Marshall Amplification is one of the most iconic brands in the history of electric guitar amplifiers. Known for their powerful, high-gain tones and classic visual style, Marshall amps have been used by countless guitarists in almost every genre of music. One of the most popular and enduring models in the Marshall lineup is the JCM 800, a high-powered, all-tube amplifier that has become a staple of the metal and hard rock scenes. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Kerry King signature JCM 800 Marshall amplifier, which was designed in collaboration with the legendary Slayer guitarist.
The Kerry King signature JCM 800 is a modified version of the classic JCM 800 amplifier, which was first introduced in 1981. The JCM 800 quickly became a favorite of metal guitarists thanks to its powerful, high-gain tone and distinctive visual style. The amp was used by countless players throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including bands like Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Slayer. The Kerry King signature model was introduced in 2014, and features a number of modifications and upgrades that are designed to deliver Kerry’s signature sound and style.
One of the most notable features of the Kerry King signature JCM 800 is its unique visual style. The amp is finished in a custom pattern that was designed by Kerry himself. The result is an amplifier that looks as aggressive and menacing as it sounds.
In terms of tone, the Kerry King signature JCM 800 delivers the same powerful, high-gain sound that the original JCM 800 is famous for. The amp features three channels, each with its own set of controls for gain, volume, and EQ. The first channel is a clean channel, which can be used for warm, sparkling cleans or slightly overdriven crunch tones. The second and third channels are both high-gain channels, with the third channel delivering the most extreme distortion and sustain.
One of the key modifications that Kerry King made to the JCM 800 was to the preamp section. The Kerry King signature model features a modified preamp that is designed to deliver more gain and sustain than the original JCM 800. The preamp also features a Mid Boost switch, which adds a significant amount of midrange to the tone. This can be useful for cutting through the mix in a live setting, or for adding more aggression and bite to your tone.
Another key modification that Kerry King made to the JCM 800 was to the power amp section. The Kerry King signature model features a modified power amp that is designed to deliver more headroom and dynamic range than the original JCM 800. This can be useful for players who like to use a lot of pedals, or who want to be able to push the amp to its limits without losing clarity or definition.
The Kerry King signature JCM 800 also features a number of other useful features for guitarists. The amp includes a series effects loop, which allows you to use external effects pedals in the signal chain. The amp also includes a direct output, which can be useful for recording or for running the amp into a PA system. The amp is also designed to be easy to service and maintain, with easily accessible tubes and a simple, intuitive layout.
So, who is the Kerry King signature JCM 800 designed for? The amp is obviously aimed at fans of Kerry King and Slayer, but it’s also a great choice for any guitarist who is looking for a high-gain, high-powered amplifier with a distinctive visual style. The amp is versatile enough to handle a wide range of styles and genres, but it’s definitely best suited to players
who are looking for aggressive, heavy tones.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Kerry King signature JCM 800 is a high-powered amplifier, with a total output of 100 watts. This means that it can be quite loud, and may not be the best choice for players who need to keep the volume down. However, the amp does include a Master Volume control, which can help to tame the volume and make the amp more manageable in smaller venues or recording situations.
Overall, the Kerry King signature JCM 800 is a powerful and versatile amplifier that is designed to deliver Kerry’s signature sound and style. The modifications and upgrades that Kerry made to the original JCM 800 design help to make the amp even more versatile and capable than its predecessor, while the distinctive snakeskin finish and Slayer logo give the amp a unique visual style that is sure to turn heads. Whether you’re a fan of Kerry King and Slayer, or just looking for a high-gain amplifier with a lot of power and character, the Kerry King signature JCM 800 is definitely worth checking out.
Of course, as with any amplifier, the best way to really get a feel for the Kerry King signature JCM 800 is to try it out for yourself. Whether you’re playing through a small practice amp or a full-blown stack, the Kerry King signature JCM 800 is sure to impress with its massive, aggressive tones and distinctive visual style. So if you’re in the market for a new amplifier, be sure to check out the Kerry King signature JCM 800 and experience the power and tone of one of the most iconic guitar amplifiers in history.
It’s worth noting that while the Kerry King signature JCM 800 is designed to deliver Kerry’s signature sound and style, it is also a very versatile amplifier that can be used for a wide range of styles and genres. With its high-gain distortion and powerful, dynamic sound, the amp is particularly well-suited to metal and hard rock styles, but it can also be used for blues, rock, and even jazz if dialed in correctly.
In terms of price, the Kerry King signature JCM 800 is definitely an investment. Like most high-quality amplifiers, it comes with a fairly hefty price tag, which may be out of reach for some players. However, for those who are willing to invest in their tone and are looking for a high-quality amplifier that will last for years to come, the Kerry King signature JCM 800 is definitely worth considering.
It’s also worth noting that there are a number of other JCM 800 models available from Marshall, both new and vintage. While the Kerry King signature model is certainly one of the most unique and well-regarded versions of the JCM 800, it may not be the best choice for every player. Other JCM 800 models, such as the 2203 and 2204, offer slightly different features and tonal characteristics, and may be better suited to some players’ needs.
In conclusion, the Kerry King signature JCM 800 is an impressive amplifier that offers a unique blend of high-gain distortion, dynamic range, and distinctive visual style. Designed in collaboration with one of the most iconic guitarists in the metal and hard rock scenes, the amp is a testament to Marshall’s commitment to delivering high-quality amplifiers that meet the needs of serious players. While it may not be the best choice for every player, the Kerry King signature JCM 800 is definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a powerful, high-quality amplifier that offers a unique blend of tone and style.