Marshall JH-1 Jackhammer Overdrive & Distortion Pedal, (Used)

The Marshall JH-1 Jackhammer is a powerful and versatile guitar effects pedal combining classic Marshall overdrive with aggressive, high-gain distortion in one robust metal enclosure.

Designed to capture the unmistakable character of Marshall amplification, the Jackhammer delivers everything from crunchy British rock rhythms to heavily saturated distortion and sustaining lead guitar tones.

Featuring two selectable operating modes — Overdrive and Distortion — the JH-1 offers an impressive range of gain sounds suitable for classic rock, hard rock, heavy metal and alternative music.

The Overdrive mode is designed to recreate the dynamic crunch and powerful response associated with traditional Marshall amplifiers, while the Distortion mode provides increased saturation, compression and sustain for heavier playing styles.

One of the pedal's greatest strengths is its extensive EQ section.

Unlike conventional distortion pedals with a single Tone control, the Jackhammer features independent Bass and Treble controls, alongside Marshall's distinctive Contour and Contour Frequency controls.

These allow guitarists to shape the midrange response, moving from thick, punchy rock tones to aggressive scooped sounds.

Combined with the Gain and Volume controls, the Jackhammer offers considerable flexibility for adapting its sound to different guitars, amplifiers and musical styles.

Its heavy-duty metal enclosure, traditional Marshall styling and straightforward footswitch make it a practical choice for rehearsals, recording and live performance.

This particular Marshall JH-1 Jackhammer is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, showing some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

No power supply is included. The pedal can be operated using a suitable regulated 9V DC centre-negative adaptor or a standard 9V battery.

For guitarists seeking powerful British-inspired overdrive and distortion with detailed tonal control, the Marshall Jackhammer remains a compelling choice.

At A Glance

Detail	Information
Brand	Marshall
Model	JH-1 Jackhammer
Effect Type	Overdrive / Distortion
Operating Modes	Overdrive & Distortion
Controls	Gain, Volume, Bass, Treble, Contour, Contour Frequency
Power	9V DC Centre-Negative / 9V Battery
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Power Supply	Not Included

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition

This Marshall JH-1 Jackhammer Overdrive & Distortion Pedal is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

The pedal features its distinctive Marshall metal enclosure, dual-concentric control arrangement and traditional footswitch.

Please study the accompanying product photographs carefully for an accurate assessment of the individual cosmetic condition, including the enclosure, controls, footswitch and connection sockets.

Power Supply Not Included

This pedal is supplied without a power supply.

It can be operated using a regulated 9V DC centre-negative adaptor or a standard 9V PP3 battery.

A compatible isolated pedalboard power supply can also be used.

What's Included

• Marshall JH-1 Jackhammer Overdrive & Distortion Effects Pedal

Not Included: Power Supply.

Key Features

• Classic Marshall Overdrive & Distortion: Two versatile gain modes in one pedal.

• Overdrive Mode: Dynamic, crunchy British amplifier-inspired tones.

• Distortion Mode: Higher-gain saturation with additional compression and sustain.

• Gain Control: Adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion.

• Volume Control: Sets the pedal's output level.

• Independent Bass & Treble: Detailed tonal adjustment.

• Contour Control: Adjusts the amount of midrange scoop.

• Contour Frequency Control: Selects the frequency range affected by the contour circuit.

• Dual-Concentric Controls: Extensive adjustment without an oversized enclosure.

• Classic Rock Crunch: Excellent for traditional British rock sounds.

• High-Gain Distortion: Suitable for hard rock and metal.

• Expressive Lead Tones: Rich saturation and sustain.

• Passive Bypass: Straightforward signal routing when disengaged.

• Heavy-Duty Metal Enclosure: Durable construction.

• Status LED: Clear indication when the effect is active.

• Standard ¼-Inch Input & Output: Easy pedalboard integration.

• 9V Battery Operation: Convenient standalone power option.

• 9V DC Centre-Negative Power: Compatible with suitable pedalboard supplies.

• Very Good Pre-Owned Condition: An attractive alternative to purchasing new.

Why You'll Love It

The Marshall JH-1 Jackhammer delivers the unmistakable character of British rock amplification in a compact and versatile effects pedal.

Its two operating modes make it particularly appealing to guitarists who want both traditional overdrive and heavier distortion without using multiple pedals.

