Marshall JCM800 vs JCM2000 Comparison

[@phantasmagora6542]

Forget the Marshalls, that's one hell of a strong desk!

[@Nightdare]

🤣

[@SuperJiggawhat]

Haha!!!

[@crashdummy40]

I was thinking the same thing. Like. Why didn't he just leave the heads in a pickup bed to keep them mobile

[@Matthias_Jabs]

Купил жцм900 комбо. Только с грелкой звучит как зверь )

[@Matthias_Jabs]

Лампу можно раскачивать как угодно)

[@profoundsamurai745]

I have aJCM 2000 DSL and I freakin love it. I honestly think that in the future they will be soughted after like the JCM800 is today.

[@gamesandguitars3901]

i have to agree with that on the modern DSL series, there’s something special with these amps

[@timothyholmes4588]

my jcm 2000 kills . it's a monster and gets great vintage tone as well. imo it's the best amp they ever made. it's got a great saturation that is just Marshall all the way.

[@SuperJiggawhat]

What year is it?

[@profoundsamurai745]

@@SuperJiggawhat 1999

[@gtrman69777]

I certainly hope not. Then the prices will go up. LOL

[@Chrismagdich]

Ok I’m stupid. I just realized you’re the guitarist for Rag doll. Goddamn great band. I’ve been listening to you guys for a while and never put the two together. Cheers.

[@paulsharkey6576]

I've had both. I loved my JCM2000. That was the winner for me.

[@KauffeyBean]

I am an amphead and loves researching amps and preamps - and your channel has been a godsend to me! Don't stop! :)

[@LeonTodd]

So many amps, so little time!

[@KauffeyBean]

@@LeonTodd More and more please! :D

[@spetersonmusic]

Nice! the JCM800 is a one trick pony, but man.. what a trick it is!

[@LeonTodd]

Very similar to the Soldano stuff in that regard. When you need that one sound, it's the best at what it does.

[@brpadington]

I wouldn't call it a one trick pony. You can get an ok clean out of it and with a couple of different boost pedals and an EQ and you can do quite a bit.

[@pauldigga5419]

Roll off the volume on your guitar. Learn dynamics and nothing stays one trick

[@xthexadvantagex]

I think they have quite a few tricks. The 2203/4 is essentially a JMP circuit so you really have zeppelin/ ACDC up through slayer and punk. It’s got that jimmy clean in it too I think. The Dolomite record by Scott Henderson is just an old 2203

[@brpadington]

Exactly! People that call them a one trick are just wrong. You can literally nail 25 years of several genres with a 2203+ a couple pedals.

[@patrickgiles9281]

I have an early 2000’s JCM2000, running through a 1960Vintage with Greenbacks (yes, I swapped the speakers) and my buddy who’s played for 30 years and our local amp tech who services the touring bands’ gear both say it’s the best sounding Marshall they’ve played. Maybe I got lucky, maybe they’re just that good. I also have good tubes in it (Tung-sol and Svetlana) and it just rips with incredible warmth and overtones. Love love love that amp. Currently playing a 2014 Gibson Les Paul Custom and Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas. Give the 2000 a look. There are lemons out there buy some are absolute gems.

[@LeonTodd]

I'm yet to hear a bad one TBH (I also have two of the 100w heads kicking around here). It rules with greenbacks hey!

[@eddiem4868]

It's a great amp with the right speakers for sure!

[@turnoff789456]

I HAVE A JCM2000 AND SWITCHED OUT THE SPEAKERS TO THE REAL MADE IN ENGLAND GREEN BACKS. IT GOES FROM AC/DC TO METALLICA NO PROBLEM. WHEN WE PUT SHOWS ON IN CHICAGO, ALL THE BANDS PLAYING WOULD ASK US TO SULPLY 2 JCM200 50 WATTS FOR ALL THE SHOWS.

[@alexzemaitis1207]

Marshall JCM 800 with 4x12 cab with Vintage 30’s and an Ibanez tube screamer to boost the distortion up a bit will sound killer

[@dasvassen]

That's AMAZING! I bought a JCM800 2205 and I haven't been able to come remotely close to the sound that you get out of that one, not even counting the boost with the SD-1. Great video!

[@LeonTodd]

Thanks so much for checking it out :)

[@2204JCM]

He’s using a 2203 in the video. Different circuit. 2205 uses diodes for distortion.

[@otaviofenderstrat4220]

JCM800 +Boss SD-1 = killer tone.

[@darenwobensmith4868]

Yeah man I have been using my ds1 since the late 80swith a boss eq.awsomeness

[@Nightingale1887]

@@darenwobensmith4868 The SD-1 Super Over Drive is not a DS-1 Distortion.

