New TSL 100 owner

[Sully]

I've owned most every "popular" Marshall made, and even lots of the not so popular ones. I've owned at least 5-6 DSLs, and until now has always been my self proclaimed "favorite Marshall." But for the first time in my tenure I picked up a TSL 100 head on CL for $450. And wow. This may be the best sounding, most flexible Marshall I've ever owned. And I'm picky - very picky. I don't know if I got a good one (I do know its one of the early ones, year wise), or what, but this thing just cranks. The crunch channel is JCM 800 all day, and the lead channel is so smooth and heavy. The cleans sound good, but kick it with a boost and it gets into plexi territory. I can basically get about 5-6 different tones out of it, just by using a DIY boost. Built in "attenuator" - the VPR - does a fantastic job at bumping it down to 25w.

Anyway, I see this forum isn't too happening, but hopefully I'll get some responses. I'd like to roll the preamp and see what I can get out of it with some vintage glass. Anyone have any suggestions? TSL's arent really coveted by serious tube guys, so I'll see what I can get.

[surlybastard]

I've seen a couple of TSL's around my area for that cheap. If one day I've got some cash and see one in that range I'll definitely pick it up because I don't think you can go wrong with it. DSL's got the rep of being 'industry standard' while TSL's were just the other amp, but they're great in the times I've played them, woefully under appreciated in my opinion.

[ClassicRock88]

The only reason I don't have one is that I have heard they're a nightmare to get worked on. I played one once and thought it was incredible. I really don't know why everyone gravitates towards the DSL. I have heard of some overheating issues with the TSL's, so watch that. Congrats and happy NAD though!

[JoshThyBassist]

Blend the TSL100 with a 6100 LE

[JoshThyBassist]

6100** sorry. lol

[longfxukxnhair]

I had a TSL and didnt like it. Im glad that you like the tone and thats a hell of a price

[JoshThyBassist]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Classic-Marshal ... RTM1562569

$1000 with the cab

[Anitoli]

Didn't Robin Trower use them? That's as serious as it gets man.

[Marker]

Satchel from Steel Panther also used them, before switching to EVH 5150 III.

The TSL 100 was my first tube amp ever, bought it new in 1998.
It was Marshall's flagship by then.

Somehow people on the internet hate their tone and their reliability.

As far as reliability's concerned, the claims are true unfortunatelly: mine also had the bias drift problem after 10 years of playing only at home with it. The bias would increase and increase damaging the tubes... I had to order and replace myself the main board, which cost me around 150 dollars.
Never had (yet...) any issues with the footswitch.


As far as the tone goes... I currently have the following amps:
- TSL 100
- AFD100
- 2555 SL Silver Jubilee reissue (Slash limited edition)
- The new JVM Joe Satriani

Guess which amp is my all around favorite??
The answer is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG5UBYH ... e=youtu.be

[GuitarGuy10]

Not sure why anyone would take a DSL when you could have a TSL. They sound exactly the same but you get an extra channel and EQ with the TSL.

Marker....how does your video show us which amp you like???

[Marshall Fiend]

Satchel from Steel Panther also used them, before switching to EVH 5150 III.
Guess which amp is my all around favorite??
The answer is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG5UBYH ... e=youtu.be

Ahhh, the JVM 410HJS. Sounds great! What kind of wood is the neck on your guitar? It looks like maple but I'm thinking that must be the lighting and it's a rosewood neck.

[Mats A]

It's a good amp. It's a matter of taste. And maybe guitar also. I guess Satriani uses maple necka mostly.

[Marker]

Satchel from Steel Panther also used them, before switching to EVH 5150 III.
Guess which amp is my all around favorite??
The answer is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG5UBYH ... e=youtu.be

Ahhh, the JVM 410HJS. Sounds great! What kind of wood is the neck on your guitar? It looks like maple but I'm thinking that must be the lighting and it's a rosewood neck.

No my friend, that's not the HJS, the amp that I'm using on that video is my TSL 100 :)
The neck is mapple neck.

[Marshall Fiend]

Oh, my mistake! Sounds great!

[GuitarGuy10]

Satchel from Steel Panther also used them, before switching to EVH 5150 III.
Guess which amp is my all around favorite??
The answer is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG5UBYH ... e=youtu.be

Ahhh, the JVM 410HJS. Sounds great! What kind of wood is the neck on your guitar? It looks like maple but I'm thinking that must be the lighting and it's a rosewood neck.

No my friend, that's not the HJS, the amp that I'm using on that video is my TSL 100 :)
The neck is mapple neck.

The TSL and DSL sound so much better, more organic than any JVM. Even the jcm900 series is better than a JVM.