In Overdrive mode, the Jackhammer produces crunchy, responsive tones that work particularly well for classic rock and blues-influenced playing.

Switching to Distortion mode introduces greater saturation and sustain, allowing the pedal to deliver powerful hard rock rhythms and aggressive lead sounds.

The dedicated EQ section is another major attraction.

With independent Bass and Treble controls, players can adjust the low- and high-frequency response to suit their guitar and amplifier.

The Contour circuit provides additional flexibility, allowing the midrange to be shaped for everything from traditional rock crunch to heavily scooped metal tones.

Its robust metal enclosure and traditional Marshall styling complete a pedal that is equally at home in a rehearsal room, recording studio or on stage.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Classic Marshall-Inspired Gain

The JH-1 Jackhammer was developed to offer the powerful overdrive and distortion sounds associated with Marshall amplification. Its responsive gain circuit provides rich harmonic saturation, strong attack and the aggressive character that has helped define decades of rock guitar. Whether used with a clean amplifier or to add further gain to an already driven sound, the Jackhammer offers considerable flexibility.

Overdrive Mode

The Overdrive mode is designed around the dynamic response and crunchy character of traditional Marshall amplifier tones. It offers a broad range of gain, from relatively restrained breakup to powerful rock overdrive. This mode is particularly effective for classic rock rhythm guitar, blues-rock and expressive lead playing.

Distortion Mode

The Distortion mode increases the amount of saturation and compression, producing a heavier sound with greater sustain. This makes it particularly suitable for hard rock, heavy metal and aggressive rhythm guitar. The additional gain allows the pedal to create thick power chords and sustaining lead tones while retaining useful tonal adjustment.

Gain Control

The Gain control adjusts the amount of saturation produced by the selected mode. Lower settings provide a more open, dynamic response, while increasing Gain introduces thicker distortion and longer sustain. Its broad adjustment range allows players to tailor the pedal to different guitars and amplifier setups.

Volume Control

The Volume control adjusts the pedal's output level, allowing the effected signal to be balanced against the bypassed guitar sound. It can also be used to send a stronger signal into an amplifier, depending on the selected gain settings. This makes it useful for both rhythm and lead applications.

Independent Bass Control

The Bass control adjusts the low-frequency response of the pedal. Higher settings create a fuller, heavier sound suitable for rock and metal, while lower settings help tighten the response and improve definition. This is particularly useful when using guitars with higher-output humbuckers or amplifiers that already produce substantial bass.

Independent Treble Control

The Treble control adjusts the high-frequency character, allowing players to move between darker, smoother distortion and brighter, more cutting sounds. It is especially useful for matching the Jackhammer to different guitar pickups and amplifiers.

Marshall Contour Control

One of the Jackhammer's defining features is its Contour control, inspired by the EQ circuitry used in Marshall's Valvestate amplifiers. It adjusts the amount of midrange reduction applied to the guitar signal. At minimum, the contour circuit is bypassed, retaining a more traditional midrange-forward sound. Increasing the control creates a more pronounced scoop for aggressive modern guitar tones.

Contour Frequency Control

The Contour Frequency control adjusts the frequency range affected by the Contour circuit. This allows players to determine which part of the midrange is reduced, creating a wide selection of tonal characteristics. Combined with the Bass and Treble controls, it makes the Jackhammer considerably more flexible than a conventional three-knob distortion pedal.

Dual-Concentric Control Design

The JH-1 uses stacked rotary controls to provide extensive tonal adjustment without requiring a particularly large enclosure. This arrangement makes it possible to incorporate Gain, Volume, Bass, Treble, Contour and Contour Frequency controls into a compact pedal design.

Excellent for Classic Rock

The Overdrive mode is particularly well suited to classic British rock guitar. Its crunchy response and strong midrange character provide an excellent foundation for power chords, expressive rhythm playing and melodic solos. The dedicated EQ controls allow the sound to be tailored to a range of amplifier types.

Powerful for Hard Rock & Metal

Switching to Distortion mode provides the additional gain and compression required for heavier musical styles. The Contour circuit is especially useful for exploring scooped high-gain sounds, while the Bass and Treble controls help maintain the desired balance of low-frequency weight and high-frequency attack.

Expressive Lead Guitar

The Jackhammer's saturation and sustain make it a useful choice for lead guitar. Higher Gain settings create a smooth, compressed response that supports long melodic notes, while the Contour and Treble controls allow players to find a sound that cuts through the mix.