[@michaelinglis8516]

@@Nightingale1887 I'm pretty sure he meant to type DSL not ds1 Probably an auto correct error. He also said he used his dsl with a boss EQ which can have the same effect as an overdrive when put before the amp like a TS9 or an SD-1. I personally prefer eq in the loop with a TS9 up front. I build my own pedals and nothing is same from my mods. With that said I've never owned an SD1. But since the TS9 is so similar I wonder if the sd1 would get much use. I'll probably build an SD1 on Vero soon cause I have an extra enclosure that would work well for an SD1.

[@sassulusmagnus]

Agreed. The SD-1may be a humble little dirt box but it just seems made for the JCM800. Makes the amp absolutely rage.

[@otaviofenderstrat4220]

@@michaelinglis8516 But he said he used since late 80's..i don't know when DSL line was launched...but what i said in the first post is JCM800 with Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive pedal as a boost in front of the amp....and that is killer. Some people have using the TS9 , that is a good option too. Eq pedal in the loop i never used , just effects pedals...Eq in the loop is good ?

[@mustardproductions3531]

I feel like a used JCM 2000 dual super lead might be one of the best deals eva for a versatile, workin man rock/metal amp..

[@qynNL]

Great review! I don't think the DSL gets enough credit as a mainstay and iconic amp. I always loved them, and the few I have played have been wonderful amps to work with. They have an awesome sonic range. I never understand why people (aka tone seekers) often overlook them.

[@demondik]

JCM800's are what made mid to late 80's metal guitar, metal guitar! I think everybody used 'em! lol Well, almost everybody.

[@LeonTodd]

It's the sound of an era.

[@guitarzarfun]

Agreed! I just bought a old Boss SD-1 made in 1983..Been playing since the late 80's and never had one til now. Can't believe how it adds that natural 3d- sounding distortion to a tube amp. I'm using with a Laney GH50l and it sounds completely killer!

[@andrewgarcia3136]

I have one, it has a few tricks, but the loud marshall one is indeed the best

[@guitarexpert2245]

@@andrewgarcia3136 2204 way too loud and no FX Loop was not good. Sold it and never looked back, have the 2000, just a different amp with way more gain on tap.

[@andrewgarcia3136]

@@guitarexpert2245 the jcm2000 amps are a lot more usuable, I've actually been thinking about grabbing a used dsl50, or maybe even a dsl1 to use at home. They're good amps. The old jcm 800s have bigger iron, though. No comparison in terms of volume and punch, closer to an old hiwatt than most new Marshalls

[@ericellis2729]

Great video. The SD-1 is my favorite overdrive pedal to use for boosting.

[@Mario666Heartless]

Basicaly everything sounds better with Greenbacks :D

[@LeonTodd]

I agree with this statement :)

[@ltxr9973]

Definitely. Much bigger difference than between the amps

[@valval7251]

g12-80!!

[@BoozyBeggar]

idk, I think I preferred the V30s.

[@samwilcockmusic]

I concur!

[@flagstamp]

Does anyone hear a crackly noise or something as the 2000 is being played? My ears might be fried from using 100 watt Marshalls all these years.

[@KingBlonde]

It's definitely not an amp artefact unless that particular amp is fried, but I doubt it because it sounds like digital clipping.

[@Ace96x10]

ya, same with 900 series. plastic brittle high end phony tone with cheap clipping. Awful stuff

[@Ghood2112]

I hear it too, definitely a clipping of some sort. My 2000 is now doing the ground cracking/popping.

[@julianortiz4151]

My JCM 2000 does the same crackling/popping. I’ve done quite a bit of research on this... it’s a problem called runaway biasing. Apparently, this is a flaw with the main circuit board being wired incorrectly or some circuit boards were defective. The main issue is that too much power is allowed to flow through the circuits instead of being properly suppressed by the resistors. It can cause overheating and damage to various transistors and even the pre amp and power amp valves. I’ve blown many power valves over the years thinking I was misusing my amp. It sounds great when you have fresh properly matched valves but over time the runaway biasing damages the valves, dramatically reducing their lifespan. Marshall did correct the problem and you can purchase a corrected circuit board and have a technician install it. Overall, it’s cheaper than buying a new amp. I’m looking into doing this now that I know what the issues is. I have a JCM 900 as back up until I can get this done. I recognized the crackling in the video immediately, as this is how the problem starts out but it eventually gets nasty and renders your amp next to unusable.

[@19MadMike95]

@@julianortiz4151 just got my 2000 back from the shop a month ago for runaway bias

[@sassulusmagnus]

The JCM800 2203 sounds particularly good through a 4x12 with G12-65's. They take a bit of the fizz out of the top end. The amp also sounds best with the master volume opened up a bit. Whole different sound.

[@lukevonpuke]

Thank you so much for posting this highly useful video. I used to own a JCM800 2x12 combo and had to get rid because, like you said, it's just way too loud and just sounds thin at the level of volume that many of us get to play. Our singer used to moan like hell if I took it anywhere near 2! I sold it and bought a TSL100 but haven't been able to dial in that sound I loved. So I've just bought a used DSL50 on eBay for £350 after watching your videos. Thanks again. P.s. TSL100 for sale ;)

[@94SexyStang]

just got a DSL100, because I wanted the more Modern distortion(for Ozzy and Pantera).....volume is WAY manageable....doesn't even get Loud till 4, then Really starts to crank!

