Marshall JFX-1

This is about as simple as it gets. If you've had experience with any of the newer digital processors, this will take 2 seconds to figure out.

'98 PRS Standard 22 into a variety of toys that I've collected over the past couple of years, mainly an RP14d, Line6 DM-4, and a 70s model Fender Bassman. When I plugged this thing in, I couldn't believe how much better the effects sounded compared to the RP14. I'm keeping the RP14 for its decent direct recording abilities (I get some great sounds out of it), but as far as live playing its going to be "out of the loop" (no pun intended). I've got a JMP-1 in the mail, and can't wait to use the two together.

Dunno, haven't had it long enough, but I bought this thing used (VERY used, mind you) from a local guitar shop. It looks like it was sent into a warzone at one point, but seems to have come out intact. Very nice.

Never dealt with them on this subject. I've heard mixed reviews about Marshall support.

I play a lot of Brit metal & classic rock (Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, Led Zep) as well as a little Satriani and the like. The difference in sound between my before and after this thing is astounding. I happened across this thing as a clearance item in one of the big chains, and thought, "Well, maybe it will make a good companion to the JMP-1". They didn't have a power supply for it, so I made them swear that if I didn't like it they'd take it back. THANK GOD I TOOK THE RISK. Sounds wonderful, and at just under $300 was a great alternative to dropping $600 on a MPX1 or what not (which gets very mixed reviews)

The manual is concise, and includes everything you need to know. The unit's menu's are'nt complicated, with very few settings to tweak. It's not overdone like most (actually ALL) effects units I've used. It has the 4 effects I'll ever need to have- flanger, delay, chorus, reverb.

Gretsch Electromatic (Duncan fitted)-> Marshall TSL100-> 1960A cab. The JFX-1 is extremely quiet, and does'nt degrade your guitar's original beautifull tone.

I don't have a backup unit, but I won't need one. Very dependable. I've noticed some reviewers complain about a screeching noise when they turn it on sometimes. I've never had this problem.

Never dealt with customer support.

I play hard rock/metal (think TOOL here, Alice in chains, In flames). The JFX-1 gives me all I need to tweak into my own "sound". I've been playing for 4,5 years now. I use NO other effects. If it gets stolen, I'd definitely buy another (IF available). I like everything about it, but the ONLY problem is- do someone know if you can tap in the delay time with an expression pedal of some sort??? My favourite feature is the quality of sound. You're original tone stays intact. I did compare the product with various other multi-effects models; they were all overdone and offered useless features, and they were all a bit expensive.
If there's anything else I'd add to my rig, it be another cab, and a few extra guitars :)
The JFX brings a whole new dimension to my band (www.jesuschrysler.co.za) and I wish it'd been there from the start.

This has got to be one of the easiest processors to use ever. It has been slightly overlooked here in England in favour of those all-dancing/singing units but little did those people know what they were missing. You can take it out of the box and start having fun immediately. However, should you need it, the manual is very concise and will bring your attention to a few surprises that this little beauty has.
Editing is a breeze as you've only got a couple of pages of parameters to tweak but don't be put off by that - this thing is powerful and all the control you could wish for is there!

I use this in an all Marshall rack set-up (JMP1 preamp,Valvestate 8080 power amp with 2 X Celestion Vintage 30 loaded Mesa Boogie cabs).
My main guitars are a PRS Custom 24 and a Fender Strat with 3 X Gold Lace Sensor pickups. I've been using this set-up for 5 years and the marriage of Marshall products has been fabulous. As both the JMP-1 and JFX-1 have an input knob, you have immense control over your volume and it's also a very quiet unit. You also have control over the amount of effect to direct signal - standard things on units such as these but this one actually works and seeks to retain your original tone/sound and enhance it.
I mainly use combinations of chorus, delay (various) and reverb and the quality and variety of these are great. They do not get in the way of your sound like some units (Alesis Quadraverb). Instead the sound remains both crystal and clear and you could be forgiven for thinking your using a BBE - Really, it's that good. I have been told several times that this unit was made by Marshall using Intellifex spec and components and is supposedly based on it - can anyone confirm this as to my ears it's as good?
I can emulate the sounds of many top guitarists with this (Santana, Robben Ford, Gary Moore, Rolling Stones, Brian May, Andy Summers, The Edge, Steve Lukather, Neal Schon, Pat Metheny, Stevie Ray Vaughan)
and I'm in the process of constructing a website for my settings.
The only effect I feel is missing is that of a dedicated compressor. Whilst you'll find one in the unit, it's part of a parameter for the delay. However, one of the best features this unit has to offer is the Remote Jack. If you use this unit with a non-Midi set up i.e. amp or head, employing this feature will allow you to switch channels on your amp and take along with it the particular effect setting you require - genius. Not many units offer this although I've noted that it's gradually becoming a feature on Korg pedals and TC Electronics G Series stuff. Remember, this unit was made about 8-10 years ago!

