Marshall DSL 50

[Drmojoxl]

What do you think of this amp? Seems very versatile. I primarily play rock 90's to present. Opinions?

 

[Gnarlly]

If on a limited budget, it's hard to beat the bang-per-buck of a used DSL 50. It can produce some very nice tones. The main "con" is that it is a modern Marshall when it comes to build quality (which potentially affects its long-term reliability).

 

[jimmyohio75]

I have heard lots of good things about this amp. I have been gassing hard for one. I need to find a used one in good condition.

 

[cratz2]

I think for Marshall tones in a non-boutique/non-vintage package, a guy could do a lot worse than a DSL50.

Seems I see a lot more used DSL100s than 50s. At least around these parts.

 

[jimmyohio75]

I think for Marshall tones in a non-boutique/non-vintage package, a guy could do a lot worse than a DSL50.

Seems I see a lot more used DSL100s than 50s. At least around these parts.

Agreed. I see DSL100's on E-Bay at a 3 to 1 ratio vs. DSL50's. Wierd. Either people like their DSL50's better and won't give them up or maybe Marshall made a lot more DSL 100's?

 

[Drmojoxl]

Should be getting one tomorrow. I'm trading my Rectoverb combo for one. Never could really get into the Mesa sound. Looking forward to my DSL. I love the Marshall sound.

 

[ronmail65]

If on a limited budget, it's hard to beat the bang-per-buck of a used DSL 50. It can produce some very nice tones. The main "con" is that it is a modern Marshall when it comes to build quality (which potentially affects its long-term reliability).

+1. Good, solid amp. I think reliability is pretty good with DSLs too. I also think the 100W DSLs sound a little better. Granted, who needs 100W?... for that matter who needs 50W? But I do think the 100W does sound better for some reason.

FWIW the DSL401 combos sound terrible -- I don't know what's different about those, but their tone isn't even in the same ballpark.

I have owned one or more of each of these amps in the past. Never had a problem or a regret. I just moved onto different gear.

 

[LPMojoGL]

I like the DSL50, and prefer it to the 100.
It's a great amp for the price they go for used.
I did not care for the clean tones out of it, but the crunch and heavier tones were great.
Shared eq is a downer.
But if you're playing 90's up, set it up on OD1 and let er rip, use a boost in the loop for solos. All set!

 

[bandintheclouds]

Agreed, that for the price you can find these used, it's a really nice amp. I kind of like the clean tones actually, and I really like the "classic" gain channel. For me, the 2nd gain stage is just too much, but of course...you don't have to use it.

A lot of professional guitarists use this amp on the road. Hell, Jeff Beck was 4 DSL heads for a while!

 

[BlackStrat_Fan]

I'll agree with everything said. I have the 50, and I'm glad I sought it out over the glut of 100s. First channel OD (green) is where I live on this thing. This is probably the best bang for the buck Marshall-wise.

Regarding reliabilty: After a tube went, I had them all changed out after talking to my tech. He also went in a re-soldered some areas he thought looked a little weak, or are know trouble spots. Works like a tank now and is solid.