Crate amplifiers were once a staple in the music industry, known for their high-quality sound and durability. Many famous musicians, including Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, used Crate amplifiers during their careers. However, in recent years, the brand has seemingly disappeared from the market. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Crate amplifiers, their rise to fame, and what ultimately led to their decline.
A Brief History of Crate Amplifiers
Crate amplifiers were first introduced in the 1970s by St. Louis Music, a company based in Missouri. The company’s founder, Gene Kornblum, had a vision to create high-quality amplifiers that would meet the needs of professional musicians. The first Crate amplifier, the CR-1, was released in 1978 and quickly gained popularity among musicians due to its reliability and tone.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Crate amplifiers continued to gain popularity, with many famous musicians using them on stage and in the studio. The company’s amplifiers were known for their unique tone, which was often described as warm and rich. Crate amplifiers were also known for their durability, with many musicians using them for years without experiencing any major issues.
The Rise of Crate Amplifiers
So, what led to the rise of Crate amplifiers? There are several factors that contributed to the brand’s success.
High-Quality Sound
One of the main reasons Crate amplifiers became so popular was due to their high-quality sound. The company’s amplifiers were known for their unique tone, which was often described as warm and rich. Many musicians praised Crate amplifiers for their ability to produce a wide range of tones, from clean and crisp to distorted and overdriven.
Durability
Another factor that contributed to the success of Crate amplifiers was their durability. The company’s amplifiers were built to last, with many musicians using them for years without experiencing any major issues. This was due in part to the high-quality components used in the amplifiers, as well as the company’s attention to detail during the manufacturing process.
Affordability
Crate amplifiers were also known for their affordability. The company’s amplifiers were priced lower than many other high-end amplifiers on the market, making them accessible to a wider range of musicians. This was especially true for up-and-coming musicians who were just starting out and didn’t have a lot of money to spend on equipment.
The Decline of Crate Amplifiers
Despite their success, Crate amplifiers eventually began to decline in popularity. There are several factors that contributed to this decline.
Increased Competition
One of the main reasons Crate amplifiers declined in popularity was due to increased competition from other amplifier manufacturers. In the 1990s and 2000s, several new amplifier manufacturers emerged, offering high-quality amplifiers at competitive prices. This increased competition made it harder for Crate amplifiers to stand out in the market.
Changes in Music Trends
Another factor that contributed to the decline of Crate amplifiers was changes in music trends. In the 1990s and 2000s, music trends shifted towards more modern and experimental sounds, which often required different types of amplifiers. Crate amplifiers, which were known for their traditional tone, were no longer seen as the best option for many musicians.
Quality Control Issues
In the early 2000s, Crate amplifiers began to experience quality control issues. Some musicians reported experiencing problems with their amplifiers, such as faulty components and poor workmanship. This led to a decline in the brand’s reputation and a loss of customer trust.
What Happened to Crate Amplifiers?
So, what ultimately happened to Crate amplifiers? In 2005, St. Louis Music, the company that owned the Crate brand, was sold to a new owner. The new owner attempted to revive the brand, but was unsuccessful. In 2010, the Crate brand was discontinued, and the company’s assets were sold off.
Today, Crate amplifiers are no longer manufactured, and the brand is largely forgotten. However, many musicians still use and praise Crate amplifiers for their high-quality sound and durability. In fact, many Crate amplifiers are still highly sought after by collectors and musicians, and can sell for thousands of dollars online.
Legacy of Crate Amplifiers
Despite their decline, Crate amplifiers left a lasting legacy in the music industry. Many famous musicians used Crate amplifiers during their careers, and the brand’s amplifiers were known for their high-quality sound and durability.
In addition, Crate amplifiers played a significant role in shaping the sound of many genres of music, including rock, blues, and country. The brand’s amplifiers were known for their unique tone, which was often described as warm and rich.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Crate amplifiers were once a staple in the music industry, known for their high-quality sound and durability. However, due to increased competition, changes in music trends, and quality control issues, the brand eventually declined in popularity. Today, Crate amplifiers are no longer manufactured, but their legacy lives on in the music industry. Many musicians still use and praise Crate amplifiers for their high-quality sound and durability, and the brand’s amplifiers continue to be highly sought after by collectors and musicians.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1978 | The first Crate amplifier, the CR-1, is released. |
| 1980s-1990s | Crate amplifiers gain popularity among musicians due to their high-quality sound and durability. |
| 2005 | St. Louis Music, the company that owns the Crate brand, is sold to a new owner. |
| 2010 | The Crate brand is discontinued, and the company’s assets are sold off. |
Some notable musicians who used Crate amplifiers include:
- Eric Clapton
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
- ZZ Top
- Lynyrd Skynyrd
What were Crate Amplifiers known for?
