One of the most respected amp designers of all time has passed. He is responsible for some of the most incredible tones to have ever been produced.
Mark Samson who designed the Matchless, Bad Cat, and Star amplifiers, among others, passed away last Thursday. He had been suffering with heart problems for a while and was too stubborn to take it easy. He had recently reconnected with Bad Cat to design an anniversary edition of their most iconic amp.
My brother was very good friends with him and had just seen him last week. He was a humble, generous, and kind man.
I'll never forget marveling at the tone that the guitarist for Toad the Wet Sprocket was getting during one of their shows. A single Matchless with their iconic backlit name plaque producing this incredible sound. It was a magic moment for me.
