Marshall JCM-2000 DSL 401

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.