A Sydney, Australia guitarist asks a question regarding the tonal palette of the SL-X amplifier. Before he buys the amp, the guitarist, Syd, wants to try out the amp at the local dealer.

Well, Syd, print out a copy of the settings shown below and take it with you when you visit the dealer again. You'll be glad to know that the SL-X has many different sounds beneath its Elephant grain vinyl exterior . By the way, this information is from Marshall product support tech John Teto, and previously appeared in the Fall 1994 issue of dealer magazine Marshall Feedback. Here's the list:

Note: All settings are approximate, depending on the guitar used.

• "Zep" Rock - Presence: 7; Bass: 7; Middle: 6; Treble: 5; Master: 3; Gain: 14; Pre-amp: 3

• "Cream-y" Blues - Presence: 6; Bass: 5; Middle: 7; Treble: 7; Master: 3; Gain: 18; Pre-amp: 4

• Hardcore - Presence: 8; Bass: 8; Middle: 2; Treble: 9; Master: 3; Gain: 18; Pre-amp: 7

• Death - Presence: 10; Bass: 10; Middle: 0; Treble: 10; Master: 3; Gain: 18; Pre-amp: 8

• Cleaner Than U Think - Presence: 6; Bass: 6; Middle: 6; Treble: 4; Master: 10; Gain: 11; Pre-amp: 2

Yes, you've seen KISS touring behind a huge backline of Marshall gear. Paul Stanley and Ace Frehley especially seem to like the tone they get from their bevy of SL-X amplifiers. I agree -- the ones I've gigged with have been especially rugged and stand up to being played hard for the usual 9:00 pm - 1:30 am bar scene gigs. Reliability and tone -- what more can a guitarist want from an amplifier? The photo is from their 1997 NAMM appearance, which graced the cover of Marshall Law. I don't get copies of this magazine from Marshall to hand out, so you'll have to get yours from your local dealer. But make sure you do add copies of this free magazine to your collection. It always has lots of photos and information. I'm glad that Marshall continues to improve this great magazine. Rock on!