Fat Bottom Guitars Blog
Few names in music gear command as much respect—or sonic power—as Marshall Amplification. Born in the heart of 1960s Britain, Marshall amps didn’t just help define the sound of rock and roll—they became it. From the walls of Woodstock to the stages of stadium tours, that black-and-gold box with the unmistakable growl has been the backbone of guitar tone for generations.
Let’s dive into the history of Marshall, from humble beginnings to heavy metal royalty.
Where It All Began – 1962, Hanwell, London
Marshall’s story starts in Jim Marshall’s small drum shop in Hanwell. A former drummer and drum teacher, Jim was well-connected to the early British rock scene. Young guitarists like Pete Townshend (The Who), Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple), and Big Jim Sullivan were regular customers—and all of them wanted a louder, grittier amp that could stand up to rock music.
Jim teamed up with electronics experts Ken Bran and Dudley Craven, and by 1962, the first Marshall amp was born: the JTM45.
The JTM45 – Marshall’s First Icon
Modelled loosely on the Fender Bassman circuit, the JTM45 swapped American tubes for British ones—KT66 valves instead of 6L6s, and Celestion speakers instead of Jensens. The result? A warmer, more aggressive tone with a distinctly British midrange bark.
This amp laid the groundwork for the Marshall sound: rich harmonics, powerful crunch, and that classic low-end thump.
The Stack is Born – Enter the 100-Watt Head
As rock gigs got louder, so did the amps. By 1965, Marshall released the Marshall Super Lead 100—better known as the Plexi. Coupled with towering 4x12” speaker cabinets, the “stack” was born. It wasn’t just a tone machine—it was a statement.
Legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page turned the Plexi into an icon of the era.
Master Volume and the ‘80s Metal Era
In the 1970s, guitarists wanted more distortion at lower volumes—without blowing out their eardrums. Marshall responded in 1975 with the Master Volume Series, particularly the 2203 JMP. Cranking the preamp gain now delivered glorious saturation at manageable volumes. Players like Randy Rhoads and Zakk Wylde made this a staple of hard rock and metal.
Come the 1980s, the JCM800 arrived—tight, punchy, and tailor-made for shredders. Paired with humbuckers and high-output pickups, it became the sound of hair metal and NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal). Think Iron Maiden, Slayer, Guns N’ Roses, and AC/DC.
Solid-State, Hybrids, and Modern Innovation
The 1990s and 2000s saw Marshall branching out: Valvestate amps brought hybrid designs to budget-conscious players. Meanwhile, amps like the JCM900, DSL, and TSL series offered increased flexibility for modern players.
In the boutique and digital age, Marshall has kept up with the times. Their Studio Series miniaturizes classic amps for home use, while CODE amps and the JVM series offer programmable versatility for today’s touring pros.
Marshall’s Legacy Today
Even as modelling amps and digital rigs become more common, nothing quite compares to the feel of a cranked Marshall pushing air through a 4x12. Whether it’s the vintage sweetness of a Bluesbreaker combo, the screaming leads of a Plexi, or the brutal growl of a JCM800, Marshall remains synonymous with real amp tone.
From bedroom players to world tours, Marshall has kept the soul of rock alive for over 60 years—and it shows no signs of slowing down.
Famous Players Who Chose Marshall
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Jimi Hendrix – Super Lead 100 (Plexi)
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Slash – JCM800 + Silver Jubilee
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Angus Young – Super Lead 1959
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Zakk Wylde – JCM800 + signature JCM2203ZW
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Joe Satriani – JVM410HJS Signature Head
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Yngwie Malmsteen – YJM100 Signature Head (based on the 1959 Plexi)
Final Thoughts
Marshall amps aren’t just pieces of gear—they’re instruments of rebellion, creativity, and raw sonic power. At Fat Bottom Guitars, we celebrate the amps that shaped generations of music. Whether you’re chasing classic tones or blazing new trails, there’s a Marshall for every player with something to say—and the volume to say it.
Turn it up to 11.
Because with Marshall, louder is better.