[@mmhutchinson]

The TSL is an odd bird that is for sure

[@Cossfrack]

I've had a dsl for 15 years and I love it! We were in the studio last month and we had an original jcm800 and my dsl100. Played the same riff on both. Considering that the jcm800 has God-like status and the 2000 is often considered the "meh" amp, they're pretty dam close! Except, an original 800 (or a reissue) is gonna cost about £1000+ when you can get a 2000 for less than £400!

[@LeonTodd]

Pretty similar to my experience, once I figured out the DSL could do the 800 thing and more I stuck with it.

[@alpo44]

Thanks for your vids I just bought a DSL 50 and I’m so excited thanks to your vids : )

[@Eventual420]

Gary Richrath, REO, Marshall JTM/JMP 50W, Les Paul/PAF to me is the signature Marshall tone. Early Rush. Styx. The 800 and the amps that followed are great too, more modern, Ratt. They sound incredible. 45lbs (the 800). Don't ever change, Leon.

[@jimcatmandude9316]

I too play a 1974 JMP 50...I used to have one with the small emblem on the front and sold it and Oh I wish I had that back...

[@Eventual420]

Jim CatManDude, super lively little amplifiers! The little amp that could! 😜

[@Albee213]

Love my JCM2000 TSL 100.

[@techdeathhippie6319]

I still have mine I bought new in 1999 . They are kick ass amps . As good as any Marshall . The thing that throws people off is that the bias slips faster on them. But once biased right boom it’s king

[@gabrieltoneguitars9365]

First time I have ever seen the word LOVE and 100 used together

[@Twobarpsi]

Mine as well!

[@ronniethomas6335]

Techdeath Hippie What does bias slips mean? Just curious.

[@Twobarpsi]

@@ronniethomas6335 it means the required voltage, that the tubes need to operate correctly, loses stability, and becomes uncontrolled, causing failure.

[@adamdes0t0]

Thanks for making this video. I got a DSL for like 700 USD where the 800s are at 2k+. I'm happy.

[@prayl2850]

Great comparison! I have a JCM 2000 DSL 100w and love it!

[@LeonTodd]

Killer amps

[@davidarmstrong6153]

Awesome vid Leon 👍 As a 2000 dsl100 owner (year 2001) i can relate to the posters talking about bias issues popping cracking etc my one does that only until warmed up (which does not take long) I run it thru a marshall 1960A cab 4x12 gt12-75s very hard to get a tone you don't like on any channel. Just requires some slight tweakage between volume and gain. Similar to you i like the clean channels boosted. I use a good old tube screamer ts808 and to my ears the tone is golden. Pure Marshall rock. Thanks again Leon for all your content (especially anything jcm 2000 dsl100 related! ) 🤘

[@LeonTodd]

DSL and 1960a cab gets it done

[@Briman24]

The dsl's after 2003 don't have the bias drift problem anymore

[@headbuster03]

Nothing sounds more raw and powerful than a Les Paul straight into a JCM800. Love the JCM2000 also!

[@Andithewicked]

there is a jcm800 build into the jcm2000. The best Thing Marshall did in the 90th

[@headbuster03]

Id like Marshall half stack. Problem is, im not a lead guitarist, only jam thrash & death rhythm. Feel like i don't rate. Lol

[@Andithewicked]

So you dont Need a 2nd chanell. Easy going for Shows. No stress at all. I´m envious. Since 15 jears i´m searching for the perfect rig and it will never come. But Marshalls will be the base for it!

[@joolzhud]

You always sneak in Lay It Down, that riff is so good 👍

[@LeonTodd]

SO gooood!

[@DavidSL2H]

Great video, I really like more the JCM800 ... have one from the early eighties with the SIR39 Mod and sounds crazy, but yeah, it is insanely loud .... with the SD1 and a G12-75 loaded cab is the tone of an era. The JCM2000 is fine but for that high gain / versatility purpose I prefer the JVM. Marshall forever!

[@gabrieltoneguitars9365]

Ive heard the only difference between the JCM800 and the JCM2000 was how they were marketed. They are basically the same Amp! I think I am more in love with the Marshall "logo", than the sound.

[@Albee213]

I cant speak for the circuit but the insides share nothing. A classic 800 has that old school build quality that was meant to last. the 2000s have a lot of printed circuit boards and the tubes also sit on a circuit board and it they run mega hot.

[@RokDAWG1]

That 800 had a bit more bite but the smoothness of the 2000 is nice as well. I have an old Crate Stealth 50 that actually sounds a lot like that 800. Except with 2 channels. Before anyone out there freaks out, that Crate Stealth line was designed by Lee Jackson who also designed some of the best Marshall amps. It's pretty much a Marshall with a Crate logo on it.

