Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

keano12

New member
I have a TSL100 but could get a ZW JCM. Not sure. JCM is versatile Don't know if ZW JCM800 can get heavier, thicker low end etc?
 
Re: Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

Try it out if you can, but I'm pretty sure it would some thicker and heavier.
 
Re: Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

thats just it I can't try it. few states away. could I get JCM800 cheap and convert it to be same as zakk head?
 
Re: Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

I tink its modded by Lee Jackson so if it is you can get get it modded.
 
Re: Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

IOs the 2203ZW Zakk Wylde Signature sames as the JCM800 2203X except for the tubes?
 
Re: Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

Unless you have an attenuator or can crank that ****er... stay away from JCM800's! LOL

That said I don't like them at all. I'd take a DSL over an 800, methinks :(. Give me a Boogie anyday, though.
 
Re: Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

The TSL is much thicker and heavier than the ZW. The key to ZW's tone is the SD1. You don't need any ID pedals w/the TSL to get that tone.
 
Re: Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

DeadSkinSlayer3 said:
Unless you have an attenuator or can crank that ****er... stay away from JCM800's! LOL

That said I don't like them at all. I'd take a DSL over an 800, methinks :(. Give me a Boogie anyday, though.

I disagree...I've had 2 JCM 800's, both of which blew away my JCM 2000. When I move into my new place (a house finally), I'm going back to my favorite rig: JCM 800 and 5150. Great for metal.

With the 800, you need a good overdrive in front, and if you want power tube distortion, then you can add the attenuator. But really, the speakers getting spanked adds to the tone as well, so it's not quite the same with the attenuator.
 
Re: Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

The Marshalls with the best highgain, plugging straight in are Jubilee, Slash signature model, 30th Ann, JCM900 SLX, and the DSL50/100. The TSL's are up there with them, but I think the tone of those mentioned are slightly better in overall tone.
 
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Re: Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

i'm already blown away by a JCM800 lead series combo. Imagine the beauty of the others
 
Re: Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

By putting a OD in front of a JCM is that considered driving the power tubes or preamp tubes?
 
Re: Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

Gearjoneser said:
The Marshalls with the best highgain, plugging straight in are Jubilee, Slash signature model, 30th Ann, JCM900 SLX, and the DSL50/100. The TSL's are up there with them, but I think the tone of those mentioned are slightly better in overall tone.
Don't forget the Marshall JCM900 MkIII's. ;) They're the predecessor of the SL-X but still have plenty of gain on tap. One less pre-amp tube than the SL-X.


keano: By slamming the front end with either an overdrive or booster, you're really driving the pre-amp harder. The power amp isn't really doing that much more work.
 
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Re: Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

taphappy said:
I'm sure it will sound better than the TSL.
How exactly are you able to tell that it will sound so much better?
taphappy said:
I'd get a JCM 800 if you dont want a "buzzy" tone
I think with "buzzy", you refer to the TSLs... hmm... can't remember it being buzzy at all... but well... long time since I last played one (~3 hours)
 
Re: Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

Well I prefer the sound of the JCM 800 over the TSL and latter post was kind of a joke. Maybe not a funny joke, but a joke none the less.
 
Re: Keep my TSL100 or go for ZW JCM3800 2203x

Well I did it and more. I went to GC and played a JCM 800 2203 w/the ZW OD pedal. They had a TSL100 (my home amp) to compare too, and as a bonus and I got to play a SLO100 and Mesa Boogie triple recto.

Results:

JCM800 2203 actually sounded great without any OD pedal for pure ACDC and classic rock sounds. I had to roll back treble alot. Settings were Bass 8, Mids 4, Treb 5. Presence 3. Volume 1.5, and master 10. ZW OD: Output-12, EQ-11, Gain-3.

With the ZW OD in front of it I didn't know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. Chunk, chain saw, and snarl. Definitely metal.

Solos: where nice and pronounced. I did notice as I have read in posts that the strings are very sensitive. Everything is picked up, good and bad. Notes jump off neck.

Cons: I would like a bit more smoother solos. But then again its what it does.

Compared to my TSL100, the TSL had more low end. On crunch channel I got very similar sounds to the 800. The Lead channel on solos seemed to be a bit smoother which I liked. Definitely versatile overall.

Mesa Boogie Triple Recto: On modern channel it sounded great on rhythms. Low end was great. I loved it. Seriously dig the chords when hitting the lower strings. But... for solos it really sucks ****. Very thin, buzzy. I like the Darnkess but Justins solos tone suck ****, now I know why he uses Mesa Boogie. Great for rhythms though.

SLO100: Great solo tone, sustain, thick, warm, wish the JCM 800 had the same solo tone. BUT for chords/rhythms it sounded weird not worth money.

TSL very good tone and versatile, similar to JCM and much cheaper.
JCM800 I like it alot, but would love another amp with Recto low end tone. Wish solos were bit smoother. I can't help thinking how the 6550 would sond it in it? More low end?

MB Recto: Great power chords, lovely low end. Worst solo tone ever.

SLO100: Great solo singing tone. Rhyhtm not bad but prefered Marshall.
 
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