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From Jim Marshall
Congratulations on purchasing the YJM100, our Signature Series
tribute to one of the most revered and technically gifted guitarists I
have ever known – Yngwie Malmsteen. Over the years I have spent
a lot of time with Yngwie and if there's one thing he demands it's
perfection, which is why it makes me especially proud that the
amplifiers and the speaker cabinets he has chosen to use
throughout his career have always been Marshalls. In fact, the last
time I saw Yngwie perform he was using no less than 20 Marshall
heads and 20 cabinets on stage!
As a way of saying ‘thank you’ to Yngwie for the decades of loyal
support, I put the Marshall team to work on an amplifier that would
offer that distinctive Malmsteen sound, whilst including a host of new
features that the modern guitarist will find very useful. Incredibly, we
have managed to incorporate both Booster and Noise Gate
functions, plus Reverb, an FX loop and an all-new variable output
control making this amp extremely versatile – just like the
man himself.
In addition to delivering classic Marshall tones, we’ve preserved the
look of Yngwie's favourite vintage heads by incorporating all the new
controls and features on the back panel, giving the YJM100 that
familiar 'Plexi' persona.
Working with Yngwie on this project has been a great experience
and a great deal of fun due to his boundless enthusiasm. He has
played a huge part in this amp's development, taking an active
interest in getting the sound, the look and the features just right.
Yngwie’s meticulous attention to detail and his unique guitar sound
have been embedded in the amplifier you now own, so you can rest
assured that your YJM100 has the Malmsteen seal of approval.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success with
your new YJM100 Signature Series amplifier and hope it brings you
many years of playing pleasure. Welcome to the Marshall family.
Yours Sincerely
Dr Jim Marshall OBE
Overview
Introducing the YJM100 Signature Series amplifier, created
to honour our longstanding partnership with neo-classical
rock icon, the Swedish six-string supernova,
Yngwie J. Malmsteen.
There are literally two sides to the YJM100. First, the front
panel offers classic Marshall 1959 tone controls, namely
Volume controls for Channel I and Channel II, a shared EQ
section of Bass, Middle and Treble plus a Presence control
– vintage all-valve Marshall tone and style at its best.
Looking at the rear panel however reveals a very different
set of features, engineered to enhance your playing
experience and deliver maximum tonal potential. The
Booster function does exactly what it says on the tin, with
controls for both Gain and Volume to set your boosted
sound. This feature has been based on Yngwie's favourite
Boost pedal for complete authenticity.
The YJM100 also benefits from a sophisticated Gate
feature, allowing you to tame unruly noise/feedback at high
gain levels. The intuitive Gate circuitry reacts dynamically to
your style of playing, cutting in quickly during staccato
passages while eliminating clipped notes when sustaining.
Specially voiced, studio-quality digital Reverb allows you to
adjust your sound to any acoustic situation or personal
preference, while the series FX Loop caters for any
additional effects you may wish to hook up. All of these
functions can be accessed via the included YJM100
ENGLISH
footpedal (PEDL-00046) and all feature true bypass,
ensuring authentic vintage purity of signal path when these
additional features aren’t being used.
But that's not all, the YJM100 is the first Marshall amp to
house our brand new Electronic Power Attenuation (EPA)
technology, providing great tone at any volume. It works by
electronically modifying the amplifier's power stage
parameters, whilst automatically adjusting the bias circuitry.
This makes it possible to reduce 100 Watts of pure valve
power to just 0.1 Watt, but still maintain all the tone you
would expect of a fully cranked Marshall.
A 50 Watt power reduction switch is also included which
effectively turns the YJM100 into a YJM50, providing a
totally different feel plus output options from 50 Watts to
0.05 Watts, using the same exact attenuation technology.
Furthermore, the YJM100 features self-biasing circuitry,
which can be engaged every time the amplifier is switched
on. It also boasts a Valve Fault system which detects,
indicates and removes from the circuit any faulty output
valve, switching automatically to the spare valve if the
amplifier is being used in 50 Watt mode.