[@LeonTodd]

Yeah those Crate amps deserve a second chance

[@chanceshirley87]

I second this about the Crate Stealth. I currently have a Stealth 100. Amazing amp

[@MrNitrocat]

I have a JCM 800 and also a Lee Jackson XLS 1000. Just my opinion, but I love the Lee Jackson more and seem to be able to do a lot more with it.

[@christophermurphy7113]

I have a great little Crate Vintage Club amp. 20 watts with one 10" speaker. It's been my backup amp for years!

[@jameswoynilko7962]

I played out of a Stealth for years..had the 50 with the 6v6 tubes if I remember right

[@jimotten5887]

I’ve had a dsl 50, a 2203 from late 80’s and now i own a 2204 from 1982 with the vertical input. Man. She kills everything. Pull the master up and you’ll have beautiful clean tones. Thanks for the vid! Marshalls are one trick but it’s the best trick you’ll ever see. If you want real Marshall sound buy a plexi or an old 800 imho. Rock out! (Probably wear plugs or put that attenuator in between)😉

[@metalinl-a1128]

My favorite setup with the JCM800 was the give and take" setup i call it. Jcm800 cabs Gt12-75s . Also ran a Bogner bottom for a few yrs. V30S AND G12-75S. Sound dispersement. Nice big room or iso booth for recording. 1981 JCM800. 4 SIEMENS NOS EL34 medium size quad power tubes. Ran old mullard 12ax7 in V1 and a pair of Sylvania military grade 12ax7s in 2 and 3 slots. My BOSS OD 1 was another distinct tone shaper for the end result. I used it as a clean boost most of the time. Again your taste in music. . My 72 Les Paul Custom. Used WCR pups med. Output. 7.4 7.6... Gain between 6. to 8. Volume minimum 4+. 6 Mid 5.1 to 6.1 Treble 3.1 to 4.0 Bass 7-8. Your taste in the end. very pedal friendly amp. JCM800. 300 yr old wood from the Paul. So on. Yea ran that setupnfrom thev80s on up. Used a GP10000 Metaltronix in the front door and a quadraverb for a bit.

[@mustardproductions3531]

thats some super secret info your givin up.. Good stuff here if anyone is noticing.. who is this masked man?

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

I own 3 jcm2000s but my 2203 is just awesome. Cool video man

[@andrewlock3480]

Fair play dude!! that is a really fair assessment of the DSL!! Lots of people hate on it. I have a DSL100 from 1997 and later bought an 800, JVM410 and and a Jubilee 2555x then an AFD100 thinking they where mystically better but to be fair the DSL with a bit of EQ and a choke mod, I really don't think the listener can hear the difference, if anything the DSL is better at lower volumes as it has quite a bit more low end push. All great amps. Nice to see a review not slate the DSL. I suppose now the DSL is almost vintage pmsl, people will love it now yeah!! haha

[@LeonTodd]

If you can't get a good tone out of a DSL, the problem isn't with the amp ;)

[@RockWeller]

Great explanation! Love the tone from the JCM2000!

[@godofthunder0720]

They made both amps for a long time. They are both great amps. They have been reissuing the JCM800s for years because they are great. The JCM2000s were their best selling tube amps of all time. They are basically still making them as the DSL series because they sold so well and are great amps. Owning both would be the best idea. I have had the DSL and still own a TSL. They are both great amps but it is nice to have the extra channel on the TSL. They both sound really similar otherwise.

[@alecr666x]

Liking the video but must day that Vivian Campbell was doing the SD1 into a JCM800 waayyy before Zakk. Pretty much recorded the entire Holy Diver with a Les Paul, SD1 and an 800.

[@LeonTodd]

Didn't realise that was an sd1 too, legendary tone.

[@alecr666x]

Leon Todd. Yeah saw an interview where he said he only used that one guitar, pedal and amp for the album. Awesome sound from an awesome player.

[@christophergregory1205]

Yeah, but the tone Zakk got with his modded 2203 on his first two Ozzy records is like the holy grail of tone for me!

[@danyeo]

@@christophergregory1205 A real key to Zakk's tone is he used 2 4x12's loaded with EVM 12L 200 watt speakers split in stereo with a chorus pedal. But don't go crazy with the chorus or it will sounds too processed.

[@billthompson3236]

@@danyeo I just saw a rig rundown with zakk and he said he never used chorus on the records he just double tracked.

[@jasonbarnett9521]

Generally I prefer the JCM 800s but I have a 50 watt JCM 2000 I had modded by a guy that did a few amps for Lynch. Tightened up the low end and gave it more clarity. It definitely kicks ass now.

[@jawsxx8683]

Do you know what mods he did? I'm doing a lot to mine, many that are not even found on the internet, but I'm always looking for new ideas. It sounds like he did the output transformer and the choke mod. do you know what else he did?

