Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Carr.
Hi Steve, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Carr Amplifiers started back in 1998 with my own personal interest in a better hand wired vacuum tube guitar amp. Initially this was simply something that would suite my needs as a gigging guitarist. As you can imagine, developing that first amplifier took a lot of trial and error. The big step from hobbyist to fledgling manufacturer came with securing the Music Loft of Raleigh as a dealer. After a month they sold our Slant 6V amp to a customer – someone I did not know liked it enough to take a chance on an unknown builder. That was when I though, perhaps I can do this as a job!
Growth from there came in a very slow, organic way – adding new dealers throughout the country. In 2003 we start exporting and now export is 40% of our year!
Carr Amplifiers are hand made using point to point construction – no circuit boards – similar to guitar amps you would see in the 1950s and 60s. We also use vacuum tubes which have never gone out of style with guitar players!
We use as many US made components as possible and do all wiring and cabinet making in house.
You can find more at www.carramps.com
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a small business some days are better than others and we have had them all!
Managing parts, dealer networks, employees, finance, development, plus external bumps like 2008 and Covid.
Luckily our employees are fantastic and we have a product guitarist want.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I collage the best parts of classic guitar amp archetypes from the 1950s thru 80s – adding new twists and more useful features to create guitar amplifiers which inspire guitarist!
Our cabinet design esthetic is inspired by Mid-century styling.
Being able to make beautiful cabinets is a true pleasure.
Carr Amps is one of the very few small guitar amp manufacturers that builds our cabinets in-house.
What does success mean to you?
Success?
Knowing our guitarist customers love and are musically inspired by our amps!
(Plus being able to support our 13 employees and our host of long time vendors.)
Pricing:
- Our amp models range from $1400 thru $3500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carramps.com
