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#1 (permalink) |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
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Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
As some of you are aware, I have been working on a mod to allow the clean/crunch modes of Channel A on the DSL 50/100 amps to be footswitched like the main channels. Well, my final boards have just arrived - just as Im going on holiday (Bad timing!).
You can see some pictures below of the prototypes to give you an idea of how it goes together. The most basic installation replaces the main switch with a number of relays. This still gives a front switch but can connect to the small Jack PCB that should be mounted at the rear of the amp (normally in place of the reverb jack) to allow a footswitch to be used. If you are prepared for the work, 3 wires from the PCB can connect to the main volume pot for that channel (requiring removal and re-insertion with 1 pin bent back) allowing the crunch volume to be dropped to match the clean channel using an on board potentiometer. Heres the pics of the prototypes, note the final versions have only 3 wires to connect for the volume adjustment and can be cut off if not required. ![]() ![]() The prototype has been in my amp now (a 1998 model) for a couple of months and Im actually using the crunch channel now it great!. Before i just used the clean channel and a TS-9 for a bit of crunch but theres loads more sounds available now. I currently have a prototype winging its way over to be tried in a newer amp (2006 i think). The install is completely reversable assuming you dont throw away the old switch/reverb jack! |
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#5 (permalink) |
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Banned
Join Date: May 2009
Location: S.Jersey
Posts: 6,364
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
I have been dying to find this mod as well as the same mod for the ultra channel
when your back and these are ready shoot me a pm and consider one sold! Enjoy your holiday.....Wish i could take one |
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#12 (permalink) | |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Canada
Posts: 8,117
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
Quote:
This device allows you to: Use a footswitch to change from clean to crunch mode on the green channel. It also has an adjustment for making the volume levels the same between the clean and crunch with a single transistor. This basically turns the DSL into a 3 channel amp. |
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#13 (permalink) | |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,510
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
Quote:
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#14 (permalink) | |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
Quote:
![]() In principle this mode will also work if fitted to the lead1\2 switch position, however if you need both lead1\2 and clean\crunch youll need to mount 2 extra jacks on the rear, assuming one uses the reverb position the other can be mounted in some dead space between the main footswitch jack and the transformer, this would require a hole drilling and some bravery. The price excluding shipping for this mod will be £40 UK which due to our very poor exchange rate at the minute makes this about €44 or about $66. Shipping will be £2 for UK, £2.50 for Europe or £3 for the Americas. If youre interested then please PM me and we can sort out payment (through paypal if possible) once i get back. Due to the build time for these I cant do more than 5 per week. Ill let you know when i return. |
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#15 (permalink) | |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Wetville
Posts: 6,248
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
Quote:
Again, nice work! |
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#16 (permalink) | |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 627
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
Quote:
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#17 (permalink) |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: The Rue Morgue
Posts: 202
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
Alright boys and girls...what you've all been waiting for. Graham sent me a prototype to install and test. If you have experience working with amps and know how to discharge your filter caps you are good to go. It took around 4 hours for me. No point in getting alarmed, I'm very careful about things. The mod calls for you to remove the 2 PCB's so you can do the work. I spent a considerable amount of time drawing up wiring diagrams for all of the boards (4), switches, and trannys. This way I'll always have a reference to fall back on in the future. I decided to to do option #2. Everything went smoothly, one caution though. Be careful when you bend back tab 3 on the channel A volume pot. You must solder it on just right so you are able to install it back in place so that the legs fit back into the holes.
Other than that it works BEAUTIFULLY!!!! ![]() ![]() No noise and no latency between switching the 2 channels from what I could hear. I didn't get to really dive into real loud volumes, I was messing around at about 2 1/2.Anyway, you guys need to get this mod installed. Graham really knows his stuff and I swear by it. I also have his F\X Loop mod that removes all of the crosstalk in the loop. Here's some pics of my DSL50: The switch mod board: ![]() The reverb board:
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White Schecter C-1 Hellraiser w\ original Floyd Rose 2 Fender Customized Strats DiMarzio pickups Modded Jcm2000 DSL50 W\Mercury Mag choke,PT,OT Carvin Legacy2x12 w\V30's & Beam Blockers Strobostomp tuner,TS808,EH LPB-1, BYOC CE-2 Analog Chorus, MXR Modded Phase 90, MXR Micro Flange, MXR Carbon Copy, MXR Smart Gate, Boss DD-7. George L and Monster Cables ![]()
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#18 (permalink) |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
Thanks MaidenStrat as all seems to be working then i can assume that the mod has been tested successfully on both 1998 and 2006 DSL models. I would presume that it is should be compatable with all models in between and more than likely the current range of amplifiers.
As for using the front face knobs for the crunch volume, this can be done but you/I would have to find a new 1Mohm volume pot to fit into one of the reverb positions. Ther reverb pots are 20K on my amp and would load the pre-amp section too much. However, once a replacement is found it is almost as easy to perform the mod using the new controls as it is the standard option (as described by MaidenStrat). You may need to perform a small mod to link the output from the remaining reverb pot so that the one pot controls both channels but that should just be a case of one wire link. I have some orders already, and hope to ship the first lot by the 9th November. Again, please PM me if you are interested in the mod. |
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#19 (permalink) |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
Finally back off holiday and got myself sorted out!
