The Beatles vs. The Rolling Stones. Led Zeppelin vs. The Who. Blur vs. Oasis. The Eagles vs. The Eagles. In the long history of rock n' roll, there have been many rivalries - some real, others only imagined.
Accusations and vehement defenses have been launched, and scores kept only by the rabid fanbases on message boards and in bar rooms around the world.
In the world of guitar amplification, one such rivalry is Fender vs. Marshall amps. Both companies have rich histories, and their own set of loyalists, adorned with t-shirts and hats, proudly lugging their amp from gig to gig.
So which amp is better? And what are the main differences?
We'll get to that, but first, let's dig a little deeper into history.
Introduction
Guitar amps are essential tools responsible for helping shape the sounds of generations. Since their emergence in the 1930s, players have been dialing in their tone, or (perhaps more likely) just cranking the volume knob up all the way and seeing what happens.
Fender has been around almost since the beginning, with Marshall following suit in the early 1960s. Here's a quick history lesson.
Historical Background
Fender
In 1945, Leo Fender founded Fender Electric Instrument Company, and by the late 1940s, they introduced their first guitar amplifier, the Fender Model 26 "Woodie." The Fender Deluxe and Twin followed soon thereafter, and Fender amps became synonymous with electric guitars.
The Fender Bassman, Princeton, Deluxe, and Champ were rolled out in the "Tweed Era" of the 1950s, all of which are still highly coveted today. Then came the Blonde, Black, and Silverface eras, which offered a cleaner tone, and saw changes in both design and component quality.
In the modern era, Fender has maintained a strong presence in the guitar amplifier market, offering a wide range of options to suit the needs of various guitarists while keeping up with technological advancements.
Marshall
In the early 1960s, Jim Marshall, a drum store owner and drum teacher in London, began to venture into the amplifier business after being approached by guitarists who were dissatisfied with the guitar amplifiers that were available at the time.
In 1962, Marshall and his engineer, Ken Bran, designed their first amplifier, the "JTM45" (Jim and Terry Marshall, 45 watts), which was heavily influenced by the Fender Bassman, but with modifications to suit the needs of British rock guitarists.
The JTM50 and JTM100 models came next and were quickly popularized by British guitarists like Eric Clapton, Pete Townshend, and Jimmy Page, who came to define the British rock sound through the use of their Marshall amplifiers.
Since the 1970s, the "Marshall stack" setup, featuring a head and multiple speaker cabinets, became a defining image of rock concerts.
Throughout its history, Marshall has maintained a reputation for delivering powerful, punchy, and iconic guitar tones that have played a significant role in shaping the sound of rock music.
Marshall guitar amps continue to be favored by countless guitarists to this day, and they remain a potent symbol of rock 'n' roll culture.
Amplifier Lineup
Both Fender and Marshall have introduced many iconic amp models in their long histories, but here are a few of the essentials.
Fender Champ
The Fender Champ is about as simple of an amplifier as you'll find. Plug in, turn up, and play. The '57 Custom Champ is a perfect encapsulation of the various versions of this amp that have existed over the years. Plug in and you'll be blown away by the Champs' warm overdrive and top-end clarity.
Fender Princeton
The Fender Princeton is fully loaded with the classic Fender sound: smoothness and sparkle, as well as spring reverb and tremolo onboard. Originally designed as a practice amp, the 12-watt combo quickly caught on with guitar players who couldn't resist its shimmering tone. This modern take on a classic Fender amp is a must-have for guitar slingers.
Fender Twin Reverb
Here's a Fender amplifier for when you need to get loud. Like, really loud. The 85-watt, all-tube Fender Twin Reverb is an American classic that features two channels, massive headroom, and a timeless aesthetic. You'd be hard-pressed to find a venue that this amp couldn't handle.
Marshall Stack
A visually stunning combo that needs no introduction, this iconic "Marshall Stack" is a 100-watt DSL100HR and 4x12" extension cabinet. Seen on stages across the world for decades. This is an amp made for those about to rock. They also make an adorable miniature model.
