Marshall DSL40CR. My experience after 9 months of gigs.

[@chrisb8193]

One cool hack I learned is if you want it to sound like a JCM 800 is turn it to the green channel and engage the Crunch mode then Max out the gain and boost it with a Tubescreamer or SD-1 and it sounds damn close to an 800. Big and wide and rich, the gain channels actually sound pretty compressed in comparison.

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

the marshall clean sound is so underrated. The clean channel with an overdrive is awesome i never liked Fender dirty tones. For whatever reason i like Vox and Marshall amps as much for the way they respond to attack as the sound. I been playing since the 80s so i have put some time into my opinions. This amp sounds great

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

No, it's not underrated it's underwhelming. I've been playing since the 70s

[@jamesm5744]

Ive had so many amps and this amp is just about perfect. I bought it new on a whim and was almost disappointed with how it made my much more expensive "boutique" amps obsolete. Cant quite put my finger on it but theyve really nailed it with this combo. One trick I did notice was to drive the output "master volume" section and lower the channel volumes. Really sets it apart then.

[@adamwatson6916]

It's an amazing amp . I own one myself and I like it more than my much more expensive Silver Jubilee as well as a 50 watt JVM Combo I no longer own . I got rid of the JVM because the DSL sounded so much better . I also have a DSL 5CR which is also fantastic . I have a Marshall Slash SL 5 watt combo and it gathers dust because I love the DSL 5 so much more .. My DSL 5 with a Celestion 75hz G12H30 Heritage in a 1 by 12 extension cab paired with my Duncan Seth Lover loaded R8 Les Paul has the Jimmy Page Led Zeppelin 2 tone all day long. Especially The Lemon Song and Heartbreaker.

[@user-zn6gz4ub7w]

I've got a tip for all guitar players. I play a Sire S3. Being I mixed sound for 43 years I was looking around to buy a used 10, 15, or a 31 band equalizer. People still think their old obsolete sound system EQs are worth a lot of money. My money is tight. The Boss 7 band is $150. I came across a Boss clone made by Behringer at Sweetwater selling for a mere $25. It has exceeded my expectations. I was reluctant to buy it because it was dirt cheap and cased in plastic. It performs nicely with no unwanted noise and gives me a lot flexibilty for controlling my tones. The plastic is a thick high impact plastic. I love it.

[@youreatoilet]

Behringer pedals are great, I have a chorus, tube screamer and octave fuzz from them and they all do a great job for the price. The plastic build is more heavy duty than people make out, you'd really have to stamp hard on one to break it. I own the Boss GE-7 (got it cheap second hand) and it's great but sometimes feel I'd benefit from a 10 band, might have to give the Behringer a try!

[@philthompson9403]

Thanks do you put it in the fx loop?

[@user-zn6gz4ub7w]

@@philthompson9403 Are you talking about the FX insert? No. My guitar into my programable pedal board output into my compressor pedal and compressor output to the input of my EQ pedal. My EQ pedal output into my mixer. I only play at home through headphones.

[@neslesman6708]

A few of the behringer pedals sound surprisingly good.

[@user-zn6gz4ub7w]

@@neslesman6708 They are the same circuitry as cthe Boss pedals. The differece is the fact Behringer's cicuitry is housed in plastic. Thing is Behringer used really thick high impact plastic. It would be really hard to break one.

[@whatarefriends4]

See he’s happy with his box of Marshall tones. They did you right with this amp

[@kellypeterson2625]

Great demo I had no idea that that amp was that versatile and good sounding. Nice playing too!

[@rodchubb]

Great amp. Thanks for your kind words. Much appreciated.

[@jamesburns4363]

Great playing for sure.

[@aitken1965]

I love my DSL40 CR. The six button foot switch lets you select all four channels in both Green and Red mode. That’s eight sounds in one amp. The clean tone is glorious and it also sounds like a Marshall when it’s cranking.

[@TheChristafershawn]

I have this amp and like it but two months in a resistor failed and I had to ship halfway across the country to get it serviced. Marshall did honor the warranty and took care of all the expenses. It happens I guess. It now sounds a lot better then it did when I first got it. I think they adjusted the bias when they checked everything out. Great amp when working as it should.

