Just wanted to let you all know that I've been helping Fred over at ÷13 amps since May. Here's the deal. I decided to slow down my regular business (I own a custom software development consulting firm), I wanted to find something else to do part time. The idea of doing something totally different, something relating to gear (and a a lot more fun) had quite a bit of appeal. Fred Taccone had moved into my neck of the woods a few years ago and had just expanded into a bigger shop about 10/12 minutes away. I had become pretty friendly with him and really dug his amps from day one and always liked hanging out with Fred. So I asked him if he needed any help. Since May, I have been helping out there from time to time, building chassis for the most part. I'm not an official employee. I guess I'm an offical "helper", heheh, but I don't have regular hours or a schedule per se. I do get paid for my work (hahah...on a good day, I make about half of what I make in one hour of my consulting work) but I don't share in profits or benefit in any way from product sales. If that changes, I'd mention it here, just as I'm mentioning my relationship here now. I wish ÷13 much success, just as I wish it for lots of other small businesses making what I think are great products. Some may question my objectivity about ÷13 products. There's nothing I can do about this except continue to be honest. I've always tried to be ojbective and will continue to be, though I've never been one to do a lot of open bashing of anything here. I still love my Roccaforte, my Ampegs, my Orange, my Tomcat and other amps and will continue to rave about what I dig. But I figured I should make a "full disclosure" about my role over at Fred's shop.
Thanks for being honest. Would be nice to have full disclosure from everyone who raves about a product.
Ahh, tell the truth Leon...you've been designing all of his amps for years and are only now just "coming out" with it.... Just kidding... not many know you as well as I do, so I had to throw that in there for fun... looking forward to the new design you're working on for your own custom amp. Hope it's progressing along like you hope.
I can see Leon's inbox now - "....so Leon, buddy, what kind of deal can you get me...." Good on you for being honest; and enjoy the work man!
Wish I could do the same Leon. I'd love to hang and help at Fred's, Ben's, Skyway Rik's, Andy's etc. I bet you meet some great players and celebs around there too. Lucky Leon!
Well...we've got something more like the LC25 in the works, heheh...as for the "when" part...we gotta get everyone else's stuff done first. Damn that Lenny Kravitz order!!
Lucky you!! Its funny, I am VP soon to be President of a company totally non-music related.....but can relate to what your doing!! Whether it be playing or tinkering I love guitars and amps!! Anyway, you dont have to worry about swaying what people think of his amps....once anyone gets to hear one or play one its all over!!!!
Should that not be called the LCX model The thought of Leon and Fred building amps is actually quite cool.
No Kidding.... You know I think I heard that somewhere.....Wow!! Leon.... That is way cool! Congrads on the new work Environment
I can think of some worse places to work and some worse people to work with/for. From now on...........your name is LL Lucky Leon ! :AOK Now, about getting Forum Members a price break.........hmm.
We know you have a good ear (i.e. Tomcat bass mod) and now you are learning to build with one of the best. Sounds like my future amp will be a Leonc! Seriously, very cool and congrats!
Watch--in ten years people will be taking out a second mortgage on their home to pay for /13s specifically from the Chalnick era, lol. Leon, as you already know, I'm quite envious. Much as I love maintaining Fred's site, I'd love to be getting my hands dirty. You must be learning a ton. peace -jeff
Leon, Great news #1 and great to tell the story. You are no D13 schill as I have never seen any bias towards Fred's amps on your part. In fact nothing but the opposite, raving about ampeg's and orange's. I happen to think Fred is building some of the best amps ever made and I know my old FTR 37 has haunted Guthrie Govan to this day as he loved my amp. Fred is one of the best and I am glad to see you are working with him.
