Marshall 6100LM 5881 head

This is a popular 6100 LM series head produced by Marshall back in the 90-ies. Features 3 channels, runs a quad of 5881 tubes pushing out 100 Watt. A lot of features and knobs for various modes for each channel, MIDI stuff and FX-loop(s). However, because there are so many features, most people forget that there is no builtin reverb. You will need to run a pedal for this. Many guys consider this model to be a conceptual predecessor of the current JVM line.

I have picked it up for a reasonable price (550 EUR together with a Marshall footswitch for channel switching, if i remember right), obviously not new but in a fairly good condition. Unmodded and exposing only slight signs of wear. The guts are a bit rusty, but oh well, this thing is soon 20 years old ! A very flexible three channel amp, with additional modes for each channel. Clean is good, quite neutral. Channel 2 is great and covers most blues and rock grounds. Can also do metal, very gainy. Channel 3 is called lead, not really sure about it, sounds definitely different from channel 2. A lot of gain, sounds more harsh, can probably do better, however, i did not spent much time fiddling with this channel yet, i use the first/second channel most of the time. 100 Watt power means, this head is loud when cranked. Extremely loud ! No way of playing close to the cab without hearing being damaged. Very, very, very loud. However, surprisingly, you can dial in the amp to sound very good as well at "nearly bedroom" volume levels. In the 50W penthode mode, i leave the gain and channel volume at 12-13 (oc) and adjust the master to my needs (f.e. 9 oc on channel 2C). No powertube distortion there, but still sounds very good to me, dynamic, warm and sufficiently punchy. Our dogs still tend to run away, but i am sure its due to my playing than to volume. Didn't test MIDI capabilities, they are actually without much meaning to me.

And this is what my workplace currently looks like :-).

No gutshots yet, also will do a conversion to a more authentic EL34 setup and will provide a documentation later, unfortunately badly lacking time now.

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