Why I Like The Marshall DSL 40c Valve Amp Combo

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Before you make any comments please be aware that this video is about Why I Like The Marshall DSL 40c Valve Amp Combo and it is mostly talking... IT IS NOT A FULL BLOWN REVIEW, thank you.

[@johnwillard6198]

I’ve had a dsl40cr for a few yrs now , best amp I’ve owned . ❤️

[@fretboardfatfingers8774]

I've tried many others - NOTHING, including the JVM give me the total punch and bass response at lower volumes. I'd own 10 of these if I could - so I'll never miss out if this one takes a dump

[@raymaybury5337]

It's a good amp and has that proper Marshall sound. The reverb effect is almost non-existent, but this can be solved by putting a reverb pedal in the effects loop. The seventy 80 speaker is surprisingly good, but can be significantly improved by swapping it for a British Celestion vintage 30 for better overall tone. Light enough to carry. Powerful enough to gig, small enough for bedroom practice. Good with pedals.

[@adamwatson6916]

The cremaback M65 is another speaker that sounds killer in the the DSl 40 especially the in the newer DSL 40 CR . I own the DSL40 Cr which has the vintage cosmetics just like the one in this video they newer ones have the celestion V type speaker which are decent but not for me . I put a creamback M65 in it and it sounds perfect for my tastes and needs . It's much more vintage sounding now and very balanced across all frequencies. It can do both vintage and modern extremely well and the red channel is much more usable and much more defined now . I could not decide between the creamback M65 and the vintage 30 as I watched you tube demos of the amp with both of those speakers and some where both speakers were being directly compared in the 40Cr and both sounded amazing so instead of choosing I bought the creanback M65 to install in the combo and bought an orange 1 by 12 with a vintage 30 so I did not have to choose . It was an expensive choice but worth it because the combination of the creamback M65 in the open back combo and v30 in the closed back 1 by 12 is even better sounding then using the amp with either speaker individually although the amp sounds amazing when using either speaker individually but the combo of the 2 is just magic. Very full clear sound that is the percent balance of vintage and modern.

[@jimsimmons2674]

Do you think the Vintage 30 speaker has less harshness in the upper frequencies compared to the 70/80 speaker?In your opinion is there any other thing you could mention about the vintage 30 that sounds different or better than 70/80 speaker?

[@alejandrorock1986]

i dude! im from Argentina. I have a dsl 40c in White, and i change the original speaker because dont sound very good to me whit the original Speaker. So i put a creamback 65 and sound Amazing!!!! try this!!!.

[@----t----1234]

This is my amp, with the same vintage cloth! Love the clean channel with overdrive. Amazing sound. The gain channel gets less love from me, pretty harsh sounding

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Rock on!

[@thorpenator9148]

I have that same limited edition model. It's an amazing Amp.

[@arisl2370]

this amp is fantastic ! Ive tried several speaker swaps in it and personally i preferred the original 70/80 speaker that comes with it.. If you love the classic Marshall crunch sound then this speaker delivers ! All other speakers sounded tame and just lost that bite that I love about Marshall's

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Couldn't agree more!

[@arisl2370]

@@DaveBarlowGuitar I eventually did change the speaker in this mate.. After several different celestions i settled for the creamback M65 .. Even brand new the speaker still sounded better to my ears than the bit raspy original 70/80

[@rybones1311]

I chopped my dsl40c down to a head. I hook it up to my 1936 cab filled with G12t-75's and it's a machine! As a combo I didn't like it as much, now,I love it

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Thats a good mod idea

[@williamwonser3525]

Excellent review brother, I'm buying one tomorrow 👍

[@ryanancona7937]

I have the DSL40CR and you can’t beat you get function and tone wise, for the money!

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Needs a 12" Classic Lead 80 in it: I've gone to that from Vintage 30's and I love it: made to rock!

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

I had 2 of these in my old Blackstar HT60, sounded ace, very heavy speaker, doubled the weight old my old amp.

