Posted by Don Mackrill on Fri, Aug 20, 2010 @ 06:24 AM
Effective immediately, Mack Amps boutique guitar amplifiers are available only at www.MackAmps.com.
Until now, Mack amps were sold via its own web site and several online and storefront dealers.
"Exclusively selling direct to guitarists means we can reduce our prices," said Mack Amps founder Don Mackrill. "That's important because enabling as many guitarists as possible to own a boutique amp is what Mack is all about."
Mack's new direct selling strategy takes full advantage of the company's very low overhead costs that had only a limited effect on pricing when selling through dealers.
"Mack has great relationships with some excellent dealers," Mackrill said. "However, we could no longer ignore how much selling direct would benefit our customers."
Plus, selling direct fits perfectly with why Mack Amps was created in 2005.
"I've never been able to justify the high price of traditional boutique guitar amplifiers, so I started Mack to make boutique amps that are as affordable as possible," added Mackrill. "By selling direct, Mack Amps has taken a big step closer to reaching that goal."
Located near Toronto, where all manufacturing takes place, Mack Amps offers three model lines: the Gem, Heatseeker and Skyraider.
All Mack amps feature hand made quality and great tone. The result is a loyal and growing following of guitarists who love their Mack amps.
Check out Mack Amps NEW direct pricing...
Posted by Don Mackrill on Fri, Aug 20, 2010 @ 06:12 AM
Warren Greig has just released a new video showcasing him and pianist Dan Eisen.
The professional video was shot during a gig at Toronto's Le Commensal.
Warren played through his Mack Amps Skyraider SR-15 that was close mic'ed.
Check out Warren Greig's Mack Endorsing Artist page and his web site.
Warren uses a Skyraider SR-15 boutique guitar amp.
Posted by Don Mackrill on Sun, Aug 01, 2010 @ 10:32 AM
Last month, I published a survey that asked questions about the state of electric guitar tone as it is today vs. what I called the “golden age” of rock and roll.
The results were conclusive and interesting!
In general, the majority of the over 120 survey respondents believe that the electric guitar world was a better place in the 60’s and 70’s.
Posted by Don Mackrill on Sat, Jul 10, 2010 @ 07:27 PM
Check out the latest photos from Val Halla's summer tour opening for Ted Nugent!! As you'll see they feature both Val Halla and herHeatseeker HS-18 and 1x12CB.
These photos were shot by Michael Lowe at a recent gig.
Check out the new Val Halla photos HERE and HERE!
Posted by Don Mackrill on Fri, Jul 09, 2010 @ 05:31 AM
Is electric guitar tone better now than it was in rock’s ‘golden age’ in the 60’s and 70’s?A recent article titled “Is It Tougher To Get Good Tone Now Vs. Then?” on Jay Kumar’s fantastic Woody Tone site explores that very question.Quoted from the article, guitarist and producer Dave Cobb, who recently recorded a new album with Black Robot, believes that “Everything was better back then.” Says Dave: “The guitars were American-made and made at the height of American craftsmanship, the Marshalls were made with quality parts, and you had quality players – you couldn’t record a record unless you had a high level of ability. Plus studios had the best mics in the world, they had good consoles and tape. Now we might have more stuff available, but it’s not as high-quality.”Jay goes on to ponder the current state of electric guitar gear and whether it is actually more difficult to get what he calls “a convincing, old-school rock tone” than it was when Page, Clapton and Beck were young.So, here’s the deal! I thought I would ask what you think about this topic...First, read Jay’s article. Then click on the link below to take a quick four question survey and tell me what YOU think!CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE “BETTER NOW OR THEN?” SURVEY!I’ll share the results in a post next week!!Cheers!Don Mackrill - Don@MackAmps.comPS: Check out another article on Woody Tone: “Mack of Mack Amps on EL84s and Tone Controls”. In this two part interview I explain why I like EL84s, how the Heatseeker line of amps came about and why I don’t like TMB tone stacks!!PPS: Join the Mack Amps mailing list and take advantage of the current Member’s-Only discount on Heatseeker HS-18 and Skyraider SR-15 boutique amps!
Posted by Don Mackrill on Sat, Jul 03, 2010 @ 06:41 AM

Guitar, check. Amp, check. Cables, check. Effects, check. You've got all the gear necessary to get a great sound on stage. Aside from the guitar player's skill, why do some sound better than others?
We'll look at a few aspects of getting a good live sound. While this article is mostly aimed at those of us who have don't have much or any stage experience, there may be something of interest here for almost anyone.
Check out how to improve your live guitar sound...
Posted by Don Mackrill on Sat, Jun 05, 2010 @ 07:51 AM
Check out YFE's new promotional video and see photos of their mind blowing home/recording studio/live venue/church! Yes, church!
The band recently purchased an unused church and converted it into a super cool musical wonderland where they live, create, record and perform live.
Learn more...
YFE's Sef with his Mack Skyraider SR-30 guitar amp
Posted by Don Mackrill on Tue, Jun 01, 2010 @ 11:36 AM
Mack Amps is very pleased to welcome Kyle Robson and Corban Calhoun to the Mack family of Endorsing Artists.
Kyle and Corban are the co-lead guitarists for the Christian Alternative Rock band Altar'd.
The band has toured tirelessly for five years all across the United States from South Carolina to California and nearly everywhere in between, building friendships and a fan base by putting on an explosive live rock show and bringing the presence of God through intense worship.
Learn more about Kyle, Corban and Altar'd...