Crate Amplifiers was a legendary brand known for producing high-quality guitar amplifiers that were popular among musicians in the 1990s and early 2000s. The company was particularly famous for its versatile and reliable amplifiers that could produce a wide range of tones, from clean and crisp to heavily distorted. Many professional musicians, including famous guitarists, used Crate Amplifiers on stage and in the studio.
Crate Amplifiers were also known for their durability and affordability. The company’s products were often priced lower than those of its competitors, making them accessible to musicians who were just starting out or on a budget. Despite their lower price point, Crate Amplifiers were built to last, with many owners reporting that their amps continued to function well even after years of heavy use.
When did Crate Amplifiers rise to fame?
Crate Amplifiers rose to fame in the 1990s, a time when alternative rock and grunge music were dominating the airwaves. The company’s amplifiers were particularly popular among musicians in these genres, who prized their ability to produce heavy, distorted tones. As a result, Crate Amplifiers became a staple of the music scene, with many famous bands and musicians using their products on stage and in the studio.
During this time, Crate Amplifiers expanded its product line to include a wide range of amplifiers, from small practice amps to large, high-wattage models. The company also introduced new features, such as built-in effects and multiple channels, that made its amplifiers even more versatile and appealing to musicians.
What led to the decline of Crate Amplifiers?
The decline of Crate Amplifiers can be attributed to a combination of factors, including increased competition from other amplifier manufacturers and a decline in the popularity of the genres of music that the company’s products were most closely associated with. As the music scene shifted towards other styles, such as pop and electronic music, the demand for Crate Amplifiers’ products decreased.
Additionally, Crate Amplifiers faced financial difficulties, which ultimately led to the company’s demise. In 2012, the company’s parent corporation, LOUD Technologies, filed for bankruptcy and sold off its assets, including the Crate Amplifiers brand. Although the brand has changed hands several times since then, it has never regained its former popularity.
What happened to the Crate Amplifiers brand after it was sold?
After Crate Amplifiers was sold, the brand changed hands several times, with different companies attempting to revive it. However, none of these efforts were successful, and the brand continued to decline in popularity. Today, the Crate Amplifiers brand is owned by a company called Yorkville Sound, which has attempted to revive it by releasing new products and re-releasing classic models.
Despite these efforts, the Crate Amplifiers brand has never regained its former glory. Many musicians who used to swear by the brand have moved on to other manufacturers, and the company’s products are no longer as widely used or respected as they once were.
Are Crate Amplifiers still worth buying?
While Crate Amplifiers are no longer the dominant force they once were, they can still be a good option for musicians who are looking for a reliable and affordable amplifier. Many of the company’s classic models are still highly regarded by musicians and collectors, and can be found for sale on the used market.
However, it’s worth noting that the quality and reliability of Crate Amplifiers can vary depending on the specific model and the company that produced it. Some of the newer models released by Yorkville Sound have received mixed reviews from musicians, who have criticized their tone and build quality.
What is the legacy of Crate Amplifiers?
The legacy of Crate Amplifiers is that of a company that produced high-quality, reliable amplifiers that were popular among musicians in the 1990s and early 2000s. The company’s products played a significant role in shaping the sound of alternative rock and grunge music, and many famous musicians used Crate Amplifiers on stage and in the studio.
Although the company is no longer as prominent as it once was, its legacy lives on in the many musicians who continue to use and praise its products. Crate Amplifiers will always be remembered as a company that produced great-sounding, affordable amplifiers that helped to shape the sound of a generation.
Can I still find Crate Amplifiers for sale?
Yes, it is still possible to find Crate Amplifiers for sale, both new and used. Many music stores and online retailers continue to carry Crate Amplifiers products, including new models released by Yorkville Sound. Additionally, many musicians and collectors buy and sell used Crate Amplifiers on online marketplaces, such as eBay and Craigslist.
However, it’s worth noting that the availability of Crate Amplifiers can vary depending on the specific model and the location. Some models may be harder to find than others, and prices can vary widely depending on the condition and rarity of the amplifier.