Please take the time to read through the rest of this
handbook for more detailed explanations of the individual
features and also an exclusive interview with the man
himself – Yngwie J. Malmsteen.
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Q&A
“It’s Marshall or
nothing for me!”
Firstly, congratulations on your new Marshall signature amplifier.
How does it feel to have your name on a Marshall?
“I'm very excited and honoured to actually have my name on the very amp
I have used since the very beginning. I can't say enough about my love for
the sound, feel and look of the wall of Marshalls. Since I was 10 years old,
I’ve insisted on having them behind me at all times. Through the years I
must have been approached by virtually every amp company known to
man, and my answer has always been the same...Thanks, but no thanks,
it’s Marshall or nothing for me! To finally have my own signature Marshall
head is an honour and this amp is truly a masterpiece!”
Let’s go back to the beginning; when did you first pick up a guitar
and realise this was the instrument for you?
“I got my first guitar on my 5th birthday and knew there was no turning
back at the age of seven.”
What was the music scene like growing up in Sweden for a budding
guitarist such as yourself?
“The Swedish scene really wasn't happening in the late '70s so it was a bit
slow. When I was 18 I was invited to the US and then it really took off.”
You have a very distinctive sound and unique playing style, who
would you say were your major influences?
“Believe it or not but my biggest influence was and still is classical violin.
When I was 12 I heard Paganini's 24 Capprices and immediately decided
that sound and technique was what I wanted to implement on guitar.”
How do you feel about being labelled a guitar legend?
“It's very flattering, but I keep a good distance from that and I am still
extremely dedicated to perfecting my playing, composing and performing.”
You've had a very long and successful career,do you still have the
same passion for the guitar and for creating music?
“Absolutely! Everyday is an adventure and it's very exciting.”
You're renowned for having a massive backline at your shows,how
many Marshall amps and cabs do you like to use live?
“As many as possible. They say that only two manmade objects can be
seen from outer space...The Great Wall of China and Yngwie Malmsteen's
wall of Marshalls! On my last tour I used 34 heads and 28 4x12 cabs.”
You're very dedicated to vintage Marshalls, have you ever been
tempted to use modern higher gain amps?
“I love the warm, organised distortion and sustain of the vintage models,
but as long as it is a Marshall I will use it.”
The music industry has changed a lot since you began your career,
what do you think is the future of guitar music and what is next for
Yngwie J Malmsteen?
“Lately, the guitar is very hot again. It’s everywhere and that's great. But I
never follow trends, I always do what I like to do. I think the audience will
always appreciate great music and great playing, I don't think that will
ever change.”
You've been heavily involved with theYJM100s development, what
was it like working with the Marshall team and what can guitarists
expect from this signature Marshall amplifier?
“It is a pure joy to work so closely with everyone at Marshall and be so
involved in designing this amazing amp. Once you plug into this amp you'll
be blown away with the screaming sound and versatility it's got. I couldn't
imagine a more complete amp! Vintage look and sound, with incredible
versatility and features.
“The built-in, footswitchable Booster is instrumental for sustain and fluidity
in lead work. When you add gain though, you also get noise into the
bargain but that is eliminated by the Gate the amp has. The built-in Reverb
allows you to add ambience in a dry sounding room and when you don't
want to break down walls the Attenuator means you can turn it
down some.
“When I play live I always use a 100 Watt head and a 50 Watt head at the
same time. 50 Watts has a creamy, fluid and warm sound while 100 Watts
is very hard and aggressive. So, for me, the ultimate sound is one 100W
with a 50W hooked up together. The result is simply massive! That is why
you cannot just buy one YJM100!!”
Front Panel
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YJM Front Panel Features
IMPORTANT: READ BEFORE POWERING UP
Before powering up your Marshall amplifier you must ensure that
an appropriate loudspeaker cabinet(s) or dummy load is
connected to the correct impedance loudspeaker jack on the rear
panel. Failure to do this could result in serious damage being
caused to your amplifier. Always use an un-shielded loudspeaker
cable to connect an amplifier to a loudspeaker cabinet, never use
a screened (shielded) guitar cable.
