THE ORIGINAL METALHEAD HIGH-GAIN MARSHALL MOD
The Legendary MetalHead High-Gain Sound Is Back
The MetalHead high-gain Marshall mod is my original modification developed in North Hollywood, California. It gives your Marshall amplifier more gain, longer sustain, and a tighter response without depending on distortion pedals.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, guitar players wanted more gain, more sustain, and a tighter sound from their Marshall amplifiers.
I developed the MetalHead Marshall High Gain Modification to get that sound directly from the amplifier, without having to depend on a distortion pedal.
By modifying the Marshall preamp circuit and adding tube gain stages, I was able to turn a classic Marshall into a much higher-gain amplifier while keeping the sound and feel of a real tube amp.
Today, I am offering the original MetalHead high-gain Marshall mod again, personally installed and tested by me at MetalHead Electronics.
WHO USED THE METALHEAD HIGH-GAIN MARSHALL MOD?
Back in North Hollywood, MetalHead Electronics became known among Los Angeles guitar players for 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 high-gain noise reduction circuitry.
That Marshall became part of Dino’s early Fear Factory recording rig and helped produce the tight, aggressive high-gain sound heard on those early recordings.
WHAT DOES THE METALHEAD HIGH-GAIN MARSHALL MOD DO?
The MetalHead modification is about more than just adding distortion.
THE DISTORTION COMES FROM THE AMPLIFIER ITSELF.
Instead of using a pedal to push the amplifier harder, the modification increases the available tube gain inside the Marshall preamp circuit.
You get more gain, sustain, and saturation while keeping the response and character of a tube amplifier.
The MetalHead high-gain Marshall mod was developed for guitar players who want powerful distortion directly from their tube amplifier.
WHY PLAYERS STILL WANT THE METALHEAD SOUND
Only a limited number of original MetalHead-modified amplifiers came out of my North Hollywood shop.
Decades later, players still talk about those amplifiers and the sound they produced.
For me, the important part has always been the connection between the guitar player, the tubes, and the amplifier. The gain comes from the Marshall itself.
THE ORIGINAL METALHEAD MOD IS BACK
I am once again offering my original MetalHead High Gain Modification for compatible Marshall amplifiers.
Every modification is personally performed and tested by me at MetalHead Electronics.
You can ship your amplifier to me or bring it in person. After ordering, I will provide shipping instructions or arrange a drop-off time.
NEW EXTERNAL METALHEAD MOD SYSTEM
I have also developed a removable external version of the MetalHead high-gain circuit for compatible Marshall amplifiers.
The External MetalHead Mod connects through the amplifier’s existing preamp tube sockets using a model-specific adapter.
- Connects through existing preamp tube sockets
- No permanent drilling
- No permanent soldering
- External and removable
- Preserves the original amplifier circuitry
- Built-in MetalHead noise gate
The system can be removed and the original tubes reinstalled to return the amplifier to its original configuration.
MARSHALL MODELS
MetalHead modifications are offered for a range of classic and modern Marshall amplifiers. The exact modification depends on the model.
- Plexi / Super Lead / JMP
- JTM45 / Bluesbreaker
- JCM800, 2203 / 2204
- JCM900 / Silver Jubilee
- JVM1 / Origin Series
Please contact me to confirm which modification is suitable for your amplifier.
MORE EQUIPMENT BY ELAN MEMRAN
GET THE METALHEAD HIGH-GAIN SOUND
Whether you want the original internal MetalHead modification or the new removable External MetalHead Mod, I can help you choose the right option for your Marshall.
METALHEAD ELECTRONICS
Original Marshall Mods • External Marshall Mod • Tube Amp Repair