Marshall Amplification
Marshall Amplification is a British company that designs and manufactures music amplifiers, speaker cabinets, and effects pedals. Founded in London in 1962 by shop owner and drummer Jim Marshall, the company is based in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, England.
The company first began making amplifiers to provide an alternative to expensive, American-made Fender amps, releasing their first model, the Bassman-inspired JTM45, in 1963. Following complaints over limitations in amp volume and tone from visitors to Jim Marshall's drum shop, notably Pete Townshend, guitarist for The Who, Marshall began developing louder, 100-watt amplifiers. These early amps were characterized in part by their Plexiglass control plates, leading to models such as the 1959 Super Lead (released in 1965) being popularly known as "Plexis." Their adoption by guitarists like Townshend, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page helped establish the brand's legacy. Further development led to the JCM800 series in 1981, which was widely adopted by the hard rock and metal community, while the brand celebrated its 25 years of making amps by releasing the Silver Jubiliee in 1987.
Quotes about Marshall Amplification
[edit]- From its humble beginnings in 1960s London to providing the backline for some of the world's loudest performances, Marshall amplifiers have become iconic in the music world and are renowned for their powerful sound and instantly recognizable design. Ever since a young Pete Townshend asked Jim Marshall to place two 4x12 cabinets on top of each other, the Marshall stack has been much imitated, especially after a certain guitarist named Jimi Hendrix also adopted the trend. Marshall amplifiers have since shaped the rock and metal genres, leaving an indelible mark on musical history.
- I believe it was something people were discovering all over London. These big amps that Marshall were turning out — you couldn't stop the guitars feeding back!
- Pete Townshend of The Who, as quoted by Phil Weller of Guitar Player (January 2, 2025) [2]
- What makes Marshall so admired is its consistency in tonal quality and build quality across its extensive range.