Absolutely - 5 years on and no problems. I might change the battery soon just in case but then the unit warns you about that too!
I personally don't have a back up although I've a friend with an identical set-up and so we can rely on each other if need be. He recently dropped his whole rack from about 4 feet and apart from a bent input, the unit worked perfectly.

I haven't had to deal with Marshall but other people have informed me that they are excellent and so I will not give a rating but offer the following. The above friend recently visited their repairs department and not only were staff friendly and informative, they fixed the problem, replaced other components and did a thorough check of his rack for around $50. So impressed was he by the service that he wrote to Jim Marshall and received a personal reply from him within days.

This has been one of the most musically inspiring pieces of guitar gear I have ever owned and there have been many. Other effect units I've owned in the past just get in the way and quash your tone. I have been playing for about 18 years and have many varied tastes and need to play many different styles. I currently play in a function band but I've used this in all sorts of bands from jazz to heavy rock and it works!
I would replace as it's a good unit and you can pick them up used for #150. For this sort of money, quality and flexibility (remember the remote guys)you can't go wrong.

This is one of the easiest rack processors that you will use. The manual is complete and will get you out of any problems you encounter.

I play mostly noise pop and vintage rock (50's 60's and 70's). I own many killer tube amps and several American Fender and Hamer USA guitars. For effects I use mostly fancy (i.e. expensive) boutique pedal effects.

I bought this unit about 4 years ago when I was using mostly rack stuff (JMP-1, Mesa 2/90 etc). I used to own a Rocktron Intellifex and I sold it to raise the cash to move to the Bay Area from Sacramento (this was when they were listing for $1200). When I got to the Bay area I was desperate for some effects to use with my rack amp but I didn't have a lot of cash. Guitar Center was having a big sale and was blowing the JFX-1's out for $200 each. At that price I couldn't turn it down. I'm glad I didn't. The overall sound quality was as good as, and in some cases better than the Intellifex even though it didn't have as many features. The JFX-1 has a similar internal routing as the Intellifex in that your direct signal is split so your entire signal does not go through analog to digital conversion and back again. The JFX-1 seems to have way more headroom than the Intellifex as well so your tone stays big and fat not harsh and grainey.

I no longer use rack preamps and power amps as I use mostly vintage and vintage reissue amps, but for recording or for my amps with effects loops (like my Fender Prosonic) I still find it quite useful. It will even switch amp channels with it's relay switcher.

In the 4+ years that I have owned it, I have not had a single problem with it.

Never had to deal with them about the JFX-1, but when my JMP-1 was having issues, Nick Bowcott at Korg USA took good care of me.

The JFX-1 is no longer being made, but it's a great unit and if you can find one, they're well worth it. Like I said, I bought mine new for $200 (they were about $700 or $800 list) so for me it was a great value. Unlike other rack units I have bought in the past, this one has yet to sound dated. Besides the quality of sound (which is very good) I think that's the best thing you can say about any rack effects unit.

The "NO BULLSHIT" processor!!
Thats right. Doesn't have a lot of useless effects and ton of settings for each one...gets right to the point. You got Chorus, Reverb, and Delay sounds....all you need. Since there is "NO BULLSHIT even without manual after just a few min of playing with it you can create the sounds you want. Since each effect only has a few settings it is simple to adjust your sound.

"NO BULLSHIT" such as over-processed sounds that other processors like Digitech seem to have. Reverb and Delay sound very natural. Chorus sounds very nice for clean tone as well.

There has been "NO BULLSHIT" about problems! Works fine.

Havent dealt with them yet. But im sure they would give me "NO BULLSHIT" in the event that I would need to contact them.

"NO BULLSIT" I would recommend anyone to buy the "NO BULLSHIT" JFX-1 Processor. I play Rock music but this unit is perfect for all types of music. I been playing off and on for about 7 years. This unit works great with my other rack mount units. My rack is as follows. Marshall JMP-1 Processor, Marshall 9200 Power Amp, Dual channel 15 band eq, BBE Sonic Maximizer, Alesis Compressor/Limiter/GateMarshall JCM 900 Lead 1960a 4x12 300W cab, and last but certainly not least...The "NO BULLSHIT" JFX-1 Stereo Processor by Marshall.

