musical-instruments-manufacturers

"Boss amplifiers (as a division of the Roland company) have been celebrated for their cutting-edge technology and exceptional sound quality ever since the company introduced the groundbreaking Roland JC-120 combo and ultra-portable Cube amps of the mid-late 1970s. While Boss was previously the guitar effects arm of the company and is still arguably the most prominent builder of effect pedals to this day, it has also become the dominant branch of amplifier research and development. With a focus on innovation and reliability, Boss amps are often used by musicians with diverse requirements."

"Although Vox typically conjures up images of ‘60s pop and retro jangle, plenty of raunchy blues tones on Brian Jones-era Rolling Stones records came courtesy of an AC15, while an AC30 in combination with a Dallas Rangemaster treble booster was the mainstay of Rory Gallagher’s fiery signature sound."

"[Line 6's] amplifiers allow musicians to easily emulate various tones and effects, making them among the most versatile options for guitarists, as it's equivalent to owning a whole array of classic amps and effects in a single compact unit."

"[Line 6's] products have to be heard to be believed, and as anyone who has dialed up the "Cliffs of Dover," "Bohemian Rhapsody," or "Money for Nothing" patches will attest, Line 6 turns mimicry into an art form."

"With real-world functionality like native software, digital connectivity, DAW compatibility, and stompbox-style effect units, Line 6 leaves no stone unturned in its quest to satisfy its large user base. While some brands could be accused of resting on their laurels on the back of their heritage and reputation, Line 6 continues to be a trailblazer that helped kickstart the amp modeling revolution."

"Leo Fender was to modern musical instruments what Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison were to electrical engineering. As a true pioneer, he reimagined the electric guitar with models like the Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Precision Bass, created the Fender Rhodes electric piano, and put his name to some of the best guitar amplifiers ever invented."

"One early proponent of [Randall] Smith's work [in manufacturing guitar amplifiers] was counterculture legend Carlos Santana, a relationship that endures to this day. Anyone who has heard [Carlos] Santana's singing sustains and harmonically-rich driven tone will be familiar with the sound of a Mesa/Boogie amplifier. However, these are far from a one-trick pony. They are renowned for their exceptional build quality and rich sounds that cover a broad sonic spectrum. That helped to set a new standard in the world of high-gain amplification, originally saturated by British brands."

"Mesa/Boogies do tend to be rather bewildering in both their variety and complexity - and are often misunderstood."

"Laney amplifiers are known for their powerful and clear sound. While the company may be less well known, as compared to the likes of its compatriots Orange and Marshall, it may come as a surprise that this competitor has been around since 1967 and is one of the earliest brands to contribute to the British sound."

"With an emphasis on clarity, Laney amplifiers appeal to various musicians across a broad range of musical styles. They've gained popularity for their durability and value, making them a solid choice for gigging players, and the range embraces tube technology to generate warm, smooth tones, often with multiple channel switching options. They ably tread the line between classic and contemporary styling and technology and even offer a range of nifty boutique effect pedals to help you get the most out of your amplifier. Not only does Laney provide some impressive sound quality, but it is also one of the most visually appealing brands that offers more than a nod to the effortlessly cool styles of yesteryear."

"Peavey Bandit amps have long been famous for their reliability, with many owners reporting them lasting decades thanks to their outstanding build quality."

"Peavey amplifiers are respected for their durability and affordability, offering reliable performance across different musical genres. They've been a longstanding choice for musicians seeking quality gear without breaking the bank, and as a result, they are among the most popular choices by educational institutions the world over. One thing that appears to be lacking with Peavey amps is a definitive aesthetic across its range, and its logo looks a little dated, suggesting that the brand, as a whole, could use an overhaul. [...] While Peavey amplifiers are undoubtedly well-made and sound good, there's no denying that they are niche, and there's a limited range. [...] but it does offer some of the best value models among the big-name manufacturers."

