I love Marshall amps. I mean, I frickin' LOVE Marshall amps!
I would say that for the vast majority of my professional career as a touring musician, it's almost always been a Marshall helping me craft my particular flavour of noise. It has been my preferred go-to amp, mainly due to just how rock solid, dependable, and predictable they can be.
I've been lucky enough to have the opportunity to try out a great selection of the different models Marshall has to offer. I find that out on tour is usually the best way to really test out gear, for reliability and for tone. Here's a quick list of what I consider my Top 5 Favourites:
1. JVM410H - This is, by far, my favourite all rounder for work. It's multiple channels with separate eq's and onboard programming features make this one amp almost equivalent to the old school Bob Bradshaw rack setups every rockstar had back in the '80's. With sparkly cleans and enough gain on tap to go as djent as a djentleman feels, it does it all. The digital reverb ain't too shabby, either. Definitely a strong contender for the best amp Marshall has ever made.
You can check out this JVM410H in action during my “The Heathen” solo [Timestamp: 2:06] while on tour with Julian Marley & The Wailers in San Juan, Puerto Rico last year in September, 2022.
2. JTM45 - Now, this one I never really ever used in a live setting, but I've used one in a studio. The one I used had a switchable PPIMV (post-phase inverter master volume). But trust me, that thing on 10 is easily one of the BEST guitar sounds I've ever heard. One of these, with an Ox Box or some kind of attenuator, will send you to rock 'n' roll heaven!
3. JCM2000 DSL100 - This one I've only just discovered, but it's quickly won me over. It's actually my current go-to amp on tour, mainly because of its massive low end. I found myself using a JCM900, but found it lacking in the low frequency side. One show, they didn't have the 900, so they subbed it with the 2000. I was IMMEDIATELY blown away with just how resonant the low end was; it was actually clashing with the bass player!! I was an instant fan, and I haven't been let down by it yet. I just had one take a header off of the 4x12 to the ground, and it kept on goin' as if nothing ever happened. A serious contender for the best working amp I've ever used!
4. JCM800 2203(4) - This one is a LONG TIME workhorse for MANY a guitar player past, present and future. Sometimes, a good ol' single channel amp will get the job done. 100 (or 50) watts of raw power without all the bells and whistle; a straightforward rock box. Throw an overdrive in front of it, and it's headbangin' time!
5. Valvestate Series - Now, THESE!! I know what you're thinking: Wiggz, a solid-state amp?! REALLY?!?! Alright, hear me out: they have a 12AX7 preamp tube, so they're "hybrid" amps. Trust me, even without the preamp tube, it still has that signature Marshall tone we all know and love! Hell, even Billy Gibbons from Z.Z. Top used one. If it's good enough for the Reverend Willy G., it's good enough for all of us. I even use the little 15W combo for rehearsals plugged straight in, and it sounds better than some 100 watters I've had the displeasure of using before. I don't care what anyone says, I will defend these amps to the end. I will die on this hill!!
Now, this is just a list of the ones I've personally used in the past. I can't speak on a vintage '68 Plexi that's on 10 with a Variac, although I'm sure I'd have a euphoric experience if I did. Maybe one day, fingers crossed! But if you're just starting your Marshall journey, the amps I named above are a pretty good place to start.
Live and Love LOUD!! 🤘🏾
