The Marshall JTM45: A Short History, featuring Jeff McErlain

[@RickBeato]

Once again Hypes, I learned so much about my favorite amps!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Hypes. The goal is to always come up with something you haven't heard.

[@grilledspaghetti]

Hey! That is Rick Beato and this is What Makes This Amp Great. The brand is Marshall, and the Amp is JTM45 [intro music]

[@heikojakob6491]

Ordered a 1959HW/1960AHW/1960BHW two days ago. Now i know who to blame if i get deaf.🤣

[@purplebondsaiyan2987]

@@grilledspaghetti Love It!!!

[@embreesmith7613]

Just imagine the money you saved not buying them all 🙂

[@agdrummer2610]

So glad your view of Marshall isn't distorted.

[@mikewithers299]

🤣🤣

[@petermcateer1354]

He's clearly a driven individual. ;-)

[@SlickWilly79]

Not sure what you hope to gain with that comment

[@petermcateer1354]

@@SlickWilly79 this could cascade into something epic...

[@cardo_theonly]

@@SlickWilly79 dont need to be speaking with that tone of voice

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

YESSSSSSS!! Excited every single time I see a new 5 watt world video. If you ever need an old JCM 800 for a video just let me know my man.

[@fivewattworld]

I’ll remember that for the 800 vid. Thanks Robert!

[@davidkirk1781]

@@fivewattworld I have a JCM 800 (2203) in original white tolex with accompanying 1960A cabinet loaded with (original) Celestion G12-65 speakers. It is from a similar timeframe as the white 20th Anniversary versions (1982, mine is 1983), but mine has no 20th anniversary badge/plate. Maybe they had too much leftover white tolex that they wanted to use up?

[@jkinthewind]

I've got a Marshall JCM 800 combo - it's the 4212 model, 50w and 2x12 (2x 1x12 Celestion G12T-75's) I bought in 83. I had it modded awhile ago to get rid of some inherent fizziness and it is just a monster amp in almost immaculate condition. It sounds like the 80's.

[@sebastiancordero237]

I don't have a JCM800 but I have a fender Mustang LT25. Beat that with your $2000 fancy looking amp😎

[@paulcowart3174]

@@davidkirk1781 I have the two matching white 4/12s

[@JeffMcErlain]

Keith thanks so much for having me involved. So much fun and such great info! You’re the man!

[@fivewattworld]

Thank YOU Jeff. You always add a lot.

[@gman2380]

Jeff your playing is on fire pal . I'll be checking out your channel soon 😊 Keith made a great choice inviting you on board !

[@JeffMcErlain]

G Man thank you!!!

[@oneox958]

Jeff, I noticed a knob in place of your normal input 2. Is that a blend? MV? The thing howls! Helps when the playing is stellar, as well.

[@pgiuliano7]

Great player fresh licks so great to hear

[@nicka3382]

FIVE WATT WORLD HISTORIES ARE BACK!! AS a young player, your histories are invaluable. Thank you so much!

[@shaunw9270]

As an old player , I enjoy them too 😊

[@guppybill]

This was always mysterious and dark territory. The short histories bring light and understanding.

[@allan-shephard]

@@shaunw9270 Haha. Me too :P

[@ronaldbharvey]

As an old new player, I also enjoy them.

[@fudbob5889]

As a really old new player, I enjoy them too

[@RiffsAndBeards]

Im a simple man. I see a Short History, I click.

[@fivewattworld]

Bless you. Let me know the things you wish I'd covered Fluff.

[@davidpggarrett]

Legend!

[@hijackmke]

same.

[@tomislavkrajina1047]

Saem.

[@ericbgordon1575]

When James Marshall meets James Marshall Hendrix, sparks fly. Even though I've never myself been interested in purchasing authentic Marshall products (always been satisfied with modeled interpretations of the sound), I can definitely acknowledge my reverence for how people plugging into them have helped to shape the music I love.

[@alwaysopen7970]

I was a Weekend warrior for years and my 2204 was fantastic. All you need is 50W.

[@killer268]

Molders do a really good job at super clean sterile tones, and really compressed really dirty tones. The in between overdriven sounds where plexi's and JMP's live is where they fall the most flat, particularly in responsiveness, dynamics, and overtones. There's no replacement for a cranked marshall.

[@kurtbader9711]

Man, you do not know what you're missing.

[@ericbgordon1575]

I have plugged into them at retailers, @@kurtbader9711. I know how awesome they can be.

[@yetanotherbassdude]

The thing that always strikes me whenever I hear about the early history of British rock is just how *small* the scene was until the late 60s when it exploded. It was literally just a few dozen guys playing in bands in West London and hanging out in Jim Marshall's shop who all knew each other and were all creating something truly unique between them. Makes you wonder if there's another scene like that somewhere in the world today that's winding up to take the music world by storm with something new.

