Re: Marshall 30th Anniversary
I was in the market for one as well, until disaster struck and the funds went away, lol. What I've found out from the net and a couple of people who owned them are this: There were three different variations. The first which is the all brass model and was hand wired (I'm not sure if it's a breadboard or pcb), big, big money now. Like at least two grand or more for a head and about the same for a matching cab. This is an EL34 amp and is branded the 6100LE for limited edition. Supposedly the best sounding Marshall anyone's ever heard who has heard it. Next is the blue tolex, white logo amp. Basically the same as the brass but more of a production model. Again, supposed to sound incredible. The general consensus on these amps is that the cleans are pretty good, but not Fender good. Hey, it's a Marshall though, not a Fender. The middle channel is the best for anything from 60s to JCM800 tones and the third channel is a matter of taste. Supposed to be a really modern distortion. Some people really like it for leads, some hate it. This one is the 6100.
Lastly is the 6100LM which has 6L6 tubes instead of the EL34s. I'm not sure what's different here but the third channel was modified in some way and I've not heard anything good about it. The first and second channel supposedly are the same, but because of the tubes it's not as "open" sounding as the others. The scoop on these amps are that you can simply use EL34s with a biasing and it will get the same tone as the 6100 except for that modified third channel.
The reliability problems are supposed to be with the combos because of the heat generated and not too good ventilation. I've not heard of any problems with a head save for one HC review.
Now, I don't own one and have never heard one in person nor do I know anyone who owns one so what I've put down is just what I've gathered from research. I went to a few Marshall chat rooms, this forum, HC and word of mouth from music store owners and friends. As with all research, it could be all right, part right, or all crap, lol. But I hope I've helped you out. By the way, some guitarist named Johnny A. uses the combos almost exclusively. I don't know who he is, but he's got a $4000 Gibson signature model, so I guess he knows amps too, lol.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/prod...ature-Electric-Guitar-with-Bigsby-?sku=517207