Jim Marshall

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As we see out the product of one year and welcome in the next, we are proud to introduce our Product Catalogue for 2008.

This last year has been amazing, the launch of the JVM4 Series has been widely accepted as the benchmark for others to follow and it has won a number of awards including ‘Best Amplifier 2007’ by the Music Industries Association, a very prestigious accolade. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the musicians and music retailers that voted in favour of the JVM.

A great addition to the Signature Series in 2007 saw the introduction of the 2203KK, a beast of an amplifier that is proving extremely popular not only with Kerry King, who has been using it for sometime, but also with many other guitarists looking for that aggressive tone that only the KK can deliver. With these successes in mind, it again demonstrates the dedication, the talent and the commitment of our Research and Development team who continue to design award-winning amplifiers that guitarists of all abilities can enjoy playing.

So it is with a great deal of pride that we are able to share with you our new products for this year’s catalogue. The JVM2 Series has been added to the existing, award-winning JVM4 range, the design engineer having included a selection of channels and produced a two channel version that epitomises the tones and versatility of the JVM4, tones ranging from a sweet clean to a punching high gain and all points in between. Of course, we kept the same features as the JVM4, such as the memory footswitch and the MIDI control, to produce an amplifier worthy of joining this award-winning range.

We also set our Signature Series designer the task of researching two new additions to this very exclusive range, asking him to honour two artists that we have had the great pleasure of being associated with. The first is the 1959RR, based on the very amp that the late, great, Randy Rhoads collected from our factory back in 1980.

We are confident that this will appeal to many guitarists, not just as a great amplifier, but also, for many, it will be like owning a piece of history.

The second new Signature amplifier is in honour of a great friend of ours, Lemmy Kilmister. I first met Lemmy in 1968 and have followed his career from the beginning, before his time with Hawkwind through to the worldwide success of his band Motorhead. He is not just an amazing guitarist and frontman, he is also a good friend, so it is with a great deal of pride that we introduce a Signature bass head this year, the 1992LEM.

I am confident that whatever your ability, whatever your genre, you will be able to find an amplifier in the Marshall Product Catalogue that will give you the tone and the sound you are searching for.

I wish you every success.

Dr Jim Marshall OBE

Picture: Dr Jim Marshall OBE and daughter Victoria (Managing Director)

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.