When powering up the amplifier always engage the Power Switch
(1) first to allow the power valves to warm-up, we would also
recommend setting all volume controls to zero. After about two
minutes the power valves will be at their correct operating
temperature and the Standby Switch (2) can be engaged. To
prolong valve life, the Standby Switch alone should be used to
turn the amplifier on and off during breaks in a performance.
Always allow the amp to cool down before moving.
1. POWER SWITCH
On / Off Switch for mains power to the amplifier. Please ensure
the amplifier is switched off and unplugged from the mains
electricity supply before you move it.
2. STANDBY SWITCH
The Standby Switch is used in conjunction with the Power Switch
(1) to ‘warm up’ the amplifier before use and to prolong the life of
the output valves.
3. INDICATOR
This indicates that power is being supplied to the amplifier. It will
illuminate when the Power Switch (1) is engaged.
Equalisation
Note: The tone network is highly interactive; altering one control
affects the behaviour of the others. Because of this,
experimentation is the best way to achieve your desired sound. A
good place to start is to set all EQ controls to half and adjust from
there. If you are looking for a particular tone it is important to bear
in mind that your choice of guitar plays an important role as well.
4. PRESENCE CONTROL
This control adjusts the power amplifier's high frequency
response, making your tone more cutting and 'present'.
5. BASS CONTROL
Controls the amount of low frequencies (bottom end) in your
tone.
6. MIDDLE CONTROL
This controls the all-important mids. Turning this up will make
your guitar sound fatter. Conversely, reducing the amount of
middle in your tone will result in a sharper, cutting ‘scooped’ tone.
7. TREBLE CONTROL
Controls the high frequencies (top end) in your tone.
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Channel Volume Controls
8. VOLUME I – HIGH TREBLE CHANNEL
Controls the overall output level of Channel 1.
9. VOLUME II – NORMAL CHANNEL
Controls the overall output level of Channel 2.
Guitar Inputs
The two channel design of the YJM100 amplifier is based on the
traditional Marshall Super Lead of the 1970s and as such is
equipped with 4 guitar inputs (two per channel). Each input
provides a different performance attribute. The upper inputs are
normal sensitivity inputs with the lower inputs being a lower
sensitivity version of the same channel. Any input can be used
and is a matter of personal taste.
Traditionally designed to accommodate different guitar signal
levels, these inputs can be put to another use – linking (aka
jumping) the channels. Because the guitar signal is present at
both channel inputs it is possible to connect the un-used channel
input to the opposite sensitivity jack of the other channel (see
diagram). This provides a mix of the tonal characteristics of both
channels, which can be controlled by adjusting the volume pots.
Important Booster Note: If linking the channels, at least one
of the inputs must be the normal sensitivity input of Channel I if
the Booster or gate (rear panel, features 2 and 3) are to be used.
10. INPUT JACK
Connects your guitar to the normal sensitivity input of Channel I.
11. INPUT JACK
Connects your guitar to the low sensitivity input of Channel I.
12. INPUT JACK
Connects your guitar to the normal sensitivity input of Channel II.
13. INPUT JACK
Connects your guitar to the low sensitivity input of Channel II.
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Rear Panel
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YJM Rear Panel Features
1. LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUTS
Warning! Never use the amplifier without a speaker or dummy
load attached! There are 5 loudspeaker outputs available on the
rear panel. They are labelled according to the intended
impedances:
4Ω: connect a single 4 Ohm guitar cabinet or two 8 ohm guitar
cabinets.
8Ω: connect a single 8 Ohm guitar cabinet or two 16 ohm guitar
cabinets.
16Ω: connect any 16 Ohm guitar cabinet to this jack.
