Yet Another Legend Has Passed.

April 5, 2012 in Music

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Much to the sadness of us earth-bound music lovers and players, the big band in the sky is now complete. Jim Marshall, innovator and founder of Marshall Amplification passed today.

The Forefathers of Rock


Image Sources: Wikipedia

I actually felt compelled to write this as I was reading the online posts and tributes for Marshall and the references to him being one of the forefathers of rock. As I looked at pictures of these four men and their products, I realized, "Wow, I own, use and am heavily influenced by each of their works."

I've owned 3 Marshall amplifiers. I still own one that is my main rig. I wish I still owned the other two and hadn't sold them. I've owned two Les Pauls, and currently have one 1985 Les Paul Custom with a set of Seth Lover's original P.A.F. Humbuckers in it. I own three Fender guitars and one Fender amplifier. With these instruments and amplifiers, I can pretty much cover and recreate any sound from "the greats," whether on stage or in my studio.

What's interesting to me, however, is, I'm just a sonic copy-cat artist - merely lusting after sounds that have already been established and are tried and true. When I read the articles about these innovative inventors/businessmen, it simply amazes me. They were in touch with some of the most influential musicians in the 20th century and they got to take a crack at solving their problems. And we all benefited from it.

The standard archtop guitars were feeding back at louder volumes. Enter Fender's solid electric guitar. The upright bass was getting drowned out by the orchestra. Enter Fender's electric bass and bass amplifier. There's a nasty hum. Seth Lover to the rescue with his humbucker pickup. Rock drums are completely overpowering our small amps. Enter Jim Marshall and his amplifiers.

Not only did these men solve problems, but in doing so, they created particular sounds. They created sounds that people have tried to improve upon, but one could argue, really haven't. Many other guitar and amplifier manufacturers have attempted to create their products to sound better or have more features than their vintage predecessors. While many have succeeded in taking it "to the next level," the original sounds of these vintage instruments and amplifiers always serve as the starting point, or measuring stick, of all other musical products. Many say those other manufacturers have gone too far and simply request or demand only vintage equipment. Call it being a "gear snob," but the sound is what it is, and it's the sound that people want.

Back in 2009, I wrote a blog article about Les Paul's passing. I love my Les Paul, but more importantly, I love the fact that the man whose name is on my guitar lived life to the fullest and did what he loved right up until the end. In Jim Marshall's case, he lived a full life and gave us so much. His life included crossing paths with some of the most influential rock musicians of the 20th century – Richie Blackmore, Pete Townsend, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, just to name a few. And he saw an opportunity with these musicians and he took it. They ask for a particular amplifier and he gave it to them. The next phase of rock n' roll was born.

They say how you are remembered is by the mark you leave on this world. While Seth Lover's fame might be unfortunately muted compared to the visibility of the others' products, all four of these men truly are the forefathers of rock. And the Father of Loud's achievements, in particular, were the final piece of the puzzle that pushed rock n' roll over the edge and gave it the volume to be heard. People played and listened to music differently because of him. All of a sudden, tone and sound became as important as the quality of the playing and songwriting.

So here's to Jim and all the rest. Turn your amps up to 11 and strike a chord in honor of these men who made rocking out not only possible, but a hell of a lot of fun!

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