The L.A. Amp Show this year marked its 11th anniversary, and show organizer Loni Specter played host to yet another slew of cutting-edge builders and talent October 3 and 4 at the Airtel Hotel, in Van Nuys.
The show kicked off with a performance by former Doors guitarist Robbie Kreiger, and exhibitors included Magnatone, Satellite, Fractal Audio, LsL, Quilter, Blackstar, Electro-Harmonix, Yamaha, and EarthQuaker Devices. On day two, VG contributor Oscar Jordan served as moderator for players’ panel that addressed the topic, “Gear Acquisition Syndrome Versus Creativity.” Panelists included Nili Brosh, Gregg Wright, Pete Thorn, Sin Quirin, and Rafael Moreira, who shared insights and experiences while urging musicians to remember that gear is a means to an end – the object is to compose and perform great music.
Throughout the weekend, notable guitarists and bassists hob-knobbed with builders and consumers. Recognizable faces included Buzz Feiten, Josh Smith, Phil Chen, Thomas Nordegg, and Larry Mitchell.
Photos by Oscar Jordan.
JHS PedalsProduct specialist Andy Winston, jamming at the Yamaha booth.John Pennington, JHS Pedals.Jon Skibic demonstrated pedals in the Electro-Harmonix booth.A few goodies from Boss.EarthQuaker Devices brought its full line of pedals.Brian Campanella, of Antique Electronics/Jensen.Amps in the Vox room.Lance Lerman, president of LSL Instruments.Two offerings from Blackstar Amplifiers.Aaron Martino, product specialist for Boss.Jeremy Juarez, jamming at EarthQuaker Devices.John Sanchez (left) and Rick Skillman, of Celestion Speakers.Product Specialist Any Winston jamming at Yamaha.Steve Conrad (left) and Larry Mitchell at Fractal Audio Systems.
Satellite AmpsSatellite AmpsJairo Skeen (left) and Pat Quilter, of Quilter Performance Amplification.Andy Alt, founder and CEO of A Little Thunder.Richard Goodsell, Goodsell Amplifiers.Guitarist Dana Olsen jamming at Fryette Amplification.Steve Fryette, founder of Fryette Amplification.Fryette AmplificationPretty in purple…… or tweed-tradtional at PRS.Doug Sewell, Senior Amp Designer, PRS Amplifiers (left), with sales manager John Croft.Rafael Moreira unleashes the fury.Show producer Loni Specter.