Ben Porter
Ben Porter
I joined the Sweetwater team in 2009 as a result of my lifelong passion and pursuit of music. I was born in Georgia and grew up in France and the Netherlands. I started playing guitar at age six and became a professional guitarist in my early 20s. Currently, I’m proud to be a “weekend warrior” in two gigging bands, including a band with my wife, both of which allow me to stay abreast of music technology for today’s musicians. Recording my bands on a regular basis also keeps me current with modern recording.
My love for music has led me through various jobs along the way, each one giving me tools that I use to help my clients meet their music and technology goals. In addition to my guitar work, I have toured as a live sound engineer, worked in church sound reinforcement, promoted concerts, assembled and rigged concert systems for the IATSE Stage Hands, and been a rep for an entertainment lighting company.
I love my job, and you’ll find me sporting a big smile and a helpful attitude! I hope to use my experience to help you with all your music and audio needs.
As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, please let me know anytime I can offer help or advice.
(800) 222-4700 ext 1275
E-mail Ben-
Education/Certifications:
Avid, Apogee, SynAudCon Audio & Acoustics for Conference Systems. Indiana University Fort Wayne - Business. Sweetwater University.
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What was your occupation before coming to Sweetwater?
I traveled as a monitor engineer for national bands — arguably the hardest job in the audio industry. This was a fun job that taught me how to multitask and stay calm sidestage during concerts, all skills I use every day at Sweetwater!
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Why did you first apply for a job at Sweetwater?
I was attracted to the idea of working for a top-notch, ethical company in the music industry filled with passionate musicians and quality people. I was very impressed by the LEED Platinum award that Sweetwater’s facility won.
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Technical strengths:
Guitars, pedals, amps, acoustic instruments, recording, and live sound
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Instruments you play:
Acoustic/electric guitars, mandolin, tenor guitar, lap steel, and vocals
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Gear you own:
1929 Martin 0-18, 2012 Martin O-16 w/ Adirondack spruce top, Northfield F5S mandolin, Guild Starfire III, G&L ASAT Special Tele, Fender Strat, Fender Jazzmaster Original ’60s, Supro Coronado, 335, ’60s Univox semi-hollowbody, Gretsch Rat Rod, Snakehead Tele replica, ’20s Harmony tenor f-style, ’50s Supro lap steel.
’64 Fender Champ, ’72 Fender Princeton Reverb, Magnatone Panoramic Stereo, Supro Supreme, ’60s Silvertone 1481, Vox AC10
Pro Tools, Prism Lyra II, Amphion One15 monitors, Heritage 1073, LA-2A, 1176, (2) AEA RPQ500 preamps, and Malone desk
Mics: AEA R84, AEA N22, Ocean Way RM1-B ribbon, Lauten Atlantis, DPA 4099, Miktek PM9 -
Family info:
I am married to the lovely chanteuse Lyndsy, and I am the proud papa to my 15yr-old daughter Jiana, my 7yr-old son Oliver, and my 4yr-old son Rew.
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Other stuff we should know about you (hobbies, talents, interests, etc.):
I love traveling! Favorite spots are:
Aix-en-Provence, France
Paris, France
Positano, Italy
Fez, Morrocco
Dublin, Ireland
Al Ula, Saudi Arabia -
Guilty pleasure of choice:
Dark, dark chocolate — with sea salt. Stinky French cheeses. Cooking — knives and pans.
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What do you enjoy most about being part of the Sweetwater team?
I love all the relationships that have developed since I’ve started at Sweetwater . . . customers, coworkers, and industry friends!
Interview with Ben...
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I have worked in broadcasting/audio production for more than 30 years, and purchased millions of dollars of equipment. I am exceptionally happy with Ben Porter's outstanding customer service. His follow-up, attention to detail, broad industry knowledge, insight, and sincere interest in our institution make buying from Sweetwater a pleasant and productive experience that will continue for a long time.
Bob from Dallas, NC
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Sweetwater is always my first stop when purchasing musical equipment and supplies. My experience with Ben Porter is that he always provides great advice and always in my best interest; he understands the idea of learning what I need versus just trying to sell me something. Sweetwater is superior service, good selection, good prices - I recommend you often.
Kyle from Gilford, NH
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Thank you for the option of using email for giving my comments on how I have been treated by Ben Porter and Sweetwater, feel free to use them. I could not be more impressed and satisfied, Sweetwater is not like typical online stores. We live in Oregon thousands of miles from Indiana but are treated and made to feel like we are dealing with a local music store. Purchasing online is stressful, and clicking the complete button is hard when you're buying an expensive item, but with Sweetwater it is certainly easier because there is an assurance that has been proven that satisfaction is important and will be seen through. One of the reasons I decided to stay with Sweetwater on my last purchase of recording interface and software is the technical support made available even on Saturdays when most of us home musicians have the time to play with our equipment and are most likely to run into an issue. Ben Porter is the BEST, he definitely went the extra 100 miles with me on this last purchase and I am very thankful for the superb assistance and easy access to himself he provided. I have in the past and will continue to recommend Sweetwater to everyone for the online music store of choice. Thank you again to Ben for helping me through my recent purchase, I did not make it easy and he was very gracious with his immediate responses to my communications to him and the end result is the best for me.
Deborah from Dallas, OR
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Excellent service! Ben Porter called personally to tell me my tuner was on its way. I want more free candy! Actually, you have the best prices and service.
Michael from Monterey, CA
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I love the personal touch. Ben Porter called me after my online purchase. A real person who gave me his full name and a direct phone number to reach him again. This is incredibly helpful when dealing with vast customers, especially online. I just love the person to person attention. It sets you apart right there I can discuss what I want and get input and help. From what I've seen, you carry only the best products! You make it easy to do business with you. I feel good afterwards!
Karen from South Deerfield, MA
