Haze 40 with an overdrive pedal in front. $699 new or $525 if you buy mine. 40 watts but LOUD.

JVM215C--versatile and MIDI-controllable --50 watts $1599

JMD501--Marshall's new modeling-style amp -- 50 watts, 16 amp sound options $1149

MA50C--Marshall's new "entry level" tube line -- 50 watts, fewer options, 2 channels

You can try and find these on the 'bay, or you could also look for a JCM800 on the 'bay--there's a JCM800 4010 1 x 12 on the 'bay right now for $800. If you get an older JCM800/JCM900 with a good overdrive you'll get closer to that Iron Maiden sound.

Also, I hear the Blackstar amps are really great all-in-one amps. Check 'em out.

Cheers,

Race

 

Feel sorry for you guys in the US. Over here in Ireland and the UK, they would be just over half what you are paying. Having said all that, a Mesa Boogie Express 5:25 over here is around €1800, which would be well over $2000.

Some Marshall amps to avoid would be the AVT, MG, Haze and any modelling rubbish.
The JVM is one of the best recent ones. Classics like the JCM800, Plexi and the 25th anniversary 6101 amps are worth a look.

 

Marshall overrated and overpriced, possibly but they have stood the test of time, the only thing I`d change mine for is a Mesa

 

Well lemmie tell ya this: I get to play dozens and dozens of amps per year through work (guitar mags) but when it came time to buy a new amp, I settled on a Marshall JCM2000 DSL50 above amps by Mesa Boogie, Carvin, Fender, Randall, Line 6, Laney, Hughes & Kettner, Peavey, Engl, etc etc etc. I would definitely recommend the JCM2000 series. It's what Dave Murray uses in Maiden. You'll also get Vai-ish tones out of it, particularly Eat 'Em And Smile/Passion & Warfare type sounds.

Other notable JCM2000 users over the years:

Nuno Bettencourt
Jeff Beck
Bruce Kulick
Steve Morse

 

You heard Gilbert's tone on his new album right? Marshall!

 

a handmade in the UK product.. this stuff aint made in a factory in Korea or anything.. great price for that kind of quality.
but I would say that

 

Over-rated? These amps aren't like Slash...

Overpriced? These amps aren't Slash's guitar either...


As highly rated as they deserve to be, and in my opinion, most Marshalls are priced for what they deliver (with the possible exception of the MG series... the price on the higher powered models might be pushing it )

 

Over-rated? These amps aren't like Slash...

Overpriced? These amps aren't Slash's guitar either...

As highly rated as they deserve to be, and in my opinion, most Marshalls are priced for what they deliver (with the possible exception of the MG series... the price on the higher powered models might be pushing it )

Funnily enough am waiting to see what the Marshall Slash signature is going to be like. It actually sounds pretty good.

 

Depends on the model of amp you're talking about.

The DSL is a great amp for what it does and I wouldn't consider the price to be over the top considering the tones it can provide.
The TSL on the other hand is overpriced and over rated in my opinion, I'm not a fan, never have been.

I had a look at a JCM 800 2203KK model, that thing sounds like a complete beast, for £800 I'd say its a balls out bargain. (At least it was when I was considering one, it might have inflated in price by now)

The JVM model that a bandmate used to play was complete and utter cack in comparison and cost about the same amount, so I guess it comes down to opinion and what model you're thinking of getting. If you're unsure then go to a shop and test the thing out.

 

The DSL is a great amp for what it does and I wouldn't consider the price to be over the top considering the tones it can provide.
The TSL on the other hand is overpriced and over rated in my opinion, I'm not a fan, never have been.

All true. The best way to go now is the JVM, I guess, but there are DSL's 100 starting at $675 on 3bay. Very tempting...

 

I think Marshall still make some very good amps. It varies from model to model and the particular tones your after would require trying out some things. Some models have suspect design problems which results in some maintenance issues and break-down risks but over all, I think they make a pretty good product.

I wouldn't necessarily say they're over rated any more than saying that some other company's amp or guitar is over rated/priced. They are expensive though and some other companies like Laney or Blackstar have developed similarly Marshall-esque tones for less money.

If you're looking for an amp, I wouldn't rule them out based on price or over-hype. I would try everything you can out with your guitar and see what suits you. Then worry about price or reputation with an emphasis on build quality.