Rather easy to program - user friendly. The menus only nest one or two deep, so you needn't be a programmer to operate it. As mentioned on other reviews, the effects are few but well done. Chorus, Reverb, Flange and Delay. They are analog so they retain the beautiful sounds of your old analog pedals.

I use the JFX-1 with the Marshall JMP-1 preamp (the best rock preamp ever made). I have the JFX-1 in the preamp's loop and control effects patches via a midi cable - switch to a different preamp tone and it switches to the appropriate effect. I think the reverb is excellent and the chorus and flange are very good. The delay seems a little weak to me, as another reviewer claimed. Running a stereo rig unleashes the real potential of this item. Overall it provdes several very well done analog effects - the ones you are most likely to use. None of that overprocessed harmonizer/pitch shifter junk here. Just an honest working man's effetcs unit.

Had it 5 years and no problems whatsoever. I would use it on a gig without a backup, but then again effects are the icing, not the cake.

Never dealt with them. Can't say.

I do mostly rock and blues at home. I play a Les paul Standard. I use the JMP/JFX pair through a Marshall tube power amp and a Marshall 4x12 cabinet. I also use the JMP/JFX to record direct using PC mutiltrack recording software - this pair *excels* for this purpose. Overall this is the rig I have been looking for... I don't envision ever getting anyhting else unless this rig is stolen or destroyed

the buttons on the face say it all. EDIT and STORE. it has knobs!!!!! it has has a volume knob on the face, too!!!!!!!

the effects are sparse, but the quality of them is excellent. this is an effects processor for mainly guitar and NOT a guitar preamp. this is a very good thing. it also keeps the original signal analog and adds color to your tone, not mushes them together. i use it for chorus and reverb on the FX loop on my 5150's distortion and chorus, reverb, and delay when i'm clean-this is the way i play my acoustics through it, too.

i did leave it on for about 18 hours once on accident. the time after that it made my speakers pop in and out very rapidly. i promptly retired it for about a week while i made a few calls on repairs. i then tried it out before i took it in to make sure it was bad and it sounded perfect. needless to say, i saved myself some grief. since then no probs. but i am looking for the best MIDI foot controller for it. i want to buy a digitech control 8, but am wondering about the remote switch option. someone let me know something

they told me of two repair shops in "my area". unfortunately one was history and the other one was at least 60 miles away. it was also hard to reach them especially since it went out on a holiday! but after i finally reached them, i informed them i had no manual for it and they mailed me a photocopy of it to me within a week. a major plus.

i play 80's technical metal and i don't really like effects. i believe playing the guitar means you, guitar, and amp. i love my 5150, but was a little dry. i use the jfx-1 for a bit of spice and thats it. i love the fact that it was once a $900 unit and i got it for $150 and if it were stolen i would kill entire clans of people to get it back...or buy an Alesis quadraverb.

G'day Fella's, Jezmond from Australia here. Stoked to have finally found a site where someone will listen to me on about how good the JFX-1 is.
This love affair began three years ago when I stumbled accross Jessica lying in a lonely porn shop. She summoned me with her golden face and simple yet stylish display of goods, $300 later and I have been playing her like the bitch she is for more than three years, she loves it! We play awesone gigs together, travel together ,she watches me get pissed, play hard and then makes me sound better, I even think that she has contributed to me picking up other women, never ever complaint or committment query..........THE VERDICT = JFX-1 ROCKS!!!!
I agree completly with your other reviewers as to it's ease of use, sound quality and customer support. However they seemed to have forgotten to mention it's most outstanging feature.
"THE JFX-1 CAN CHANGE CHANNELS ON YOU MARSHALL HEAD!!!!!!"
Select your effects for a clean sound and heavy sound and program the JFX-1 to change head channels (easy as via midi foot controller, remote on off) PERRRRFFFECT. The only other effects unit I know that can do this is the IntelliFX which costs around three times as much.
No tranny preamps here just a beautiful dual channel JCM900 Marshall Head with glowing valves and timeless tone. I say get a head and buy a JFX-1

soooooooo gooooooooooood

Backup shmack up!
More gig's need JFX's

Never stuffed up, just call Marshall and tell em you've got a JFX and they will growl your bumhole.

