Author Archives: Guitar Gear

Marshall JCM 2000 DSL 100 Watt Head

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Marshall JCM 2000 DSL

I have used Marshall tube amplification for more than 20 years. Though temperamental, I have found Marshalls to offer great tube distortion with maximum gain and crunch. I have found the Marshall JCM 2000 DSL great for both live recording and studio use. I have the 100-watt model.

So… how does it sound?
The the Marshall JCM 2000 clean channel at low bedroom volumes sounds great. Also, driven at high, concert level volumes, the distortion and tube crunch is clear and punchy. NOTE: The unit reviewed is a 100-watt model and is really meant to be DRIVEN at high volumes and preferably with a tube pre-amp on the front end or through the effects loop.

This amp has tons of gain and the head offers four channels of distortion to choose from. Everything from AC/DC crunch to soaring death metal, mid-scooped distortion. If you like the sound of a Mesa then STAY AWAY. This amp is 100% Marshall JCM sounding.

Major Drawback: The Effects Loop
The Marshall JCM 2000 effects loop is a little undesirable as you do not have a volume knob control, but rather a -/+ DB cut button that only offers you only two choices: loud and louder. You would have to run the effects loop like a power amp and control the amount of volume with an external volume control. This issue can be nasty in a small club or your apartment where you want to use the effects loop with low volumes, but not have to run an external volume control.

Summary Conclusion
This amp is very versatile with four different channels of tube crunch to choose from. My 100-watt model has been rode hard and has been very reliable for both live concert and studio use over the years. The prices on these units have dropped into the mid $500’s on EBAY, so the price is very competitive verses a Soldano Hot Rod 50 or a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier. If you can live with just a two volume options in the effects loop, or don’t use the effects loop at all, pick one of these units up and pair the head with a Marshall/Celestion cab. You won’t be disappointed.

— Johnny D.

John E. Davis is a Texas Rock Guitarist offering FREE guitar lessons videos. Visit TexasRockGuitarist.com for information on Guitar Lessons, Guitar Repair and Live Music Performance.

The Gibson Les Paul Standard

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Gibson Les Paul Standard
The Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s in Tobacco Burst.

The Gibson Les Paul Standard represents the ultimate Les Paul, featuring its signature mahogany body. In addition, offering a beautifully carved maple top, dual humbucker™ pickups, and a set neck. For musicians seeking the most genuine and authentic Les Paul experience, the Standard is the ideal choice. Every aspect of the current Les Paul Standard is designed to replicate the same playing feel and sound as the Les Pauls from Gibson’s golden era.

The first Gibson Les Paul Standard to showcase the famous Cherry Sunburst finish was launched in 1958. Although the Les Paul model made its debut in 1952 with P-90 pickups and a trapeze tailpiece, the 1957 Goldtop, equipped with humbucking pickups and a Tune-O-Matic™ bridge, paved the way for the Standard we recognize today. In addition, introduction of the Sunburst finish marked a significant design evolution for the Les Paul, and the Les Paul Standards manufactured between 1958 and 1960—affectionately known as Bursts—are considered some of the finest solidbody electric guitars ever created.

The Gibson Les Paul Standard Specs:

The Gibson Les Paul Standard is a legendary solid body electric guitar made in America, priced between $2,299 and $3,100+. It is celebrated for its rich tone, mahogany body, maple top, and dual humbuckers. Moreover, notable models for 2025 feature the ’50s version (with a vintage neck and nickel hardware). Moreover, the ’60s version (featuring a SlimTaper neck and Grover tuners), along with choices for AAA maple tops, P-90 pickups, and a variety of finishes.

Gibson Les Paul Standard features a carefully selected range of premium guitars, which includes exclusive, limited-edition, and handcrafted models. Custom shop reissues and specialized amplifier series are also offered. When purchasing Gibson guitars and amplifiers together, an extended service period is usually provided.

John E. Davis is a Texas Rock Guitarist offering FREE guitar lessons videos and covers guitar equipment, concert and music news. Visit the website for information on Guitar Lessons, Guitar Repair and Live Music Performance videos.

Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal

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Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal defined a bold new sound, providing a hard-edged attack and smooth sustain that’s guitar players crave for awesome tone.

Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal
The DS-1 Distortion is a true icon in the world of guitar effects. Introduced in 1978, BOSS’s first distortion pedal defined a bold new sound.

Simply put, the Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal distortion pedal is a modern classic. Musicians have heard this orange box put through its paces on countless top rock recordings. The DS-1 is an affordable, incredible-sounding, rock pedalboard staple — it’s the perfect first distortion stompbox and may be your last. Whether you pair it with your guitar’s single-coil or humbucking pickups, expect rich, dynamic-laden tone with the Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal.

Since the DS-1’s introduction in 1978, guitarists everywhere have been snatching it up, putting it in their signal chain, and using it to achieve their signature distorted rock tones. It’s great for all flavors of rock, from experimental to indie to modern to heavier grunge-infused genres. That versatility makes the DS-1 the perfect pick for a first distortion pedal. It’s a solid investment toward proven tone.

The BOSS DS-1 features Tone, Level, and Distortion knobs. By cranking each up or down, you can create a range of different tones, from subtle bite to rich crunch to all-out fuzz. The midrange on the DS-1 is scooped, which gives it a distinct tonal flavor that many players prefer. Want sonic reference? Give Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” a listen — all that crunch came courtesy of the BOSS DS-1.

The DS-1 Distortion stands as a true legend in the realm of guitar effects. Launched in 1978, BOSS’s inaugural distortion pedal established a daring new sound, providing a sharp attack and smooth sustain that has become essential for musicians over the years. The DS-1 holds the title of the best-selling BOSS compact pedal of all time, and its original, unaltered design continues to motivate the production of exceptional music worldwide. The iconic DS-1 tone is the foundation of the distinctive sounds of many rock icons, and it is poised to help you develop your own unique sound today.