The UK amp maker has created a fully braille-labelled Duchess MKII V40 Combo for blind guitarist Anthony Ferraro, launching a permanent accessibility initiative.
Victory Amplification has unveiled what it claims is the world’s first fully braille-labelled guitar amp, addressing a significant gap in accessible musical equipment. The special edition Duchess MKII V40 Combo was developed after blind guitarist Anthony Ferraro expressed interest in trying the model late last year.
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During development, Victory identified a notable lack of accessible solutions within the guitar amplifier space and committed to changing that. The resulting amplifier features comprehensive braille labelling across both front and rear control panels, with all braille following international standards for dot spacing, character separation, and height. UV emboss printing exceeds minimum tactile requirements, and when combined with the Duchess MKII’s signature chicken-head control knobs, every setting can be identified and adjusted entirely by touch.
Each braille layout underwent independent review and multiple iterations before final production at Victory’s UK manufacturing facility. The amp was shipped to Ferraro as a surprise in early January 2026, accompanied by a braille-translated letter explaining the project.
Ferraro’s filmed TikTok unboxing surpassed 3 million views within 24 hours. A day later, he shared the video on Instagram, where it has since amassed over 7 million views and 960,000 likes, spreading widely across the global music community.
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On his Instagram, Ferraro wrote: “Being born blind, when I discovered music 14 years ago, playing guitar was the one time I didn’t feel blind… every time I had to ask someone to read the knobs on my amp, it was a reminder. When I received this amplifier, a whole new world of freedom opened for me.”
Permanent accessibility commitment
The project has become a pivotal learning experience for Victory, highlighting the accessibility challenges faced by visually impaired musicians. As a direct result, the company has announced a permanent accessibility initiative. Effective immediately, Victory will offer braille panel options on any amplifier in its current product catalogue as a factory-direct order, at no additional cost, worldwide. A portion of sales will be donated to a UK-based blind charity chosen by Ferraro.
This represents a meaningful shift in how amplifier manufacturers can approach inclusivity. While the music industry has made strides in accessible digital tools and software, hardware—particularly guitar amplifiers—has lagged behind. Victory’s decision to make braille labelling a standard, no-cost option across its entire range sets a new benchmark for the industry.
The initiative reflects Victory’s commitment to inclusivity, craftsmanship, and artist-first design, demonstrating the importance of equipment accessibility.
Head to Victory Amps to explore their range and get in touch.
