Marshall TSL Problems...

stephenshields2

Well guys, its finally happened. My super-reliable TSL head has finally started to give me some problems!

First up, random static and other crap noises, that can be fixed temporarily by slapping the top of the amp! (Very scientific way of fixing things, I know... :rolleyes:)

And second, my spring reverb is gone. And I mean gone.



Please guys, any ideas on whats causing these problems, and any solutions, would be greatly appreciated!!

darrenw5094

Post it up here http://www.marshallforum.com/marshall-amps/

They were never good quality efforts by Marshall.

stephenshields2

darrenw5094 wrote: »

Post it up here http://www.marshallforum.com/marshall-amps/

They were never good quality efforts by Marshall.

Thanks mate, wil do!

No ideas yourself?

darrenw5094

stephenshields2 wrote: »

Thanks mate, wil do!

No ideas yourself?

9 times out of 10, is a pre amp valve gone or going.

If you had a spare new pre amp valve, change each one with the new one.

The reverb would run off one half of a pre amp valve also.

stephenshields2

darrenw5094 wrote: »

9 times out of 10, is a pre amp valve gone or going.

If you had a spare new pre amp valve, change each one with the new one.

The reverb would run off one half of a pre amp valve also.

Its been 5 years+ since the amp got a complete new set of valves, so maybe a new set is in order??

Hopefully, that will fix both problems!! :pac:

darrenw5094

stephenshields2 wrote: »

Its been 5 years+ since the amp got a complete new set of valves, so maybe a new set is in order??

Hopefully, that will fix both problems!! :pac:

Jayzus.........5 years.......

stephenshields2

darrenw5094 wrote: »

Jayzus.........5 years.......

5 years+!!

We could be talking 7 or 8 years here!!

Any idea how much all the valves and the work will cost?

darrenw5094

stephenshields2 wrote: »

5 years+!!

We could be talking 7 or 8 years here!!

Any idea how much all the valves and the work will cost?

Try www.eurotubes.com to check out the sets for your amp.
I don't like JJ valves anymore because they are not all that reliable.
A set of Svetlana Winged C's EL34's for the power valve section and a combo of Electro Harmonix and Tungsol 12AX7's for the pre amps.

Probably €150 or so for full set.

stephenshields2

darrenw5094 wrote: »

Try www.eurotubes.com to check out the sets for your amp.
I don't like JJ valves anymore because they are not all that reliable.
A set of Svetlana Winged C's EL34's for the power valve section and a combo of Electro Harmonix and Tungsol 12AX7's for the pre amps.

Probably €150 or so for full set.

Thanks mate, great info!! :D:D

novarock

I wouldnt change the power valves by yourself unless you have previous experience (They are the bigger ones). Unless you get the exact set you were using before.

I changed out power valves to a slightly different model and melted the transformer in my amp. Cost a good bit to repair! Bring it to a pro for a rebias once you have the valves.

Preamp valves (small ones) are straightforward. You can hot swap them easily enough, just like changing a light bulb really. To pull them just wiggle it out with a slightly circular motion.. They are only around a tenner each and require no biasing

BSOM

Touch base with Marshall Ireland on the Forum, they look after Marshall in Ireland and can point you in the right direction.

Marshall Ireland

stephenshields2 wrote: »

Well guys, its finally happened. My super-reliable TSL head has finally started to give me some problems!

First up, random static and other crap noises, that can be fixed temporarily by slapping the top of the amp! (Very scientific way of fixing things, I know... :rolleyes:)

And second, my spring reverb is gone. And I mean gone.



Please guys, any ideas on whats causing these problems, and any solutions, would be greatly appreciated!!

Hi Stephen
I will contact you by PM and we'll get you're amp sorted out.

Marshall Ireland

darrenw5094 wrote: »

Post it up here http://www.marshallforum.com/marshall-amps/

They were never good quality efforts by Marshall.

You've seen how we QC then?

Failure rate is negligible and TSL was the flagship of the ninties. Extremely reliable.

stephenshields2

Marshall Ireland wrote: »

You've seen how we QC then?

Failure rate is negligible and TSL was the flagship of the ninties. Extremely reliable.

Thank you, Ive always considered my TSL to be very reliable!!

darrenw5094

Marshall Ireland wrote: »

You've seen how we QC then?

Failure rate is negligible and TSL was the flagship of the ninties. Extremely reliable.

The power of the internet.........

The word on the street all over the net for years now, is that the DSL and TSL were not a great effort by Marshall. When i have time to look for quotes etc., i will post.

Paolo_M

My 2c is that the vast majority of amps that people ask me to "have a look at" are DSLs and TSLs.
It may be because they are popular, but I'm an independant individual who likes Marshalls and I do think early batches have a disproportionate failure rate.
The 2000 to 2003 models had incorrect componant values, the PCB material itself was known to be problematic and other defects included the grounding scheme at the output jacks. The results of these issues are things like biasing problems, excessive hum, constant fuse blowing, OT failure, screen resistor failure and the little oscillation suppressor cap on one of the power valves burning up.
In fairness these issues were resolved but once you get a reputation it tends to stick...
Also I do think the amount of these early amps failing has become exaggerated on the web.