Randy Rhoads, Beginning | Marshall Amplification JCM800 Series

1959RR Randy Rhoads Amplifier

1959RR Signature Head

Randy Rhoads

“I went to the Marshall factory and ordered my own amps,

I had them beefed up and modified there,I got them in white!”

Right:

1959RR Head 1960AW Cab 1960BWEG Cab

Throughout our history we have strived to build strong relationships between ourselves and the artists who fly the flag for Marshall. Sometimes, tragically, this partnership is ended prematurely. Cited by countless guitarists over the years, Randy Rhoads remains hugely influential in the world of rock ‘n’ roll and continues to inspire new generations to pick up the guitar. As a rock icon who’s reputation as a technical wizard with a unique sense of style precedes him, we felt it fitting to honour this ambassador of Marshall with his own Signature amp.

We are proud to present the 1959RR Head.

In the Beginning

When it came to choosing which amp to associate with Randy, there was a clear and obvious candidate that had always stood out from his backline of Marshall stacks. After a visit to the Marshall factory in 1980, Randy took ownership of a specially customised amplifier that had already earned itself a formidable reputation amongst the guitarists of the era. The JMP 1959 100 Watt Super Lead, finished in white, was totally bespoke to Randy and featured on the Ozzy Osbourne albums Diary of a Madman and Blizzard of Ozz. This legendary amp, complete with matching 1960 4x12” cabinets, also accompanied Randy on mammoth tours of the USA, UK and Europe until his untimely death in 1982. With the kind permission of his family, a Marshall engineer was allowed exclusive access to examine, photograph and catalogue Randy’s 1959 JMP which had been kept in secure storage since the early ’80s. The information gathered proved crucial in attaining those incredible ‘beefed up’ tones and one-of-a-kind styling only to be found with this particular Marshall amplifier. This allowed the team at Marshall to create a truly honest and detailed representation of a piece of rock history and, in turn, do justice to the memory of a guitar legend.

What’s inside?

Internally, the circuitry has undergone modification to the signal path to allow the amp to produce a breathtaking, overdriven, yet beautifully full sound, essential for attaining those sort-after ‘Randyesque’ tones. This adjustment, called the Cascading Gain Stage, makes it possible to control the extra gain that is generated, affording you complete control over your sound. Components, including the transformers, have been sourced from the original suppliers and over 50% of parts are loaded into the circuit by hand. Every individual wire is soldered into place manually and all remaining connections are meticulously constructed and fixed into position at our UK factory. It’s this care and attention to detail that ensures that the 1959RR is as solid and reliable as the nerve tingling tones it produces.

Cosmetically the amp retains the distinctive, anodised gold front panel of the original 100 Watt head while Randy’s iconic image and signature adorn the back plate. Covered in brilliant white ‘elephant grain’ vinyl and protected with black corner caps, the whole unit is topped of with an over-sized, black Marshall logo, a feature that Randy had added to the original when he visited the factory. If that wasn’t enough, contained within the handbook are never before published photos plus exclusive essays and quotes, all celebrating the life and music of the man himself.

A combination of traditional electronic craftsmanship, modern construction methods and a passion for creating the most inspiring guitar amplifiers in the world mean the 1959RR is a true replica of that infamous amp that left the factory with Randy Rhoads almost three decades ago. Still revered to this day by many in the music industry, we at Marshall are honoured that the 1959RR will be testament to Randy’s longevity and natural talent for good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. This addition to the Signature Series, with its warm sonic depth and unique majestic style, will no doubt prove its self worthy of the legendary guitarist it pays homage to.

*The Randy Rhoads Signature amplifier is based on the white 1959 head used by Randy between January 1980 and April 1982 by kind permission of Mrs Dolores Rhoads.

AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATION

FEATURES	1959RR
Head	✓
Output (RMS)	100 Watt
Channels	2
3 Band EQ	✓
Cascade Gain Stage	✓
Pre-Amp Valves	3 x ECC83
Power Amp Valves	4 x EL34

Dimensions (mm)	750 x 310 x 215

Weight (kg)	21.5

Marshall Amplification Product Catalogue

JCM800 Series specifications

Marshall Amplification is synonymous with rock music, and the JCM800 series is one of its most iconic models. Launched in the early 1980s, the JCM800 series redefined high-gain amplification and became a staple for countless rock and metal guitarists. Known for its raw power and tonal versatility, the JCM800 has left an indelible mark on the music industry.

One of the defining features of the JCM800 series is its pure, aggressive sound. At the heart of these amplifiers lies a high-gain preamp circuit, which delivers a rich, harmonically complex tone that is ideal for modern rock styles. The JCM800 offers a variety of wattage options, typically ranging from 50 to 220 watts, allowing players to choose the right power for their sound and performance environment.

The classic EL34 power tubes serve as the backbone of the JCM800's tone. These tubes provide a warm, dynamic response and a pronounced midrange that perfectly complements the heavy distortion and sustain the amp is known for. The two-channel setup—commonly featuring a "Normal" and a "Overdrive" channel—grants players flexibility in their sound. The Normal channel is perfect for achieving clean tones, while the Overdrive channel unleashes an intense crunch that can be dialed in to suit any style.

Control features on the JCM800 amplifiers are straightforward yet effective. Simple tone controls—bass, middle, treble—allow players to sculpt their sound easily. The added presence and resonance controls enhance the amp's response, delivering everything from bright, cutting tones to thick, powerful sounds ideal for heavy riffs.

Another key technology in the JCM800 series includes the use of PCB (printed circuit board) design, improving reliability while maintaining an accessible serviceability profile. Marshall also incorporates features like series effects loops, allowing musicians to integrate their favorite pedals effortlessly.

The JCM800 has become a beloved choice for many legendary guitarists, with its sound frequently associated with iconic recordings from bands such as Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Nirvana. Available in various configurations, including heads, combos, and cabinets, the JCM800 series remains a cutting-edge line of amplifiers that capture the essence of rock music. Its rich history, combined with its powerful features, continues to inspire guitarists around the world. With the JCM800, Marshall Amplification has solidified its status as a pillar in the foundation of rock tone.