DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy?

TexasFM3 · 10-17-2009, 04:09 PM

I have a chance to buy either the JCM2000 DSL100 or the JCM900 Hi Gain Dual Reverb 50 watt head. They would both be the same price 600 and I am wondering which I should get. both are in very nice condition.

Any insight is much obliged.

FM3

HOT TUBES 70 · 10-17-2009, 04:43 PM

Jcm 900 ! Imo !!

MonstersOfTheMidway · 10-17-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasFM3

I have a chance to buy either the JCM2000 DSL100 or the JCM900 Hi Gain Dual Reverb 50 watt head. They would both be the same price 600 and I am wondering which I should get. both are in very nice condition.

Any insight is much obliged.

FM3

If you think you'll need the 100 watts, then I'd say the DSL. But, if you can do you thing with 50 watts, the 900 is a great amp, too.

jcmjmp · 10-17-2009, 05:13 PM

Dsl100. More versatile, better tube tone overall (IMO)

TexasFM3 · 10-17-2009, 05:29 PM

Wow... I feel like I opened a can of worms... It seems that both are decent amps... This is what I had a feeling on. I just needed to confirm that I was not a lunatic on maybe choosing a really wrong one over a really right one for this price.

FM3

Apula Mawanga · 10-17-2009, 05:53 PM

Well, both are good amps, for different uses. The 900 is better for 80s hair metal and 90s alternative rock, but the 2000 has a more 'Marshally' tone, which is better for rock music. The 2000 also delivers a better normal metal tone IMO. It's also more versatile. I'd play them both, as they're both good amps and it's just a matter of taste.

jcmjmp · 10-17-2009, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apula Mawanga

Well, both are good amps, for different uses. The 900 is better for 80s hair metal and 90s alternative rock, but the 2000 has a more 'Marshally' tone, which is better for rock music. The 2000 also delivers a better normal metal tone IMO. It's also more versatile. I'd play them both, as they're both good amps and it's just a matter of taste.

DSL has a modern voicing in the mids but still retains the Marshall signature to its sound.

Boosting the mids can yield a convincing 80's metal tone but you're right, the '900 might have the edge there.

ProfChaos · 10-17-2009, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasFM3

Wow... I feel like I opened a can of worms... It seems that both are decent amps... This is what I had a feeling on. I just needed to confirm that I was not a lunatic on maybe choosing a really wrong one over a really right one for this price.

FM3

I would make sure that you have an affinity for the tone and character of sound of the JCM 900--which for some is fine, for others not so fine. (There isn't that much flexibility with the JCM 900, so you tend to either like it or not.) Everyone's aesthetic preferences are going to be at least a little different from someone else's, so your ears and your tweaking-fingers are your best friends in making such an important decision.

The discontinued 65-watt JCM 2000 I find to be my favorite of the recent Marshall amps--even over some current Marshall amps that cost a great deal more than it did. But, alas, Marshall discontinued the 65-watt option for the JCM 2000. (My theory is that Marshall was onto this much more affordable option being qualitatively superior in some ways to the current top-of-the-line amps, and they thus gave it the nix in favor of only one option: the more expensive 100-watt JCM 2000 with a new-fangled auto-adjusting power circuit. Why not offer both?) Whatever the case, I find the 65-watt JCM 2000 to be the "King Bee" of that particular line: It has just the right amount of Marshall honk while offering also both unique character and a rich palette of tones.

theflyingmat · 10-18-2009, 09:57 AM

"It seems that both are decent amps... This is what I had a feeling on. I just needed to confirm that I was not a lunatic on maybe choosing a really wrong one over a really right one for this price."

I think you need to make your own mind up on this one. However, I feel that I know where you are coming from, it's nice to think you have picked an amp that most other think as being a good amp.
I like my DSL50 and my SLX, but I've been told the SLX is not the same as a DR. The DR's I've tried have not impressed me that much that that does not mean they are bad amps. I'm friend has used one for years and swears by it. He just plugs straight in the amp and goes for it.

LesBalls · 10-18-2009, 03:18 PM

I am a big fan of the 900 series amps. However, without knowing your playing style or what you want to accomplish in regards to your tone, I would suggest the DSL. The 900's are awesome and I love them, but they are definitely not for some people.

steelhorse · 10-18-2009, 03:34 PM

Either amp is good, however if you need channel switching then the DSL may be the better option.