For anyone you wants to know I play in an original band in Perth WA called Greenroom. We play melodic hard rock and also do a number of acoustic shows around Western Australia, the JFX is perfect for both/all occasions (even used the JFX playing fingerpicking stuff during a wedding service and then sometime later unfortunatly at a wake).
If stolen I would hunt the smelly dog and interview him around the face and balls.
I love everything about it but hate the fact that it does not have a bypass button on the face.
It helps make music as it is conducive to motivating me to play more...ah the tone mmmmmmmmmmmmmm tone.
Anything I'd like to share ? transistor amps, pissy distortion footpedals, and puffy shirt wearing widdly diddly ponces blow dog.

The JFX-1 is a really good processor for the money. It does not have very many effects, but the ones it does, it does well. It has Chorus, Delay and Reverb. I didn't get a manual with it (I bought it used), so I cannot comment on the manual. Editing patches is simple, hit "Edit", dial in the sound you want and hit "store". It's that easy.
I don't believe the unit can be upgraded.

I use this processor with a Marshall JMP-1 (in my opinion, the best preamp you can buy). My JFX-1 works perfectly, but I have heard reports of some units have a problem with creating a screeching feedback when you turn them on. Mine has never done this a single time, but who knows...
The reverb from this unit is very very nice sounding. Of course you can over do it and ruin the sound, but it sounds good if you take a little time and adjust it just how you want it. The chorus also is very good. Nice and full. The only thing that isn't 100% on the JFX-1 is the delay. Sometimes it doesn't seem to exactly reproduce what you played. It's also weak if you don't pick really hard. The delay is my only gripe about it, and also the only reason why the sound quality gets an 8 instead of 10.

I've never had a single problem with it, but like I said in the sound quality section above, there have been several reports of terrible feedback from this thing. I've never experienced that though.

Never dealt with them.

I play mostly heavy guitar type music. Along the lines of Filter, Tool, old Soundgarden. If this unit were lost or stolen, I don't know, I guess I would buy another one if I found one at a good price.
I'm sure there are processors out there that could do just as good a job and include more effects. I wish it had a better delay and maybe a few more parameters to control all the effects.

I am posting this because I have never seen a review on this product, in this forum. Nor have I ever recieved such awesome responce from so huge a company when I had TROUBLE. But I'm getting ahead of myself. If you own a Marshall JMP-1 preamp there is NO better sounding ,no easier to use, effects unit available, its designed to be used in the effects loop , Only time-based effects(chorus,delay and reverb). the direct signal STAYS analog.the best user-manual i've seen for an effects processor.

I still am amazed every time I bring up the JFX input level knob (from 0) while a chord is sustaining, just to listen to the wall of sound surround me. JMP owners, get one of these if you can!

Here's the problem, I was in SanDiego, at the GuitarCenter, when I saw this unit in the sale rack,(MAY 98),$240.00 , I remember when these units first came out,$899.00, I bought it without even trying it out! when I got home, it worked perfectly, BUT every so often, about every 10th power-up it would come on screaming! with a noise like microphonic feed-back. if you punched it on and off ,over and over it would come up quiet. needless to say this was not acceptable. assuming the unit was used, I sought to repair it myself, no dice. Tried to find someone who was familiar with the unit to repair it, also no dice. When it worked, I loved it! I wanted to get it fixed, My 30 days were up, so I could not return it to the GuitarCenter, BUT I was telling my sales person about it , when he pointed out that, this JFX was NOT used, and in fact, had never been sold,even though it was a 1995 model. He suggested that he call Marshall about a Warrenty Claim. I said "OH sure, warrenty on a unit no longer made!" He insisted, and called. (Thankyou, Jason Fleming)

Marshall said- OK! we'll warrenty it. I could not believe it! they said they would send for my unit FEDEX , and send me a good "C" unit in exchange. They did. BUT can you believe it ,the new unit looked used and came with no power adapter, and to make matters worse, it SCREAMED every time on the power-up, no matter how much I turned it on and off it still SCREAMED. I called Marshall, A great guy named Matt Maiello took my case, He told me that a "C" unit was usually a customer return, but for a dis-continued item, sometimes thats all thats available, BUT that he would see if he could come up with an "A" unit,(NOS). I said thanks! whatever you can do. He did it! they again picked up the 2nd unit, and I recieved a brand new unit , with power adapter, user manual, and warrenty card the first week in Sept. I held off from writing this to allow for problems ,but there have been NONE! I so appreciate this fantastic support, that for my daughters 14th birthday, I bought her a Marshall VS65R amp!

If you own a JMP you need a JFX! I also use a Rocktron Intellifex XL, but its designed to be used on the preamps' outputs, and thats where it is. between the 2 units , the skys the limit!