In 1967, following the continuous demand for more powerful amplifiers, the first 200 watt amplifiers, the Marshall 200, came to light. Created under the supervision of Ken Flegg, they were characterized by a new preamp, still based on three 12AX7 tubes, but equipped with parallel low-pass and high-pass filters. In some models the transformers used were Partridge, widely used in Hiwatt amps; they were the only Marshalls to use these transformers, although limited to a few models, since they were very expensive. To better manage their power they were equipped with four English Gold Lion G.E.C. KT88 power tubes.
The front panel was very simple: there was only the power button, treble, bass and volume knobs, and a single channel with two inputs; it didn’t have the stand-by switch.
Since these heads had a large cabinet and a small front panel, which at first glance resembled the snout of a pig, the Lead of the first series of Marshall 200 (1967 model) was nicknamed “The Pig”. They were also available in Bass (1978) and P.A. (1966), also known as the “Marshall P.A. 200”.
The front panel was very simple: there was only the power button, treble, bass and volume knobs, and a single channel with two inputs; it didn’t have the stand-by switch.
Since these heads had a large cabinet and a small front panel, which at first glance resembled the snout of a pig, the Lead of the first series of Marshall 200 (1967 model) was nicknamed “The Pig”. They were also available in Bass (1978) and P.A. (1966), also known as the “Marshall P.A. 200”.
The Marshall 200 lead, nicknamed "Pig" (Source: Amp Archives)
|
The big KT88s of the Marshal "Pig" (Source: Amp Archives)
|
Blackmore and his Marshall Major
In '68, in order to have a more solid head that could better withstand transport in the United States, the aluminum chassis was dropped in favour of the more durable steel chassis and the cabinets were reinforced. In addition, only for the American market, the final tubes were replaced by four 6550.
The changes made led to a new generation of 200 watt amplifiers, completely redesigned in appearance and electronics. The Marshall Majors were equipped with four or eight inputs. Some of these new amplifiers also had a polarity switch or the label “JMP” on the front panel.
Also involved in the design of these amplifiers were Mr. Fields of Dagnall Electronics and David Hafler, a sound engineer specializing in the development of high-fidelity amplifiers, who was responsible for the use of Ultra Linear Design transformers.
While Mick Ronson and John Entwistle were among the most famous users of the Pigs, surely the most important guitarist to play with a Major, even if modified, was Ritchie Blackmore, also a regular visitor to Jim Marshall's store from the age of thirteen, because he played with one of his drum students, Mick Underwood.
The construction and distribution of the 200 watts Marshalls ceased in '74, when the manufacturers of KT88s, the only tubes capable of supporting such high power, decided to stop making them because they believed that with the advent of transistor amplifiers their demand would decrease.
The changes made led to a new generation of 200 watt amplifiers, completely redesigned in appearance and electronics. The Marshall Majors were equipped with four or eight inputs. Some of these new amplifiers also had a polarity switch or the label “JMP” on the front panel.
Also involved in the design of these amplifiers were Mr. Fields of Dagnall Electronics and David Hafler, a sound engineer specializing in the development of high-fidelity amplifiers, who was responsible for the use of Ultra Linear Design transformers.
While Mick Ronson and John Entwistle were among the most famous users of the Pigs, surely the most important guitarist to play with a Major, even if modified, was Ritchie Blackmore, also a regular visitor to Jim Marshall's store from the age of thirteen, because he played with one of his drum students, Mick Underwood.
The construction and distribution of the 200 watts Marshalls ceased in '74, when the manufacturers of KT88s, the only tubes capable of supporting such high power, decided to stop making them because they believed that with the advent of transistor amplifiers their demand would decrease.
Antonio Calvosa
The Marshall Major (Source: canuckaudiomart.com)
|
Marshall Major's tubes (Source: canuckaudiomart.com)
|
