
Hello! Kaoru the composer here!
Today, I would like to talk about the iconic name in guitar amplifiers, Marshall!
Marshall amps have become a standard presence in live music venues and studios, places frequented by band musicians! So, chances are many of you have either seen one or even used one before!
When it comes to guitar amps, it’s often said: it’s either a Marshall or a Roland Jazz Chorus.
However, while we casually refer to them as “Marshall,” there are actually many different models, each with its own unique features and performance.
So! In this article, I’ll explain a bit more about the Marshall company itself, walk you through some of its various models, and also introduce some recommended amps along the way.
■ What is Marshall?
Marshall is a brand owned by Marshall Amplification, a company founded by Jim Marshall in the UK. The brand is well-known for producing electric guitar and bass amplifiers, as well as headphones, earphones, accessories, and lifestyle products.
The story began in 1960 when Jim Marshall opened a drum shop called the Marshall Shop.
Then, in 1962, he developed the company's first amplifier, the JTM45, which quickly caught the attention of artists.
Marshall amps became immensely popular, with legendary guitarists like Pete Townshend, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Ritchie Blackmore among those who swore by them. Marshall amps became the standard in guitar amplification.
Today, the popular JCM series has become so iconic that it's a permanent fixture in rehearsal studios and live music venues.
■ Marshall Amps Features
With its striking black and gold design, Marshall amplifiers have continuously evolved to match the modern music scene and are loved by many professional guitarists.
When it comes to rock sound, Marshall is often considered a standard choice! It has firmly established its place in the industry.
While each model offers a distinct sound character, the overall sound tendency of Marshall amps is known for their intense drive that’s perfect for hard rock. The "Gyuuiiiiiiin" distorted sound is something nearly everyone has heard at least once.
The simplicity in operating it is another element that makes Marshall amps so widely appreciated.
Now, let's take a look at some of the recommended products we carry, starting with the MARSHALL / JVM210C!
The JVM Series is the current flagship model that was introduced in 2007. It’s a combo amplifier type that is rarely seen in studios.
The amplifier features two channels: CLEAN/CRUNCH and OVERDRIVE. Each of these channels has three modes: green, orange, and red, arranged in order of increasing gain. This means that the amp offers six different sound characters that allows you to cover everything from clear, clean tones to intense, overdriven sounds.
Thanks to its wide sound-making range in some genres, you might not even need an external effects pedal.
Additionally, each channel is equipped with an independent digital reverb that can be adjusted. The included footswitch allows you to switch the reverb ON/OFF, making it highly useful for live performances.
This 20W/5W switchable guitar amp head was developed based on the legendary JCM800 2203 series, known for being favored by artists like Slash and Zakk Wylde. It has become one of Marshall's biggest hits.
The amp is quite compact compared to other Marshall models, making it easy to transport. Its size and specifications make it perfect for both home use and live performances.
With a simple control panel, you can intuitively shape the iconic Marshall sound.
The ORIGIN Series combines traditional all-valve circuitry with modern features. It boasts a sophisticated design that exudes a sense of luxury.
With the newly developed power reduction technology "Powerstem", you can switch between three modes: High (50W), Mid (10W), and Low (1W). This feature allows you to fully maximize the performance of the amp, no matter the environment.
The TILT control enables you to blend normal to high treble voicing, giving you a wide range of sound-making possibilities.
This model is recommended for those who often play at home! It’s compact but packs the iconic Marshall design and sound.
Despite its small size, it offers a 4-channel setup: Clean, Crunch, OD1, and OD2. It also includes effects like chorus, phaser, flanger, and octaver.
With the AUX input, you can play music from devices like smartphones. Plus, it has a headphone output, making it perfect for use in environments where loud sound isn’t an option.
This concludes my introduction and recommendations for Marshall! Marshall has been an integral part of the rock scene for years and remains a household name in music. Be sure to check it out!
The “sound & person” column is made up of contributions from you.
For details about contributing, click here.