Durable Marshall Metal Construction

The JH-1 features a sturdy metal enclosure designed for regular pedalboard use. Its traditional footswitch, robust controls and standard jack connections provide straightforward operation for rehearsals, recording and live performance.

Who Is It For?

Classic Rock Guitarists: Traditional Marshall-inspired crunch and sustain.

Hard Rock Players: Powerful distortion with detailed tonal adjustment.

Metal Guitarists: High-gain sounds and adjustable midrange scoop.

Blues-Rock Musicians: Responsive overdrive and expressive lead tones.

Marshall Enthusiasts: Familiar British gain character in pedal format.

Recording Guitarists: Two gain modes and flexible EQ for different arrangements.

Pedalboard Enthusiasts: Overdrive and distortion in one versatile unit.

Playing Styles & Applications

The Marshall JH-1 Jackhammer is particularly suited to classic rock, hard rock, heavy metal, blues-rock, punk, alternative and contemporary guitar music.

Its Overdrive mode provides the crunchy response associated with traditional British amplifier sounds.

The Distortion mode offers additional saturation for heavier rhythms and sustaining leads.

The Contour controls allow players to explore different midrange responses, making the pedal particularly effective when matching the sound to different guitars and amplifiers.

How It Compares

Marshall Jackhammer vs Marshall Bluesbreaker Pedal

The Marshall Bluesbreaker focuses on lower-gain, dynamic overdrive inspired by vintage valve amplifiers.

The Jackhammer provides a broader range of gain, including a dedicated high-gain Distortion mode.

Players seeking subtle breakup may prefer the Bluesbreaker, while those wanting aggressive rock and metal sounds may favour the Jackhammer.

Marshall Jackhammer vs Marshall Guv'nor

The Marshall Guv'nor is another classic Marshall distortion pedal, celebrated for its British amplifier-inspired sound.

The Jackhammer expands upon this concept with two selectable gain modes and a more extensive EQ section featuring adjustable Contour and Contour Frequency controls.

This makes the Jackhammer particularly appealing to musicians seeking additional tonal flexibility.

Marshall Jackhammer vs Boss DS-1

The Boss DS-1 is a straightforward distortion pedal featuring Tone, Level and Distortion controls.

The Marshall Jackhammer offers two operating modes and significantly more detailed EQ adjustment.

Players seeking a simple distortion sound may appreciate the DS-1, while those wanting broader gain options and midrange shaping may prefer the JH-1.

Marshall Effects Pedal Heritage

Since its founding in 1962, Marshall has played a defining role in the development of rock guitar amplification.

Its amplifiers helped establish the powerful, harmonically rich sounds associated with generations of influential guitarists.

Alongside its amplifier range, Marshall developed a selection of compact effects pedals designed to capture elements of its distinctive tonal character.

The JH-1 Jackhammer emerged as one of the company's versatile drive pedals, combining traditional overdrive with more aggressive distortion.

Its extensive EQ section, influenced by Marshall's Valvestate amplifier technology, made it particularly interesting to guitarists seeking detailed control over their gain sounds.

The Jackhammer remains a popular pre-owned choice for musicians who appreciate classic Marshall styling and powerful British-inspired distortion.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Guitar Effects Pedal
Brand	Marshall
Model	JH-1 Jackhammer
Effect Type	Overdrive / Distortion
Signal Type	Analogue
Modes	Overdrive, Distortion
Mode Selector	O/D / DIST
Controls	Gain, Volume, Bass, Treble, Contour, Contour Frequency
EQ	Bass, Treble & Adjustable Midrange Contour
Switching	Footswitch On/Off
Bypass	Passive
Indicator	On/Off LED
Input	¼" Mono Jack
Output	¼" Mono Jack
Input Impedance	1MΩ
Recommended Output Load	Under 20kΩ
Power Requirements	9V DC
DC Polarity	Centre-Negative
Current Consumption	13mA
Battery Operation	1 × 9V PP3 Battery
Dimensions	120 × 65 × 55mm
Manufacturer Weight	510g
Enclosure	Metal
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Power Supply	Not Included

Power Requirements

The Marshall JH-1 Jackhammer requires regulated 9V DC centre-negative power.

It can be powered using either a suitable 9V DC adaptor or a standard 9V PP3 battery.

Current Consumption: 13mA.

A compatible isolated pedalboard power supply can also be used, provided it delivers the correct voltage, polarity and sufficient current.

