Pignose

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Pignose-Gorilla, commonly known as Pignose, is a manufacturer of guitar amplifiers, specifically portable, battery operable amplifiers.

[edit] Legendary 7-100

The Pignose amp, now known as the "Legendary 7-100", is a battery-powered, 5-watt portable amplifier with one 5" speaker. It was invented by Richard Edlund and Wayne Kimbell in 1969. The Pignose weighs just five pounds and with buttons for a guitar strap, it is considered the first portable electric guitar amplifier. The "legend" was established when the inventors gave 65 prototypes (with flexible rubber Pignose volume knobs) to some of the most famous musicians and guitarists of the era, including Keith Richards, George Harrison, Warren Zevon, Paul Butterfield, and well known studio musicians. The lead guitarist of the rock band, Chicago, Terry Kath, was given one which led to a partnership with the group and its management team in 1972. The first production Pignose amps debuted at the '73 NAMM Convention in Chicago. The original Pignose 7-100 is still in production and is used primarily as a practice amp and sometimes as a studio amp due to its excellent tone. In 1985, Pignose Industries was acquired by Howard Chatt and is now called Pignose-Gorilla.

The 7-100 has a few notable features, the first being the buttons to fit a guitar strap to it. This was the original intention of the Pignose, to make an electric as portable as possible. It is powered by six AA batteries or an optional AC adapter and weighs between five and six pounds (2.27-2.72 kg). Another feature is the hinged case design, allowing the user not only to store objects like the cable and strap inside the amp, but also to open the case slightly to alter the sound to their preference. If a friend is around, they can also open and close the case for an improvised wah effect. A feature for the more serious musician is the preamp output jack on the rear, allowing it to be connected to a larger amp for use as a distortion box.

[edit] Other products

In addition to the original Pignose 7-100, the company offers two other battery-powered portable models: the Hog 20 with 20 watts, and Hog 30 with 30 watts, as well as standard amplifiers, both solid-state and tube-based.

[edit] External links

Pignose Amps

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