[@Leesherwood]

Personally ,I don't think I've ever heard these two amps sound so close vocally in a you tube video. Well done.

[@LeonTodd]

Much appreciated :) The DSL is criminally underrated.

[@johnshepherd7340]

The 800 at noon was bringing that same sort of intangible like my wife brings to my eye, but to my ear. For me that brought the perfect blend of body to the mids and highs. I'd have a hard time stopping playing that sound.

[@rts4133]

Great tones from both Marshall's bro. Keep rocking

[@B2Rockin]

The JCM 800 reminds me of the Diezel of Marshalls ;). I have a DSL 50 and love it, really think it is going to be a vintage piece soon, if it isn’t already. Also looking at the Kerry King JCM 800 to get that master volume ;). Wonder how different it would sound up against a 2203. You rock dude, thanks for the video!! 🤘🏻

[@redpowerthrasher5744]

I got both heads. They are both great amps for whatever tone you want to do.

[@yourguitarist]

ahhhh... some one under 50 who loves rock and roll and can play the shit out of it...thank you! :)

[@garyclay5595]

Hi Leon. Gary from Tasmania. I really like your playing. You sound like the Brooster brothers from the Angels. I'm a huge fan of Marshall amps I own two of them. Keep the videos coming. I enjoy the sounds. This is the type of music that I grew up with. Take care.

[@drewpennell8362]

I have 2 of the jcm2000s , they’re both fantastic. I had a 2204 for a few years-also sounded great. Got it cheap and wound up selling it and making some good money on it. Dialing them all in right I feel like they’ll all sound great-plus using greenbacks or a GB cab sim is 90% of the tone right there. Killer video and having both amps you just want to play both! Thanks for great demos Leon

[@JRose342]

Both sound awesome.. 800 is warmer, 2000 is crunchier

[@VexLosers]

Killer playing and super helpful video! There’s a very affordable 2000 DSL for sale that I’ve been strongly considering, and this gave me exactly what I needed to know

[@Razorrr16]

That RATT riff

[@robertogrady2798]

Love the greenbacks... Thanks for a great quality demo and comparison.

[@LeonTodd]

My pleasure. Everything sounds good with greenbacks!

[@ameer_saban]

Omfg FINALLY! I’ve been asking Johan Segeborn to do this for ages!!

[@LeonTodd]

What were your thoughts on the comparison?

[@ameer_saban]

Don't be mistaken, I love your videos and ideas including this one. A few things that I think could have been better: 1) Indicate using titles which amp is being played 2) Zoom in closer on the amp settings to see what is being compensated in terms of tone to match the sound 3) Keep it simple - no boost pedals, same signal path, just A/B the amps because that's what we're here for. And just personally, I'm still getting used to IR's with real amps, I don't think they capture the essence of the amps like a cab does. Thanks LT, keep doing what you do.

[@ameer_saban]

Oh, and I was very satisfied with the result of the actual sound comparison. The JCM2000 I believe was modeled to emulate the JCM800 2203, it says so in the manual. It does way more than the older amp, so I am glad that it can nail the 800 tone with higher gain and cleaner options as well.

[@LeonTodd]

Ameer Saban I think it's time I setup a second camera just for the knobs, great suggestions!

[@BenCoteMusic]

Awesome! I ended picking up an old 1998 DSL after watching your videos! Which channel do you have the DSL on? Looks like the red channel... is it Lead 1 or 2?

[@LeonTodd]

Lead 1. Green channel crunch is killer too!

[@BenCoteMusic]

Cool thanks!

[@BlackWolfgang70]

I heard lot of people saying that the jcm 900 sound quite bad , but sincerely i like how it sound ... lot way better than any later marshall ! the jcm 800 of course is just amazing ( pure tubes )

[@TheGuitaristFrom1984]

Damn, I dig the JCM 800 boosted with the SD-1! What a great tone!

[@LeonTodd]

Classic stuff

[@nigel900]

My buddy has JCM 2000, and it has a very good clean channel but I found it a bit wanting on the gain channel. It was more mid scooped than my 1987x Plexi or JVM 205H, and felt less responsive in the eq. Of course cranked, they all sound good… Great video! 👍🏻

[@eddieforfun]

I enjoyed the guitar playing Leon. Both amps rock and greenback speakers always sound great, every single time! Awesome presentation too :)

[@paniccleo]

Both sound good. The DSL is gratifyingly similar. I remember the first time I played one it was the sound I'd always heard in my head. Ended up being more into Plexis, but 800s and DSLs are close runner ups.

[@BoogyWoogyCreep]

I played a JCM 800 for 20 years live. Only 50 watts with the 4 channel jumper but loud enough to make your ears bleed. I used to spin the cabinet towards the wall because it would kill anyone near the front of the stage.