No power supply is included with this pedal.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

The Marshall JH-1 Jackhammer is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking classic Marshall-inspired overdrive and aggressive distortion in one versatile pedal.

Its two selectable gain modes provide everything from traditional British rock crunch to heavily saturated high-gain sounds.

The extensive EQ section is its greatest advantage, offering independent Bass and Treble controls alongside adjustable midrange Contour and Contour Frequency.

This makes the Jackhammer particularly effective for players who want to tailor their distortion to different guitars, amplifiers and musical styles.

Its sturdy metal enclosure and traditional Marshall character complete an appealing pre-owned pedal.

This particular example is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition and is supplied without a power supply.

Best Suited For: Classic rock, hard rock, heavy metal, blues-rock and musicians seeking versatile gain sounds.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Basic overdrive pedals, entry-level distortion pedals and simple amplifier-only gain setups.

Most Commonly Paired With: Marshall, Orange, Blackstar and other rock-oriented amplifiers, noise gates, delay and reverb.

Our Tip: For classic Marshall crunch, select Overdrive mode and begin with the Contour control fully anticlockwise. Increase Gain gradually, then use Bass and Treble to match the pedal to your amplifier. For heavier sounds, switch to Distortion mode and experiment with the Contour circuit.

Showroom Advice: The Jackhammer's Contour section makes a significant difference to its sound. Keep it low for traditional midrange-rich rock tones, or increase it for a more scooped, aggressive response.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a pre-owned Marshall JH-1 Jackhammer from Fair Deal Music provides an opportunity to own a versatile Marshall overdrive and distortion pedal at an attractive alternative to purchasing new.

Our experienced team understands the importance of clear condition descriptions, accurate specifications and transparent information about included accessories.

This particular pedal is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition and is supplied without a power supply.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a pre-owned effects pedal, with its condition and included accessories detailed above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are governed by Fair Deal Music's current terms, with available UK delivery and showroom collection options provided at checkout.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, Fair Deal Music specialises in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals, keyboards and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers find equipment suited to their musical requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including guitar effects pedals, electric guitars, basses, amplifiers and professional audio equipment.

Your existing equipment could help towards the cost of this Marshall JH-1 Jackhammer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Marshall Jackhammer in?

It is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

Does the pedal come with a power supply?

No. A power supply is not included.

Can it run on a battery?

Yes. The JH-1 accepts a standard 9V PP3 battery.

What power supply does it require?

A regulated 9V DC centre-negative adaptor.

How much current does it draw?

13mA.

Is the Marshall Jackhammer an overdrive or distortion pedal?

Both. It features separate Overdrive and Distortion modes.

What is the model number?

JH-1.

What controls does it have?

Gain, Volume, Bass, Treble, Contour and Contour Frequency, plus a Mode selector.

What does Overdrive mode do?

It produces dynamic, crunchy sounds inspired by traditional Marshall amplifier overdrive.

What does Distortion mode do?

It provides higher-gain saturation with increased compression and sustain.

What does the Gain control do?

It adjusts the amount of overdrive or distortion.

What does the Volume control do?

It adjusts the pedal's output level.

What do the Bass and Treble controls do?

They adjust the low- and high-frequency response.

What is the Contour control?

It adjusts the amount of midrange reduction applied to the sound.

What does Contour Frequency do?

It selects the frequency range affected by the Contour circuit.

Can the Contour circuit be bypassed?

Yes. Turning the Contour control fully anticlockwise bypasses the contour section.

Is the Jackhammer suitable for metal?

Yes. Its Distortion mode and adjustable midrange scoop make it particularly suitable for heavier music.

Can it produce classic rock tones?

Yes. Overdrive mode is designed to provide traditional Marshall-inspired crunch.

Does it work with humbucker pickups?

Yes. The Jackhammer can be used with both humbucking and single-coil guitars.

Can it be used with a valve amplifier?

Yes. It works with valve and solid-state amplifiers.

Does it have true bypass?

Marshall describes its bypass arrangement as passive bypass.

Can it be combined with other effects?

Yes. It works with delay, reverb, modulation, noise gates and other gain pedals.

Can I use it with an isolated pedalboard power supply?

Yes, provided the output supplies regulated 9V DC centre-negative power with sufficient current.

Can I part-exchange another pedal towards this Marshall Jackhammer?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers selected effects pedals and other musical equipment for part exchange.