Marshall JTM
And here's how it all started. The JTM was the first Marshall amplifier in the early 1960s, and the Studio ST20C is a faithful recreation with modern upgrades. The creamy highs, loose lows, and smoky overdriven tones of the original are preserved, while an FX loop, and speaker emulating DI output have been added.
Marshall DSL40CR Combo
Perfect for band practice, backlines, or local gigs. The Marshall DSL40CR combo offers players 40 watts of all-tube Marshall tone in a compact combo package. The DSL line was introduced in 1997 and eventually replaced with JVM models, but they are back stronger than ever. It's a classic combo capable of capturing decades' worth of Marshall sound.
Tone and Sound
Fender amps are known for are renowned for their clean and bright tones. They produce a pristine, uncolored sound that allows the natural characteristics of the guitar and pickups to shine through. Most Fender amps, particularly vintage or tube models, offer a warm and full-bodied tone. This quality adds depth and richness to the sound.
Models like the Fender Twin Reverb, are known for their high headroom, which means they can produce loud, clean tones without distortion, making them great pedal platform amplifiers.
When it's time for some distortion, these amps are known for their ability to produce rich tube saturation when pushed to higher volumes. This saturation results in a smooth, sweet overdrive that is often associated with the classic rock sound, as well as blues guitar tones.
Marshall amps are renowned for their classic rock and hard rock tones characterized by a rich, crunchy overdrive. When you push the volume and gain controls, they deliver a thick and saturated distortion that is prized for its warmth and harmonically rich high-gain sounds.
Marshalls are highly responsive to your picking attack and guitar volume knob adjustments. This allows guitarists to achieve a wide range of tones simply by adjusting their playing technique.
While Marshall amps are known for their crunch and distortion, many models also deliver clear and articulate (and underrated) clean tones as well.
Build Quality and Durability
Fender amps are built with sturdy and durable materials. The cabinets are often made from high-quality wood, and the chassis is robust, ensuring that the amplifier can withstand the rigors of touring and regular use.
Fender uses quality electronic components, including transformers, capacitors, and resistors, which contribute to the longevity and reliability of their amplifiers. Many vintage Fender tube amps are still in use today, a testament to their quality.
Marshall has traditionally used high-quality materials and components in the construction of their amplifiers. This includes sturdy cabinets made from birch plywood, high-grade electronic components, and quality control measures to ensure consistent performance.
Much like their Fender counterparts, Marshall amps are built to withstand the rigors of touring and live performances. They are known for their welded chassis and are often housed in robust, road-worthy enclosures designed to handle the demands of being on the road.
Both Fender and Marshall have historically maintained strict quality control standards. Amplifiers undergo testing and inspections before they leave the factory to ensure they meet performance and safety standards.
Price Range and Value
A Fender amp can run you anywhere from a $50 Mini Tonemaster to a $3,600 '57 Custom Twin, and most any price point in between. On average, a professional-grade Fender amp will cost somewhere between $750-1,000. An entry-level Fender amp will only cost somewhere between $100-300.
If you're in the market for a Marshall amp, you can snag a battery-powered 1-watt MS2R for around $60, or shell out just under $4,000 for a '62 Bluesbreaker. The average for a high-quality Marshall amp is similarly in the window of $600-1,500, with solid-state amps and entry-level options starting at around $100.
The quality of components, such as transformers, tubes, capacitors, and speakers, can vary between amplifier models. Amplifiers with higher-grade components or vintage-style components (which can be more expensive to source) may command a higher price.
Amps manufactured in the United States often have higher price points due to labor costs and quality control standards associated with U.S. production. While other, more affordable options are produced overseas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In what scenarios do Fender amps excel?
You can't get much more versatile than a Fender amp. From blues and soul to rock n' roll and country, Fender has a little bit of everything for everyone.
