Gibson announces acquisition of Mesa/Boogie
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06.01.2021

Gibson announces acquisition of Mesa/Boogie

Words by Will Brewster

Two icons are joining forces.

In a move that’s shocked many within the industry, Gibson has today announced the acquisition of Mesa/Boogie, bringing the long-standing amplifier name into their bulging portfolio of music brands.

Dubbed as the original ’boutique’ amplifier company, Mesa/Boogie was founded 51 years ago by Randall Smith, with the builder going on to forge an illustrious reputation in the guitar world for his impressive high-gain amp circuits and technical ingenuity.

After beginning building amplifiers in a converted dog kennel in Northern California, Smith’s work under Mesa/Boogie would go on to play an undisputed role in the evolution of high-gain amplification, with models such as the Dual Rectifier and Mark I becoming staples among hard rock, alternative and metal guitarists.

Despite selling the brand, Randall Smith has declared his intentions to remain working with Mesa/Boogie, and will also function as the master builder for Gibson’s upcoming Custom Shop Amplifier range.

 

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“I’m 75 years-old and still at work every day. This is my art and many of our crew have worked along my side for 30 to 40 years,” Smith said in a statement released today.

“As we witnessed JC and Cesar transform Gibson, we saw kindred spirits sharing common values and a fierce dedication to quality. Today, Gibson’s guitars are the best-ever and when they asked if we’d like to become Gibson’s Custom Shop for Amplifiers, we envisioned a perfect collaboration that would expand our outreach while preserving our legacy beyond my time.

“Gibson realizes the unique value of what we’ve all built together and this next chapter in the Mesa/Boogie story is a continuation of that dream. I am so fortunate for this partnership with the new Gibson after 50 years of doing what I love. It’s been the ride of my life . . . and it ain’t over yet!”

James ‘JC’ Curleigh, President and CEO of Gibson Brands, also lauded the acquisition of Mesa/Boogie and praised Smith’s talents in a statement to the press, expressing his excitement at the prospects that lay ahead for both brands.

“At Gibson we are all about leveraging our iconic past and leaning into the innovative future, a quest that started over 100 years ago with our founder Orville Gibson.

“Today this quest continues with the addition of Mesa Boogie into the Gibson Brands family, along with the visionary leadership of Randy Smith and his Team who, for the past 50 years, have created an iconic and innovative brand that has stood the test of time.

“This is a perfect partnership based on our collective professional experiences and passion for sound”.

Read more about the purchase of Mesa/Boogie via Gibson’s website.