[@gman2380]

Sadly I doubt that man. It seems these days only corporate sponsored dogshit gets any airtime 😠

[@Wardell43]

Sure, I live roughly 20 miles from Mojotone in Burgaw, NC that built the Lerxst for Alex Lifeson, as well as their own line of Mojotone amps and of course Marshall and Fender Clone kits that you can build or have someone build for you. Also Ed Quidley that built Quidley amps and the 7 Sins series is in our neighborhood. The Wilmington Area is a Tourist/College/Retirement Area that has a lot of places to play on every level and so we have a large Music Community. We are not California, Home of Fender, Soldano and Mesa, but you can see musicians from all over the world jamming in the Wilmington Area. Not bad for a town this size. Previously, I've owned a Marshall Super Lead Stack(I bought new from Al Nalli Music in 1972), JTM 602 Combo, and a Marshall JCM 900 50 watt SLX and many other amps Currently I'm using a Marshall JCM 900 50 watt 2500, Laney GH50L and a Laney VC 50 Combo We also have several Recording Studios. I used Low Tide for my Demo, and Cape Fear, Hourglass, Karen Kane and a few others that are professional studios and of course Screen Gems Movie studio and sound stage. So as I mentioned "Al Nalli", I was from Southern Michigan and the Ann Arbor/Detroit thing is what we all grew up on. and Long before Seattle gave us Grunge, It gave us Heart, Hendrix, The Kingsmen, Paul Revere and the Raiders and Sunn amplifiers So there are pockets that have their day, then poof! In my area, there is an amp builder that just put out a notice that he needs a backer so Mojotone will have some Competition.

[@yetanotherbassdude]

@@gman2380 if you're listening to radio, you're listening to whoever paid iHeartMedia the most this month. You literally may as well be listening to that radio station in the movie Demolition Man that plays nothing but commercials. If you're finding your own music through YT and social media then I think there's plenty of good new stuff out there. You've just got to know where to look, and have an open enough mind to not just be looking for something that sounds the same as what you're used to.

[@gman2380]

@@yetanotherbassdude I don't listen to radio or watch TV. I find new music as you mention, via YT etc, and also friends. I have numerous albums, CD's, DVD's of concerts to listen to of music I already know and love , I have over a thousand songs on my phone even . I get what you're saying of course and am aware how it works . My ears are always open to something new bro 😊

[@gman2380]

@@harrysachs2274 I let most of my albums go years back. Fell on very hard times and sold most of them , so I could eat lol. Thank god for downloads as I have them back now, albeit digitally . Gotta respect a dude that spends more on a stereo than a car ! 🤘🤘🤘

[@RhettShull]

“Politically Correct Wattages” that killed me.

[@adamziolkowski2549]

Lololol

[@tommyroseguitar4557]

Me too, ha ha.

[@charliepin4501]

So true, tho. No one wants 22 watts blazing in a club, let alone 100 ...

[@thomaslthomas1506]

Brilliant

[@enorbet2]

@@charliepin4501 I do! Who the fuck wants polite, politically correct, corporate approved Rock? I go to a live band club to hear and experience the music... NOT the people chattering next to me. That's what Jukeboxes and Muzak are for.

[@kevin2960]

I make most of my business building hand wired amps like these. Also specialize in duplicating the awesome mods that were done by Jose Arredondo and other pioneers in the amp modification business. I have had the the pleasure of working on and resorting all types of amps but including Early Marshalls going back to at least 1964. Recently one of those first Bluesbreaker combos. I have worked on at least one of every year and model from 1965 until 1985 at least. I absolutely loved the video and thank you again for the content.

[@007SpencerForHire]

KEVIN!! You could be the man with the information I need! I played a Les Paul Classic through a Marshall JTM30 2x10" Combo yesterday and just fell head over heels in love with it. I already have an Origin 50c which in truth is probably more "flexible" in it's range but I just couldn't wipe the smile of my face after playing through the JTM. Trouble is, I've read repeatedly in the comments here on YT that they're unreliable, overheat and blow transformers and circuits. Is this true? Some people suggest a plate over the tubes is enough to deflect heat and fix the problem without too much expense. The dealer is after a swap with my Origin 50 plus a couple of hundred (NZ) dollars his way. What do you think? P.S. The only way I could afford to buy a "proper" Blues Breaker would be to sell my LP and that would just leave me in a different kind of hole. Cheers.

[@adamsmith5417]

Agree with your 'decision fatigue' intro... a Strat, a Tele and a Les Paul covers 90% of guitar tones, and a Deluxe, an AC-30 and a JTM45 deals with most of the amps.

