Marshall Major
The Marshall Major (Model 1967 [1]) was a guitar amplifier made by Marshall. It was introduced in 1967 as the "Marshall 200" (in reference to the wattage of the amplifier). It had a plexi panel and four inputs in two channels, but in contrast with the 100 watt heads made by Marshall, the first series it had active tone controls. For the second series, in late 1968, Marshall reverted to passive tone controls, and was called "Marshall Major" on the back panel.[2]
The amplifier used KT88 output valves[3] and three ECC83 preamp valves.[1] Approximately 1,200 of these amps were produced from 1967 to 1974; Marshall ceased production when the supply of KT88s ran out.[2]
The amplifier was used by rock musicians who needed lots of volume. A notable user is Ritchie Blackmore; his Major had the two input channels cascaded into one, essentially creating the first Marshall with a master volume.[2]
Other versions
The Major was also made as a PA amplifier, Model 1966 (from 1967 to 1971, with eight inputs in four channels; known in 1967 as the PA 200), and as a bass amplifier, Model 1978 (from 1967 to 1974).[1]
Notable users
- Ritchie Blackmore[2]
- John Frusciante
- Josh Klinghoffer
- Jimmy Page
- Joe Perry[4]
- Mick Ronson[1]
- Stevie Ray Vaughan[5]
References
- 1 2 3 4 Doyle, Michael (1993). The History of Marshall: The Illustrated Story of "the Sound of Rock". Hal Leonard. pp. 43–45. ISBN 9780793525096.
- 1 2 3 4 Pittman, Aspen (2003). The Tube Amp Book. Hal Leonard. pp. 75–76. ISBN 9780879307677.
- ↑ Fliegler, Ritchie; Jon F. Eiche (1993). Amps!: The Other Half of Rock 'n' Roll. Hal Leonard. p. 15. ISBN 9780793524112.
- ↑ Prown, Pete; Lisa Sharken (2003). Gear Secrets of the Guitar Legends: How to Sound Like Your Favorite Players. Hal Leonard. p. 55. ISBN 9780879307516.
- ↑ Kitts, Jeff (1997). Guitar World Presents Stevie Ray Vaughan: ... From the Pages of Guitar World Magazine. Hal Leonard. p. 113. ISBN 9780793580804.
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