[@aitken1965]

I love my DSL40CR. I purchased it used, and it has performed flawlessly for two years. My bandmate's DSL40CR, however, died, and the amp tech informed him that the fault was not something he could address in-house. This is a good amp tech who builds custom amps and has repaired several amplifiers for me, both solid state and valve types. But my DSL40CR has never had a problem.

[@twnndpodcast]

Hello I own the DSL40CR and wanted to know your opinion on the latest version.........

[@TheBladepolisher]

Great review Dave ! ! Merry Christmas bro ! ! ! The only thing that I wish you'd done was to use the presence knob to find different sweet spots. Good vibe and great playing.

[@mattchurchill]

This sounds great. I love my 40cr, had a lot of nice compliments from other guitarists about my tone when gigging it. I'm guessing the fact that they're not made in England lowers the price a bit? Either way, I wouldn't change a thing.

[@AraAshjian777]

Great review!!!! Thinking of getting one.

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Go for it!

[@andycpd6669]

I put a vintage 30 speaker in my dsl40c and it sounds beautiful

[@markdillon7770]

I got the DSL 20HR and play it through a 2x12 cab with Vintage 30's. Love it!🤘

[@bandk1502]

Definitely the best review of the DSL on KZbin. Killer!!!

[@rodstockdale1918]

cheers for info dave just bought a us version of this for 75 quid using with a stepdown transformer at mo first amp ive ever had where i can feel my playing and understand what people mean by that love your down to earth attitude

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Its a great amp, I should buy one

[@goodgodpluckme1]

I have the 2018 version with Reverb.The main thing I can tell is they got rid of most of the high end fizz....I like it

[@guitarocd9984]

That was interesting. That's the first time I've heard the thing about the power tubes. It's true you learn something new everyday. Now I could be smarter in the comment sections. I will use this one.

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikaelbiilmann6826]

I bought a DSL 15C when it was new. I want to replace the tubes and the speaker. I saw some videos where they made it sound even better.

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

tone is in your fingers, if you see what some of the old school guys had to play with you would understand :)

[@2112GTR]

Does this have the Celestion Seventy/80 speaker or the V-Type? This is the "Vintage" version of the amp. I've heard the newer ones have the V-Type Speaker?

[@tobywinson3120]

great video! cheers for working on it for me !

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Any time!

[@mikeimmonen6619]

I got the 100w head and honestly I like it over an 800. For the price it's a fuckin steal

[@zAvAvAz]

thanks it sounds great

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

No problem!

[@Archerinho]

I've got this, but to be honest I just can't find the sweet spot. I feel like I need to push the volume up, but then my ears... I am using it for home practice, so I am thinking to get an attenuator or something. I feel it's much better on higher volume sounds. One thing I can say though, it's very versatile. You don't even need the pedals. I am still running the tubescreamer, but you can go without it perfectly fine. This amp is a good value, definitely.

[@silvanorocha3]

I agree. I use the volume up all the time I play. Sometimes in the middle to clean tones.

[@antilaw9911]

I have this amp. The cream/white tolex and black plexiglass Marshall logo. Bottom left of grill says DSL...Vintage. mine has UK made Vintage 30 speaker in it. It's a very warm sounding amp.

[@Nicksfingerstylechannel-cu9sc]

I love my DSL 40C! These things benefit hugely from a speaker upgrade. I put a vintage Celestion G12K85 in mine, sounds monstrous! Totally got rid of the high end fizz which is a common complaint about these things. Not sure why some guys complain about the reverb which sounds great with gain on this amp, just the right touch of it. If you want a Fender sounding tank style reverb buy a Fendery amp. Marshall amps except for their old 80's solid state amps never had reverb.

[@bobhickman4976]

I have a DSL40C.... I run it in stereo with my 66 Fender Dual Showman driving a 64 Fender Bandmaster 2x12 Oxford cab..... I play them clean most of the time. Amazing how different the cleans sound though...