[@CC-te5zf]

George Metropoulos used to sell kits ("Metro Amp"). I'm so glad I bought one and built it. My son and I built the JTM 45 clone in 2009. I use a Rivera Rock Crusher to get the tone without losing my hearing. I run it through a Marshall twin cab with two Celestial green backs. It's easy to move about and gets the job done. This was an amazing video that made me smile - I've got an amp that's part of the legacy. In my experience, this was the most comprehensive and easy to follow history on this amp. I'm sure I'll watch it several times.

[@paulcowart3174]

Congrats on the Metro's Great amps He was the OG of the Plexi clone Good stuff 👍

[@vladzubac5360]

I have the Studio VIntage 20W head.....it is the real deal (I mean the tone...to have a real deal..you'll have to get an original old Marshall), but it does what it is supposed to. Marshall Origin...not quite in the same league as the Studio VIntage head 20W..but all in all...Thank God that Marshall Exists! amazing video, very informative and super cool narration.

[@stormymunday9836]

I believe they (Davies) pronounce it "Davis". Your "fatigue" analogy is spot on. It reminds me of my conversation with a Fender rep who was bragging they have 8 different colors of white. I said, "Why? Do you not think someone could choose between 3 or 4 options?" "Oh, I like that one...ooh...no, that one is better. However, that lighter color...no...I think I'll just go home and think about it."

[@WillyPDX94]

"Decision fatigue". What a great term and you are absolutely right. It's the reason I don't have a single modeling amp. I bought one a few years ago thinking it would be good to have so many amp and pedal sounds in one box. But I ended up hating it for exactly the reason you suggested. Too many choices, plus the feeling that you were "wasting" the amp if you only used one or two favorite settings out of the thousands available. Never again will I buy this kind of amp. I'm thinking about buying a Fender Deluxe Tone Master. What I love about the amp is that they focused on one classic tone, didn't add a bunch of features or controls, and got somewhere in the ballpark of the Deluxe sound. And it's so light in weight. Haven't pulled the trigger yet (because I don't really need another amp) but it's appealing.

[@stratcat4450]

I still can't warm up to any non tube amp, but in the end it's all in your fingers.

[@WillyPDX94]

@@stratcat4450 Yes, I agree. Solid state amps can be quite musical, and a few of the high end modeling amps can replicate tube tone so well, I don't think I could tell them apart in a blind test. But a really good tube amp has its own spirit and behavior. It's not 1 + 1 = 2. A solid state amp is like that solid girlfriend who is reliable, predictable, and fun to be with. The tube amp, on the other hand, is like that weird girl who doesn't seem that into you, but if you play your cards right, will take you places you've never been.

[@tylerangle1990]

This is my stance on it too. For a long time I didn't understand the appeal of a single channel tube amp until I started using them. Then I just stopped worrying about switching sounds or flipping effects or whatever, just plug it in and go. You get a decent sound within a few minutes and then call it a day. Now I don't like Kemper or Line 6 etc. at all. Constantly tweaking settings to get a sound I can get by just turning on a Twin Reverb, AC30, or JTM45 doesn't seem like any fun to me. I want to play guitar, not program a computer.

[@PapaWheelie1]

I would gladly exchange thousands of modeling tones for one great tone. Seems like all I do when I plug into one of those things is turn knobs not play

[@johnmarshall3903]

I've got real vintage Marshalls, why would I ever waste time with a modeling amp?

[@KenithCopeland]

your statement that 3 amp tones and a few cab variations is all you need to get almost all historic tones is spot on. with the likes of boss katanas, helix, and other solid state and modelling amps far too many people are asking for specific song tones when they fail to realise there is only a hand full of variations

[@erictripton]

I acquired a JMP type, a Germino Lead 55 LV, and all my Soldanos, Hughes & Ketttner, EVH all are gathering dust. Pushing this old design is IT. You can't get that same type of harmonics, or reaction from ANY preamp cascaded section... It truly is the HOLY GRAIL of hard rock/heavy metal sound...using boosts or overdrives up front assist to get modern sounds.... took me 30 years to figure this out LOLOLOL

[@butchlauer]

The Jim Marshall story always makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

[@adamziolkowski2549]

Lolol

[@jpetes9046]

Nice! lol

[@andreweasombentley4703]

Five Watt World JTM episode +TPS Automatone vid + JHS vid in a few hours with a glass of Rijoja and my guitar on my lap............. Tonight is going to be good.

[@tonecontrol]

Same playlist here

[@zosojstro]

It’s a great day!!

[@lazarus-lake]

My exact thoughts!

[@JustPlayingBass]

And another excellent show. No fanboy gushing, just straight ahead facts with concise narrative. Top notch. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe everyone.

[@roddygogo7772]

I am happy with my DSL 40....really happy. Its a Marshall...it makes my Les Paul do what it does.

[@willmyers6537]

The intro to this video says a lot. Yamaha and Line 6 has made life easier to for me to pull double duty with piano and guitar. You’re doing Gods work, or maybe the Devils. Either way we all just came to play. Cheers from Nashville brother. Thank you

[@Cptjackjacky]

I know it's probably a big undertaking, but a history of Orange Amplification would be dope.