"The Blackstar range combines classic looks with contemporary features. [...] Blackstar has built one of the most extensive product lines in its relatively short existence, and it offers something for everyone, from compact acoustic amps to bass rigs to 100-watt stacks. It may not have the heritage of established brands like Marshall and Fender or offer the boutique components of Hughes and Kettner or Mesa/Boogie, but as far as bang for your buck is concerned, this is a brand that deserves consideration."

"By the early 1970s, Orange amplifiers were making waves with their distinctive vintage aesthetic, rugged design, and iconic British tone. They've since earned a strong reputation among rock and indie players, not just in their native U.K. but all over the world, helped by famous proponents including Stevie Wonder and Jimmy Page. [...] Across its comprehensive range of guitar and bass amps, Orange is consistent in its hand-built quality and vintage style that endears it to its legions of fans. While the brand is undoubtedly successful, you get the feeling that each product is made with care as a bespoke piece of electrical engineering that is relatively simple in its construction but highly effective in its performance."

"Orange guitar amps are the most distinctive in the business, by both sight and sound."

"Vox amplifiers are synonymous with the British Invasion sound and are favored for their distinct tone and retro appearance. They are recognizable for their gold trim, lattice tweed speaker cloth, and white piping, and the brand has made significant contributions to rock and pop music, as used by the likes of Queen's Brian May, U2's The Edge, and members of Foo Fighters, to name a few."

"What makes Marshall so admired is its consistency in tonal quality and build quality across its extensive range."

"Whilst the 808's place in history is undisputed, it's worth noting that several other drum machines drove early hip hop and house music, notably the E-mu SP1200, Oberheim DMX, and others, and though these are held in esteem, none ever became household names in the same way. Clearly there's something about the way these Roland machines sounded. As ever, there's something about Roland!"

"The role of ARP in the development of synthesis is of great importance, as it provided a very different colour palette to that being created by Moog. Some aficionados actually went further, commenting that the ARP oscillators were far more stable at holding pitch. Harsh words, but forgotten pretty quickly in the same year, when Moog released the synthesizer that would go on to become the most revered and coveted machine of them all; The Minimoog."

"Any amp company that puts out models with names like Ecstasy, Uberschall, and Shiva is wearing its high-gain heart on its sleeve, and Bogner goes all-in and then some where heavy rocking is concerned. [...] From the start, the company was known for stacking up searing gain stages to suit the needs of shred maniacs and heavy rockers, and the above-named amps fit the bill to a "T.""

"Like several names among the boutique crowd, Dave Friedman established his reputation by modifying and hot-rodding amps, particularly Marshalls, and had several prominent clients (Steve Stevens and Edward Van Halen among them) before establishing his own line of ground-up amp designs. As you might expect, Friedman’s offerings therefore follow a generally Marshall-inspired theme, often incorporating as standard equipment the modifications that he added to original amps for more than 25 years."

"From its humble beginnings in 1960s London to providing the backline for some of the world's loudest performances, Marshall amplifiers have become iconic in the music world and are renowned for their powerful sound and instantly recognizable design. Ever since a young Pete Townshend asked Jim Marshall to place two 4x12 cabinets on top of each other, the Marshall stack has been much imitated, especially after a certain guitarist named Jimi Hendrix also adopted the trend. Marshall amplifiers have since shaped the rock and metal genres, leaving an indelible mark on musical history."

"I believe it was something people were discovering all over London. These big amps that Marshall were turning out — you couldn't stop the guitars feeding back!"

"Players have been chasing "that Gretsch sound" for decades, and frankly, they'll be pursuing it for many more to come. The high-end piercing sparkle, bellowing mid-range, and rich, warm lows culminate in a tone that has more than stood the test of time. [...] These large-bodied, Bigsby-clad guitars will instantly transport you back to a simpler time with their charming good looks, fantastic playability, and retro-inspired tones. Gretsch has become a staple of both country and rockabilly, with their stylish hollowbody guitars laying down the foundations on which the rest of the music is built."

"Yamaha is a towering presence in the musical instrument game. From pianos to ukuleles, keyboards, drum kits and guitars, it's possible to kit out your entire band with Yamaha products. Yamaha began producing guitars in 1966 and since then has gone on to become one of the most trusted names in the industry - especially among beginners."