 

So, I checked out that JCM2000 DSL50 and it has been discontinued. Any other recommendations? Again, I'm looking for something that would give me a tone close to Maiden. There's not a lot of shops around here that carry the high end stuff. We have a guitar center but all they have is the solid state model and some half stacks. Not a fan of those.

Thanks for your help.

 

So, I checked out that JCM2000 DSL50 and it has been discontinued. Any other recommendations? Again, I'm looking for something that would give me a tone close to Maiden. There's not a lot of shops around here that carry the high end stuff. We have a guitar center but all they have is the solid state model and some half stacks. Not a fan of those.

Thanks for your help.

It's still listed as a current model on their website. Weird. Well this is the exact same thing but with a custom finish, and it's a current model this year: http://marshallamps.com/product.asp?productCode=1923

 

It all depends on the mood of the music.

I ditched my Plexi a long time ago when I switched to Mesa for my main gigging rig, but since I teach and a few of my friends wanna noodle on the blues, I'll whip out the vintage modern every now and then. The KT88 sound is pretty rad sometimes.

Definitely a mood thing. Same for my Orange; sometimes I wanna sound like John Mclaughlin (even though I can get those tones with my Mesa...)

 

I had a JCM800 head, this model:

Buying-selling stuff... I sold this amp long time ago and I miss it right now LOL

Well, just a few Marshall models worth it... I changed the tubes and run this amp with a 4x12 V30s (distintion to the single note) and the sound were great for play maiden or 80's heavy metal. If you want the sound, listent the head first.

 

mesa is overrated and overpriced. i play mesa btw. marshall is okay in my book. simple and effective.

 

Everything is overpriced!! :razz:

Craigslist champion, or buy from your friends!!

I've wondered about hotrodding a JCM800 these days though... I've heard some sweeet clips on YouTube, like the FJA mods.

 

wow...with all these problems you see..and the constant discontinues...why anyone wastes their time with marshall is beyond me..I'm convinced it's all hype...people are so used to seeing that "marshall" logo on amps that they think it's the only amp. I agree with this...Laney is a good amp..I doubt Hendrix would be using Marshall if he was alive today...all you wannabe's have pigeon-holed yourselves into a 1 amp society! You have all been had suckers! so as you buy new amps then trade em for more and back and forth and back and forth, then there's us people who don't sell out for a "name" and sit back and laugh at all the fools trying to imitate someone else's sound.

Do you actually read what you write ? Who sold out? And who is the fool who is imitating what ? And what about wannabe's ?. Wannabe what ? 1 amp society ? I have been had by who? Marshall ??

I have usually around 10 amps here, the only constant so far was my JVM , not because i want to imitate someone but because it think its the best amp ever.

And use your freaki'n return key every once in a while.

 

indeed marshall is not the only kid on the block anymore.. and they are overpriced like so many of those companies Orange, Hiwatt...etc...I must say I have a very rare ART DST 80/80 it blows away marshall side by side it leaves the marshall in the dust and makes the marshall sound like mud. I'd go with Hughes & Kettner any day...you do not need those 100 watt amps...the days of a wall of amps is gone and not needed at all everything is mic'd through the P.A. anyways. And who needs tubes...just more problems to deal with...over these past 30+ years I've watched the trends go from tubes to solid state, then they claimed they didn't have that warmth, so the trend switched to tubes again..then back to SS, It's cyclical like the fashion industry, the best advise would be to stop listening to the talking heads, do your homework...find what you like and stick with it. Also stop trying to re-create someone elses sound...it's theirs get your own, that's just what the music world needs...some guy with someone elses sound we already heard or know... I seriously doubt your fav rockers were thinking ,"gee if I could only have someone elses sound I would be great"
I never seen Allan Holdsworth waste his time with marshall or tubes....do yourself a favour and stop trying to impress everyone and get what is good.

Dude, why so bitter? Relax )

 

I like the idea of Marshalls, and some of the great classic marshall tones. I have plugged into Marshalls, turned them up and been amazed. Some models I don't like, a couple of the DSL, TSL and JVM Models, I love the Vintage Modern series amps. There's a particular Marshall sound I like, and if they all had it they'd all be the same, and the 'Marshall sound' that I like isn't necessarily the ones everyone else wants - fair play. I think any amp bought for the right reason and used effectively and appropriately can be a great amp.