[@joshingtonbarthsworth631]

I 2nd this.

[@fivewattworld]

It’s on the list

[@willdenham]

I think George Metropoulos and Germino deserve the credit of being the real torch bearers of current classic Marshall repros as their attention to detail and passion for vintage Marshall tone surpasses even the re-issues Marshall is cranking out.

[@TheLesgumes]

Everytime I here a Metropoulos demo, I am in awe.

[@its_ya_boi_thurston]

My favorite five watt world vid yet! I knew all of this history and trivia but have never seen it presented so concisely and professionally! This channel remains an absolute gem for guitarists everywhere. And I could argue that any decent fan of American music and manufacturing history would get a lot out of this channel too. Cheers from St. Louis! And I second the commenter about the JCM800. I have a vintage '87 2210 for your reviewing pleasure as well!

[@raymondlugo9960]

I just bought a JCM 900 SL-X 50 watt. It seems really cool so far. I also have a 2203, 900 DR, and 2000 TSL. I love them.

[@nikkihendrix1234]

Had to rewatch this video after building my mojotone British 45 amp which is a jtm 45 clone with EL34 power amp tubes and a GZ34 rectifier tube. I love the way it sounds and have finally found the sound I have been looking for. I pair it often with a tone bender MKII clone I built with NOS OC75 transistors and some nos parts into a hand painted enclosure. This thing sounds amazing, I can get the Led Zeppelin danish tv set sound with it easily which I love.

[@Ottophil]

I recently had to convince the wife to let me buy an american stratocaster, even though i have a bunch of guitars, your strat history convinced her that 750$ actually IS a good deal for a 2012 American Standard, thanks for the help!

[@stratcat4450]

You did good! Hope your enjoying it. I have a 94 40th anniversary american standard and you could surf with it and it would stay in tone and keep perfect intonation. Any more I have become tele man....

[@Ottophil]

stratman 1966 i sold a tele to get this. But it was the modern player series. Not bad, but made in china. It was a worthy upgrade

[@stratcat4450]

@@Ottophil that's what I have as well. The modern player is an awesome guitar. Mine is 4-5 years old. The way things have gone I now go out of my way to buy NOTHING made in china. Nothing against the people but the ccp can burn in haites.

[@andymelendez9757]

NAILED IT KEITH! When I personally heard that sound for the first time, my mind was blown.

[@rotaxtwin]

I love diving in the deep end and nerding out on amp history. That was a good trip.

[@davidclark3603]

Absolutely brilliant and amazing video. I had a 1967 JTM 45 and had it for years until it got stolen in a burglary in the 1980s. I met Jim Marshall and used to do music shop gigs for a short while. What a guy he was he really inspired me. Signed my les Paul's and my amps. He was only tiny, I'm in my 60s now but it only seems like yesterday. Thanks for the videos!

[@manifestgtr]

This circuit type is just about my favorite of all time. I play a bassman and as far as a catch-all, jazz/rock/blues/metal amplifier, there’s nothing better, imo. If I need a PURELY metal amp, my engl is better. If I need an amp SOLELY for rock, my classic 30 really does the trick. But if I’m on a gig that needs it all, the bassman will take anything that any pedal has to offer. There’s not even a close second (at least in my amp collection). These jtm designs are obviously of similar ilk...one day I’m sure I’ll pick one up. As with any amp, though, it’s a matter of the right place, right time, right amp.

[@fredianacci8283]

jeff is a great guitarist but you are a great historian! i am a former plexi owner - this brought tears to my eyes - how much i missed that head. had to sell it to buy a hiwatt custom 50, and to pay rent - great / fantastic job - I get emotional from the amp nostalgia. thank you so much , every week i look forward to your youtube posts

[@JeffMcErlain]

Thank you!!

[@pulaski1]

An American Les Paul and a British Marshall stack - the ultimate special relationship! :)

[@RalphKramden-q4t]

An American Strat (and doesn’t even have to be Fender branded) works too!!

[@pulaski1]

@@RalphKramden-q4t Agreed - Blackmore is my personal favourite, but the LP "burst" & Marshall combination is the ultimate late 60's - mid 70's guitar god cliche, that still resonates today.

[@RalphKramden-q4t]

@@pulaski1 No disagreement here. I definitely like to hear both!

[@alainbrisebois8334]

Page played on a Tele remember ...?

[@fordprefect4345]

Weren't Marshall a Fender ripoff just changing power supply plus a tweek or two or maybe three

[@flapjack413]

Said it before, and I'll say it again.. I LOVE your "A Short History" video series. Always learn something new when I watch one!