The first batch of units should be posted on the 9th November. With regards to adding seperate volume controls for the crunch channel (and the lead 2 channel if you dont want any reverb!) I have sourced some identical 1M volume pots for this option. To add a single volume knob for the crunch channel you would have to remove the reverb B knob and pot (its a 20K i think) and mount the new pot in its place using only the mounting legs. The pot legs need to be bent back at 90degrees so that the wires to the footswitch mod can be soldered on to the top side of the PCB. The output of the reverb A pot will need to be linked to where the output of the B pot was connected so that the single knob controls both channels. Again, if these instructions are followed, there is no reason why this cannot be reversed 100% to return the amp to stock should you need to. Full instructions will be supplied with the kits once i get it all written up. I can add the spare volume pot if required to the kit for an additional £1.50Otherwise they are available from Marshall for a bit less but theres a £3.50 postage charge on their orders. Please let me know if you want these pots and i will amend the price accordingly. Thanks for the orders so far, Ill confirm to everyone individaully once they are dispatched. |
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#21 (permalink) | |
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Chicago
Posts: 22
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
Quote:
I'm definitely interested in this...please let us know when you have additional in stock.
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#22 (permalink) |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
The good news is that I still have a few of the boards available, its been hectic at work recently so havent really been pushing these boards advertising wise - Although FJA Mods have added my boards to their modification list for those who want them installed professionally.
As I mentioned on the last post, there are number of options available for the install, however if you want to re-assign the second reverb knob as a decicated crunch volume knob then you will also need an additional pot to fit in its place. Standard Mod Kit £40, additional marshall pots £1.50 each (needed for dedicated crunch volume or incase one is damaged during the install) UK Postage £2, Europe £2.50, Americas £3 If there are any questions then please feel free to ask. PM me for payment instructions if you are interested in the mod. |
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#23 (permalink) |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Canada
Posts: 8,117
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
Got mine yesterday! Can't wait to try this out.
__________________
Marshalls: 1983 JCM 800 2204, 1987 2550 Silver Jubilee, 1997 JCM2000 DSL50, 1995 1987x (Rebuilt). 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: 2010 Blackstar HT-20 head, 2008 2550x Marshall Silver Jubilee SDM Layout, 2008 Vox AC30CC 2x12 combo, ADA MP-1, 2x12 2550x Cab with Vintage 30s |
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#25 (permalink) |
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 12
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
Tell me how are you going to use the mod. You still only have one gain knob for the channel. If you turn the gain down for clean, you won't have enough gain for crunch. If you turn up the gain for crunch, it will be too much for clean.
Help!
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#26 (permalink) | |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
Quote:
The mod isnt for everyone perhaps - it wont change the dynamics of the channels - theres plenty of other mods out there for that it just makes the amp more flexible for live work. |
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#27 (permalink) |
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Kansas City, KS
Posts: 82
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
As a new DSL owner this is good news! Ultimately I'd like a switch for all the modes on the amp to be integrated into a footswitch.
Only 2 trivial complaints I have of the DSL: 1) footswitch selection is too basic - I want all the modes on the amp to be accessed via footswitch as I could use all of those modes live with my band 2) no MIDI! One of the reasons I coveted a 6100 for so long, but even the MIDI on that doesn't allow mode switching. |
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#28 (permalink) |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Jensen Beach/Port St. Lucie Florida
Posts: 213
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
Sweet! How much? This is a must have.
__________________
Marshall JCM 2000 DSL 100 Avatar 2x12 Vintage 30/G12H30 ESP LTD EC1000 Deluxe Seymour JB/59 <--- Pictured |
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#29 (permalink) |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 106
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
Prices are given 6 (or so) posts up:
There are number of options available for the install, however if you want to re-assign the second reverb knob as a decicated crunch volume knob then you will also need an additional pot to fit in its place. Standard Mod Kit £40, additional marshall pots £1.50 each (needed for dedicated crunch volume or incase one is damaged during the install) UK Postage £2, Europe £2.50, Americas £3 If there are any questions then please feel free to ask. PM me for payment instructions if you are interested in the mod. |
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#30 (permalink) |
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 1
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Re: Marshall DSL 50/100 Clean/Crunch Footswitch - at last!
The kit (with a volume pot for crunch replacing one of the reverb controls) is now in my DSL 50. It works just as I hoped. Recomended! My cousin mounted it for me, and said it was an easy job. Three channels, and I also use an overdrive pedal when I want more gain and sustain on one of the three channels, and it,s very versatile. I never uses the mode 2 on the ultra gain channel. I,m using an eq pedal in the fx-loop for boost. It's all you'll ever need
![]() Thanks, een7gdr
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