THE ORIGINAL METALHEAD HIGH-GAIN MARSHALL MOD
The Original MetalHead Gain Modification Is Back
The MetalHead high-gain Marshall mod is my original modification developed at MetalHead Electronics in North Hollywood, California.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, guitar players wanted more gain, longer sustain, and a tighter sound from their Marshall amplifiers. Most relied on distortion or overdrive pedals to push their amplifiers harder.
I wanted to get that sound directly from the amplifier itself.
I developed the original MetalHead Gain Modification by adding tube gain stages and changing the Marshall preamp circuit. The result was an amplifier with much more gain, sustain, and control while keeping the feel and response of a real tube amp.
Today, I am offering my original high-gain Marshall modification again, personally installed and tested by me at MetalHead Electronics.
ORDER THE ORIGINAL METALHEAD GAIN MODIFICATION
The original MetalHead Electronics high-gain modification is available for compatible Marshall amplifiers.
1. Contact me before ordering. Tell me your Marshall model, year if known, and whether it has been modified before. I will confirm compatibility and any additional work needed. Some four-input Marshall models need a JCM800-style conversion before the gain modification.
2. Order after confirmation. Once I approve your amplifier, use the Add to Cart button below. If you need return shipping, you can add it from the Marshall Modifications Catalog.
3. Arrange shipping or drop-off. I will send shipping instructions or arrange an appointment. Do not ship or bring your amplifier before receiving instructions.
CONTACT ELAN TO CONFIRM YOUR AMP
Already confirmed? You can order here:
Original price was: $499.00.$275.00Current price is: $275.00.Add to cart
WHO USED THE METALHEAD ELECTRONICS MODIFICATIONS?
My North Hollywood shop became known among Los Angeles guitar players and touring musicians for its high-gain Marshall modifications.
Over the years, I worked with musicians and bands including:
- Dino Cazares, Fear Factory
- Tom Morello, Rage Against the Machine
- Ian Crichton, Saga
- Butch Walker, SouthGang
- Armored Saint
- Ernie C, Body Count
- Randy Piper, W.A.S.P.
- Tracii Guns, L.A. Guns
- Kelle Rhoads Band
THE FEAR FACTORY CONNECTION
One of the best-known examples of my work is the Marshall JCM800 2203 I modified for Dino Cazares of Fear Factory.
I modified the preamp section and installed my custom high-gain noise reduction circuitry.
That Marshall became part of Dino’s early Fear Factory recording rig and helped produce the tight, aggressive sound heard on those early recordings.
WHAT DOES THE ORIGINAL METALHEAD GAIN MODIFICATION DO?
The MetalHead high-gain Marshall mod isn’t simply about adding more distortion.
THE DISTORTION COMES FROM THE AMPLIFIER ITSELF.
Instead of relying on a pedal to push the amplifier harder, I add tube gain stages directly into the Marshall preamp circuit.
The additional gain stages produce more saturation, longer sustain, and rich harmonics.
The modification also provides additional gain controls, giving the player more control over the amount and character of the distortion.
The goal is to get the heavy sound from the amplifier while maintaining the dynamics and response of a tube circuit.
WHY PLAYERS STILL WANT THE METALHEAD SOUND
Only a limited number of original MetalHead Electronics-modified amplifiers came out of my North Hollywood workshop.
Decades later, players and collectors still search for these amplifiers.
What makes the modification special is the way the guitar, tubes, and Marshall preamp respond together. The gain comes from the amplifier itself instead of an external distortion pedal.
HEAR THE ORIGINAL METALHEAD GAIN MODIFICATION
Here is a real customer playing Fear Factory riffs through his 1988 Marshall JCM800 2203, modified by Elan Memran at MetalHead Electronics.
He is using a Gibson SG Custom straight into the amplifier, with no overdrive or boost pedals. The recording was made using a laptop microphone.
HOW TO GET YOUR MARSHALL MODIFIED
All original MetalHead Electronics modifications are personally performed and tested by me, Elan Memran.
You have two options:
- Ship your amplifier to MetalHead Electronics.
- Bring your amplifier in personally.
First, contact me to confirm your amplifier is compatible. Once approved, place your order. I will then provide shipping instructions or arrange a drop-off appointment. Please do not send your amplifier before receiving instructions.
Most modifications take approximately 2–4 weeks after I receive the amplifier, depending on the work and current workload. Shipping time is not included.
NEW EXTERNAL METALHEAD ELECTRONICS MOD SYSTEM
I am also developing an external version of my original high-gain circuit for compatible Marshall amplifiers.
Unlike the original internal modification, the external version uses an adapter connected through the amplifier’s existing preamp tube sockets.
- Connects through existing preamp tube sockets
- No drilling
- No permanent soldering
- External and removable
- Preserves the original amplifier circuitry
- Built-in noise gate
- Model-specific versions
The system can be removed and the original preamp tubes reinstalled to return the amplifier to its original configuration.
Beta Testing: Registration is currently open. The system is undergoing final development and testing before beta units are offered to selected participants.
MARSHALL AMPLIFIER MODELS
MetalHead Electronics offers original internal modifications for compatible Marshall amplifiers. The exact modification depends on the model and its circuitry.
Models to discuss include:
- Plexi / Super Lead / JMP
- JTM45 / Bluesbreaker
- JCM800, 2203 / 2204
- JCM900 / Silver Jubilee
- Origin Series
Please confirm compatibility directly with MetalHead Electronics before ordering.
MORE EQUIPMENT BY ELAN MEMRAN
THE ORIGINAL METALHEAD GAIN MODIFICATION IS BACK
Get the original MetalHead Electronics high-gain Marshall modification, personally installed and tested by Elan Memran.
Please contact me to confirm compatibility before ordering or shipping your amplifier. If I have already approved your amplifier, you can order below.
Original price was: $499.00.$275.00Current price is: $275.00.Add to cart