A Brief History of Marshall Amplifiers

Founded: 1962
Founder: Jim Marshall
Location: London, England

Marshall Amplification began in a small drum shop in Hanwell, London. Jim Marshall, a drum teacher and businessman, started the company to meet the demand from guitarists (including Pete Townshend and Ritchie Blackmore) who were looking for a louder and more aggressive amplifier than what was available at the time—primarily Fender amps from the U.S., which were expensive and hard to find in the UK.

Jim worked with electronics expert Ken Bran and technician Dudley Craven to create the first Marshall amp—the JTM45, released in 1962. It was heavily inspired by the Fender Bassman but used different components available in Britain, resulting in a distinct, rawer tone that appealed to the emerging rock and blues scene.

By the late '60s, Marshall amps had become a staple of British rock. Iconic players like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and Pete Townshend adopted Marshalls for their power and crunchy tone.

Marshall responded to the demand for more volume by creating the Marshall “stack”—a 100-watt head (Super Lead, or “Plexi”) paired with two 4x12 cabinets. This configuration became the visual and sonic symbol of rock and metal.

The 1980s saw further innovation, with the release of the JCM800 series—famous for its aggressive gain and reliability. These amps became standard in punk, hard rock, and metal genres. Guitarists like Slash, Zakk Wylde, and Kerry King swore by them.

In the 1990s, Marshall continued evolving with models like the JCM900 and later the JCM2000, offering more flexibility and modern tones.

Marshall has since diversified its product range to include:

• Vintage reissues (like the JTM45 and Plexi)
• High-gain amps for modern metal (e.g., DSL and JVM series)
• Modeling and hybrid amps (e.g., Code and MG series)
• Digital innovations and Bluetooth speakers

Marshall has also ventured into lifestyle products like headphones, Bluetooth speakers, and fridges shaped like amp heads—appealing to its loyal fan base.

Legacy

Today, Marshall remains a cornerstone of guitar amplification, known for its “British sound”—warm mids, crunchy overdrive, and thundering power. Its amps have played a pivotal role in the development of rock music and remain a symbol of loud, rebellious energy.

1962–1969: The Birth of a Legend

• 1962: Drummer and music shop owner Jim Marshall founded Marshall Amplification in London, aiming to create louder, more powerful amplifiers for guitarists.
• 1964: Marshall introduced the JTM45, the first amp to bear the Marshall name, inspired by the Fender Bassman but with a distinctive British twist.
• 1965: The Bluesbreaker combo was released, famously used by Eric Clapton, solidifying Marshall's reputation in blues-rock circles.
• 1967: Marshall replaced the JTM prefix with JMP (James Marshall Products), marking a new era of amplification.
• 1969: Jimmy Page began using Marshall amps, notably on Led Zeppelin's debut album and during live performances.

1970s: The Rise of the Stack

• 1970: Marshall introduced the iconic 4x12 cabinet, paired with 100-watt heads, creating the legendary "Marshall stack."
• 1972: The company began using printed circuit boards in manufacturing, streamlining production.
• 1973: Marshall switched to 6550 tubes due to shortages of EL34s, leading to tonal variations.
• 1975: The 2203 Master Volume head was introduced, offering greater control over gain and volume.
• 1977: The JMP Super Lead 100 became a staple for rock bands, known for its powerful output and distinctive tone.

1980s: Innovation and Expansion

• 1981: Marshall launched the JCM800 series, featuring the first true high-gain amplifier, catering to the rising heavy metal scene.
• 1984: The company was awarded the Queen's Award for Export, recognizing its global impact.
• 1987: To celebrate Jim Marshall's 50th year in music, the Silver Jubilee series was introduced, featuring unique cosmetic and tonal characteristics.
• 1991: Marshall introduced the Valvestate series, combining solid-state and valve technology to offer quality sound at a more accessible price point

1990s: Technological Advancements

• 1992: Marshall celebrated its 30th anniversary and received a second Queen's Award for Export.
• 1994: The company invested in state-of-the-art manufacturing systems, improving product quality and efficiency.
• 1995: Marshall launched the JCM2000 series, incorporating advanced features like MIDI control and digital effect

2000s: Diversification and Modernisation

• 2002: Marshall celebrated its 40th anniversary at the NAMM show in Anaheim, California.
• 2003: Jim Marshall celebrated his 80th birthday, remaining actively involved in the company's operations.
• 2010: Marshall partnered with Zound Industries, leading to the creation of the Marshall Group, expanding into consumer audio products like headphones and wireless speakers.

2010s–2020s: Embracing Digital Innovation

• 2016: The Code Series was introduced, featuring digital modeling technology to emulate classic Marshall tones.

• • 2023: Marshall Group was officially formed, combining Marshall Amplification and Zound Industries to pioneer the future of sound and technology.