[@stratcat4450]

This was so well done, thank you. I personally never have know any real details about Marshall history. Decades ago my favorite tones were cranking a twin reverb all the way up with either a strat or my es175. Anymore my 15 watt champ is to damn loud!

[@jaschul]

RIP Peter Green, the most soulful of the '60s UK blues-rock guitarists. Also, kudos for yet another great history lesson.

[@Peasmouldia]

Albert Lee, when asked about his rig and settings, "dunno mate, I plug in and switch on".... He still has the Les Paul given him by E.C. Maybe the one in the picture you featured. Pure gold as ever K.W. Thank you sir.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Ian

[@markesquivelarvizu6942]

Ian Bunyan I’m pretty sure EC gave Albert a black Les Paul Custom....he shows it in his 80s Starlicks video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYOznKWlpK2Nj5o

[@timmotel5804]

2024: Good Day. DAMN!! EXCELLENT Video. Very Educational and Interesting. Thank You and All involved.

[@mikehomner4724]

You have become the Rick Beato of music history... :):)

[@PapaWheelie1]

No clickbait though

[@randalclarke5487]

he's way more interesting and humble than Beato though lol

[@vaughanmacegan4012]

I would say that Rick Beato has tried to become the Five Watt World of music theory. The difference being I can make it too the end of a Five Watt World video feeling more informed.

[@thumpyloudfoot864]

My Ceriatone Marshall JTM45 has a matched pair of made in England KT66 tubes made in 1955...

[@nickbosworth966]

Without wishing a gratuitous major name drop, I used to play at Terry Marshall's (Jim's son and the T in the JTM45) jazz and blues jam. Generous with his knowledge, rock 'n'roll war stories that are wonderful, I learnt so much from Terry about playing music. Terry gave me a photo copy of a letter he had received from Eric about the payments on 'The' Bluesbreaker amp...frantically hunting for it. Great job on the video btw.

[@avielkharrat5788]

Mitch Mitchell, a.k.a. one of the greatest drummer of all times got education with James Marshall... Keith, you made my day!!

[@mattkaustickomments]

Wow! Learned so much! Never realized JM’s initial fame was as a drummer!

[@randallissimo]

I am am an amp repair shop in SWFL, been doing this for 35 years. I learned quite a bit from this well done video.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks!

[@danriley5848]

I had the pleasure of meeting Jim Marshall and I'll never forget how nice he was. I bought my first Marshall when I was 16 and never looked back. I have played through just about everything either in the backline or the studio and I always go back to Marshall. Great video about this legendary amplifier.

[@78tag]

Great as always......you have made a good decision to link yourself with Jeff. He is one of the most comfortable performer/instructors that TrueFire has in their stable. He fits your style on this site. Thanks.

[@Subropontes]

Short history of Rickenbacker guitars would be ace!

[@davidpggarrett]

We know it's coming..... waiting for that 12-string jangle!

[@allmodcons8578]

Would make a great video!

[@davidpggarrett]

@@allmodcons8578 I'd like to get my hands on a 360/12c63 which I hear has a different radius to the usual 360s.

[@alexdavis5360]

Oh yeah, there'll need to be a good portion (or a seperate episode) dedicated to their basses too

[@davidpggarrett]

@@alexdavis5360 absolutely

[@TheJudg3d]

I am a simple man. I see a new Five Watt World video. I hit like, get a coffee and sit back and enjoy the video. Great video!

[@mateorico9312]

I would call this video: The rock history viewed from an amp

[@pabloperez4063]

Well said

[@soswald123]

I love my '73 JMP 50w, snagged from Black Market Music in LA in the mid '90's. Ya gotta have a Variac (thanks, Eddie - R.I.P.) to get the right amount of sag, and since the amp sounds best plugged straight in and fully dimed (can you say Angus?), an attenuator (currently a Power Brake) is also a must for home use. When not on 11, the amp is relatively clean, making it a decent pedal platform. Every great sounding amp has a great tech tweaking the innards, so a big shout out to Bird Dog Bobby at Bird Dog's Music House and Vintage Repair in Chuluota FL for making this one mean tone machine!!

[@aaronlowther1]

There's a reason that those three amps are the three in the Iridium. I build amps, and my main amp is a Plexi clone. But goddamn that Iridium records wonderfully.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

The amount of amazing guitar music the old Marshall's have produced is astounding , everyone finds there own voice on this amp.

[@davidpggarrett]

At 16:30 the picture of John Mayall and Clapton is with drummer Hughie Flint second from left (incorrectly labelled as McVie) and John McVie far right (not Hughie Flint). Anyway, loved the video and I also have the great book The British Amp Invasion that you quoted from!

[@robertmiranda8587]

Thanks, David Garrett, for the correction. My head temporarily exploded!

[@davidpggarrett]

@@robertmiranda8587 I couldn't let it rest... Haha.

[@robertmiranda8587]

@@davidpggarrett Thank God! We can't let that stuff slip.

