A TRIBUTE TO JIM MARSHALL: The Father of the 4x12 Speaker

James Charles Marshall, affectionately known as "The Father of Loud," was more than just the founder of Marshall Amplification—he was a visionary whose innovations shaped the sound of rock 'n' roll and beyond. Born on July 29, 1923, in Acton, West London, into a family of boxers and music hall performers, Jim's early life was marked by adversity. A little-known fact is that he suffered from tubercular bones as a child, spending much of his youth encased in plaster casts and hospitalized, which deprived him of a formal education. Yet, this hardship fueled his resilience; exempt from World War II service, he turned to music, becoming a skilled drummer and singer. He even built his own portable amplification system for his vocals, foreshadowing his future empire.

THE JOHN HARDY COMPANY: Replacing Jensen Transformers with in-house built models

PRESS RELEASE FROM "THE JOHN HARDY COMPANY"

I am pleased to announce that The John Hardy Company is now manufacturing the model 16C mic input transformer and 11C line output transformer. These transformers are now being used in the M-1, M-2 and Jensen Twin Servo 990 Mic Preamps of The John Hardy Company. The 16C and 11C replace the Jensen JT-16-B and JT-11-BM transformers respectively. The 16C and 11C are built to the exact specifications of the Jensen models.

A TRIBUTE TO DEANE JENSEN: Visionary Genius behind Jensen Transformers

 

Young Deane Jensen

Back in the late 1970’s, if you called the Jensen Transformers business phone number, there was a good chance the man himself, Deane Jensen, would answer the phone. He did not identify himself, it was just a business-like “Jensen Transformers”. And I’d say, “I’m calling about a 21-xyz” and he’d launch into the features, advantages and benefits, no waiting, no looking in a catalog, instant knowledge, right there. He was brilliant for some products he developed but one aspect that is always overlooked; Deane Jensen was a genius marketing guy. If he got your ear, the things he said MADE you want Jensen Transformers.  He was always enlightening and educational in the dozen or so times I got to talk with him. So here is my tribute to the man who made the very best low-distortion, precision audio transformers. 

A TRIBUTE TO ASPEN PITTMAN: Soulful Innovator of Groove Tubes

Aspen Pittman was a visionary whose passion for music and technology left an indelible mark on the audio world. As the founder of Groove Tubes, he didn’t just build a company—he ignited a revolution in sound. Pittman’s pioneering spirit brought tube microphones to the forefront of American musical manufacturing, crafting tools that captured the warmth and soul of music in ways that resonated with artists and engineers alike. His creations, born from a deep love for tone and innovation, became a cornerstone of studios across the globe. 

RIP OZZY OSBORNE, Passing of a legend, age 76

OZZIE in 2010

It is shocking to report that Ozzy has left us. Today he departed the living.

July 5th 2025 was the final Black Sabbath concert, thankfully he was alive to play it. 

We last saw him perform back in 2013 in LA. His voice blew out after about five songs but he soldiered on and completed the show. It was an amazing concert. He was an incredible performer. 

Good bye Iron Man.

RIP Rick Derringer: Mr Rock And Roll Hoochi Koo

Rick Derringer quietly left us on May 26, 2025. I saw him performing at the King Center a few years ago, he was still tearing up the guitar finger board. During that show he played the Edgar Winter classic "Frankenstein" completely on the guitar, including ALL the synthesizer parts. Music stardom has taken so many at young ages, he was only 77 years old. You rock on forever Rick!

MANLEY LABS ACQUIRED

Manley Labs, makers of iconic tube gear like the Massive Passive and one of the most expensive Variable Mu tube compressors, has been acquired in what is described as an all-cash transaction, by entrepreneur and industry veteran Dirk Ulrich, who is best known for iZotope.

A TRIBUTE TO DAVID BLACKMER: Visionary behind DBX, Earthworks and Audio Innovations

In the world of professional audio, few names resonate with the same reverence as David Blackmer (he's the DB in DBX). An engineer, inventor, and relentless pursuer of sonic excellence, Blackmer’s contributions have left an indelible mark on music production and recording. From founding DBX to pioneering groundbreaking technologies like the Blackmer Gain Cell, DBX noise reduction, and iconic compressor/limiter hardware, his legacy continues to shape the sound of modern music. This tribute celebrates Blackmer’s remarkable career, his innovative creations, and the enduring impact of his work.

TRIBUTE TO DAVE SMITH: Synth Pioneer Who Shaped Modern Music

Dave Smith

The world of music lost a titan in 2022 when Dave Smith, the visionary behind Sequential Circuits and a key architect of MIDI, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 72. Known as the "Father of MIDI" and the creator of some of the most iconic synthesizers in history, Smith’s contributions transformed the soundscape of pop, rock, electronic, and film music. His legacy lives on in the lush pads, biting leads, and pulsating basses that continue to inspire musicians worldwide. Beyond his technical brilliance, Smith was a warm, approachable figure who loved connecting with fans and musicians, often seen at NAMM shows enthusiastically demoing his latest creations. This tribute celebrates his groundbreaking innovations, his resilience in reviving Sequential, and the human touch that made him a beloved figure in the music community.

