FS Marshall YJM100 Head - £1199

guitarmansteve77 · September 2016

The Yngwie Malmsteen Signature amp features switchable reverb, boost and effects loop, and has a Power level control so you can take it all the way from 100w down to just 0.1w - perfect for getting searing high gain anywhere from a library right up to the biggest stadium you can imagine. A built in valve checker lets you know when to check your amp in for a spot of maintenance, and the YJM100 even features a gate to ensure that even at exceedingly high gain - playing is kept tight.

For modern guitar legends like Yngwie, classic uncomplicated tone is a must - but with the demands of touring, being able to have the technology you need within your amp is invaluable - saving on the time and maintenance of external gear. Marshall have recognised this and combined the best of old and new into the Marshall YJM100.

Only 1500 of these limited edition heads will be produced. We are getting just a small handful so get yours quickly if you don't want to miss out!

Marshall YJM100 Guitarist Magazine Review

"With a little tweaking, the YJM100 delivers some of the best classic Marshall tones we've ever heard."
"Pros: Very authentic classic Marshall tone. The extra features all work superbly. Cons: Could do with more gain on the boost function. The noise gate is a bit choppy at lower levels."
"There's always a danger with signature amplifiers that they end up with odd features making them unusable for the majority of players, but Marshall has steered clear of that here and produced a seriously powerful tool that will work for any player who wants to combine modern flexibility with classic Marshall tone and looks."
"Marshall has delivered once again: the YJM100 is a superlative recreation of the amp that wrote rock guitar history. If you want one, our advice is don't hesitate and order now - this is yet another Marshall destined for future classic status."
"Seriously brilliant 'Plexi' tone, with every extra you could ask for thrown in. Don't hesistate - get your order in now!"

Nick Guppy - Guitarist magazine

Here's what Marshall say about the YJM100 Guitar Head

Created to honour our longstanding relationship with the world famous king of neo-classical shred Yngwie J Malmsteen. Based on Marshall's legendary 1959 model, the UK made YJM100 incorporates not only awesome all-valve tone, but a whole host of modern features including Booster, Noise Gate, FX loop and Marshall's new Electronic Power Attenuation (EPA) technology.

A New Vintage

The archetypal gold front panel offers typical 1959 tonal controls - namely Volume pots for Channels I (High Treble) and II (Normal), a shared EQ section of Bass, Middle and Treble, plus a Presence control. Just like the legendary 100 Watt 'Plexi', these two channels can be jumped together (with induded link cable) if desired. This offers a mix of the tonal characteristics of both channels, which can be adjusted using the volume controls. Internally, the YJM100 also boasts the Plexi's time proven pre and power amp combination; a quad of ECC83s provide the initial front-end tone while the same number of mighty EL34s drive the power stage. The Marshall Major sized head is wrapped in classic black levant which is finished with gold beading, hand-cut corners and vintage script logo. In short, vintage all-valve Marshall tone and style at its best. But there are two sides to the YJM100... literally!

Hidden Features

The rear panel contains a very different set of features which re-creates Yngwie's own outboard equipment, delivering maximum "Malmsteen tone" potential. First up is an onboard Booster function with controls for both Gain and Volume. This essential Yngwie feature operates just like an external stompbox but has been integrated into the YJM100's circuitry at the optimum location for maximum effect..

The Gain control defines how the circuit delivers whilst the separate Volume control allows you to adjust the amount of extra boost desired. The YJM100's high-gain Boost feature is coupled with a sophisticated internal Noise Gate. Governed via the threshold control, this intuitive gate technology reacts dynamically to your style of playing, cutting in quickly during staccato passages and eliminating clipped notes when sustaining. When the Boost function is engaged, the Gate is automatically switched on.

NOTE: Booster and Gate features only available together through Channel I high sensitivity input but can be accessed on Channel II by using the induded link (jump) cable back to Channel I.

A specially voiced studio quality digial Reverb has also been included as Yngwie uses this effect to adapt his sound to different venues. What's more, to satisfy tone-path purists, all the aforementioned rear panel features contain true bypass circuitry, ensuring a pure all-valve signal patti when not in use.

Additional effects can be connected via the YJM100's series FX loop, ideal for inserting pedals, boards and rack units into your YJM rig. All of these functions - Booster, Gate, Reverb and FX Loop - can be accessed via the rear panel and the induded YJM100 Footpedal (PEDL-00046). Both using Marshall's patented Stompware technology, all that is needed to connect the footpedai to the amp is a standard guitar lead.

Power Control

But that s not all, as the YJM100 is one of the first amps to house Marshall's new Electronic Power Attenuation (EPA) technology, delivering awesome valve-driven tone at any volume. It works by modifying the power stage parameters, whilst automatically adjusting the bias circuitry to suit. This makes it possible to reduce 100W of pure valve power to just 0.1 W, yet maintain all the tone you would expect of a fully cranked all-valve Marshall. In addition there is the 50W power reduction switch which when engaged removes two power valves from the circuit, effectively turning the YJM100 into a YJM50. This was specially requested by Yngwie as he often uses 50 Watt Marshall heads to achieve earlier tone breakup. The same EPA technology can be used to adjust the 50 Watt mode output from 50 to 0.05 of a Watt.

The versatility this technology offers means the YJM100 can be used in a variety of different situations - bedroom, pub, studio and stadium.

Self-biasing circuitry ensures optimum performance in every possible location and the valve fault incicator allows you to monitor the YJM100's power amp section. If a power valve develops a problem whilst in 100 Watt mode, the YJMIOO will automatically switch to 50W, making sure that you keep rocking.

Put simply, the Yngwie J Malmsteen Signature Series YJM100 can be thought of as the ultimate 1959 - vintage style and classic Marshall all-valve tone on the front, complemented with intelligent modern day features on the rear. It's a fitting tribute to the man who, since the early 1980s, has inspired a whole generation of shredders and practically created his own rock genre.

Specifications