Marshall Amplifiers

Well, here we have an icon in guitar amplification that has been sought after since the 1960s. Originally copied from the Fender amps of the day, Marshall amplifiers soon took on a life of their own. Modifications and continually upgraded valve and tube technology give every Marshall amp a heavier, crunchier sound and a sweet tone that every artist seeks out.

Started in 1960 by Jim Marshall in London, the company began selling drums and other percussion equipment. It is said that guitar greats such as Pete Townsend (the Who) and Ritchie Blackmore (Rainbow, Deep Purple) would often wander in asking why he did not sell guitar equipment. This was the start of the Marshall amplification company as we now know it.

With the help of Dudley Craven and Ken Bran, six prototypes were developed based on Fender’s 4×10″ bassman amplifier. This sixth unit was what Jim Marshall tagged “the Marshall sound “and Marshall amplification was officially born.

Using a variety of circuits, valves (tubes), cabinets and speaker configurations, the company has developed a series of guitar amplifiers that just about every player has played at one time or another. Most notably is the rock giant Ted Nugent who used a photo of himself in front of a bank of Marshall amps with his hair flying forward, supposedly from the air movement supplied by the amps.

Surprisingly, the Marshall amplifier was originally intended as a bass amp. This is the reason for the darker, deeper sound that guitar players LOVE. The real difference is the configuration of cabinets, speakers and electrical circuitry. The use of vacuum tubes is almost proprietary and accounts for the unique Marshall amp sound.

As the company and product developed through the years, Marshall ventured into solid state amplification. Jim Marshall prides himself on the ability to emulate the vintage tube sound without tubes. So you could get that trademark Marshall amp sound in a modern solid state construction.

As all things do, Marshall stayed true to their roots and remained a quality manufacturer of tube amplification products. Players today have the choice of vintage tube in a separated amplifier/speaker cabinet combination or an electronic version that captures the sound and tone of Marshall in a one piece make.

The lowdown is that if you are after a sculptured sound that is clear, concise and unique, then a Marshall amplifier is the one you need. Marshall amplification has been responsible for many signature sounds including Eddie Van Halen, Ritchie Blackmore and Ted Nugent.

Available in a variety of voltages and speaker combinations, there is a Marshall amplifier to fit your needs. If money is an issue, don’t sweat it; Marshall has always been a great value for the dollar. Literally anybody can play a Marshall amp today. The only thing that’s left to do is go shopping, find the one you like and step into the world of creative tone sculpturing and bone crunching Marshall signature gain.

In music, quality is spelled M-A-R-S-H-A-L-L. Go play one today and see the difference true craftsmanship makes.