[@davidpggarrett]

@@robertmiranda8587 I'd expect McVie would have had a chuckle

[@squarewheel142]

I miss my 1984 Marshall JCM 800 20th anniversary 50 Watt 2X12 combo, that amp was incredible especially when I played my 1984 Gibson Explorer with the 498 & 500 pickups through it straight up, no effects. Biggest mistake of my life was selling that amp because I had become too busy working my day job to play very often.

[@rdmkeytohwy]

The history of Marshall amplifiers goes hand-in-hand with the history of rock n’ roll. I need to do some more research but one of the best guitar tones I have ever heard was Alex Lifeson of Rush on the 1978 Farewell To Kings tour in England. This is documented on their live compilation called Different Stages with tinker toys on the cover. I believe it is a Marshall half or full stack with a semi-hollowbody guitar, possibly his white Gibson ES-355 or an ES-345 he also owned early on in the band’s career. Rush nerds help me out here. I just remember this tone as being full, rich, and very loud. And it got better as the show went on. Alex is definitely part of the Marshall legacy and his new Lerxst amps and cabs are based on the Marshall Silver Jubilee series of amps. Great amps for a great guitar player!

[@theboofin]

They're playing La Villa Strangiato aren't they? Great performance and sound.

[@regortex3364]

rdmkeytohwy - I’m might be wrong, but I think that Lifeson was using Hiwatts at that time. The Hiwatts that we’re imported to Canada at that time received a “Canadian Mod” when they arrived at the distributor in Montreal (Erickson Music?). The mod gave them more gain, which was meant to compete with Marshall’s at the time. I have two of these Canadian mod Hiwatts, and I have to say that I can nail the Hemishperes tone with the DR-103. I’m going off memory so take this with a grain of salt, but I think I’m accurate.

[@rdmkeytohwy]

Reg Rock you may be right. Someone who was at that show could probably tell us what he was using. At the time we weren’t as obsessed with gear as we are now. I just know that tone was beautifully overdriven, loud, and powerful. Alex could play with a lot of touch and finesse and also be quite aggressive. And it’s all good. Thanks for your recollection and input. Very interesting.

[@regortex3364]

rdmkeytohwy - check out rush.fandom.com, it lists all his gear on their tours. So in 1978 on the Farewell to Kings Tour, he used H/H amps into Marshall cabs, and a Marshall Super Lead as well. Also in 1978 on the Hemispheres Tour (which I saw), he used the Hiwatts I mentioned. To be honest, his amps were a big part of his tone but when you use pedals like he has/does the amp becomes more of a platform and a part of the recipe rather than the main ingredient.

[@festushaggen2563]

After many years of disappointment with solid state amps, I'm happy to say I'm no longer disappointed because I just invested in my first Marshall tube amp. The DSL20. It's like finally scratching an itch I wasn't able to reach. Excellent and highly informative documentary. Thank you.

[@edwardlewis8045]

Really love the well researched historical deep dives and the occasional reflective musical soul searches. On the other hand I struggle mightily with my compulsive nature to acquire the musical tools you feature. Keeping it simple is in fact not so simple🙄. Looking forward to the next feature. Blessings!

[@corneliuscrewe677]

I recently bought my first Marshall, an Origin 20. It isn’t by any means a Plexi , but it gets me closer than anything I’ve ever played before without the ear splitting volumes of the old ones to anything else I’ve ever owned. Crazy that after all these years,that's still the benchmark sound. Great history, thanks for posting.

[@fivewattworld]

I have an Origin 20 that I'm using for the next video "Beano on a Budget". It is VERY much like a JTM45. McErlain will do the playing for this one as well. :)

[@corneliuscrewe677]

@@fivewattworld I love it. I wish they had this stuff when I started playing back in ‘88.

[@richardhighsmith]

I've got to take some exception to your advice to Line 6. What makes the Helix a really interesting piece of gear are the custom amps like the Cartographer (Ben Adrian's highly customized Traynor), the 'officially modeled' Revv amps, and the 'official' Grammatico La Grange. The classics are great, but I love it when a classic is tweaked by the obsessed tone chaser.

[@fivewattworld]

I love a world full of differences. :)

[@jfrockon]

Just 30 minutes? One of the best Marshall "history" videos ever. Very nice man. Diggin your page. I plugged into a Marshall for the first time in the summer of 1976. I was working part time at the local music store in Muncie, IN. We only saw that one Marshall the time I worked there. I was scared of the volume, but turned it up and hit the opening chords of "Communication Breakdown" Holy shit! It would be a few years before I finally got a Marshall combo, it's been Marshall since. I got a JVM series now days.

[@shirleymental4189]

Not forgetting Marshall's 8008 valve state rack mounted transistor stereo power amp. I've got one and it''s really rather good.

