The History – Marshall Amplification
- Founded: 1962 by Jim Marshall in Hanwell, London.
- Origin: Jim Marshall, a drummer and teacher, opened a music shop and began building amplifiers to meet the needs of guitarists like Pete Townshend and Ritchie Blackmore who wanted louder, grittier tones than Fender could offer.
- First Amplifier: The JTM45, released in 1962, was inspired by the Fender Bassman but used British components, giving it a rawer sound.
Why Marshall Amps Were Made
- British guitarists in the early ’60s wanted more volume and distortion than American amps could deliver.
- Fender amps were expensive and hard to source in the UK, so Jim Marshall collaborated with Ken Bran and Dudley Craven to create a British alternative.
The JCM800: A Rock Icon
- Released: 1981, post-Rose-Morris distribution deal.
- Models: 2203, 2204, 2205, 2210.
- Features:
- First Marshall amp with a master volume.
- Known for its tight gain, aggressive tone, and gold panel design.
- Became a staple for hard rock and metal bands in the 1980s.
- Name Origin: “JCM” = Jim Charles Marshall; “800” = his car’s license plate.
Why Is It Called the “Plexi”?
- “Plexi” refers to the Plexiglas front panels used on Marshall amps from the mid-1960s to early 1970s.
- Most famously associated with the Super Lead Model 1959, which helped define the sound of Hendrix, Clapton, and Townshend.
List of Marshall Amplifier Models
Here’s a selection of notable models across decades:
| Series/Model | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JTM45 | Head | First Marshall amp, bluesy tone |
| 1959 Super Lead | Head | Classic Plexi, 100W |
| 1987X | Head | 50W Plexi-style |
| JCM800 2203/2204 | Head | Iconic 1980s tone |
| JCM900 4100 | Head | More gain, dual reverb |
| JVM Series (210, 410) | Head/Combo | Modern versatility |
| Silver Jubilee 2555X | Head | Slash’s favorite |
| Studio Series | Head/Combo | Compact versions of classics |
| Origin Series | Combo | Vintage-inspired, affordable |
| MG Series | Combo | Solid-state, beginner-friendly |
| CODE Series | Digital Modeling | Versatile tones via app |
Factory Location
- Marshall’s factory is located in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, England, where amps have been handcrafted since the late 1960s.
Artists Who Use Marshall Amps
Marshall has been the amp of choice for legends across genres:
- Classic Icons: Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, Angus Young, Joe Perry.
- Modern Players: Slash, Zakk Wylde, Lzzy Hale, Noel Gallagher, Joe Bonamassa, Beabadoobee, Rob Gueringer.
Pros and Cons of Marshall Amplifiers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Legendary tone for rock, blues, and metal | Can be expensive, especially vintage models |
| Wide range of models for all skill levels | Some models are heavy and bulky |
| Durable build quality | Signature sound may not suit all genres |
| Iconic design and brand prestige | High volume levels not ideal for home use |
| Tube and digital options available | Learning curve for dialing in tones |