Experience with Marshall TSL 602 and/or VM 2266c...?

[So What]

Hey guys,

I'm looking for a Marshall 2x12 that is reliable, and that will deliver those Marshall tones we all love.

I currently have a JCM 2000 DSL 50 head into a 1936 2x12, and a 401 DSL Combo.

I really like the tone profile from the DSL Series. I would like to have a 2x12 Combo, so I am looking at buying a TSL 602 or a VM 2266c.

Do any of you have experience with these amps?

I want to hear the good and bad, especially the bad.

I will be buying used.

Thanks!

 

[corbo]

VM2266c, all the way, you will not be disappointed , the amp is capable of a wide range of marshall tones JTM to JCM

 

[tolm]

I've owned both those amps previously!

TSL602
Sounded good and lots of EQ options - although OD1/2 share controls. I had issues on mine switching between Clean and OD: there'd be like a 1/2 second silence when switching channels. OD1 to OD2 was fine but between either of those and clean was an issue. I've heard of others who had the same problem as well as others that didn't. I wound up using OD1 all the time and varying the gain using my guitar volume so wound up getting a ...

VM 2266C
Awesome amp. Tone is freaking amazing. Digital reverb is okay, nothing spectacular (would rather it had a decent spring reverb instead) but the basic Marshall tones are all there and all great. I love the separate Body (Low/Mid Freq) and Detail (High Freq) Gain controls - so easy to dial in sweet crunch tones. Dynamic Range shift kicks in an extra pre-amp valve for a big kick up in both Gain and Volume: good for a fat solo boost but too much for a 'channel switch' - this is a tweakable single-channel amp, after all, not a twin channel one. What else? Oh yeah, Greenbacks: great speakers.

So, in summary, I'd get the VM - kinda wish I'd not sold my one but it was a ways back down the road and I run quite a few pedals these days. But for an old-school Marshall - dial-in the crunch and ride the guitar controls - I don't think it can be beat. Add a Boost up front and a delay in the loop and you could do anything.

 

[Gridlock]

I've have owned the TSL602, sold it and have owned 7 Marshalls since trying to find my Marshall tone. I currently own a JMP, a 1987x, and a Vintage Modern 2266. As you can see I like old school Marshall tone and I still own the VM, which I bought prior to the 1987x and JMP.
I love the tone of the VM, especially in LDR mode and with the Jimi Hendrix Greenbacks which the combo has. If you like old school Marshall tone, I think that you will love the VM combo. Go with the VM.

 

[Gridlock]

SoWhat,

I have seen VM combos go for $500-$600. Check out Guitar Center Used Gear. A nation wide selection, good prices (you can usally get them to knock off $50-$100 of the list price, cheap shipping, and a 30 return policy. Probably the best place to find a nice used VM combo.

Good luck.
Gridlock