[@alwaysopen7970]

My buddy has one of those heavy gold things.

[@Buzzedd777]

Great video. Mid 90's I stopped at a pawn shop before work and a Marshall plexi head that read JTM45. I knew what a plexi was but never heard of this model before. I was about 18 at the time and living with my girlfriend so money was extremely tight. I wanted to buy it more than anything but I knew the price tag would be $1K or more. It was $330, my heart actually jumped. "They miss priced it? I gotta get this fast." The very next day I walked out of a pawn shop with a mint JTM45 and payed $321 tax and all. Eventually years later traded it for a bigger Marshall but I do regret letting her go. So much tone with so many options, clean or dirty, I highly recommend getting one or trying one out.

[@theasmrconnection414]

god i just love my marshall even though it has 95 watts to much

[@prophetsbourne1136]

Thank you for all you do Sir! I’m a complete “Guitar Doc Junkie” and your Videos are the best quick fix ever!

[@kennygardner5041]

I grew up around Fender amps and loved them. However I was 12, started playing clubs at 10 years old, when I plugged into a Vox and later a Marshall. That was it! Even clean, which meant low volume, I loved the sensitivity and feel. Turned up was just amazing! Barry Bailey of the Atlanta Rhythm Section was an influence. I currently play in a country band, we do other stuff, my rig is a 100 watt Marshall. The cab is turned backwards and mic’d up. Volume is on four and it is a tone I cannot get with pedals or modeling amps. It is clean just turn down the guitar. I have owned every type of amp and still come back to 100 watt tube Marshall.

[@tomshaug]

Thank you Keith, always great work, very grateful for the care you take to tell these great stories that mean so much to our generation

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Tom

[@cheycasters]

"Living in the long shadow of black and gold". YES!!! haha

[@wjb5150]

This is without question one of the best channels on KZbin. Thanks for the great work.

[@antonarcilla2046]

Hey Keith, a Boss Compact Pedal episode would be awesome

[@fivewattworld]

Good idea

[@jerryhatrick5860]

Greatest thing about these types of amps is it let's the artist sound like themselves. They can all plug into the same amp and get different tones out of it. It's so organic. And challenges a little layer to get better because nothing can be hidden. Every nuance comes out.

[@ZillaCabs]

I've heard and read this story a dozen times before but you did it in such a way that I was fixed the whole way through and enjoyed every second of it. This is a fantastic video!

[@fivewattworld]

Hey thanks! I’ve heard of you guys through Chris Buck and TPS. Glad you liked it!

[@mike_lowndes]

Agreed. I knew most of this already, used to live near Marshall and walk past the factory every day, often hearing 'testing'... Still a wonderful articulate summary of the story, well done! The story of the Guv'nor would be interesting, the pedal that started pedals being cool again. I have one that does _things_ to my Laneys.

[@georgemueh3273]

Best amp ever... I've had a 100w head and 50w combo, both were monsters. I now have the 20w/5w studio vintage. That lil guy is a rowdy amp like its big brothers. All thanks to the Father of Loud... ❤🤘

[@Okla_Soft]

Another brilliant episode....

[@ChristopherANeal]

Great video as always, but one minor nitpick: According to Andy Babiuk's Beatles Gear book, they never owned AC15s, and traded in John's Fender Deluxe and George's Gibson GA40 to get their AC30s. "Contrary to popular belief, The Beatles never used AC15 amplifiers. 'They never did' confirms [Reg] Clarke. [He] can remember getting Lennon's tweed colored Fender amp as part of the trade". (pg 67, first ed.)

[@gdkopinionator4356]

Welcome back Mr. WIlliams, we missed you.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks man!

[@blueshowlar]

I don't think anyone makes better "school me" videos than you. Thanks

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks “Howler”!

[@ahriik]

Ah yes, another phenomenal history from our Lord and Savior Keith Williams. Not a huge Marshall guy myself, but I deeply respect the historical impact they've had on the guitar world at large, especially when it comes to higher gain stuff. Keith, any chance we'll ever see a short history on the Diezel line of amps? For anyone who wants a super portable yet capable "amp-in-a-box" that models a overdriven Marshall, I can't recommend the Golden Brownie enough!

[@fivewattworld]

I don’t know much about Diezel but I’ll put it on the list. You can make a Fender sound Marshall-like but not the other way around.

[@kennydeth]

I feel like I'm at band practice and you're trying to tell me something but the guitarist won't stop playing... lol. Love these videos though

[@MichaelBrown-ys6tj]

Your's are the best researched best produced videos on the subject PERIOD.

[@davidmacleod9313]

I’ve been blow drying my hair with Marshalls for decades.

[@EricMiller630]

This has hands down become one of my favorite channels. I can never hit play fast enough when a new video comes out. Keep it up!!

