John Frusciante’s Marshall JMP Major 200W (Model 1967)

John used a Marshall JMP Major 200W as his main amp during the By the Way and Stadium Arcadium eras, both in the studio and on stage. It was typically paired with a Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555. Before this, the Major 200W was likely John’s primary amp during the Californication tour (not the studio sessions), where it was used alongside a Marshall Silver Jubilee and a Fender Dual Showman.

Not the Studio amp on Californication

John mentioned using an old ’65 Marshall during the Californication sessions, which rules out the Major 200W, as it was first introduced in 1967. He was likely referring to his 1965 Marshall JTM-45.

I used a real old ’65 Marshall. I also used a 200-watt bass head that I used on Blood Sugar – I use a bass head and a guitar head at the same time; that’s how I play. I had a good sound for this album, but Louie [the band’s right-hand man] doesn’t want me to take the heads on tour because he thinks they’ll break.

Guitar One (USA), September 1999

It seems John acquired the 200W Major only after the Californication recording was completed. Comparing photos from the Slane Castle concert in 2003 with earlier ones from 2000 suggests it’s the same amp. This implies that the 200W Major became one of John’s main amps as soon as he got it and remained part of his setup for years.

However, it’s still possible the Major was used to some extent on Californication, as a photo from that period shows it in the same room as his JTM-45, a Marshall Super Bass, and a Fender Showman.

Studio Amp on By the Way and Stadium Arcadium

The 200W Major was definitely used in the studio on both By the Way and Stadium Arcadium. This is supported by Rick Rubin, who confirmed the Major was part of the setup during the By the Way sessions.

Frusciante’s amplifier rig included a 200-watt Marshall Major and a 100-watt Marshall Super Bass, one of which he usually ran in a stereo setup with a Fender Showman Blackface guitar amp pushing the Marshall.

Rick Rubin: In the Studio

John also mentioned the amp as late as 2009, further indicating that it was used on Stadium Arcadium.

In the Chili Peppers, I always have a Marshall Major, Marshall Jubilee, and my old Fender Stratocasters.

Vintage Guitar (USA), April 2009

Amp Signal Routing via Boss CE-1

John’s stereo amp setup was achieved using a Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble pedal. The CE-1 has two outputs: one for the chorus effect and one for the direct signal. He utilized these outputs to split his guitar signal, sending it simultaneously to both the Marshall Major and the Silver Jubilee. This configuration allowed him to blend the tones to his liking.

The CE-1’s preamp section itself also contributed to his tone, making it one of the most important pedals in John’s rig.

Speaker Cabinets

John used six Marshall 4×12 cabinets: two each for the Marshall Major, Silver Jubilee, and (sometimes) Fender Dual Showman. These cabinets were typically loaded with Celestion G12T-75 speakers.

Amp Settings

Please note that the settings for John’s Marshall Major 200W are approximate, as he never really published his exact settings.

• Presence: 5–6
• Bass: 8
• Middle: 5
• Treble: 6–7
• Volume I: 7–9