We were saddened to learn early today that Jim Marshall, founder, innovator and leader of Marshall Amplification, passed away. Marshall was 88 years old.

Marshall paved the way for amplification, making loud louder and giving rock & roll an essential tool with his range of amplifiers. Known as “The Father of Loud,” Marshall built his first amp in the early 1960s, and would go on to revolutionize the amplification world with the raw, aggressive, fuzzy sound countless rock artists have come to love and rely on over the past 50 years. 

Marshall left an indelible impression on many of us at Taylor, including David Hosler, Taylor’s Director of Repair and Service and designer of the company’s Expression System electronics.  “I’m just one person among the masses of guitar players Jim Marshall affected in his lifetime,” he says.  “I’ve had the privilege of chatting with him privately on numerous occasions, and in each instance, the thing that struck me most was the amazing amounts of raw energy and unbridled enthusiasm he had for his products and brand. It wasn’t a sales pitch; it was the pure passion of a creative designer.”

From the Taylor Guitars family, we thank Jim Marshall for inspiring generations of rockers with his innovative designs, industry foresight and commitment to excellence. We will forever remember him and wish the Marshall family peace during this time.