(war)thrash5150 · 10-18-2009, 07:22 PM

I've owned both and really I prefer the 900. Having found it for $300 helps too, though. It has the thrash tone that I like of the late 80's, early 90's. It is missing a little bottom end, but you can fatten that right up with an eq thrown in the loop.

TexasFM3 · 10-19-2009, 07:39 AM

Thanks for all the insight everyone... I went with the DSL and I must say that this freakin thing is perfect... We do a lot of switching from clean to dirty in the band and this amp has already proven to be just what the doctor ordered. last night we got together and had a practice session. It was amazing. I must say this amp which our singer guitar player now uses combined with the sounds I get from my Mesa Dual Rec make a great combination. It is working out very good. Thanks for the insight again.

(war)thrash5150 · 10-19-2009, 12:44 PM

post some clips for our efforts!!!

rockinr0ll · 10-19-2009, 12:46 PM

DSL100 because I would.

steelhorse · 10-19-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasFM3

Thanks for all the insight everyone... I went with the DSL and I must say that this freakin thing is perfect... We do a lot of switching from clean to dirty in the band and this amp has already proven to be just what the doctor ordered. last night we got together and had a practice session. It was amazing. I must say this amp which our singer guitar player now uses combined with the sounds I get from my Mesa Dual Rec make a great combination. It is working out very good. Thanks for the insight again.

Congrats!

noise5150 · 10-19-2009, 01:09 PM

I have a DSL50 watt head and I love it because it has 2 channels and its very versatile. Great cleans and great tone at low volume IMO. Really great crunch sound! A friend of mine has the JCM900 and I like the tone but you have to really crank the volume to get there. If you get the JCM900 get a THD Hotplate to compensate.

rockinr0ll · 10-19-2009, 01:25 PM

Glad you went with the DSL man.

Ken · 10-19-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apula Mawanga

Well, both are good amps, for different uses. The 900 is better for 80s hair metal and 90s alternative rock, but the 2000 has a more 'Marshally' tone, which is better for rock music. The 2000 also delivers a better normal metal tone IMO. It's also more versatile. I'd play them both, as they're both good amps and it's just a matter of taste.

+1

The DSL does lots of things well, the 900 does just one thing well. I think you can get a 900 vibe from a DSL but you'll NEVER get the DSL vibe from a 900.

Ken

longfxukxnhair · 12-17-2009, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasFM3

I have a chance to buy either the JCM2000 DSL100 or the JCM900 Hi Gain Dual Reverb 50 watt head. They would both be the same price 600 and I am wondering which I should get. both are in very nice condition.

Any insight is much obliged.

FM3

Enjoy your amp. Live with no regrets. GAS!

Texas Roadkill · 12-17-2009, 06:43 PM

Where in Texas are you? Is the 900 still for sale?

underliner6 · 12-19-2009, 03:14 PM

dsl

uraceulose · 12-19-2009, 04:00 PM

Just bought a 900, but the deal was pretty good...$400!! serviced and cherry!! The 900 is a classic punk rock amp!! great punk rock tones if that is what u are looking for. I was playing a DSL (with bad tubes and borrowed from my buddy) for the last year and i liked the versatility in tone and a little bit more options than the JCM900.Wish my buddy would get some new tubes and bias to get the full tone out of it!! Both amps are great good luck!

Sounds like u made the right choice for you!! Congrats!! Rock on !!!

alvinratsim · 03-06-2010, 07:03 AM

Dsl

TwinACStacks · 03-06-2010, 06:11 PM

Last night I happened to catch BAD COMPANY in concert on VH1. 3 FULL DSL 100 Stacks on each side of the Stage for the Guits. Several Ampegs towards the center for the Bass.

If they're good enough for Mick Ralphs, they're good enough for Me....

'NOUGH SAID.

TWIN

jcmjmp · 03-06-2010, 07:01 PM

Wow! Didn't know Bad Company used DSLs.

Rockin_Lisa · 03-06-2010, 09:23 PM

That's what I miss by going to a bar that we hope to be gigging at soon. I would have liked to have seen that.

Paul Rodgers was performing some of his songs with Queen, wasn't he?

TwinACStacks · 03-07-2010, 07:55 AM

Yep Lisa, Paul did do some of his old tunes with Queen. As a matter of fact, the concert on previous to Bad Company was QUEEN at Wembley Stadium with Freddie Mercury (RIP). That show ROCKED. Sir Brian was in rare form, and a SWEET wall of AC30's.