[@michaelanderson4747]

I have the DSL 2000 (2006) I believe. The other guitarist in my band has a 1987 JCM 800. Both sound great. I got my DSL for $550 used about 4 years ago. I will never sell it. It's also cool that you can safely bias it yourself.

[@stoneyvision108]

Jcm800 hands down.

[@johnnathancordy]

Vintage Leon!

[@metalinsights9664]

It would have been nice to share the final settings on each amp. Plus, it would have made more sense to set the JCM800 and then match the DSL2000's tone, rather than continue to make adjustments to the JCM800's EQ, making it somewhat of a moving target.

[@tfaucette87]

I love my JCM2000 DSL 100. Never do a gig without it if I can ABSOLUTELY help it. I play in a country band that does everything from classic country, to southern rock, to modern bro country, to female pop country. The 2000 is versatile enough to do all of that and so much more. I compress the cleans with a Boss CS-3, set my TC Electronic MojoMojo to kick the clean channel just a bit and to push the lead channel into extra saturation, EHX LPB-1 for solos, and an ISP Decimator to knock down a bit of noise and keep the stops tight. All the other pedals are just cameo appearances.

[@LeonTodd]

Sounds like a killer rig. I used to run mine with a comp, Klone, wah, H9 and a switcher and it did everything from hard rock/metal gigs with my original band to a variety of rock/pop/blues covers. monster amp!

[@tfaucette87]

@Leon Todd It is. Best middle of the road Marshall money can buy. There isn't a sound you can't get out of it.

[@MrStephenlederle]

I much preferred the JCM 2000. I've loved that amp for a decade though.

[@LeonTodd]

Me too. I've gigged and recorded with mine so much it feels like part of my DNA.

[@troyredford149]

I can't seem to get my JCM 2000 to sound the way I want without getting muddy. I've had it for years and can't part with it even though I can't really get the tone I want. What shouldn't I do?

[@pauldigga5419]

Troy Redford crank it. These amps only sound awesome at high volume

[@Nymblz]

Troy, have you changed out the tubes? JJs or Tung Sols or something? That can make a huge difference.

[@troyredford149]

Nymblz I recently changed the tubes and set the bias and it helped but what I think my problem is it's a 100 watt Marshall and I will probably have to be crank it to get the sounds I want so I'm looking into getting a power break or a power soak but I don't know if it will do the trick.

[@MrRewski830]

Love my JCM2000’s. That 800 is the shit tho!!!

[@mikelucero6973]

I watch these vids more just to hear you play.

[@firstnamelastname9370]

the new standard for gear demos. good job on these.

[@AntiTrustNJ]

Hi Leon ; Great video here. I have an old Tube Works amp an man does that Amp really crank too. I use normally two full stacks Marshall AVT 2000's and i gotta say maybe i'm one of the few people that actually love them!

[@LeonTodd]

The AVT's are solid amps man!

[@AntiTrustNJ]

yeah , i love the sound that comes out of them!

[@windmillcancersurvivor2568]

My 02 JCM 2000 TSL 60 / 4x12 still sounds new after almost 20 years. One suggestion, replace the power tubes with the -C- Svetlana winged C power tubes it came with. Nothing else comes close.

[@crumbummin9459]

Hey dude! My band is thinking of buying a JCM 2000 DSL 50. We heard that they often need repairs. Can you lend any advice or reasoning for this, like what kind of repairs are typically needed, and how costly? And what's the advantage of going with the DSL 100 vs 50? Any help you can give would be great. Love your channel!

[@christophermurphy7113]

My DSL 50 head has been going strong since I bought it new in 1998. Only ever needed one repair, a loose impedance selector switch last autumn.

[@Jay-sy5yf]

Deary me! I now realize what I've been doing wrong with my jcm800: i play the mv on 2! Time to get an attenuator. Thank you father leon!

[@peacelovekillemall]

Then be sure to try a few good ones. Attenuators can be real assholes

[@danedgar1539]

@@peacelovekillemall hahaha mines definantly an asshole

[@sadstatue25]

Great video. Thank you. I just purchased the 2000 DSL. Can't wait to play it.

[@LeonTodd]

Congratulations it's a great amp

[@chadw8119]

Funny that you have the amp, but posted on this video before you played on it. Go play with your amp lol

[@sadstatue25]

@@chadw8119 Dude this was 5 years ago. I said I purchased it. Not delivered yet at that time..

[@vintagesound8112]

Great video Leon. Glad you did this comparison. One thing that stands out is that although you get the amps fairly close the DSL just doesn’t have the depth of tone of the 800. Really Marshall already created the greatest rock amp ever made and that’s the original super lead. Think of all the iconic great guitar sounds, early Van Halen, UFO Schenker, AC-DC, Judas Priest, Kiss and so on the list is endless. All played 50 or 100w Super Leads. The 800 is very close to a Super Lead circuit and still has that magic. When too much is going on with the preamp circuit it takes all the guts and depth out of the sound and it gets thinner, The DSL is a compromise amp in my opinion. Why do you need all that gain, just use an OD pedal in front and use the volume control on the guitar to clean up the sound. It took me years to realise this, I sold my 800 and got a 5150 peavey and I just couldn’t get it to sound right, too thin and shrill. Well I went back to the 800 in the end and so glad I did. Anyway, keep up the videos.