Turn up a Twin Reverb and bask in the warm overdrive, or plug your Strat directly into a Blues Junior for crystal clear clean tones and creamy bass frequencies.
Where do Marshalls truly shine?
It's no coincidence that when Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap proudly proclaimed that "this amp goes to 11," he was pointing at a Marshall head. Marshalls were designed to rock, and indeed they do.
Sure, they can be tamed for a rendition of Little Wing, but they do what they do best when they're turned up to 11 and let loose on a crowd of ravenous rockers.
Which brand, Fender or Marshall, is better suited for playing classic rock music?
Classic Rock is an ever-evolving genre. It will never cease to startle me when I turn on a "classic rock" radio station, expecting to hear Jimi Hendrix or Pink Floyd, and instead being met with Weezer or Pearl Jam.
But for the sake of this discussion, let's stick with the more traditional brand of classic rock, spanning the 1960s and 70s.
The "Marshall sound" is usually associated with hard rock, or at the very least distortion. Their signature pronounced midrange frequency response provides a powerful and focused sound that helps the guitar cut through a mix. So if you're going into "Shredder Mode," a Marshall might be the way to go.
Alternatively, Fender amps have long been associated with the classic rock genre. Unlike Marshalls, many Fender amps have a "mid-scoop," where the bass and treble frequencies are highlighted in the mix.
They offer a cleaner sound that is warm and full but still breaks up when needed. Arguably a more restrained choice, but equally viable as an option.
How do user preferences and musical styles influence the choice between Fender and Marshall amplifiers? And which guitar amp brand is more versatile?
Like everything in music, ultimately everything is a matter of personal preference. Typically, Marshall is associated with harder rock styles. They have an enduring legacy in heavy metal, grunge, and hard rock.
It may be a bit of a broad generalization but people make snap judgments when they see a Marshall stack on stage, they assume they know what they're in for.
Fenders are a little more ubiquitous and in this author's opinion a more versatile option, as Fender amps can be used in a larger variety of musical circumstances. An overdrive pedal can take you into high-gain territory but you have great clean tones, and often built-in reverb and even tremolo as well.
Their sparkly clean tone makes them a great pedal platform, so if you're a pedalhead, you're likely to be team Fender all the way. A larger Fender tube amp like a Fender Deluxe Reverb is going to give you tons of clean headroom and take an effects pedal really well.
Who are some famous guitarists known for using Fender amplifiers?
Some of the most recognizable names in music history have played Fender amps. Including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Joe Walsh, Stevie Ray Vaughan, James Burton, Kurt Cobain, and The Beatles. I mean, the list goes on and on...
What are some famous guitarists known for using Marshall amps?
Over the decades, many "guitar gods" and hard rockers have primarily used Marshall, including Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Angus Young, Dave Mustaine, Jeff Beck, and Joe Satriani.
Are there any signature series Fender and Marshall amps?
Over the years both Fender and Marshall have released numerous signature amps.
For Fender, their current roster includes a Chris Stapleton "Princeton," and a Michael Landau "Hot Rod Deville."
Marshall currently offers signature models for artists like Slash, Zakk Wylde, and Jimi Hendrix.
Conclusion
Part of the joy of forming a musical identity is trying out different options and seeing what feels right for you. And while Fender and Marshall are two iconic names in the world of guitar amplification that are technically competitors for the top slot in the market, they couldn't be more different tonally.
If you gravitate more towards hard rock, punk, and metal, you can't go wrong with the classic Marshall high-gain sound, which has defined the heavier genres since their inception.
Fender amps, meanwhile, are known for their sparkly clean tones and twang that, when paired with a Strat or Tele, excel in the realms of surf, country, and indie rock.
From a reliability standpoint, you really can't go wrong with either, so it ultimately comes down to your personal taste and preference. Is a Fender Tweed Deluxe for you? Or are you more of a Marshall Half-Stack type of player?
The choice is yours.