[@DOMSGUITARS6140]

Have this amp and i absolutely LOVE IT!!

[@povilasvalicka3856]

how do you play lead sounds on it?

[@DOMSGUITARS6140]

@ depends on the song and genre but there r many gain options and i never need to use a gain pedal for this amp. Amp has more than enough

[@michaeldschutte]

I had one of these. It is an amazing amp. Nowadays I use a Quad Cortex but I still miss my DSL. It is great

[@jdmoney1000]

Fantastic demo poppy...thanks!

[@AnnoDomini-l3u]

Thumbs up Great video, I'm ordering it Friday, Thanks

[@rodchubb]

Thanks for the kind words. Have fun with your new amp when you get it.

[@AnnoDomini-l3u]

​@rodchubb I got it Thursday, I've always played fenders,4×10 Blues Deville,and the hotrod, But I've got to say, I absolutely love this Marshall, your video here made me have to have one, I can't believe how Clean, the Clean really is,Hey God Bless you Abundantly

[@WillyPercival-m1d]

Thank you for sharing love your tones can't go wrong with Marshall

[@fender4brad]

My first great guitar was an Eric Johnson and a DSL 50 watt DSL. I really fell in love with the clean sound. Marshall clean is still a favorite for me as well. Mine had more reverb if i remember correctly. Started blowing fuses, so I sold it to a guitar repair guy after messing with it for a while. I was afraid it would go down live.

[@jcgarcia1931]

Sounds exactly like it's supposed to... a Marshall thru and thru. Just be sure the tubes get biased when you get one, and then from time to time thereafter. It will start to hum in a slightly annoying way otherwise. Thankfully, Marshall makes this easy to do at home with the adjustment knob. Been loving mine more and more the longer I've been playing it. Just takes some learning how to dial in to taste and that's true of any decent tube amp.

[@bb_lz9790]

Great review! Thanks for sharing!!! Great playing too!

[@DGWShortScaleGuitar]

Sounds fantastic ❤

[@harrykey2448]

How good to hear a reviewer playing grown-up guitar. Most reviewers resort to heavy distortion, playing at a hundred miles per hour. They always end up sounding horrible, regardless of what guitar or amp they are reviewing. I am very grateful for your review as I am in the process of buying an amp for my 15 year old grandson. You have convinced me that my choice of this Marshall amp is a good decision.

[@CountryBoyShane]

Wow, that first 30 seconds really hooked me!

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

What

[@toneking6555]

Sounds really good! Nice playing!

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

I own the same model and its an awesome clean, crunch and gain amp. The reverb is the one let down. I am sure when they release the newer version there will be a better one.

[@simonwarner3601]

Great video. Would love to see a video comparing the Marshall and the Orange for live gigs (sound, reliability, inspiration, versatility, etc). Love your playing. Cheers.

[@Jamman610]

22 watts? I thought it was 20 or half of 40. Great playing and demo. You made guitar face and played with attitude. Rock on.

[@johnjames1813]

Sounds good. Best wishes

[@KelsterVonShredster]

I absolutely love my EJ Strat. I also love Marshalls too lol. Good taste in my gear my friend....

[@troyjones2358]

Thinking about getting one of these amps, your really tasty playing is convincing me. Nice.

[@rodchubb]

Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated.

[@bullcrapitis]

Great playing, man.

[@rodchubb]

Thanks so much for your kind words. Much appreciated!

[@chrisb8193]

Bought one of these used but in mint shape for 450 bucks last year. Some of the best money I ever spent. Plug in my IBG Les Paul and SG and get all the Marshall rock tones one could ever want.🤟

[@pedraw]

sounds excellent. I've been on the fence about one of these for a long time. I should just break down and get one.

[@doctorskull8197]

I love mine! Sounds great around 10:45, even when using a Stratocaster!

[@whatarefriends4]

I love mine. It’s pure joy

[@timlaine6268]

I have the first run model that was purchased on clearance and after a speaker change I like it a lot.

[@ΓιάννηςΓουμαράς]

Very interesting demo, your playing is great and tasteful, and the amp sounds really good. I have the oldest version (jcm2000 dsl401) - along with a mini silver jubilee and a jcm2000 dsl100- but i think this version is superior, I would happily own one if I didn't have enough amps already

[@rodchubb]

Thanks for your kind words, much appreciated.

