Customer Reviews

A History of Marshall The Illustrated Story Of The Sound Of Rock

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2 star:		(2)
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This is one comprehensive book. It is a purist's dream. It has pictures of Marshalls dating back to the Hendrix days, including schematics, and closups of the interiors, exteriors, and platforms of the heads, and the cabinets, ranging from the first "BlueBreakers" (Eric Clapton) 2 X 12" cabs to the early 'Pete Townsend' 8 X 12's (that roadies revolted over.

If you ever wanted to know about British Rock, this is IT. It includes sections on the oldest Marshalls, the early Marshalls, the later Marshalls, the Present (and best) Marshalls (I know for a fact), plus sections on valve amplification and THE preiminent speaker manufacturer, Celestion, of Ipswich, UK, and how they prominently figured into the making (and success) of Marshall products.

The one word of caution I picked up on, and had to find out the hard way, is that the valve section, on tube amplification, which is very key to the entire effort, is that that chapter presents the views of Michael Doyle, NOT Jim Marshall, so don't presume every word is gospel from Jim Marshall himself. The comments about specific valves (tubes) are Micheal's views and not those of Jim Marshall. Jim has his own favorite tubes and to my knowledge, they may not be found here. Although it is quite clear that he prefers the soft, fat sound of driven tubes, to the alternatives.

If ever there was a book about the products that brought us the British invasion of the 60's, the Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin, etc, this is it. It is finely written, detailed, but not overly indulgent, factual, and comprehensive. This is one of the best books on amplification I have read. It is a collector's must. A classic.

This book does a great job of covering all of the bases that make up Marshall amplifiers. The provision of schematics is really helpful in troubleshooting and just seeing how the amp works. The color section is a joy to look at, and the reprinted catalogs are as well. A great book at any price.

This reference book takes you on a well-crafted journey from the early beginnings of Jim Marshall to the release of the JCM900 and 30th Anniversary series amplifiers in the decade of the 90's. Not only is the text easy to read, but there are scores of beautiful, full color plates of Marshall and Park amplifiers from the earliest models to the latest releases. Mr. Doyle has solicited the help of collectors and dealers to bring you photos of rare models that you won't find anywhere else. Historians, collectors, and working musicians alike will want this tome for their library, since it covers important information on Marshall amplifiers such as: model information and product specifications, serials numbers, how to date your amp, and even a special section on Celestion speakers. I enjoyed the catalog reprints that are sprinkled throughout the text. They provide a great way to catch the flavor of the period. Marshall endorsees throughout history are also mentioned. Did you know that Roy Orbison was a Marshall user? How about Pete Townshend? Or Bian Poole and the Tremoloes? Musicians wanting to recreate the sound of certain artists may catch a clue by the amplifier these stars are pictured with. As an added treat, Billy F. Gibbons, lead guitarist for ZZ Top, wrote the spirited introduction to the book. The do-it-yourselfer will appreciate the over 50 pages of circuit diagrams that Mr. Doyle has included. While mostly tube (valve) amp schematics are shown, there are also transistor amp diagrams here. Mr. Doyle has certainly done his homework in this department. Marshall amplifiers helped launch the careers of such rock legends as Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page, and are still considered the upper crust of the amp kingdom. Many of today's artists use Marshall gear in their backline and in the studio. If you've dreamed of owning a Marshall amplifier yourself some day, or are looking for the ideal gift for that hard to please musician on your gift list, I know of no better investment than this handsome volume. - Brett McCarron, webmaster, The Unauthorized Marshall Home Page (http://www.olywa.net/blame/br01000.htm

Since there are no OTHER books out there dealing with the Marshall amplification history this one will just have to do..for now. Sporting no glossary, and with more pictures and poorly reproduced schematics than relevant tonal references, I found myself searching time and time again for some clue as to the legendary tonal qualities associated with the individual models. None were given really. I was hoping for some help in trying to select a new or vintage Marshall amp and I couldn't find it here. There is far MORE INFORMATION available on the internet than is compiled here in this book. Copyrighted in 1993 this book NEEDS TO BE UPDATED, it's now 15 years out of date. For $33.00 I could have done without this book..although I do like looking at the pictures.

This book gives a very detailed look into the inner workings of a legendary amplifier and its maker. The name Marshall has become synonymous with Rock and Roll for over 40 years. Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Duane Allman,Pete Townshend, Angus Young, Eddie Van Halen, Dave Murray, the list of Marshall stalwarts goes on. Some of the biggest names in Rock have used this amp and continue to use it today. Look at any band's stage setup and you are very likely to see a Marshall or two (or three!)in their backline. This book tells you pretty much everything you ever wanted to know about the Marshall Amp. It takes you into the factory and explains in detail what goes into making a legend. All facets are covered. It even contains circuit diagrams for most of the models in the years 1962 to 1992. A beautiful color section shows the Marshall as it should be seen with some of the amps in custom coverings that have been offered by Marshall and company. It also gives an in depth look at the Man behind the Amp, James C. Marshall, who continues to provide us with the trademark thunderous sound so associated with the Marshall Amplifier. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Rock music, muscians, or their equipment. I think it will fascinate you and hopefully give you an appreciation for this remarkable piece of musical history.

This is a excellent history of the Marshall Amp Co. I was mostly intrested in trying to figure out which features [tube, controls, etc.] were associated with which amps and artist. This book gave me the info I needed. Lots of great pictures and descriptions. It would have been OK with me if they lowered the price and removed all the schematics, but I understand there reasons for including them. Although they are not very easy to see clearly. The book is a quick read but I consider it worth the price paid. If you want to know which amp is for you this book is a great help. Get it.

If you own vintage Marshall Tube Amps or just thinking about buying a vintage Marshall Amp, buy this book. I disagree with other reviewers, this book is what-it-is, a reference book for vintage Marshall Amps made from 1962 to 1992. Who gives a crap about the Chicom Marshalls made from 2000 to present. I really like the section with all the glossy photos of all the vintage and obscure Marshall Amps that were made through out the years. There were some Marshall amps I had never even heard of before and I've played through all the good ones, 1971 Super Lead 100(4 input), 1978 JMP 2204 Master Volume, 1983 JCM800 2203 MkII, 1990 JCM900 2500 MkIII, and even a JCM2000 DSL100. I still own the JMP 2204 and the JCM900 2500 MkIII and will never sell them.

I was disappointed in this book. Not what I expected. Although very basic it lacked the detail I expected such as a more in-depth write on Jim Marshall's life and the pictures of the actual artists which use Marshall Amplifiers weren't sharp.

This book would be perfect for any guitar player and fan of Marshall amplification. From their humble beginnings this rockumentary takes you through the ENTIRE Marshall line and the story of how they became THE sound of rock music.

A great read. Great for information about the Golden Age of Marshall Amps. Very useful for collectors or for those who are fans of the product. Pictures are great and the book is laid out very well.