[@jdb2722]

I bought new one a few months ago. The first one I got the reverb didn’t work so they sent me a replacement. Now after a couple months when I’m playing it’s like I will lose volume for a few seconds before it kicks back in. Does anyone know what that could be?

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

sounds like something mechanical, get it to a tech or send it back

[@paul6string]

I just swapped out my speaker for a CL 80, and it was an improvement.

[@cazziebb1707]

I have the DSL 40 CR. It has the Celestion V type speaker. I think it's an upgrade from the 70/80.

[@zakklee2556]

About the price ? I find that they run about $500.00 US used ... is that the price you used for your recommendations? Thank, it sounds great. I don't think the CR will be any different in my case as I use a power soak .

[@zakklee2556]

@Biggerino so 400 multiple by ( current exchange rate) 1.33 =$ 532 Thanks I will be getting one today.

[@zakklee2556]

@Biggerino I went with the DSL40CR because it has midi. thanks

[@AuntAlnico4]

@DMR Productions I have the DSL 40 combo and I think it's better than the new cr version🤷🏻‍♀️

[@davidwinter3749]

Great all round amp. Perfect for the gigs we do. Mine is the older version. Cheers and be lucky

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Rock on!

[@TheZotman5]

I only wish they made the modes within the channels foot switchable. Other than that I really like the amp.

[@bobkraft9029]

The newer model, 40CR, has switchable modes as well as switchable channels.

[@joosboer1030]

I have one. Great amp, love it. I changed out C19 from a 470pf to a 180pf to tame the treble on the drive channel, great mod that worked perfectly and cost 80 cents. Perfectly matches the clean channel now and still sounds awesome.

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Very cool!

[@doctorskull8197]

I need to have this mod done to my DSL40!

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

I have a Plexi 50 but I must say this amp is very impressive!

[@John-vk4gs]

What’s the difference between the vintage DSL version compared to the normal DSL 40 ?

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

no difference at all, guts are the same.

[@skithewhitestuff]

I was looking at buying one of these but ended up getting the Marshall Origin 20w combo. Did I make a mistake? After seeing this I think I may have done, tell me.

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

You made a mistake, but so did I and loads of others :)

[@skithewhitestuff]

@@DaveBarlowGuitar Nooooooooo! Ok, should I sell Origin ?

[@joosboer1030]

Yep. Get one of these. It’s a future classic

[@doctorskull8197]

I have this amp. I love it! I don’t use clean tones. When I switch from classic gain to ultra gain channels, the treble is unbearable. I’ve heard about the mod where the bright cap is changed for a different value cap or removed entirely. Any thoughts on that?

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

I did not find the treble unbearable, try turning down the treble knob see where that gets yer, tone knobs go from 0-10 dont be scared to go extreme if it suites your ears.

[@Nicksfingerstylechannel-cu9sc]

try a speaker upgrade...will make a huge difference and super easy to swap out

[@Arcturian1111]

Im deciding either this amp or a 40 watt blackstar.

[@joosboer1030]

DSL all the way

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

DSL

[@aitken1965]

I’m pretty sure that my DSL40 has a Celestion G-12 V30 in it. At any rate the 70/80 speakers are unfairly criticized in my opinion.

[@aitken1965]

Correction, my DSL40 has a G12 V-type, not a V30

[@michaelmattson3515]

Love the intro music & you’re frickin cool. Ay does it do Santana or Duane ?

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

dont know but you can here more of my band here ransomrocks.bandcamp.com/

[@mathieubaker1548]

Reverb is not great on these amps. But that can be fixed with a reverb pedal. That's my only gripe. Otherwise, fantastic amp!

[@jameslevittgold]

Hi I share your opinions about your DSL's, I'm new to the brand and type of microphone your are re cording with, It is the sound I'm looking for, Please share a link of info, Thank you. Live and Breathe Hard Rock and Metal !

