ShortScale.org

So I’ve always gigged with 15-30 watt valve amps in head/cab setup. They’ve always been able to cope next to a loud drummer fine.

I’ve been offered a Marshall DSL20CR for about £150 from an old friend. At home I use an MG10 as the origin has to be past 6 on the master to get any sort of gain out of it. Even at band practice I’m struggling to balance getting that Marshall crunch without deafening the band.

I really like the crunch side of the MG10, especially boosted with a klon style pedal.

The DSL seem to have way more gain on tap without having to crank it up full like the origin.

Would a 1x12 combo be able to cope in a live context like the 20 watt head and 2x10 has done?

I'd have thought so, with the caveat that it depends on the size venue, depends if you need crystal cleans (which I assume you don't if you're playing a Marshall in the first place), and it depends on the sound reinforcement available.

I'd expect 20 watts valve to be pretty loud, and if you needed anything louder I'd expect a tech to mic the cab. There's also always the option of getting a 412 or a 212 down the line with efficient speakers, if you decide that you like the sound but really need more volume for some reason.

I'd feel like I'm being less of an imposition showing up with a 20 watt amp that can do everything I want at reasonable volumes than if I showed up with a 50 watt (or 80 or 100) that's going to be deafeningly loud.

But ultimately, it sounds like you've started this thread to ask for permission to buy the amp. Fucking aye.

I wish I had permission lol, though the lack of gain at a realistic level from the origin is starting to annoy me. I play at my best when it’s the amp giving me the gain/tone and vary my guitar volume. Crunch is my go to sound, so
Cleans are from turning the guitar down.

My Dual Terror was great for this, but it didn’t sound like a Marshall. So some proper preamp gain to get things started would be good. I’ve stripped down to my klon/wobbly pedal/delay as that’s what’s been giving me what I want, when the amp is at the right spot.

I do have permission to keep my origin and cab if I do get the DSL20 combo. Wish fran was about, he used the 40 watt version and I’m sure he used it in half power/20watt mode and it was fine for his heavier gigs. I’ve got the option of miking up or using the emulated line out if needed.

I quite like the idea of having a rig that does what I need and I can load in with one trip that I can also use at home without peeling the paint of the walls.

In my opinion, yes. I use a 1 x 12 combo (JTM60) , which has a clean and a dirty channel. The dirty channel has plenty of gain, but I mostly use the clean channel and pedals. An open-backed combo will sound different to an amp and cabinet, obviously - I'd expect less bass, but you can play with the EQ.

The kinda gain I go for is that Malcolm young rhythm sound, so not too gainy and quite open sounding. The klon gives me enough gain for it to stand up for lead work or heavier tones. I reckon the classic gain channel would work for that probably. Not interested in the ultra gain channel, unless it’s set low.