Marshall TSL100 / Marshall ModeFour

soundwig

Hey, I'm currently playing with a TSL100 Head but well I find it expensive on tubes replacement and so on, and I d'like to have your opinion about the ModeFour, the sound, the quality, and especially, is it possible to play at low level??

Marshallpower · Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2005 9:15 am Post subject:

hi..
I've never heard a MF in action, but I just wanted to say that of course you can play it at lower volumes. The sound is not going to be the same that it is when playing loud, but it will still work,of course!

Niko
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osiris · Newbie Alert Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 2 Location: SLC

I have owned both amps. I first purchased the M4 but was not happy, I then switched to the TSL100 which i liked much better. The M4 is a great sounding amp, and to answer your question it sounds the same at any level, even low levels. But depending on what kind of music you play the M4 really doesnt cover as much ground as the advertising let on. For extreme metal, especcially down tuned stuff, it kicks *Horse's Patoot*. But the problem is for other types of music it is not as responsive as an all tube TSL100. If you need a wide variety of sounds and require easier tone switching the TSL is still the best bet, in my opinion of course. I found the M4 to be kind of a generic or "fake" feeling Marshall, but its still a marshall and very capable of rocking hard. I hope that helps

brandondrury · Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2005 7:10 pm Post subject:

Don't let the cost of tubes effect your decision. It's not like your getting an Ampeg SVT or a Boogie 400+.

Factor in resale value of your amp. Think 4 years down the road. Think about how expensive it's going to be when you keep on buying the amp you don't want and then sell it for less than you bought it for.

I broke down and paid $1700 for a 1971 Superlead one day. It's worth more than I paid for it now. Now I don't have to worry about getting the best. I know I have it. Tubes are much cheaper than buying new amps. Trust me.

Brandon
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fm2006 · Newbie Alert Joined: 19 May 2006 Posts: 2

[quote="soundwig"]Hey, I'm currently playing with a TSL100 Head but well I find it expensive on tubes replacement and so on, and I d'like to have your opinion about the ModeFour, the sound, the quality, and especially, is it possible to play at low level??[/quote]

The first thing you need answered is why are you changing tubes so much that you find it too expensive?

I still have the original Svetlana tubes on my DSL50 which I use for gigs.

Goes_To_Eleven · Hamster Joined: 07 Oct 2005 Posts: 87 Location: CT, USA

Doesn't the Mode Four have preamp tubes anyway? I've heard clips of it and I'm not impressed. Stick with the TSL.

mccabre · Tadpole Joined: 05 Jun 2006 Posts: 18

I've played the Mode 4 and agree with the other posts, it does lack character - especially when compared to the DSL/TSL amps.

Personally - and I know I may get shot down for this - I'd try out a Laney. The VH100R goes for £600, has 2 channels (each with a boost), an accutronics reverb (footswitchable) and an effects loop for each channel and/or the whole preamp section. Either that or the VC series.

It won't give you a Marshall sound but it's got some fantastic tones and is built like a tank. Give it a try!

If you have your heart set on a transistor amp I'd have a look at a Line 6 or a Randall (depending on your style)... I know the Line 6 doesn't have the 'mojo' but Marshall amps generally sound terrible unless they retail for £500+ and the Line 6 has quite a few useable tones inside it.

The Randall, well, Dime used these amps so I guess they're worth a go!

C