A Boutique Massachusetts Amplifier Manufacturer Is Making Major Waves
What do Jeff Ament from Pearl Jam, Joe Bonamassa, Mark Tremonti, Clay Cook from Zac Brown Band, Robert Randolph, Ben Harper and Zach Myers from Shinedown all have in common? They all rock Amplified Nation amplifiers. This boutique Massachusetts amplifier manufacturer is making waves with their innovative designs.
Amplified Nation founder, Taylor Cox has literally built a business out of his backyard. His concept was born out of a pure passion for sound and music gear. What started as a passion project significantly increased in volume lately. Cox puts an authentic and quality touch to each construct. The aesthetic is unique as well. The amps often catch your eye before your ears with their vintage yet vibrant look.
Now, after almost 14 years, Cox cranking with Amplified Nation in Hudson, MA. Top touring musicians have sought them out. Cox and his team hold a few onsite events where bands like The Elovaters (from the South Shore) will perform. Furthermore, their internal team is growing. There’s plans to take their custom built cabinetry, boutique guitar amplifiers, and effects pedals to even more stages in 2023.
I recently had the chance to connect with Cox. Here, takes us inside his journey of building the sound of his dreams.
photo courtesy of Amplified Nation.
When did Amplified Nation start, and what made you decide to do this full time?
Amplified Nation started back in 2009 as a hobby business, working out of a one bedroom apartment in Medford, MA I lived in with my wife. I was stripping and re-tolexing amps and speaker cabinets for bands and musicians around Boston. It was always a dream to have a full-time amplifier business, but it was hard to imagine it being possible. Through the next 9-10 years of learning everything from woodworking to working with electricity, we designed a lineup of amplifiers, and built Amplified Nation into a brand name. In 2020, the income from Amplified Nation became more than my full-time job. I then quit to focus on the business. In the past two years we have rented commercial space, hired employees, and scaled the business 3-4x.
What is your background in music?
After playing guitar very actively since I was 12, I got really passionate about high end guitar gear in my 20’s. I used to buy and sell guitars and amps (so I could try different instruments) and occasionally I would make a profit. I found that making money with something I was passionate about became an addiction. I’ve learned basically everything I know about electricity and vacuum tube circuits from library books, online research, and trial and error. I learned CAD design from YouTube videos, and most of my soldering skills and the ability to construct a bombproof amplifier came from experience. One of the biggest challenges was teaching these skills to my employees, which has also been incredibly rewarding.
Do you now build everything out of the space on your property?
I started the business in my two-car garage, but now we have a 4000sq foot commercial space in Hudson, MA with a showroom, office space, and a warehouse all here on site. It’s been beneficial having the space needed to store speakers and cabinets, and of course have my team work here. The separation – getting the business away from the house, has been great for being more present when I’m working, and when I’m not.
photo courtesy of Amplified Nation.
How have you connected with the mainstream artists that now rock your gear on stage?
I’ve been able to connect with a lot of great players through the years; I’ve even sold amps to some of my favorite bands. In some cases, I have had artists contact me directly through seeing ads online, or even Reverb.com listings. I have made great connections by referrals or connecting directly with artists through social media. One of the biggest reasons we have been privileged to work with some legendary players is our reputation for integrity and the quality our products are known for. My wife Alyson has been an important part of the strategy around artist relations and keeping us grounded.
Can you name a few artists that are now using your gear?
We have had the pleasure of working with Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam), Joe Bonamassa, Mark Tremonti, Clay Cook (Zac Brown Band), Robert Randolph, Ben Harper, Zach Myers and many others. We are always looking for more YouTube influencers and partners to help promote the brand.
To learn more about the Massachusetts Amplifier Manufacturer Making Waves visit AmplifiedNation.com
photo courtesy of Amplified Nation.