[@stevetauscher590]

Have the 2000 wouldn’t trade it love it!!! 800 rocks! SD1 pedal zakk attack!

[@ukdc-acdctribute1142]

Hi Leon, I play guitar for UK/DC and have recently bought a 2000. Finding the rhythm sound was easy enough but when I roll up the guitar vol for solos it seems to fall on its ass. I'm running crunch, gain varies between 3 o'clock and max and volume tends to be somewhere between 4 and 5, eq give or take around noon but I've tried various. Sound needs to remain dry, a touch reverb is all (Awful rev on the 2000). It's just lacking that bit if bite. I'd say I'm 80% happy, but it's missing a bit of attack. Adding the OD pedal is too meaty for AC/DC, perhaps a boss DS1 would give it enough of a kick or better reverb to help it ring out just a touch. No pedal boards or footswitches, plug and play. What's your thoughts? Thanks, Mike.

[@mctwishvonnoodles9793]

Been trying to do some research on Dave Mustaine's gear from 1986 since I love the raunchy crunch that just edges into old-school metal territory. This video pretty much confirmed my hypothesis: 2203 with maxed out gain into a Greenback cab. Been told he didn't use an ooverdrive and I'm glad that's true

[@LeonTodd]

That's rad, love his old tones

[@raymondlugo9960]

I think he recorded through a Rockman. His tone on those first albums has a certain flavor. I wonder if that's it.

[@kennyh5083]

Never impressed by the DSL Marshalls, but the Vintage Modern IMP is one of the best sounding Marshalls ever made!

[@mmhutchinson]

I have owned a 50 watt DSL2000 since 99. No issues with it at all in the 20 years I’ve had with this amp. I truly believe that this amp is better sounding than a 800. the 800 isn’t friendly at bedtime I mean you need the vol to be at 11 o’clock for a decent crunch sound. Love my modded 800 aka the 2000 and that is a good way to put it.

[@LeonTodd]

DSL club!

[@chazssmudj]

I have a dsl50 never use the red channel . Fitted with 6l6s . Boost the crunch channel with a zw44 and wow. I spent a load of money trying to beat it . I bought a jcm800 single channel , jubilee , mesa , afd100 ..sold the lot and I'm done now lol . Dsl50 for life

[@Lowtech14]

Jcm 800 plus Gibson Les Paul Special plus p90’s yum..

[@lil_pemsiofficial9268]

Lowtech14 nice taste man I have a Gibson Les Paul Junior with a single Dogear P-90 on the way and I’m looking at Marshall heads because I want a stack.

[@MrRforbus]

P90? Are you playing Buddy Holly? Get some humbuckers man

[@lil_pemsiofficial9268]

MrRforbus apparently u don’t know the power and potential P-90s have on rock music. I’m a hardcore punk band and I use P-90s

[@gitksanamo3854]

Great vid. Man, that 2000 does a pretty great job.

[@LeonTodd]

More than holds its own!

[@mikemiller6628]

Both sound great.

[@GoffCool]

The tone!!! 😯 I want a Marshall now 🤤

[@adamziolkowski2549]

Great video brother! Love the channel! 😉✌

[@KingRichard1013]

This is why Marshall is the best sounding amps in the entire world. They just have that great overdrive punchy sound, and they also have really great distortion. Just straight up balls to the wall. Heavy metal distortion.

[@danceswithbadgers]

Made the mistake of buying a JCM800 in the late 80's and then realised I was locked into its one and only sound. Not only that, but it made it all too obvious from where I'd filched all my best licks! I traded it for a JTM45 in 1990 which I could really use as a pedal platform and which was just so much more versatile. Still have that, 'nuff said.

[@thrasher2094]

Having a JCM 2000 DSL 100 and Peavey 6505+,its hard to say but my Marshall actually sounds better dialed in. Especially with a TS9. It just has thaf evil mid range roar that the Peavey doesn't quite have. The Peavey may have slightly more chug but the Marshall has an insane amount too. Its my favorite amo whem dialed in correctly. It beats the Peavey by a hait

[@andrasfekete5881]

Basically, the JCM 2000 DSL can do what JCM 800 does. (I have both myself). Not exactly, not 100%, but very very close. The DSL is much more versatile and cheaper.

[@scottyd2262]

I gotta agree with you there... I've got a JCM2000 , Orange OR100 and a Mesa Dual Rec all with matching cabs and with the right tweaking I can get all to sound the same. So much so that other guitarists can't pick the difference in a blind test...{When it's in a mix) Plus another of my friends has a JCM800.... I've also got a modded Jet City With a matching cab with Eminance speakers in it... Now that really sounds exactly like a JCM800... Yes I have a problem ! LOL !