Warning: Although the YJM100 amplifier has 5 loudspeaker
outputs, never attempt to connect more loudspeaker cabinets
than rated. The safe combinations are 1x16 Ohm, 1x8 Ohm, 1x4
Ohm, 2x16 Ohm or 2x8 Ohm. Any other configuration may
stress the power amplifier section and in extreme cases may
lead to valve and/or output transformer failure.
2. BOOSTER
This engages the onboard Booster feature, an essential item
required by Yngwie for some of his playing styles. The YJM100
Booster functions in much the same way as a traditional
stompbox, except this has been integrated into the optimum
location of the amplifier's circuit for maximum effect. When the
Booster circuit is engaged, the light on the rear panel switch will
be illuminated. The Gain control defines how much pre-amp
gain the circuit delivers whilst the separate Volume control
allows you to adjust the amount of 'boost' required. The Booster
can also be activated via the YJM100's included Footcontroller.
Note: When engaged, the Boost function will automatically turn
on the Gate feature.
3. GATE
Yngwie Malmsteen's playing style demands that all unwanted
noise or feedback during performances is removed. Due to the
high gain characteristics of the YJM100 amplifier (especially with
the booster circuit engaged) it is essential that a high quality
noise gate is used. The onboard Gate in the YJM100 is an
expander which progressively attenuates the signal, following its
dynamics. The Threshold control has a program dependent
decay ratio allowing very slow decay times for slowly moving
guitar signals, thus maintaining the natural sustain, and very fast
decays for staccato rhythms and short pauses. Adjust the
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Threshold knob to control the point where the noise reduction
begins to work, making sure you are not picking up hum from
the amplifier or other equipment, as this may result in a setting
higher than needed. The Gate function can be activated using
either the rear panel switch or the included YJM100
Footcontroller.
4. REVERB
For decades now, Yngwie has used reverb to counteract the
problems of playing in spaces which are acoustically dry and it's
for this reason that we have included this feature. The amount of
this studio quality, digital reverb is adjusted via the Level control
and can be engaged from either the rear panel or using the
YJM100 Footcontroller. The light on the Reverb switch
illuminates to indicate active status.
5. POWER 50W SELECT SWITCH
The YJM100 has been designed to be used in a variety of
environments, and one feature that makes this possible is the
choice of either 50W or 100W operation. Activating this feature
removes 2 of the power valves from the circuit, effectively
creating a 'YJM50', and allows you to drive the power amp to its
full potential at 50 Watts.
6. VALVE FAULT
Like any high performance machine, parts such as valves wear
out over time. It is essential that these all-important components
are working properly and that's where the Valve Fault indicator
becomes useful. This system allows you to monitor the
YJM100's power amp and clearly indicates any faulty valve.
Also, if a valve develops a problem, the amplifier will
automatically remove the faulty valve from the circuit and, if the
amplifier is in 50W mode, will automatically switch to the spare
valve ensuring continuous operation.
7. BIAS SETTING
The Bias setting of an amplifier ensures correct operation. To set
the bias level of your amplifier press and hold both the 50W
power mode switch and FX Loop switch while powering up the
amplifier. Setting the bias of an amplifier is not something that
needs to be done everyday, however, having the correct bias will
prolong the life of your valves and ensure your amplifier
functions properly.
The desired biasing current can be selected by turning the trim
control located to the right of the Valve Fault indicator LEDs
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before activating the bias procedure. Possible values range
between 20mA and 50mA with every mark representing 3mA.
Since there is not a ‘perfect’ bias setting, we recommend values
between 30mA and 40mA.
The chart on page 33 can be used as a guide for setting bias
levels for the YJM100
If you are unsure on how to properly bias an amplifier we
suggest you speak to your authorised Marshall Amplification
dealer who will be able to advise you.
8. POWER ATTENUATION LEVEL
This control provides access to the YJM100's Electronic Power
Attenuation (EPA) feature. The internal attenuator allows you to
adjust the overall output volume of the amplifier whilst retaining
all of your tone. This works by electronically reducing the
voltages to components within the amplifier instead of placing
resistive loads in the circuitry. Output of between 100% and
0.1% can be achieved, so depending on the Power mode
selected it is possible to reduce this 100 Watt all-valve amplifier
down to just 0.05 Watts, making it ideal for both stadium and
home use!