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Details are here :) integral.uk.com/

[@gercarey3261]

Great riffing there ... 🙂

[@Dannys.channel]

The fuse keeps blowing uo

[@vintagetone22]

Amazing

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@bokajllensch661]

I replaced the 70 80 with a fullback. Sounds great.

[@filipedoria9561]

HEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!! Should I get this one or Fender Hot Rod? HARDEST DECISION EVER, I need expert help, I am gear noob :( btw, great review man!

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Both 🙂🎸

[@joosboer1030]

Get the DSL40C. It very versatile. It has a great clean and an awesome range of crunch and overdrive tones and it ROCKS. I haven’t had a hot rod, but it costs more and is less versatile.

[@funkynelg]

Hot rod for clean, Marshall for dirt

[@petersittler3269]

I had an earlier hot rod, and the volume taper on it is weird. After 1, it's just loud. Also, the circuit board seemed to need a lot of repairs. Marshall seems more versatile.

[@Skoora]

These amps sound great (dirty channel, clean is disposable). I had one for a while and only sold it to get something completely different, as we do, but I would own another with no problem. Great 800 and modded 800 tones are in there. Into a 4x12 is where it’s at but the stock speaker is still fine really. I also really like the Origin series. I think if they had made a head version of the 40c it would have sold a lot! Strangely enough, the one that came after, the 40cr, I don’t like at all.

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Good to know!

[@2112GTR]

Picked up one the DSL40CR models with the cream/white tolex at a good price, but it seems to have issues. It has a "whooshing sound" (like the "wind rustling through the trees", I don't know how else to describe it) when you switch it on, and it seems to be even more noticeable using the 20 watt option. This is with nothing at all plugged into it!! I was hoping to keep it, but I've tried all the tricks. cleaning tube sockets, and putting all new tubes in it, but to no avail!! Really annoying, I've only had it a week, but it looks like it will have to go back, because it's driving me up the wall!!! It's a limited edition in this colour which is a shame (it looks the business!), but I'm not keeping it with a fault, I've already shelled out for the amp (more than the black one would cost), I'm not paying for repair on top! I'm not a bloody amp tech, this shit should just work out of the box!!! I've looked online, and other people seem to have EXACTLY the same issue I do (why are so many leaving the factory with the same bloody fault?!!!). Seems the quality control is all over the place. If you get a good one they are fine, but it seems like that it's a crap shoot!! Shouldn't be making these in the far east if they don't have a handle on QC, it won't be doing Marshall's reputation any good, in the long run. Just wondering, have you had any of DSL40CR models pass your way with this issue?

[@2112GTR]

@Dan R Yes, I've done the research online, and on the Marshall forum somebody said it was a fault in a "coupling" cap between the V1 and V2 tubes (on the DSL20 CR). It's actually more prevalent on the DSL20, so it's no surprise it's worse when using the amp on 20 watts. I've been back in touch with the shop, and they are going to try and get Marshall to deal with it, on the warranty. Problem is, I got the amp, second hand (I think it was a customer return, could have been because of this issue), so Marshall might not want to know. Anyway the shop said they'll deal with Marshall, so I'll leave it with them. I like the amp and I'd like to keep it, especially because it's the "Limited Edition" model. If they can fix this issue, I'll be happy to keep it!!

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

could be a couple of three things, best take it back see if you can get it fixed on warranty :)

[@2112GTR]

@@DaveBarlowGuitar Yes, Marshall have now said they will look at it. They are collecting it Monday, so hopefully it will be sorted. It's a cracking amp, apart from the issues!! ;-D

[@2112GTR]

@@DaveBarlowGuitar Just an update on this, I got the amp back from Marshall and they've fixed the problem, so it's all good. Their official diagnosis is "Noisy resistors in the bass circuit", so that might be of some help to others who want to get this amp and are not sure!! It's a very good amp, but there probably were a faulty batch of resistors in some of these amps, so I'd advise anyone thinking of buying one of these (especially used) to check the amp out first, and look out for this problem to save from hassle down the road. Hopefully the new ones won't have this problem, but you never know, so check out the amp first. Go and play it, don't buy one "sight unseen", and then you shouldn't have any problems! 😁

[@britishboxer6875]

Zack?