BTW those are DSLs on the RED Channel:

It was a good night for TV.

TWIN

TwinACStacks · 03-07-2010, 08:37 AM

This shot is a little blury but you can pick out that they ARE DSL's:

http://cache4.asset-cache.net/xc/822...0A760B0D811297

TWIN

psphill27 · 03-07-2010, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcmjmp

Wow! Didn't know Bad Company used DSLs.

Heck...I even think that Jeff Beck used the DSL 50 for a while...althought he doesn't any more. They really are a nice/versatile amp.

10-17-2009, 04:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
TexasFM3 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? I have a chance to buy either the JCM2000 DSL100 or the JCM900 Hi Gain Dual Reverb 50 watt head. They would both be the same price 600 and I am wondering which I should get. both are in very nice condition. Any insight is much obliged. FM3

10-17-2009, 04:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
HOT TUBES 70 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SASKATOON Posts: 2,346	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? Jcm 900 ! Imo !! __________________ MARSHALL 6100LM MARSHALL 1960A W/-G12H 30's CUSTOM BUILT 2X12 W/-V30's "MARSHALL" - only the best will do !

10-17-2009, 05:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
jcmjmp Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2,719	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? Dsl100. More versatile, better tube tone overall (IMO)

10-17-2009, 05:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
TexasFM3 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? Wow... I feel like I opened a can of worms... It seems that both are decent amps... This is what I had a feeling on. I just needed to confirm that I was not a lunatic on maybe choosing a really wrong one over a really right one for this price. FM3

10-18-2009, 09:57 AM	#9 (permalink)
theflyingmat Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Peternapper Scotland Posts: 169	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? "It seems that both are decent amps... This is what I had a feeling on. I just needed to confirm that I was not a lunatic on maybe choosing a really wrong one over a really right one for this price." I think you need to make your own mind up on this one. However, I feel that I know where you are coming from, it's nice to think you have picked an amp that most other think as being a good amp. I like my DSL50 and my SLX, but I've been told the SLX is not the same as a DR. The DR's I've tried have not impressed me that much that that does not mean they are bad amps. I'm friend has used one for years and swears by it. He just plugs straight in the amp and goes for it. __________________ DSL 50watt Head JMP MII 50watt Head JCM900 SL-X 50watt Head JCM900 4x12 Angled Cab 60's/70's 4x12 Base & Angled Cabs 70's 2x12 Checkerboard Cab Artiste 2x12 combo 30th 6101 & Ext cab JCM 800 4221 combo Guitars: Gibson LP G/Top 56RI, Gibson LP Custom 80, Gibson LP L/Burst, Gibson SG Jnr 63, Gibson M/Maker P90, Fender Bullet USA, Fender Tele 62RI MIJ, Robin Artisan, Moon Rhubard&Custard

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10-18-2009, 03:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
LesBalls Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: USA Posts: 82	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? I am a big fan of the 900 series amps. However, without knowing your playing style or what you want to accomplish in regards to your tone, I would suggest the DSL. The 900's are awesome and I love them, but they are definitely not for some people.

10-18-2009, 03:34 PM	#11 (permalink)
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 3,951	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? Either amp is good, however if you need channel switching then the DSL may be the better option. __________________ www.ricojronline.com 760-956-6619 Garmopat Pedal Mods "I wouldn't mind hearing your head smash through a glass door. That would be cool..." luekmeyer

10-18-2009, 07:22 PM	#12 (permalink)
(war)thrash5150 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Crestview, FL Posts: 52	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? I've owned both and really I prefer the 900. Having found it for $300 helps too, though. It has the thrash tone that I like of the late 80's, early 90's. It is missing a little bottom end, but you can fatten that right up with an eq thrown in the loop.

10-19-2009, 07:39 AM	#13 (permalink)
TexasFM3 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 3	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? Thanks for all the insight everyone... I went with the DSL and I must say that this freakin thing is perfect... We do a lot of switching from clean to dirty in the band and this amp has already proven to be just what the doctor ordered. last night we got together and had a practice session. It was amazing. I must say this amp which our singer guitar player now uses combined with the sounds I get from my Mesa Dual Rec make a great combination. It is working out very good. Thanks for the insight again.