9. FX LOOP SECTION
The YJM100 is equipped with a series FX Loop which can be
accessed via the rear panel or the supplied Footcontroller.
Connect your external FX input to the SEND jack, and the FX
output to the RETURN jack.
10. FOOTCONTROLLER
The supplied YJM100 Footcontroller (PEDL-00046) engages
four of the aforementioned features – BOOSTER, GATE,
REVERB and FX LOOP. Please refer to the relevant sections of
this handbook for an explanation of the operation of these.
This Footcontroller has been designed using Marshall
Amplification's patented STOMPWARE® Technology, allowing
you to connect to the amp using a standard 1/4" jack mono
guitar cable.
11. MAINS INPUT
Your amplifier is provided with a detachable mains (power) lead,
which is connected here. The specific mains input voltage rating
that your amplifier has been built for is indicated on the rear
panel.
Warning: Before going any further, make sure your amplifier is
compatible with your electrical supply. If you have any doubt,
please get help from a qualified technician – your Marshall
dealer can help you in this respect.
The correct value of mains fuse is specified on the rear panel of
the amplifier. NEVER attempt to bypass the fuse or fit one of the
incorrect value.
Technical Specification
Power Output - 100WRMS
Weight - 24 kg
Size - 740mm x 285mm x 280mm
* EUROPE ONLY - Note: This equipment has been
tested and found to comply with the requirements of the EMC
Directive (Environments E1, E2 and E3 EN 55103-1/2) and the
Low Voltage Directive in the E.U.
EUROPE ONLY - Note: The Peak Inrush current for the
YJM100 is 38A amps.
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Block diagram
50
47
44
41
38
36
32
29
26
23
20
50
47
44
41
38
36
32
29
26
23
20
Very hot, overloaded Hot, not recommended Recommended Cold Very cold
Bias Current (mA) EL34, 6L6, 5881, KT66, KT77
Presence
Reverb
Reverb
V7
V8:2
V8:I
Low
Input II
High
V5:2 Volume II
Input II
Low
Input I
Input I
High
Booster
Mains Voltage Europe 200v 210v 220v 230v 240v 250v 260v
Mains Voltage US/Canada 104v 110v 115v 120v 125v 130v 136v
Mains Voltage Japan 87v 91v 96v 100v 104v 109v 113v
Bias Current (mA) KT88, KT90, 6550
V5:1 Volume 3
50w
V2
8
16
VI
V6 Bass Mid Treble
Threshold
Gate
Send Return
FX Loop
Bias HT
Self Bias
Bias
V4
V3
4
32
Gate Sense
Mains Voltage Europe 200v 210v 220v 230v 240v 250v 260v
Mains Voltage US/Canada 104v 110v 115v 120v 125v 130v 136v
Mains Voltage Japan 87v 91v 96v 100v 104v 109v 113v
Channel Jumping
Guitar
Volume IIVolume I
Gate and booster used in channel I and II
Volume IIVolume I
Channel II not boosted
Boost On
Inputs I Inputs II
Boost On
Inputs I Inputs II
Channel I boosted
Guitar
Volume IIVolume I
Turn channel I volume to 0 to use booster and gate in channel II
Guitar
Volume IIVolume I
Turn channel I volume to 0 to use gate in channel II
Boost On
Inputs I Inputs II
Boost Off
Inputs I Inputs II
Guitar
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Marshall Amplification plc
Denbigh Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK1 1DQ, England
Tel : +44 (0)1908 375411 Fax : +44 (0)1908 376118
www.marshallamps.com
Whilst the information contained herein is correct at the time of publication, due to our policy of constant improvement
and development, Marshall Amplification plc reserve the right to alter specifications without prior notice.
BOOK-00096-00 / 3 / 2011
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