[@BonesJonesMusicMD]

Sounds great! The lead sound - damn! Thx

[@dewey7330]

Great video! I love mine. I think a lot of people over look just how good the clean channel is. I also had some issues with the first one I received. Looked like it was a Friday rush job. But the 2nd one was flawless in appearance. I did have to change one of the pre-amp tubes though.

[@RayC234]

I don't even use the reverb on mine I put an Oceans 11 in the loop and it sounds great, love that pedal.

[@edcrouse9453]

Sounds Amazing Rod!!

[@rodchubb]

Thanks pal. Hope you are doing well.

[@JohnKing-lc2tp]

The Fender Hot Noiseless pickups sound great out of the Marshall as compared to the peavey you used previously.

[@LockStoppageSandwich]

For me the optional 6 button foot switch is a must. Much better than the two channel one that comes as standard.

[@1mymikey]

Which one do you have?

[@LockStoppageSandwich]

@@1mymikey Marshall PEDL-91016 6 Button Footswitch - which allows you to set up each of the four channels and switch 5 is the amps reverb and six is to switch on the effects loop. So you can control all aspects of the amp from the switch.

[@gregguzdziol]

Super helpful video! Thank you!

[@ramlerendleg]

Very nice playing and good tone! At times I play multi-channel amps but I still find myself doing most of the work with the guitars volume like you do. Even on an Engl Powerball that I sometimes get to play I switch channels rather for different songs than for different parts most of the time. I'm considering one of these myself as they are not that expensive here in Europe and seem to be quite versatile. Usually I gig an old 2203 with a 4x12 but there are places where there's not enough space on stage. Mine sounds actually very good at low volume settings so I bring it whenever I find enough room for it. For anything else I use a 1st gen. Katana 50 which is quite decent but it takes a lot of EQ-work because I had to find out that it sounds nice for 30 min and then it kinda gets on my nerves. (It actually gets better when I flip it backwards) Your tones are great and that will certainly help my decision, thanks!

[@thisdyingsoul76]

I had one of these for a while. It sounded ok, but I just couldn't get along with it. The crunch setting wasn't enough, the lead channel was too much when wanted a rhythm sound. Goosing the front with a pedal in the rhythm channel got usable results for me. Then, I sold the amp and got a Wangs 50 watt head that was a handwired clone of a 1970's JMP 2204. I dial it in so I can get the lead sound I want and by rolling off the volume I get my crunch and cleans. I still use pedals to give some variations in tones but my base tone is the amp.

[@rocco575]

its still sounds like a Marshall for sure. I just feel like some of the quality control went down when marshall started manufacturing some of the amps in Asia as opposed to the UK, For the money this amp really is a great buy though!

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Yeah, when they dropped the price down to 730 i bought one.

[@christopherguzzi1316]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this amp. I'm considering this and a VOX AC 15. I'm leaning toward the VOX, mainly because of the better Reverb, plus Tremolo, and I feel like the Marshall is just too woofy sounding. As in too much bass and lack of clarity. Did you consider a VOX when shopping. Just curious as to your thoughts on the subject.

[@rodchubb]

I have never tried a Vox amp. I know a lot of folks use them and sound great.

[@nathanwzito6177]

Rod, you're a great player I am currently looking at this amp, and your video has really helped me in narrowing down my choice. DSL 40cr is it.

[@rodchubb]

Thanks for your kind words. I am glad the video helped you on your journey.

[@chucksurgeonertribute2113]

The most delicious sounds come from Marshall 🥰😍🥲😋❤💪👍

[@smithfield06]

Great playing, very informative video have you ever played the fender 60s reverb? I am torn between buying that or this Marshall.

[@rodchubb]

Thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated. I have never tried that Fender.

[@bdubs1967]

I currently use an MG30FX. Its pretty good for the price. I play in my home office and play pretty low volume just considering ear health and not blowing my family up. I've been going back and forth on the DSL20 and DSL40 because I want to get that tube sound. What do you recommend? I'm just a hobbyiest but love tone on Marshalls.

[@rodchubb]

I have never tried the 20, but I love my 40. You can get great tones at a low volume.

