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Description
Unleash your inner rockstar with the Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head, a versatile, 100-watt powerhouse that offers the dynamic sound and performance expected from a Marshall amp. Perfect for both studio use and live performances, this amplifier head combines the warmth of a tube sound with the reliability of solid-state technology, offering a rich tonal palette that's sure to inspire any guitarist. Whether you're playing smooth blues or hard-hitting metal, the VS100 provides the flexibility and power needed to achieve your desired sound.
This amp head is equipped with three distinct channels—Clean, Overdrive 1, and Overdrive 2—each offering a unique voice, from sparkling cleans to classic Marshall crunch. The user-friendly interface, featuring separate EQ controls for each channel, allows easy fine-tuning to craft your perfect tone. The inclusion of the Contour Control on the overdrive channels gives players even more tonal shaping options, providing a mid-range sweep to tailor your sound further.
Additionally, the Valvestate VS100 features an effects loop with level controls, making it easy to integrate your favorite pedals or other effects units. The built-in reverb adds depth and dimension to your sound, allowing for everything from subtle ambiance to cavernous echoes.
For musicians seeking a reliable and versatile amplifier head that offers the best of both worlds—warm tube-like sound with solid-state dependability—the Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head is a choice worth considering.
Key Features:
- 100-watt power output
- Three independent channels: Clean, Overdrive 1, and Overdrive 2
- Contour Control for enhanced tonal shaping
- Built-in reverb for added depth
- Effects loop with level controls
- Solid-state reliability with tube-like sound quality
Product specs
| Brand | Marshall |
| Model | Valvestate VS100H 3-Channel 100-Watt Guitar Amp Head |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1998 - 2001 |
| Made In | United Kingdom |
| Categories | Guitar Heads |
| Built-In Effects | Built-In Effects |
| Color Family | Black |
| Direct Output | Direct Output |
| Effects Loop | Effects Loop |
| Electronics | Hybrid |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Number of Channels | 3 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 1 Input |
| Output Power (Watts) | 100 |
| Power Tube Type | None |
| Reverb | Spring Reverb |
FAQs
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What type of power amp does the Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head use?
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The Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head features a hybrid design with a tube-driven preamp and a solid-state power amp, providing a blend of classic tube warmth and solid-state reliability.
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How many channels does the Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head have?
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The Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head has three channels, allowing for versatile sound options from clean to crunch and lead tones.
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Does the Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head include built-in effects?
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Yes, the Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head includes built-in effects, adding additional tonal flexibility for live performances and studio sessions.
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Is the Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head suitable for gigging with a band?
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With its 100-watt output, the Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head is powerful enough for gigging, providing ample volume and headroom to compete with a full band setup.
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What kind of reverb does the Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head have?
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The Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head is equipped with a spring reverb, offering a classic reverb sound that can enhance your guitar tone.
Videos
Taylor Danley
Marshall Valvestate Shootout - 8100 vs VS100 | Chug Battle!
Marshall Valvestate Shootout - 8100 vs VS100 | Chug Battle!
Taylor Danley
$2000 tone for $300??? Marshall JCM800 vs VS100 | The Q Show ep. 21
The Q Show
Marshall Valvestate VS100
Antyep
![Video thumbnail for 1990s Marshall VS100 Valvestate Guitar Amp Head [Metal Sound Demo] by Caleb Andresen](https://img.youtube.com/vi/OTq3BK6J9Ss/mqdefault.jpg)
1990s Marshall VS100 Valvestate Guitar Amp Head [Metal Sound Demo]
Caleb Andresen
Reviews
PROS
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Brings a nostalgic, joyful experience to users
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Capable of incredible metal tones without needing a clean boost
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Competes well against tube amps in its performance
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Particularly excels in producing thrash/early death metal sounds
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Offers a tight bottom end and high gain with saturation
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Durable and reliable with minimal servicing required
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Positive experience even when replacing stock speakers for enhanced sound
CONS
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Clean tones may feel too sterile for some
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Lacks the warmth and expressiveness of some tube amps
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Does not achieve the brown, vocal Plexi-type tone
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head.
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
User experience
Setup and maintenance
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Owners appreciate that the Valvestate series requires minimal tube maintenance due to its hybrid design.
Source
Comparisons
Mods and upgrades
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A Fortin Grind pedal is recommended for boosting the VS100, achieving a tight and satisfying sound.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 10 Ratings
302
A one-trick pony, but what a trick it is.
Let's be honest - this thing won't be replacing my JCM800 or my Orange Tiny Terror anytime soon. Does it do warm, expressive cleans? Not really, the cleans are squeaky clean to the point of sterility. Does it do that brown, vocal Plexi-type tone? Nope.
However, there is one thing it does well - Thrash/early Death Metal.
It actually does this so perfectly that I run mine along side my '800 in unison. The pairing is absolutely crushing. For that saturated, compressed high gain sound with a huge but tight bottom end, there aren't a lot of amps that can compete.
There is certainly a reason that Scott Burns tracked bands through Valvestates, and subsequently why we have all those amazing sounding classic records.
A lot of people bring up reliability issues with these Valvestates. Here is my experience with mine so far. Mine was made in 1997, and has never needed servicing. Never. I replaced the tube once about 6 months ago. That's all it's ever needed.
137
Monster!
Absolutely awesome amp head! Even without a clean boost you can get some incredible metal tones. With the boost, forget about it! I grew up with a valvestate amp and after a lot of trial and error, they can hold their own against any tube amps!
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video at 16:09 Ulrich Wild says Wayne used his Marshall Valvestate VS100 amp head for the guitars on Wisconsin Death Trip.
Used during the very early years of Chimaira. See at 2:58.
In the video "Orchid Live at Louis st house in New Brunswick NJ 8/3/1998," filmed by timmorrisvideos and digitized by Chris Haug, Will Killingsworth can be seen using a Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head during the performance. Not really sure if it's exactly a VS100 head, might be another type.
Can be seen playing through one throughout this video.
In this YouTube video, Warren Huart of Produce Like A Pro sits down with Ulrich Wild to discuss the recording of the Static-X song "Push It", and by extension the 1999 album "Wisconsin Death Trip". At 14:58, they discuss the guitars and state that the amp on the song/album is Wild's own Marshall Valvestate VS100, which is still in Wild's studio.
Album Usage
The Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Marshall Valvestate VS100 Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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