The iconic Marshall logo is associated with guitars and powerful sound. It has firmly rooted itself in the music industry, becoming synonymous with quality, reliability, and authority. This stylish emblem is well known to fans of such great performers as Muse, Slash, The Who, and Jimi Hendrix.
Marshall: Brand overview
Founded: | 1962 |
Founder: | Jim Marshall |
Headquarters: | Bletchley, Milton Keynes, England |
Website: | marshall.com |
Meaning and History
The Marshall logo was developed in the 1960s when the company began selling amplifiers. Ken Bran and his assistant Dudley Craven assembled the first device inspired by the design of the popular Fender Bassman model. This happened in the fall of 1962, and after some time, mass production of amplifiers began. Early examples (about ten) lacked a logo. The wordmark “Marshall” adorned the front panels at the end of 1962. It looked like a calligraphic inscription depicted with red enamel inside a metal rectangle.
In mid-1964, the appearance of the audio equipment was changed. The logo remained red, but it was on a silver rectangle made of plexiglass. This is a very rare version. A little later, the background became gold, and the letters were repainted black. At the end of 1965, the quadrangular base disappeared, and a white plastic inscription appeared on a gold background. In 1972, the wordmark was first noticed on the pages of an advertising catalog. Now it is widely used on Marshall products such as amplifiers, speakers, and headphones. Additionally, the emblem adorns t-shirts, mugs, and other souvenir merchandise.
What is Marshall?
Marshall is a British manufacturer of guitar amplifiers, portable speakers, headphones, speakers, and other devices related to music. Its products are distinguished by high quality and stylish design. The company started its activities in London in 1962 and quickly penetrated the world of rock and roll, finding fans among lovers of “tube sound.”
1962 – today
Marshall logo is a sleek combination of black and white text penned in a distinct cursive typeface. The carefully designed script, angled to the right and complemented by petite oval components, takes its cue from the journalistic headline styles prevalent in the 1960s. This brand mark, rendered in a seemingly handwritten style, carries an intrinsic connection to the company’s past. For guitarists worldwide, it signifies standards of excellence and sophistication. Today, this iconic symbol is widely recognized and appreciated by musicians and fans alike who cherish the rich sounds delivered by Marshall’s audio equipment.
The choice of the black and white color scheme, typically associated with a classic and timeless aesthetic, speaks to the logo’s appeal. Black, often associated with strength and power, reflects the company’s commitment to delivering strong and powerful sound equipment. In contrast, white is associated with purity and perfection, mirroring the brand’s pursuit of sound clarity and perfection.
The right-sided slope of the letters in the logo signifies dynamism and forward movement, aligning with the brand’s continuous quest for innovation and improvement in its audio equipment. Meanwhile, the font’s resemblance to a personal handwriting style conveys a sense of originality, craftsmanship, and personal touch, further enhancing the brand’s image of providing uniquely crafted sound systems.
Furthermore, the italic script and the slight ovals lend an air of elegance and sophistication to the emblem. This distinguishes it from other logos in the industry and aligns perfectly with the high-end, quality image that the brand aspires to project.
The Marshall logo represents more than just a brand name. It encapsulates the company’s history, commitment to quality and sophistication, and enduring popularity amongst a global audience of musicians and music lovers.
Font and Colors
The italicized inscription has a unique look with characteristic roundings and notches, giving the logo an energetic and dynamic appearance. It became the basis for the Amplify font by Måns Grebäck.
The company name is rendered in black letters on a white background. Such a color scheme is a classic element of Marshall’s identity. It makes the emblem simple and elegant.
Marshall color codes
Black | Hex color: | #000000 |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 0 0 0 | |
CMYK: | 0 0 0 100 | |
Pantone: | PMS Process Black C |