REVIEW: Jim Marshall’s JCM2000 TSL100: The Misunderstood Masterpiece of Tube Tone

Jim Marshall

When you think of Marshall Amplification, you think of Jim Marshall—the "Father of Loud," whose vision gave us the iconic stacks that defined rock ‘n’ roll. From the JTM45 that powered the British Invasion to the JCM800 that roared through the ‘80s, Jim’s legacy is synonymous with pure, tube-driven tone. In 1997, under his watchful eye, Marshall released the JCM2000 TSL100, a 100-watt, all-tube amplifier that marked a triumphant return to the company’s valve roots. Yet, this amp remains one of the most misunderstood in Marshall’s storied catalog—criticized by some players but cherished by those who uncover its magic. 

TRIBUTE TO RUPERT NEVE: Father of the modern mixing console

 Rupert Neve and the Rise of Neve Electronics: A Sonic Revolution (1961–1975)

In the annals of audio engineering, few names resonate as profoundly as Rupert Neve. A visionary British-American engineer, Neve’s innovations in analog recording equipment transformed the music industry, setting standards that remain revered decades later. From humble beginnings in his garage to building a global enterprise, Neve’s journey with Neve Electronics from 1961 to its sale in 1975 is a story of ingenuity, perseverance, and an unrelenting pursuit of sonic excellence.

RIP BRIAN WILSON: Creator of The Beach Boys

A musical innovator has left us, Brian Wilson has passed away. The leader of "The Beach Boys" and a recording innovator -- there is no other way to describe him -- he and his brothers delivered a unique spirit and sound. My earliest recollection of the group was around 1964 when my older brother's band was rehearsing in the basement, they were attempting to do Beach Boys tunes and intermittently playing the records for reference.

RIP BEYERDYNAMIC SOLD! Classic German Microphone Company cashes out

RIP BEYERDYNAMIC

I have had a longterm, ongoing affair with Beyer microphone and headphone products, from the old handheld ribbon vocal mic designs to the classic M88, and even a wild fling with an MC740 back in 1987-88, all the way to their ultra-comfortable headphones. It is with a deep and profound feeling of sadness that I'm reporting that BeyerDynamic, has been sold to a Chinese holding company for 122-million Euros. With so much history and I.P. this sale price seems mighty low. 

REMEMBERING ROGER NICHOLS, A TRIBUTE TO THE ORIGINAL GEAR SLUT

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In the pantheon of audio engineering legends, few shine as brightly—or as irreverently—as Roger Nichols. Before Gearspace, before Gearslutz became the online mecca for equipment obsessives, Nichols was penning his wit and wisdom in the back pages of EQ magazine, a now-defunct publication that once served as a lifeline for studio rats and gearheads. His column, Across the Board, which ran from 1989 to 2002, wasn’t just a technical digest; it was a masterclass in curiosity, humor, and an unapologetic love for the tools of the trade. Nichols didn’t just use gear—he lusted after it, proudly dubbing himself a "gear slut" in an era when the term was still fresh and unbranded. Today, we remember him not just as an engineer for Steely Dan or a producer for John Denver, but as a pioneer whose spirit shaped the way we talk about, and tinker with, the machines that make music.

GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE, DEAD, LONG LIVE THE INTERNET-ONLY VERSION Sept 27, 2024

 I just received the news, after 50 years of looking at Guitar Player Magazine, they notified me they are ceasing their print version. They're going to send me a couple of issues of Guitar World Magazine instead to fulfill my subscription. After that Guitar Player will be an online only publication. Tell me how many of those you've seen that don't suck? For anyone who's been subscribed for the last year the handwriting was on the wall, the magazine is down to a mere pamphlet. 

Good bye Guitar Player, I won't follow you to your new online home. Good luck....me, waiving goodbye.

Randall Smith, the father of Mesa Boogie has left the company

MIXED EMOTIONS - Randall Smith has left Mesa/Boogie

I have been a fan of Randall Smith since the late 1970's. He sold out his company (Mesa Boogie) to the Gibson Family of Brands back in 2021and today, 8/20/24 it was confirmed that he has left the company. 

MARSHALL AMPS CLASSIC BRITISH AMPLIFIER COMPANY HAS BEEN SOLD

Details are slim at this point but Marshall Amplification, the company started by Jim Marshall in the early 1960's has been sold to a Swedish company. Marshall family heirs will hold significant stock.

This sale disturbs me at my core. If Jim Marshall were alive I don't think this would have ever happened. 

I hope this actually turns out to be a good thing but I'm doubtful based on my 63 years of experience with guitar and the music business at large. I suspect that social conditions in the UK are making it ever more difficult to run a profitable company based there. In addition, the family heirs are tired of fighting and running the company.