Did Marshall ever make any other small heads such as the Lead 12, at any other time? If so what? I'm not really talking about the 'micro stack' or things like that, nor the newer Studio Classics or Vintage Classics. I know the Lead 12 is solid state and I was looking into buying one, but I wanted to check what other options existed out there with these super small heads. List so far: -Lead 12 (solid state) -DSL1R -JTM1 ($) -JMP1 ($)
Why dont the new Studio heads "count"? 2061x/20w Jube/Origin20/DSL20 I'm sure someone likes them but those Lead 12 amps sound horrible.
The lead 12s don't sound horrible, but there are other options that sound better, like the 1 watt 50th anniversary heads, or the DSL1hr, I have the DSL1hr and it fits the Lead 12 cabs as well. I don't think the studio series is small enough as it pertains to the op, so the 2204s, while cool as f, is too big to be cosidered small as well. If not then this counts too..
Some of the 1 watt series anniverary models are very good. In my mind, the JMP1 1 watt amp is excellent, but the JTM1 watt amp is positively legendary and I have sworn to get one sooner or later.
Do they sound that bad? I chose them (or similar) because they're cheap, and look like a cool novelty
Like I said, someone will like them as we see above. I thought the one I had years ago was awful. Cheap novelty indeed. If you are short on funds, get the Origin--miles ahead tone wise from the Lead 12. How much is a used DSL20?
I like the lead 12s. They sound much better with a different speaker, and not the crappy one they come with. But...IMO The newer Dsl1hr is a better small head. 2 switchable channels, built in reverb, effects loop..and it is tube.
I have two Lead 12s. (One not working as of yet, it's a repair project.) The working one sounds pretty darned good when plugged into a 1960A loaded with Greenbacks or G12T75s.
For the money..which is about $250 or less used, I'd get one of these. Cheaper than the lead 12 heads that I see anymore.
That DSL1R looks cool but it's about double in price than the Lead 12. I guess it depends on what deal I come across. If a Lead 12 was only slightly less than a used DSL1R then I might step up. But my goal is small. I already own a 2203, and a 4100 JCM900 I like that the DSL is 1W or 0.1W. I'm surprised it has an ECC82 type 'pre-amp tube' used as a power tube, but I suppose it's due to the low-wattage and the fact that you'd need two real power tubes which defeats the purpose. Since the DSL1R has an ECC82 as the power tube, would this mean I wouldn't have to make bias adjustments when swapping tubes?
What kind of prices are you seeing for the lead 12? All I see anymore is when a guy sells a lead 12 head they want $250,or so for one. If you look you can find the DSL1hr for under $250. For what they are imo they are a bargain. 2 channel, with footswitch, reverb and loop...no biasing required to change the 12au7 power tube..and 12au7s are abundant, and cheap. I have both the DSL1hr, and the lead 12 and I love my little lead12 mini stacks, and they sound good, and everyone is right they are a cool novelty, but the dsl1hr is a by far more versatile amp, with much more to offer.
Kind of off topic, but I'm seriously considering just building my own point to point wired JTM1. The price that a real JTM1 trades at is pretty impressive. For that price I could build maybe four hand wired copies of it. I just need to find a verified accurate schematic for it.
I have a schematic somewhere. It should be somewhere posted on ampgarage. Though one could improve the design