10-19-2009, 12:44 PM	#14 (permalink)
(war)thrash5150 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Crestview, FL Posts: 52	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? post some clips for our efforts!!!

10-19-2009, 12:46 PM	#15 (permalink)
rockinr0ll Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,602	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? DSL100 because I would.

10-19-2009, 01:09 PM	#17 (permalink)
noise5150 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 107	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? I have a DSL50 watt head and I love it because it has 2 channels and its very versatile. Great cleans and great tone at low volume IMO. Really great crunch sound! A friend of mine has the JCM900 and I like the tone but you have to really crank the volume to get there. If you get the JCM900 get a THD Hotplate to compensate.

10-19-2009, 01:25 PM	#18 (permalink)
rockinr0ll Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,602	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? Glad you went with the DSL man.

12-17-2009, 06:43 PM	#21 (permalink)
Texas Roadkill Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 16	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? Where in Texas are you? Is the 900 still for sale? __________________ www.hitnruntx.com www.myspace.com/hitrundallas Main Rig: 2002 DSL 100 1960 A and B Cabs '94 Gibson Les Paul Backup: Ampeg SS-140C. >I know it's not a Marshall, but damn it's sweet for a SS.

12-19-2009, 03:14 PM	#22 (permalink)
underliner6 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 64	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? dsl __________________ UNDERLINER6 -04 Gibson Les Paul Classic -08 Fender Stratocaster Standard(Mexi) -08 Jasmine S34C Acoustic -1998 Marshall dsl-100 -1995 Marshall 1936 2x12 Cab -08 Line 6 Spider III Combo 15 Watt

12-19-2009, 04:00 PM	#23 (permalink)
uraceulose Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 10	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? Just bought a 900, but the deal was pretty good...$400!! serviced and cherry!! The 900 is a classic punk rock amp!! great punk rock tones if that is what u are looking for. I was playing a DSL (with bad tubes and borrowed from my buddy) for the last year and i liked the versatility in tone and a little bit more options than the JCM900.Wish my buddy would get some new tubes and bias to get the full tone out of it!! Both amps are great good luck! Sounds like u made the right choice for you!! Congrats!! Rock on !!!

03-06-2010, 07:03 AM	#24 (permalink)
alvinratsim Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 19	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? Dsl

03-06-2010, 06:11 PM	#25 (permalink)
TwinACStacks Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Detroitish Posts: 241	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? Last night I happened to catch BAD COMPANY in concert on VH1. 3 FULL DSL 100 Stacks on each side of the Stage for the Guits. Several Ampegs towards the center for the Bass. If they're good enough for Mick Ralphs, they're good enough for Me.... 'NOUGH SAID. TWIN __________________ I can't hear you, my transformers are humming.... http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...cks/voices.jpg

03-06-2010, 07:01 PM	#26 (permalink)
jcmjmp Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2,719	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? Wow! Didn't know Bad Company used DSLs. __________________ Marshalls: 1983 JCM 800 2204, 1987 2550 Silver Jubilee, 1993 JMP-1, 1997 JCM2000 DSL50 Marshall Cabs: JCM800 1960a G12-65s, JCM800 1960a G12T-75/Century, JCM900 1960a G12M-25/G12H-30 70th, JCM900 1960a Cab with Marshall G12-Vintage speakers Other: 2008 2550x Marshall Silver Jubilee SDM Layout, 2009 Union Jack JTM45, 2008 Vox AC30CC 2x12 combo, ADA MP-1, 2x12 2550x Cab with Vintage 30s

03-07-2010, 07:55 AM	#28 (permalink)
TwinACStacks Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Detroitish Posts: 241	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? Yep Lisa, Paul did do some of his old tunes with Queen. As a matter of fact, the concert on previous to Bad Company was QUEEN at Wembley Stadium with Freddie Mercury (RIP). That show ROCKED. Sir Brian was in rare form, and a SWEET wall of AC30's. BTW those are DSLs on the RED Channel: It was a good night for TV. TWIN __________________ I can't hear you, my transformers are humming.... http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...cks/voices.jpg

03-07-2010, 08:37 AM	#29 (permalink)
TwinACStacks Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Detroitish Posts: 241	Re: DSL100 vs JCM900 which to buy? This shot is a little blury but you can pick out that they ARE DSL's: http://cache4.asset-cache.net/xc/822...0A760B0D811297 TWIN __________________ I can't hear you, my transformers are humming.... http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c1...cks/voices.jpg

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