps even more ESSENTIAL to sound. I remember the JCM800 heads didn't appeal to me, but that turned out to be because of the cabs they were mated with. Throw one through a 412 with Greenbacks and you get the best of both worlds--that vintage Celestion sound with enough modern edge to balance it all out, just like a perfect bourbon. That said, the stock speaker does the job. Might play around with others, though.

Another thing--I take and make foam stands to sit my amp on to isolate from the floor. Makes a huge difference in sound, getting it decoupled from the floor. Easy to do, improves sound quite a bit.

Mine just went back in the shop. It was in once before becuase solder joints had failed. I'm waiting for the call on status this time.

It does get hot. I've been around tubes amps long enough to know you probably get a problem a year with playing, and thats what I'm averaging now.

Marshall's website is helpful.

Playing for 15 years. I'm down to my LP and this DSL for electric guitar playing. Have a Martin acoustic, Rick bass, and a Spanish guitar. Again, simple is best. Jimmy Page, who could have had a hangar full of equipment, pretty much played through all of Zeppelin with a handful of guitars and a few amps.

For the money, its an awesome amp. Regardless of money, its a great amp. Someone might get smart some day and hack the insides, package it under a boutique name, charge three times as much, and see if gearheads don't come back with fantastic reviews, far better than what's posted here. IMO this amp sounds better than all the boutique combos I've heard, at a fraction of the price. Remember, great songs from rock history have been recorded on far less. I've stuck a mic in front of this in the studio, and after sitting the track, this baby can sit perfect in the mix. Again, its funny how people have amp-itis, where if they'd read behind their favorite artists and albums, they'd see that a LOT of the greatest stuff comes down to a great axe through a great Marshall.

I'd buy another if it were lost or stolen.

I would not pick any other amp than a Marshall. Out of all the Marshalls, this is the one that makes the most sense for

Bought new, 2 months ago. Everyone knows the features, i won't go into that. 40 watts, plenty for the classic rock act I use this for. I use all 3 channels, clean, crunch and lead... Don't know why it offers a 1/4 inch not XLR DI out. I'd prefer XLR so I marked it down for this.

Been using this with a set of gibson les pauls (1 studio, 1 standard) I'm playing anything from aerosmith to ZZ Topp with some sounthern rock in between and it does the job. I like the clean channel, seems to have a bite and thump to it. The crunch is good and I've been able to use the lead channel as well. I wish it had more bottom end. Sounds thin. I played a peavey classic 30 prior to this and for an amp that is physically smaller, it had more bottom end. Over all, for small gigs, It works for me. I've been able to tweak it to where I'm happy with the sound and fatten up the bottom end when mic'd through the PA. I like the 2 button footswitch but purchased a back-up just in case. The cable to the footswitch could have been thicker/heavy duty but only time will tell if it lasts. I've had the stock footswitch for a dsl 100 for quite awhile and it's still good to go. I don't know what the deal with the effects loop is, It's like my effects aren't even there. I'm going to look into that. For now, I'm running all my effects into the front end until I can figure out if the amp has a problem or the effects loop just stinks. I gotta agree with everyone on how hot this gets.... After a 45 minute set it was extremely hot. I'm a die hard tube guy (Don't own any solid state amps) but this worries me. Yes, tubes get hot but when I can't touch the front of the amp.... I gotta draw the line here. I read every review here before buying this and I will definitely be installing a fan. Can only help. I ran this through a 4 X 12 cab the other nite and was impressed. Definitely all Marshall. I plan on replacing the tubes with JJ teslas and replacing the speaker with a vintage 30, hopefully this will fill out the sound.

After all the scary reviews, I'm going to bring a back up amp to the gig. Still too new to tell if it will be reliable.

Just bought it. Don't know.

Been playing for 32 years and performing regularly for 20 plus... Have had plenty of Marshalls in the past. Still use a Marshall 1/2 stack for the 80's rock band that I'm in. As I said before, it seems like a good amp and I'm happy with what it does for me. But it does get hot and it needs a fan. If it was stolen, I'd probably get a TSL 1X12 combo because it had more features and the price wasn't all that much more.

Not enough reverb, lacks bottom,

Sounds great when not malfunctioning which is not very often

This is the worst amp as far as reliability that I have ever owned. It has been in the shop 4 times and I do not trust it. I finaly sold it as is for $125.00

They repaired it under warranty every time but it never lasted. I am sorry I purchased this amp. This was my first marshall and since I bought a little MG DFX 15 for a little practice amp and I like it a lot better than the DSL 401 because it never broke, has plenty of reverb and sounds great.

I have been playing off and on since 1967. I would never buy this amp again and wish I would have never bought it. I am dissapointed in The Marshall Company for allowing an amp with this design flaw to be marketed and not issuing a recall on it.