[@Ottophil]

I played one at k and s the other day. If i didnt have my current rig, it would do the job great for my size gigs

[@DJ-pp9yg]

Love the lead tone, but I would prefer fender cleans. Is your Katana Artist the answer?

[@rodchubb]

Katana has some great clean tones as does my Orange Super Crush 100.

[@bartdw6807]

Many years ago you convinced me to get the Squier classic vibe 50’s strat. That has been my only guitar to date and I love it. Now GASing for that EJ strat but a bit worried that the nut is a bit too wide and the neck a bit too thick fo me. How do the necks and nuts compare? How about playability, sustain, tremolo, etc?

[@rodchubb]

Thanks for watching. They are great guitars. Play and sound great. They do have chunky necks though.

[@rodchubb]

Ironically, I just did a video today on GAS, lol. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp-kqYWZpd2lgMU

[@bartdw6807]

LOL! I just gotta get me that EJ strat 😂

[@borowland5744]

The amp has always sounded pretty good to me. You could maybe use a reverb petal.

[@rodchubb]

I think the amp is amazing. You could add a reverb pedal but I don't think it is necessary. It would just be nice to have a little more reverb on tap for those who desire it. Thanks so much for the comment.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

I use the reverb from my captor X.

[@andrewmattera483]

Sounds great man, awesome playing too. I’m considering buying one of these, just wondering if yours is 100% stock or if you have upgraded the speaker/tubes or anything else? Please let me know, thank you.

[@rodchubb]

Thanks for the kind words. My amp is completely stock.

[@DNYS8N]

What settings do you use for that rhythm sound. I haven’t been able to get the sound clean or distorted that I want on my DSL40C. I’m thinking changing to a Texas Heat speaker. Also I had a problem with blending the amp with strictly on a voice PA. It can be too loud even at 3 in small indoor gigs. I’ll keep tweaking and thanks. What’s your lighter amp and I assume you shot for that same sound

[@rodchubb]

I use the green side of the crunch channel with the drive at about 3:00. My other two amps are a Boss Katana Artist Mkii and and Orange Super Crush 100. I have videos for them as well if you would like to check out how I use them.

[@DNYS8N]

@@rodchubb I get tripped up on the setting, resonance, presence.

[@wolfgangdevries127]

Thanks for the review. I assume the volume can be set quite low

[@rodchubb]

Yep, still sounds good at low volume.

[@wolfgangdevries127]

@@rodchubb ok, torn between this amp and the Origin 50. No exp with tube amps

[@youreatoilet]

@@wolfgangdevries127 The Origin, as the name suggest, is far more "vintage" inspired and because of that it is less versatile and not so good at low volumes, but sounds great when cranked up like old Marshalls. The DSL line is much more modern and versatile in my experience, It has more features and sounds good at low volumes. I own the DSL20CR and have played my friends Origin 50C and I much prefer my DSL because firstly it's got separate clean and dirty footswitchable channels (Origin 50 only has one), secondly it can do anything from ultra clean to ultra distorted without needing a single pedal. I love my 20w version but the 40w is definitely the better version, it has extra master volume knobs making it even better for low volumes and comes with a better stock speaker. In summary, the Origin is great if you want a vintage sound and have the space to crank the volume up. The DSL is great for it versatility and sounds great at lower volumes, but perhaps lacks a bit of the vintage Marshall vibe.

[@SoloSi2024]

Did you change the speaker?

[@rodchubb]

Nope.

[@johnsmith-zf1fd]

You think it sounds better than your katana artist? or can the katana do the marshall sound just as well?

[@rodchubb]

They are both great amps but different. The distortion channel on the Marshall is just awesome.

[@whoguy4231]

Totally right about Marshalls ... Some just sound like crap, but others are a dream.

[@jboll84]

Every one I’ve attempted to play in a guitar center doesn’t work at all. And Marshall seems to have a hard time distributing them to retailers. They’ve been on back order for most of the year now. Not sure what’s going on with the company

[@BradWires]

When you turned around to engage the overdrive sound, what did you step on?

[@rodchubb]

The amps 2 button footswitch. It is included with the amp. It changes the channel of the amp and you can turn the effects loop on and off with the second button.

