Jim Marshall and Son.
76 Uxbridge Road, Hanwell, London W7 (1960)

J & T Marshall (Musical Instruments) Ltd.
76 Uxbridge Road, Hanwell, London W7 (1962-1966)

J & T Marshall (Musical Instruments) Ltd.
Denbigh Road, Denbigh Industrial Estate, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK1 1DQ (1966         )

Brand: Marshall

Marshall Amplification, founded by Jim Marshall in 1960, transformed guitar amplification. Starting as a music shop in London, Marshall quickly gained fame with the JTM45 amplifier. The introduction of the iconic "Marshall stack" in 1965 and 100-watt amplifiers catered to rock musicians.

In 1966, the company moved to Bletchley, Milton Keynes, expanding its operations. Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, Marshall amps became essential for rock legends like Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. Innovations continued with the Master Volume series in 1975 and the JCM800 series in the 1980s.

After Jim's passing in 2012, the company remained family-owned until 2023 when it was acquired by Zound Industries and became part of The Marshall Group. Today, Marshall Amplification maintains its iconic status while embracing modern innovations in the music industry.

James Charles Marshall, known as "The Father of Loud" or "The Lord of Loud," founded Marshall Amplification, a company that revolutionized the world of guitar amplification. 

The Early Years

In 1962, Jim Marshall opened his music shop "J & T Marshall" in Hanwell, London. Through conversations with guitarists like Pete Townshend and Ritchie Blackmore, Marshall realized there was a demand for a new type of amplifier sound.

In September 1962, Marshall and his team created the first Marshall amplifier, nicknamed "Number One". This prototype became the forerunner of the legendary JTM45 model. On its first day in the shop window, 23 orders were placed for the new amplifier.

The Rise of Marshall Amplification

1965: The Birth of the Marshall Stack
In response to The Who's need for more volume, Marshall and his team developed the first 100-watt Marshall amplifier, the Super 100 head, along with the massive 8x12 speaker cabinet. This innovation led to the creation of the iconic Marshall stack.

1966: Moving to Bletchey
Marshall Amplification relocated from London to Bletchley due to expiring leases and London's push to move manufacturing out. They found a new factory location and local support in Bletchley, allowing them to expand and establish their long-term base.

1967: The Marshall Major
Marshall introduced the Marshall Major (Model 1967), also known as "The Pig," which was a 200-watt amplifier with a unique tone control system.

1969: Jimi Hendrix and Marshall
Jimi Hendrix became one of Marshall's greatest ambassadors, famously using Marshall amps during his legendary performance at Woodstock in 1969.

Technological Advancements

1975: Master Volume Models
Marshall introduced the 2203 and 2204 master volume models, which allowed for the classic Marshall distorted sound at lower volumes. These models, initially called "JMP" (Jim Marshall Products), were a response to the demand for more distortion without excessive volume.

1980s and Beyond
In the 1980s, Marshall continued to innovate with the introduction of the JCM800 series, which became a staple in rock music. The company expanded its range to include various models catering to different playing styles and genres.

Recent Years
As of 2012, Marshall was producing a wide range of amplifiers, including the JCM2000 series, which built upon the legacy of the JCM800 and 900 series. The company has continued to evolve, offering both traditional valve amplifiers and modern digital modeling amps to cater to a diverse range of musicians.

March 2023:  Marshall Amplification is no longer solely owned by the Marshall family. The company is now part of a larger entity called The Marshall Group. 

1. Marshall Amplification was acquired by Zound Industries, a Swedish company that previously produced Marshall-branded headphones and speakers under license.
2. The two companies (Marshall Amplification and Zound Industries) now sit under a new privately owned umbrella company called The Marshall Group.
3. The Marshall family retains a 24% stake in the new company.
4. Jeremy de Maillard, who was previously the CEO of Zound Industries, is now the CEO of The Marshall Group.
5. The acquisition includes all of Marshall's subsidiary brands, including its record label and Natal Drums2.

This change marks the end of full family ownership for Marshall Amplification, which had been a family-owned company since its founding by Jim Marshall in 1962. However, the Marshall family still maintains a significant minority stake in the new combined entity.

Rebranding Valves

In the early years, the company rebranded valves for use in their amplifiers.

1. Marshall initially used tubes from various manufacturers, including Mullard, GEC, and RCA, among others.
2. The company began rebranding tubes with its logo and name in the 1960s. This practice was common among amplifier manufacturers at the time.
3. Marshall-branded tubes were often sourced from well-known tube manufacturers but relabelled with the Marshall name and logo.
4. The most commonly rebranded tubes were the EL34 power tubes and ECC83 (12AX7) preamp tubes, which were crucial components in Marshall's amplifier designs.
5. Rebranding allowed Marshall to maintain consistency in their product line and gave them more control over the quality of tubes used in their amplifiers.
6. Some guitarists and audio enthusiasts believe that certain "Marshall-branded" tubes from specific eras have unique tonal characteristics, although this is often debated.
7. As tube manufacturing declined in the West, Marshall, like many other companies, began sourcing tubes from Eastern European and Russian manufacturers in later years.

It's worth noting that the practice of rebranding tubes was not unique to Marshall and was common in the audio industry during this period.

Legacy

James Charles Marshall (OBE) passed away on April 5, 2012, but his company continues to be a dominant force in the music industry. Marshall amplifiers remain iconic, used by countless professional musicians, and beloved by guitar enthusiasts worldwide.

Today, Marshall Amplification offers a diverse product line, from vintage reissues to modern digital amplifiers, ensuring that the Marshall sound continues to influence and shape the world of music.