[@danosoprano5853]

I mix my jcm 2000 with my vintage modern. I set up the 2000 with lots of mids, then the vm with highs and l Iows together they sound huge. You should try that leon!! Shout form Albuquerque new Mexico the nuke city love your channel btw

[@davidgalaviz2004]

I did the same thing at a Guitar Center years ago and reached the same conclusion. They sound very similar but not exactly the same. Man I'd like to hear you do a review on the JVM 410.

[@sebastianberroeta8951]

Hi leon! Amazing video! Do you think the greenbacks are the best celestion speakers for jcm 2000s???

[@LeonTodd]

Speaker choice is critical in what you want to achieve, so there's no best speaker that will cover everyone's taste. Having said that, greenbacks will let you nail the classic Marshall tones with these amps.

[@vdhaze6604]

Greenbacks sound fantastic

[@mrcoatsworth429]

It's so refreshing to see something online where the DSL isn't bashed. I've been playing my DSL 50 for 8 years or so (build in 2004 though) and I love it. But it's loud as fuck. Too loud, in fact, to get it to sound the way I like it most. And our drummer plays hard. Thinking about getting the Two Notes Captor or something to tame it (and record).

[@LeonTodd]

The DSL is one of, if not, the best Marshall's ever made

[@mrcoatsworth429]

@@LeonTodd Hey Leon! I was wondering if you could help me! I'm wondering how much of the volume the -20 dB of the Captor reduces relative to the volume pot of the JCM 2000 DSL 50. Like, for example, in band practice, I usually use the red channel on ~3 and gain also fairly low, like 4 (boosted with a tubescreamer or similar pedal). I like the tone best, however, with the volume at 6 or 7. Obviously the volume pots don't work linearly in regard to the actual sound pressure produced. How much is the Captor gonna take off? I don't have a dB meter and have no clue how much of a difference 20 dB is.

[@Juicexlx]

+ Mr Coatsworth An easier & less costly solution would be to replicate your full volume tone in bias (laptop version app is free) & use that with monitors for your practice. You'd get the same tone at any volume controlled by the interface. Plus your DSL could stay safely at home where it won't be broken or stolen. Another solution is to sell your older version DSL & buy the new version. They've revised the amp and added mods that will help you a lot as they drop the power without modding the tone. Note though: they eliminated the 50W. They have the 100W-50W, the 20W-10W & room 1W. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJacoWWco7tjhpI

[@tickscollector9029]

You said it correctly, the DSL sound like it already has a boost pedal in front of it... cause it does... internally. there are diode clippers in the circuit built it, that's why it also sounds smoother than the 800 and gets much more clipping on LOW volumes. btw my buddy had a DSL2000 and, it was OK as long as you didn't go for crazy gain (back then I didn't have any tech knowledge). years later he bought a Custom Audio OD100 and compared to it the DSL sounded like a pedal, tinny and buzzy. Btw, years have passed since, now I build my own tube amps. Oh, and I got a JMP-1 preamp in a trade... that one is like 90% all solid state clipping. that's why when you switched tubes on yours it didn't sound ANY different "cliiping/gain" wise :-)

[@mikkiosantoro1]

Hi Leon! compliment for the channel. What do you think about the effect loop of the 2203x? it's good and transparent?

[@bravevoice2771]

There is a reason the 2000 is the best selling Marshall ever. It does everything. And because it is so popular the price stays affordable. Because the 2000 was so popular there is a lot of reliable user data available about how to change the sound without having to send your amp out to an electrician, like swapping out preamp and power tubes, or pulling two power tubes drop your 100w 2000 to 50w. etc. The 800 is a great amp too, but it is a one trick pony. But it is a very good trick! I can't count the number of 800 reviews that start off with "I love my 800, after sending to the shop to get it rewired...." LOL

[@overdrivenbrain]

Congratulations man, best comparison video between amps ever, pretty interesting, you play pretty good too! Dont know why but the Dsl seems to sound a bit lower. Were the volumes the same? Cheers man!

[@LeonTodd]

i did my best to match the volumes but listening back the DSL is a tiny bit lower. Stoked you like the vid :)

[@SuperJiggawhat]

I'm buying a Marshall soon. I play lots of Classic rock, but also heavy metal. What would you suggest @LeonTodd or fans?

[@Hrledood911]

Leon, I have a Marshall DSL100H and i just retubed it with JJ EL34 HP. What are your preferred tubes for that amp or any Marshall?

[@riffshredington2776]

I have both amps and also the JCM 900 MKiii (which is nothing like the 900 4500 series thank God). My 2000 is as clear as a bell and I’ve never experienced any crackle in the many gigs I’ve done with it

[@mickhoward3954]

You had me at rock n' roll