Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

[deftgala]

I am thinking of trading in my DSL2000 50 watt head and 4x12 cab because it is just not practical. It is too big and way too loud for a player that plays clubs once in a while and mostly in the jam space with other musicians and at home.

I love the sound, especially with my LP and strat. I think I might break my heart if I sell/trade the amp, but thought I'd get some feedback/reassurance from you guys.

I am thinking of trading it in for a 1978 Fender Twin Reverb (2x12). I've heard this amp and think it is a great one.

Here is the link for the amp I want: http://songbirdmusic.com/torasp/odetail.asp?id=10217

I play modern and classic hard rock and need something that competes with the Marshall stack. Do you guys think I am crazy?

Wow, thinking about trading in my amp feels like I am breaking up with my girlfriend!

what do you guys think?
:burnout:

 

[lex666]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

If you like the tone of your marshall, I'd go with a smaller Marshall combo like a DSL or TSL combo. I don't think you'd get the same tones with a fender amp as you would a marshall.

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

I am thinking of trading in my DSL2000 50 watt head and 4x12 cab because it is just not practical. It is too big and way too loud for a player that plays clubs once in a while and mostly in the jam space with other musicians and at home.

I love the sound, especially with my LP and strat. I think I might break my heart if I sell/trade the amp, but thought I'd get some feedback/reassurance from you guys.

I am thinking of trading it in for a 1978 Fender Twin Reverb (2x12). I've heard this amp and think it is a great one.

Here is the link for the amp I want: http://songbirdmusic.com/torasp/odetail.asp?id=10217

I play modern and classic hard rock and need something that competes with the Marshall stack. Do you guys think I am crazy?

Wow, thinking about trading in my amp feels like I am breaking up with my girlfriend!

what do you guys think?
:burnout:

Deftgala,

Most people do not like the Master Volume silverfaces so you should be able to find one cheaper than the one in your link. I play my dad's and it has tight bass...tighter than any other amp I've ever messed with. It takes distortion pedals VERY well and is VERY loud. However the stock speakers could be changed out in favor of some more efficient, like some V30s or classic leads.

I'd suggest putting the money toward a high end combo. Maybe a Hot Cat or Budda...of course I'm a Z fan.

Luke

 

[Blueline]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

I always thought those fenders were known for their clean, not their marshall like distortion
if you're looking for a smaller package, why not either (get a 2x12) or get a boogie, or rivera combo

 

[deftgala]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

I always thought those fenders were known for their clean, not their marshall like distortion
if you're looking for a smaller package, why not either (get a 2x12) or get a boogie, or rivera combo

thats just it... I gotta do some research and find out what is the best amp for me, and not just for namesake. I love my stack and would love to recreate those tones somehow. The Marshall combos just don't cut it, IMO.

Maybe Soldano, or Rivera might just be it? have you got a Rivera?

 

[Blueline]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

I wish I did

the rivera chubster gets into the marshall territory very well

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

Get something like a Soldano, ENGL, Bogner, Rivera, or Mesa combo. They'll pack the same wallop as a halfstack, but they'll be more realistic for your situation.
I usually lug around a head, 2-12 cab, pedalboard, backpack, and 2 guitars. Anytime I start complaining, a drummer comes along and puts it all into perspective. I'd hate to be a drummer!!!!!!

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

If you like your Marshall except for the size, I don't think the Twin is for you.

If you're mostly playing small clubs & jamming, I question whether you really need even 50 watts. If you're getting a classic rock sound out of your Marshall, look into the many 18 Watter clones out there - they do classic Marshall at reasonable volume & weight. 18WAtt.com is a good play to start; they're mostly DIY'ers, but there are several small companies who sell complete amps.

If you're really set on 50 watts, look for a used 4010 combo. It's a 2204 JCM800 head in a 1-12 combo cab. Much better than modern Marshall combos.

If you're more into the modern high-gain thing, look into the non-Marshall amps others have mentioned.

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

I think if you're not gigging regularly in a raging loud rock band that a 50 watt Marshall with a 4 x 12 cab is to much amp...it would probably be to much amp for most small clubs too. I'd sell it.

The '78 Twin Reverb is not from a great year. I'd look for one from '73 or '74...those are better years, IMO.

But a Twin is still a very loud 80 - 100 watt amp.