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

No sorry

[@Kevin.Hearty]

Very impressive beard Dave, and the Amp doesn't sound bad either. :)

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Thank you kindly!

[@smithr28]

What is that mic you’re using?

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

not using one

[@richardpierce7819]

Yeah ok not so much I prefer my studio vintage 20. I run it through a harley benton 2×12 ( celestions of course) and a small 100 watt marshall 4×10 cab. Sounds much better to me. Just a thought.

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

I heard Phil X playing through the studio vintage in Birmingham early 2020 was awesome.

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

Is it made in Vietnam . I wouldn't brag on it too much

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

please expand on your comment

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

@@DaveBarlowGuitar i have one that is made in Vietnam not saying thats bad but i had the tubes replaced and a fuse and biased. It still doesn't make a sound there could be a ground screw not making good contact i don't know

[@AuntAlnico4]

@@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61 sounds like bad luck !? I've got Marshall built in England and Marshall built in Vietnam and guess what ? The only one to have parts go bad on it were the made in England Marshall had a 12ax7 go completely microphonic and a resistor burnt up plus the input jacks would need resolder every season for gigging bars and festivals but it worked great still even with the problems that occurred.

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

@@AuntAlnico4 well I haven't given up on it yet. I may have those things checked you mentioned I mean the tubes light up but still no sound I have a friend that may can figure it out here in Texas it will have to be worked on in the AC

[@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61]

@@AuntAlnico4 also back in the day I had a 50 Watt combo with 2 12's and I was really young then didn't know any better it worked to but just needed new tubes

[@jmabs5096]

I just snagged the exact same amp (vintage edition) wish they have a VINTAGE V30 but whateves, I practily stole it from guitar center in excellent condition for $550

[@sfear6]

change the speaker to a 1x15

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

is this ariel?

[@wesbauer2733]

Great video but the guitar sounds like out of tune?

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

sorry about that

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

sorry bout that

[@billhannum4117]

I like the 40c better than the cr.

[@m.giffin5133]

I just picked up the DSL20HR not a bad amp for only being 20watt it's better then hauling around my 2266 v/m.

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

let me know your thoughts on it.

[@m.giffin5133]

@@DaveBarlowGuitar I like it! I've used it through a 130 watt 4x12and it has plenty of power. The classic channel is a good clean to mild gain for using pedals. And the Ultra ch. IMO sounds better then my 2266 V/M. Effects loop is a little odd to me because you have to use the foot switch to turn it off and on. None of my other amps has that function. all in all I like it plus I picked it up for $399 it was an open box deal from Sweetwater Co.

[@jameslevittgold]

Also I subscribed : )

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

Thank you :)

[@garycocking348]

Lot of hiss noise on gain

[@davidbuzzin426]

👍🇺🇲❤

[@joesmith8398]

I thought that was Zak Wylde

[@high131131]

They sound like they were made in Vietnam.

[@TheDistortionPrinciple]

Channel switching on the 40 cr is garbage. You get volume cut when changing channels. Channel switching on the c model was much better

[@jodyrodgers2734]

This is why I sold mine , it was fine at home for essentially a 4 channel amp but live application was awful, ended up use one channel and the guitar volume , then sold it and got and orange dual terror instead , much happier now

[@TheDistortionPrinciple]

@@jodyrodgers2734 orange are amazing class amps! Sold my rockerverb like a dummy

[@aitken1965]

The 6-button footswitch really opens this amplifier up. It's only the Channel 1 Green setting that has a crazy volume drop. The other three channels seem consistent in output.

[@markjovanelli2607]

Can you say ice pick.

[@chickenlickin3820]

Sounds like your in a shed : (

[@DaveBarlowGuitar]

yep, cos I'm in my shed/workshop :)

[@misterblack6521]

Your outta tune buddy.