"Those amps are part of the DNA of rock music": Jared James Nichols Shares Why Joining Marshall Means So Much

"It truly means a great deal to become part of that family," says the acclaimed blues guitarist.

Blues-rock guitarist Jared James Nichols has opened up about officially joining Marshall as an endorsed artist, following last month's announcement that he had ended his long-standing partnership with Blackstar.

Throughout his years with Blackstar, Nichols collaborated on several signature amplifier models and became one of the company's best-known artists. Now he begins a new chapter with Marshall, a brand widely regarded as one of the defining names in rock guitar amplification for generations.

"I've always connected Marshall with the sound that first inspired me to pick up a guitar," says Jared James Nichols.

"Those amplifiers are woven into the DNA of rock music itself. Becoming part of that legendary family honestly means a tremendous amount to me."

The feeling is clearly mutual from Marshall's side.

"Jared represents everything we value in a Marshall artist—expression, power, and an authentic connection with the guitar," explains Hugh Gilmartin, Marshall's Artist Relations & Marketing Manager.

"His approach to tone and live performance perfectly reflects the spirit that has driven Marshall for more than sixty years."

Speaking recently with Tyler Larson on the Music Is Win channel, Nichols revealed that his search for a new amplifier setup actually began about a year ago when he started experimenting with different equipment.

"I began expanding my rig with various amplifiers about a year ago. I tried just about everything—Fender, Supro, vintage Sunn amps, and even some EVH models," he recalled (via Guitar World).

"But then a friend loaned me a 1968 Marshall Plexi indefinitely, and the moment I plugged into it, I knew that was the sound I'd been looking for."

According to Nichols, the experience fundamentally changed the way he played.

"As soon as I started using it, it felt like every single note mattered even more. It completely refreshed my playing. No matter how much gain I added, I could still clearly feel every movement of my fingers. To me, Marshall is the heartbeat of rock and roll, and it's the sound I've always loved."

The announcement of Nichols' partnership with Marshall comes shortly after the release of his newest studio album, Louder Than Fate, with portions of the record having been tracked at Foo Fighters' renowned Studio 606 in Los Angeles.