Often, in reading about classic rock, you'll see phrases like "a Strat through a Marshall" or "a 'Burst through a Marshall". Translated, they refer to the sound of Fender Stratocaster or 1958-1960 Gibson sunburst finish Les Paul electric guitars played through a Marshall amplifier.
Marshall Amplification is a British company that produces guitar amplifiers, speaker cabinets, and other related products. The company was founded in 1962 by Jim Marshall, who began building guitar amplifiers in the back of his drum shop in Hanwell, London.
Marshall amps quickly gained a reputation for their powerful and distinctive sound, and became popular among guitarists in the emerging rock and roll scene of the 1960s. In particular, Marshall amps were favored by guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Pete Townshend of The Who, who used Marshall amps to create the loud, distorted sound that became a hallmark of rock music.
One of the most iconic Marshall amplifier configurations is the "Marshall stack," which consists of a "head" amplifier unit and one or more speaker cabinets stacked on top of each other. The classic Marshall stack typically includes a 100-watt head unit, paired with one or two "4x12" speaker cabinets, each containing four 12-inch speakers.
Over the years, Marshall has continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing new amp models and speaker cabinets designed for different genres and playing styles. The company also produces a wide range of other products for guitarists, including effects pedals, guitar strings, and accessories.
Today, Marshall amplifiers are still considered some of the best in the industry, and the distinctive "Marshall sound" remains a staple of rock music. The company's legacy continues to be celebrated by guitarists around the world, and Marshall amps remain a symbol of the power and excitement of rock and roll.