Boutique amplifier is a catch-all descriptor for any type of guitar amplifier, instrument amplifier that is typically hand built with the intention of being much better than the mass-produced variety offered by large companies. In the majority of cases, this is reflected in the price. Sometimes they are ''clones'' of older designs, often with minor improvements or alterations in layout or circuit design; sometimes they are new designs altogether. The boutique term are also used among effect pedals, such as the manufacturer Analog Man.

History

California company Mesa Boogie can lay claim to being perhaps the earliest boutique amp company: their late 1960s Mesa Boogie Mark Series, Mark series, based on the ubiquitous Fender Princeton "study" amp but "hot-rodded", quickly established a reputation for tone and volume, and was used by, among others, Carlos Santana. Since the advent of the boutique amp age, larger companies have released reissues of their classic designs, touting their faithfulness to the original sound and the labor-intensive building process.

Common elements

Some common features of boutique amplifiers include point-to-point construction, point-to-point or turret board construction, heavy-duty chassis, New old stock, NOS vacuum tubes, and high-end electronic parts and speakers.

Notable manufacturers

*Gjika Amplification *Bogner Amplification *Fryette Amplification *Carr Amplifiers *65amps *Matchless Amplifiers *Dumble Amplifiers *Trainwreck Circuits *Carol-Ann Amplifiers *Van Weelden Amplifiers

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Boutique Amplifier Instrument amplifiers

History

Common elements

Notable manufacturers

See also

References