[@BradWires]

@@rodchubb Thanks. I figured it was the two-button switch but also thought you would not use it to change to the Ultra Gain channel. What do you have in your effects loop to boost your sound for solos? Sounds good!

[@rodchubb]

@@BradWires Nothing, I use the volume knob on my guitar.

[@RayC234]

@@rodchubb Good man, a lot of players nowadays seem to have forgotten about the volume and tone knobs.

[@DavidGodfren]

Does it sound good at bedroom levels? Can it be called an appartment-friendly amp?

[@rodchubb]

I don't play all that loud and I think it sounds good. I guess volume is subjective.

[@DavidGodfren]

@@rodchubb ok, thank you!

[@HearstVirginia-t5p]

Andy Cliffs

[@Jamman610]

$690.00 @ Houston pawnshop. Maybe $525.00 they’ll take.

[@chriswallace9387]

That chair. My goodness. It’s loud when moving.

[@sevenaanddexterfuller4693]

My DSL40CR shat itself 3 weeks after I bought it. Was disappointing to say the least.

[@Smart-Alex]

Mine too - but after two months, sigh. Bought a Katana Gen 3 Artist instead. Not a tube amp but it's quite good!

[@ChristopherHinton-w5k]

Letitia Square

[@neslesman6708]

Always disliked the Marshall reverb. Colors the tone too much. Mine's off. Just my liking.

[@doctorskull8197]

Weighs 50 pounds

[@monkofwar]

You’d do better with an Orange. They have the absolute best sounding amps no matter what music you play. Period.

[@youreatoilet]

He seems happy with his amp, not sure what part of this video made you think he wasn't happy and needs something else

[@chrisb8193]

Oranges are overrated and overpriced. I’ve owned 3 or 4 and they just don’t live up to their reputation. Marshalls are superior imho, and cut way better in a band mix.

[@4GuitarTrance]

Been playing professionally, both live and studio, for more years than seems possible to me sometimes, looking back. Owned and played a lot of different gear and brands from smaller combos to a massive 80's style rack system, and for rock Marshall is my #1 choice... period. Listen... you're squeezing some awfully nice quality tone out of that little DSL, my friend... seriously! Your clean tone is smooth and balanced and apparently used for the song and/or genre called for... just rich, nice, and pleasant. While I'm impressed with your clean sound, your distorted tone is excellent for a smaller Marshall. To be honest, I've heard some seriously crappy sound coming from "players" of smaller Marshalls (and other brands)... almost always far too distorted and far too thin and harsh. The "Turn everything on 10", tone-wise (EQ settings) doesn't always work, and works even less for smaller amplification. You have a very rich, smooth, and tastefully distorted tone, and unlike a lot of people, you've obviously discovered the best feature of Marshall pre-amp style amps... the fact one can dial-in a solid and rich, beefy distorted channel yet the more one backs off on the guitar volume the cleaner the sound gets. From near-sparkling bell-ish, chime-like tone between 1 and 3 -4 on the guitar volume (depending on pickups, etc), an edge-of-breakup overdriven tone from there to around 7 or 8 with plenty of variables in that range, to full-out distortion from there to 10. Another obvious variable is the aggressiveness of one's pick attack which further adds to the variations of tones, clean or dirty, available. Another impressive thing about your tone is the fact you're using stock strat single coil pickups... or at least they appear that way. Seriously... compliments for your tone overall, but again, I am particularly impressed with the manipulation of your "dirty" sound. I've heard some fairly nasty (as in BAD) tones coming from Marshalls, especially smaller combos and the like. But the tone you're demonstrating with a simple strat and amp is worth a serious and heart-felt compliment from my end. Kudos, my friend. You have a great ear for tone and a professional-like ability to dial-in and work that tone... something lacking far and wide with MOST these days!

[@rodchubb]

Thanks so much for your kind words. You made my day!

[@4GuitarTrance]

@@rodchubb My pleasure... I give credit where I believe it is due. Keep playing and never allow yourself to stop learning. 👍

[@11000038]

⏸️ I just got DSL5 cr. I've not had much chance to try it at home. I'm at the beginning of the video so I will see what you think of the 40. Ok you can carry on now. ▶️ 😁