Way more amp than most people need and virtually impossible to crank up loud enough to get natural overdrive without destroying your hearing and your neighbors right to peaceful enjoyment of thier home.

Maybe look for a '73 or '74 Vibrolux Reverb (40 watts & two 10's) or a Pro Reverb (40 watts & two 12's).

I started my career with a blackface Twin Reverb, then went to a 50 watt Marshall 1/2 stack, then to a 40 watt tweed Bassman or Concert, then to a 40 watt Pro Reverb (basically a 40 watt Twin Reverb) and '82 JCM800 50 watt 2 x 12 combo amp, and these days play mostly through 20 - 40 watt tweed and blackface Fenders.

There've been many other amps mixed in there including a Marshall 100 watt plexi or two...but I keep coming back to my old Fenders.

 

[saladin]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

Check out a Peavey Classic 50 2-12

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

listen to the lewmaster...something fender, low wattage, blackface would really suit your needs. It's a smoother kind of overdrive in the fenders, not as raunchy and in your face.

 

[deftgala]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

listen to the lewmaster...something fender, low wattage, blackface would really suit your needs. It's a smoother kind of overdrive in the fenders, not as raunchy and in your face.

I've heard some Fenders.. but never a Blackface that I can remember.. are there any albums that you guys know off the top of your heads that had these amps used... I am looking more in the classic rock/modern rock type of sound

But really, any albums or artists would help clarify blackface fender amps!

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

one album i know that used a deluxe was abbey road...ill see if any others ring a bell.

 

[Mike M.]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

Have you tried an attenuator with your Marshall? That would be my suggestion if you like the tone but can do without some of the volume.

 

[Stevo]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

Keep the Marshall! Seriously, the footprint of a twin and a half stack are about the same

Ok but seriously if you want a small fender, then get one of those deluxe reissues. The clean and overdriven tone are both very sweet.. if you can handle going from 412 to 1x12. The Peavey classic 30s are very cool also. That is a very versatile amp, with decent tone, and it's very portable.

 

[deftgala]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

Have you tried an attenuator with your Marshall? That would be my suggestion if you like the tone but can do without some of the volume.

To be honest, I like the DSL with the volum at even 2-3... sounds way better with the volume at 6-7 in the jam space and on stage but its the size and the portability of the thing that is killer...

it just seems impracticle to play a half stack without being in a band that has a record contact and touring from city to city. A smaller 2x12 tube combo seems much more practicle.

i am really weary because I love my stack and its sound.. I will weep the same way as when I sold my first guitar, I know it! meh, I think that I'll just save $700 and buy another one, and place the stack and head in the basement with a conver on it!

 

[Nite_Maresz_25]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

dsl 401, 40 watt 1x12 dsl combo.
dsl 201, 20 watt 1x12 dsl combo.

 

[casblah]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

If you like your Marshall, then I'd say stick with it. Suck it up a little, and just deal with the extra baggage. To me Marshall's and Fender's are apples vs. oranges. Not to say that you'll eventually find the "ultimate" combo.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

There are always arguments on what the "idea" amplifer should be, what size, combo/head and cab, etc.

If you want distortion in a smaller package, get an amp for distortion like a Marshall. If you want cleans, that's when you should look at a Fender. The good thing with Fenders is that you can keep them at low volume and they'll still sound great, so get a powerful one like a Twin, get a good distortion box like a Tone Bone Hot British and you should be able to cover both territories without shelling tons of cash. I like combos because you can grab and go. With heads and cabs, they're both heavy and cumbersome so you're not saving your back by going that route (unless you're looking at a Shiva or a Hot Cat, both notoriously heavy).

However, if you just want distortion at less painful volumes, maybe an 18w Marshall clone would fit the bill? There are always good amps like the Fargen Miniplex

 

[Mike M.]

Re: Marshall stack vs. a Fender Tube Combo

Depending on how much volume you need and how much money you want to shell out, maybe you could find a used DRRI and try out one of those new Fulltone pedals. I think it's called the OCD. Yesterday I heard a clip at the Fulltone site of that pedal thru a '65 Deluxe Reverb with a Les Paul and personally I was very impressed. I'm not saying it sounded JUST like a Marshall, but some of that personality and flavor seemed to be there. So much that I'M even getting thought's!!