Jim Marshall, founder and leader of Marshall Amplifiers, has died at age 88.
Marshall, who started out as a drummer, opened a small music shop in London in 1962. As guitarists began frequenting his shop, they asked him to stock amplifiers. He did, but thought he could produce amps cheaper than he could import them. Using the 5F6-A circuit used in the 4x10 Fender Bassman combo, he proceeded with engineer Ken Bran to invent what has become the most identifiable sound of rock & roll, the Marshall amplifier.
Any guitarist who has ever played through one can tell you about the first time they did, and which ones they've owned. The list of players who have used Marshall amps is a veritable who's who of rock and roll: Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townsend, Ritchie Blackmore, the list goes on and on.
A tribute page is currently up at the Marshall website, and a page is expected later today for fans to leave their thoughts and condolences.