Any owned a Marshall DSL401? (incorporating potential SPAM)

[JonnyScaramanga]

I'm thinking of unloading my near-mint Peavey VK112 for something more British-sounding and with less gain.

What's everyone's experience of the Marshall DSL401? I've heard there are reliability issues (and I've also heard they can be a right wasp in a jam jar). I've seen a few at good prices, though. Has anyone here gigged one?

[wibble]

I used to have one of the early ones. Overheating bridge rectifier was a common fault - sound would cut out as it overheated.

Also, the size of the EL84's they used were really skinny ones and the holes in metal chassis for them were only cut marginally bigger and you couldn't fit other fatter EL84's in there!

afaik these design issues were fixed in later versions.

They made quite a nice sound but they didn't seem very loud compared to other similar wattage amps - maybe it was just mine. I sold it and got a Mesa Boogie DC-3 instead which was much louder and a better clean tone.

[andrewrg]

Like Wibble said avoid early ones unless they've been modded/fixed. I gigged with a 401 for three years with no problems whatsoever; it was a tough, good sounding amp and I'd quite happily get another.
As for the 'wasp in a jar' thing you'll only get that at bedroom levels with a lot of pre-amp gain; at gig volumes things smooth out very nicely.

[Ramirez]

I have one for sale. Been gigged solidly for around two years now with no problems. Reason for selling is that it's just too Marshally for me now!

How's the VK for Fendery cleans and country stuff?

[JonnyScaramanga]

Originally Posted by Ramirez

How's the VK for Fendery cleans and country stuff?

I think it's pretty good for that stuff. As I said, there's plenty of headroom on the clean channel, and it uses 6L6 power tubes like a Fender. I've used it for funk gigs and got good tones. I'd say the VK's weakness would be as a blues amp. For everything else I think it's good. Can I interest you in a swap?

[Ramirez]

Originally Posted by JonnyScaramanga

Can I interest you in a swap?

Very much so

[peacock1987]

What are your thoughts on the valveking? what kind of distortion sounds can you get from it? i am wanting to recreate a angels and ariwaves sort of tone? I've also heard bad things about the reverb?

[Ramirez]

Where are you based, Jonny?

[JonnyScaramanga]

Originally Posted by Ramirez

Where are you based, Jonny?

I'm in Bath. I don't want to mess you around, but someone locally is selling a JCM800 that I'm very interested in. If he'd return my calls, I could give a straight answer on whether I'm still interested in your DSL!

Originally Posted by peacock1987

What are your thoughts on the valveking? what kind of distortion sounds can you get from it? i am wanting to recreate a angels and ariwaves sort of tone? I've also heard bad things about the reverb?

Hmm... haven't listened much to Angels and Airwaves. It'll definitely do that high gain American rock radio sound, and with effects you could get atmospheric-y things (Angels and Airwaves do some U2-ish guitar stuff, right?). I have to be honest though, the reverb ain't the best.

[Ramirez]

No problem! Let me know when you know!