[@reiddillashaw2383]

Another great history of an iconic piece of gear. The level of backstory in your videos is first rate. Bravo and well done Five Watt World. Much appreciated, and well worth the wait. 😎

[@nathancourtney2006]

Once again, another great story. Your delivery is second to none. The development of this line of amps had always interested me. Your mention of line 6 tweeked my interest as well. I have been thinking lately about all the different types of modeling being offered now. Thanks Nathan.

[@greatvanzini]

Great vid. Loved every minute. You do have Flint & McVie backwards on the pic.

[@craigthomson3621]

Yes - McVie and Flint incorrectly captioned.

[@stephenhope7319]

I used to play with stacks when I lived in England in the 70's but now in the US I love the sound of my sons Gibson Les Paul Standard thru a Marshall DSL 40 with an upgraded Celestion in our music room,, SWEET.

[@alextheguitarist7282]

First. You guys should do Vox ac30!!!

[@fivewattworld]

Oh, its on the list to be sure.

[@Zappappappappa]

@@fivewattworld that amp has an incredibly long and important legacy so it's gotta be one of the most overwhelming to sort through the story behind that instantly recognizable sounding amp.

[@timlilly]

Excellent. I met Jim Marshall at a trade show in London in the 1980's and he was a very nice guy. But when he stepped over and said hello I didn't know who he was! Ok I was very young........That's my excuse.

[@luthiervandros]

I was expecting a prank: “see link to fender Bassman video”

[@gamesandguitars3901]

Marshall still makes amazing amps today too, my DSL20HR sounds so nice for high gain stuff i think its a little special from the rest too has something going on I haven’t heard in any demo of this amp.

[@chef_fukushima]

Please, please, PLEASE make a "Short History of Mesa Boogie"

[@fivewattworld]

They’re on the list

[@weschilton]

@@fivewattworld That will be amazing!

[@glenkepic3208]

@@fivewattworld Great !!! know of Prune Music and Metallica. Current inspirer, Eddy Shaver. One wouldn't associate Americana with a Mesa but I guess he used one as a half stack with a Matchless 4x10 amp.

[@joshuahowe376]

@@fivewattworld Would love to see that list x

[@stephenhammonds2834]

Dual rec dual rec dual rec! I still have mine!

[@michaellrakes5521]

Really informative and very cool! Ive always said that while the American companies built the finest and most iconic guitars ever made, the amplifier world was owned and dominated by the British through and through.

[@polski1683]

Will you make more vids about more pedals like the vox/dunlop wahs and the Big muff Pi?

[@antonarcilla2046]

YES! A CRYBABY EPISODE WOULD KICK ASS

[@fivewattworld]

They’re both on the list Steven

[@mojogaucho]

What an honour and privilege it is to catch these 5 Watt pearls in their infancy. In times to come they will be seen as the benchmark references for those wanting a history of the hows and whys of rock music from this age. Thank you for a job way more than well done.

[@harryrenner4016]

Chas Chandler was also the manager for the group SLADE. with the incredible front man Noddy Holder. If your going to do a complete history of amps type of video. if you you can find information about KUSTOM amps I would definitely appreciate it. since you have an AWESOME ability to research and present the most accurate concise videos on these subjects

[@brianstrawser5695]

You've done it again. My mind is blown. I can't thank you enough for all the research and detail in each video. Please keep them coming. Now I feel the need to consider a JTM 45.

[@jwmcmillenii]

"Formuler?" Was the a hint of a Staten Island or Long Island accent peeking through there?

[@fivewattworld]

Upstate...and tired

[@chancewhitley5919]

This just may be the best Short History yet! Great way to start my day. Thanks Keith.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Chance!

[@adamziolkowski2549]

A suggestion- history of the Leslie/Rotary speaker?

[@fivewattworld]

That’s a new one. I’ll put it in the list.

[@robnamowicz8073]

@@fivewattworld Good suggestion, I have a 147 that's been dragged all over the midwest, still works fine, sounds better! Thanks, Keith!

[@adampoe2797]

Yes Adam! Perfect suggestion Always been curious

[@tonywilliams3896]

Love your histories Mr Williams, I’m learning so much in my ‘50s about what I took for granted playing in bands in the U.K. in my teens. Please keep them coming!

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks Tony!

[@stevenbrown9495]

Many Years ago, my father told me a story, where his band were doing a gig with The Who in London in the early to mid 60’s. When they saw all The Who’s Amplifiers, they went up to Pete Townshend and asked if they could all use Their amps, instead of their own? That way, they didn’t have to unload the Band gear. Unfortunately, Pete said “Err, No. Sorry. We let someone else to that a while back and they damaged our gear, because they didn’t drive it hard enough!”

[@electoplater]

did you know a lot of gear the who smashed up where empty cabinets

[@jordidosnumerosmes8731]

I can't forget the Steve Marriott sound, just amazing. Marshall is Magic.