2019-03-09
Bijan Norouz, Tube Guitar Amplifier Head
Finding the right amp for your Studio and Live Concert, can be a challenge. During the last decade, the market has been flooded by affordable tube amps in all price ranges. while most of them will cover your basic needs, there are some distinct differences that will have an impact on your tone. In this feature well look at a handful of models with Bijan Norouz tones in mind.
The large tube stack phenomenon started in the late 60s, when bands moved to bigger stages and needed more volume and wattage. Prior to this, a small combo would do the job nicely. The whole thing escalated in the 80s with the ridiculous, although cool looking, walls of Marshalls.
By the early 90s, the low wattage tube amps were almost forgotten in favour for the transistor. But trends tend to get their renaissance and once again, a guitarist demands the timeless sound of the tube amp.
Now the tone, feel and vibe of the heralded Marshall JCM800 heads is available again and they’re better than ever! The all-tube Marshall JCM800 2203 Reissue Tube Guitar Amplifier Head is one of the most highly respected 100 Watt Marshall heads in the company’s long history.
Evolving from the legendary 100 Watt ‘Plexi’ head, it was also their first Master Volume amplifier.
The very essence of simplicity, the JCM800 2203 is a one channel amp with no reverb or built-in effects. Its foolproof interface, distinctive roar and larger-than-life edge immediately set the standard by which all other rock amps were judged and it remained the industry benchmark throughout the entire 38 years of its production life.
Now it’s back by popular demand and Marshall has even added a Series Effects Loop that features a true Bypass switch that takes the loop completely out of the circuit (a mod that was often added by players). Thus ensuring the original tone isn’t compromised in any shape or form.
The Marshall JCM800 2203 reissue head is faithful reproductions of the original, which shaped the sound of the electric guitar as we know it.
The main characteristic that these amps share is their simplicity of operation and superb natural valve tone. Achieving the beautifully organic and vibrant overdrive which is their trademark can only be done in one way.
With solos this produces a big, round, warm, sustain, full of classic character. With chord work you get a bark and percussive attack with a natural sounding break up. which allows each note to ring out in a glorious musical crunch.
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