I agree that people blindly buying any product is pretty daft, but similarly, not buying a certain product for a similar reason is just as stupid. The amount of people I've recommended genuinely brilliant and cost effective Line 6 products to who've turned their nose up at it is mental. For every big brand there's somebody hyping it up, they like to justify themselves and feel a part of the brand's family (we're on Jemsite, let's not forget) and I'm the same. Let the Marshall fan big them up, just make sure the decision you make is yours, and not the choice of the people doing the marketing, or your friends.

I have a friend who thinks Mesa is overrated, overpriced crap, I love mine to pieces. He's mad about his Peavey, I think it's cheaply made, poor quality rubbish. Each to their own, I guess.

 

I like the idea of Marshalls, and some of the great classic marshall tones. I have plugged into Marshalls, turned them up and been amazed. Some models I don't like, a couple of the DSL, TSL and JVM Models, I love the Vintage Modern series amps. There's a particular Marshall sound I like, and if they all had it they'd all be the same, and the 'Marshall sound' that I like isn't necessarily the ones everyone else wants - fair play. I think any amp bought for the right reason and used effectively and appropriately can be a great amp.

I agree that people blindly buying any product is pretty daft, but similarly, not buying a certain product for a similar reason is just as stupid. The amount of people I've recommended genuinely brilliant and cost effective Line 6 products to who've turned their nose up at it is mental. For every big brand there's somebody hyping it up, they like to justify themselves and feel a part of the brand's family (we're on Jemsite, let's not forget) and I'm the same. Let the Marshall fan big them up, just make sure the decision you make is yours, and not the choice of the people doing the marketing, or your friends.

I have a friend who thinks Mesa is overrated, overpriced crap, I love mine to pieces. He's mad about his Peavey, I think it's cheaply made, poor quality rubbish. Each to their own, I guess.

Could not have said it better. +1

 

it's never over priced if it makes the sounds you want it to make

 

Ive never actually played a marshall i liked, always seemed thin and fizzy to my ears. and expensive.
But have played and currently own Laney amps. I think they can nail a marshall like sound and much more for a much smaller price. I picked up a VC15 for £180, and its a great little amp.
And extensively played a VC50 the combo PG used to use and also sounded great, (btw this is the combo version of the VH100r not a bigger VC15 as the name would suggest.)

 

I am not all that impressed with the newer designs, but I would NEVER give up my early Superleads.

I finally sold off my Slash amp this year after getting my '73 back from Dave Friedman. I am currently waiting for Dave to finish up my '93 reissue.

Perhaps you would enjoy a nice JCM800 combo with a dirt pedal in front.

 

This kind of reissue amps are overpriced. I have never had the oportunity to test one of this amps... :?

http://www.fatsoundguitars.com/store/amps/germino/germino-amps.php

 

Everyone will have their own personal opinion of Marshalls.
But in the professional Rock world, the overwhelming choice for a backline is Marshall- and that choice has been constant for 30 years. No other company can make that claim.

Also, with the exception of vintage Fender amps and a (very) few boutique builders, Marshall amps actually appreciate in value over time - Ayrton's Super-Lead heads are worth lots more than when they were new.

Personal preference is personal preference - but facts are facts.

 

Marshall do the classic rock thing the best i am thinking. So, if that is your thang, then get a Marshall.

Otherwise you should look elsewhere for your sound.

 

Paul Gilbert uses Marshall! Crazy man with no enter key, vintage moderns, and has done for a while.

 

People who blindly buy into a brand trying to sound like someone else are losers.





/pats Legacy, Jemini, Bad Horsie and Ibanez........ ;-)

actually I loved the legacy the first time I heard it in the second hand music store. The Jemini's versatility blew me away within 5 mins.

 

Throughout my 'tone quest' my friends in the guitar shop just say, "get a les paul and marshall, it's the classic sound and people play them for a very good reason". But they miss the point. It's precisely because everyone does play them that i don't want them!

They're right, but I want to be slightly different. Marshall have traded on image and teenage dreams of playing wembley with a wall of marshall stacks for so long now.

Blackstar was set up by ex-Marshall people and they took the tired formula and breathed new life into it. They blow Marshall out of the water. They are what Marshall should have become if they weren't spending so much time looking backwards or towards celebrity endorsers.

(but nothing has tempted me away from a certain all-valve carvin......)