DSL 50, Carvin V3, or something else?

W

Wheelbarrow

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I need to get a new amp and I'm on a budget. If I could get anything I would get a splawn or build an EVH plexi out of a kit. I'm looking for something between 700 and 1000 dollars used. I'm looking for an amp that can get a more than decent early Van Halen tone, but also have a good clean sound. I know the Legacy has an incredible clean channel, but I haven't heard too much about the overdrive channel. I've heard great things about the V3, the question is can it get the raw, slightly less compressed marshall crunch as well as an actual marshall DSL? Feel free to mention other amps too.
 
Re: DSL 50, Carvin V3, or something else?

As far as the Carvins go, you can get the heads new for under a thousand. I have used Carvins (currently own a Vintage 16), but not the ones you mention. I have used the DSL 50, which I liked. The drive channel on the Legacy is said to be in the general style of a hot rodded plexi, and I've heard mostly good things about it. I've also heard good things re the V3; it does sound like it is the most versitile of the lot. Check out the Carvin discussion board for info; they are a bit biased toward Carvin, but you can get some good info from some of the members over ther re the Carvins (carvin.com). For what you say you're looking for, it sounds like the V3 is worth checking out.

I do like the DSL 50 and 100 watt heads, but I wish they had seperate tone controls for each channel. However, many don't find that to be an issue.
 
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Re: DSL 50, Carvin V3, or something else?

I have a Marshall JCM800 and a Carvin V3.

Though I haven't explored the modern possibilities of a Marshall DSL, the V3 is closer to a cross between a modded Marshall and Mesa Dual Rec. It is the most versatile though
 
Re: DSL 50, Carvin V3, or something else?

The V3 has had way too many horror stories for me to even consider, regardless of how cool it sounds for how cheap it is.

I feel that the Legacy is too raunchy on it's dirty channel - it's a very raw, thick, raunchy tone... Best I can describe it.

I'd look into a Yamaha T50 or T100 - it's basically an SLO100 for cheeep.
 
Re: DSL 50, Carvin V3, or something else?

I say save your money if you can and get a s/h Splawn competition. If the first thing in your mind is to get an EVH tone, the Splawn will do it far better than a DSL or a Carvin.

If you want to go for a budget deal, I've heard players get very good old VH tones out of 5150s paired with Greenbacks.
 
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