Jared James Nichols Embraces Marshall Amps: A New Era for the Blues-Rock Virtuoso
Jared James Nichols has officially transitioned from Blackstar to the iconic Marshall brand, and he believes this change has significantly enhanced his musical expression.
This fiery blues-rock guitarist has enjoyed a long-standing connection with Marshall, a legendary amplifier company established in 1962 by Jim Marshall. Known for its powerful sound and rich history, Marshall has been a staple in rock music for decades.
The announcement came during an episode of the No Cover Charge podcast, co-hosted by Nichols and Tyler Larson, also known as Music is Win. This marks the conclusion of a cherished partnership between Nichols and Blackstar, a brand he has been associated with for approximately 15 years.
“I’ve made the switch to Marshall amps,” Nichols shared, with Larson expressing his excitement: “It feels like everything is falling into place!”
Reflecting on his journey, Nichols stated, “for about a year, I began experimenting with various amplifiers, including Fenders, Supros, and even vintage Sunn and EVH models. However, a friend lent me a 1968 plexi, and that was the sound I had been searching for. playing through it made every note resonate more profoundly. It was revitalizing; I could feel my fingers dancing across the fretboard, regardless of the gain I applied. Marshalls embody the essence of rock ’n’ roll and the tone that resonates with me.”
Fans can expect to hear Nichols unleash the power of his Plexi on his upcoming solo album, Louder Than Fate, set to drop on June 5. It seems his Blackstar amps have been completely sidelined in this new chapter.
In a surprising twist, nichols and Blackstar announced his signature amp, the JJN 50, along with its accompanying plugin software in 2024, following a collaboration on a practise amp in 2022. As for whether Nichols will unveil a signature Marshall model, akin to the one created for Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, only time will tell. Regardless, he joins a prestigious roster of Marshall artists.
simultaneously occurring, blackstar has made waves in the mini amp sector with the innovative BEAM Mini, showcasing their commitment to pushing the boundaries of guitar amplification.
