Bob Furlong
Bob Furlong
I’ve been involved in audio recording and live sound production for over 20 years, and I draw from a wide variety of musical experiences to help customers every day. I played keyboards in a touring R&B band in the ’80s and drummed for a major-label rock band in the ’90s. These days, I play a fair amount of guitar in my own studio. Recording-wise, I got my start recording four-track cassette demos and eventually found myself mixing in world-class facilities such as Eastcote Studios in London.
At Sweetwater, we make it a full-time job to stay up-to-date on the latest musical technology. Regardless of your goals in music or audio, my aim is to help you make the most of your equipment dollar. Even if you’ve got it all figured out in terms of what gear to buy, I’m here to make sure that everything goes smoothly with your order, that you are kept informed in the case of special orders or items that are not in stock, and that you are happy after you receive the gear.
If you need advice or recommendations, then I’m always glad to help.
As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, please let me know anytime I can offer help or advice.
(800) 222-4700 ext 1326
E-mail Bob-
Education/Certifications:
I started here in 2008 with three months in Sweetwater U, and we all receive weekly training on the latest gear from the people who build it. In addition to technical certifications from Apogee, Avid, and SSL (among others), I have a BS in poli sci and a master’s in education.
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Where are you from originally?
I was born in California, but I grew up in Delaware.
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Why did you first apply for a job at Sweetwater?
I enjoy learning about and using musical gear. I also enjoy talking with fellow musicians and engineers and helping them to make their musical visions real. It seemed like a cool way to make a living and build up my home studio at the same time. It is!
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Instruments you play:
Drums. I can play keyboards (learned piano first), and I enjoy playing guitar and bass. But I’m best at drums, and I’ve been in a period of renewed focus on the drums for the past five years or so. That is likely to continue.
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Family info:
My lovely wife, Ann, is a woodwinds professor, and we have a young son who is likely destined for a life in music.
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Other stuff we should know about you (hobbies, talents, interests, etc.):
I like to travel when I can; I’ve been all around the US, to Europe a couple times, and to Egypt once.
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Real-life hero:
Carleen Hutchins, a great luthier and scientist, and Ken Doherty, Olympic decathlete, American decathlon champion, author, and college track and field coach. I was lucky enough to know both of them.
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What do you enjoy most about being part of the Sweetwater team?
Working with a bunch of smart, like-minded people, developing rewarding relationships with customers, and having the opportunity to constantly learn about gear, instruments, and audio production techniques.
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What's the biggest gig you've ever played?
Probably a full house at Irving Plaza in New York City in about 1997, supporting Ric Ocasek of the Cars. I was drumming for a band called Love American Style, and we had a record out on King Biscuit’s Oxygen Records, which was getting some commercial airplay at the time.
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Who are some of the notable artists you've worked with?
Paul Leary, Isaac Brock, Crabmeat Thompson, SIDney Howard, Mike Watt, Eric Wollman, Rob Montejo, Frank Zincavage, Chris Vandahl, Emmure, The Sword, State Line Empire, JD P!nkus, Wayne Kramer . . .
Interview with Bob...
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Sweetwater is my GO TO Music Gear Supplier. I love your Catalogs, it's an Education in itself to keep up with Evolving Technology, as well as returning to great classic amps, effects and other. Bob Furlong has always gotten right back to me with email or phone call and I'm always Grateful for his advice and expertise.
Sterling from Orlando, FL
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The whole experience of Sweetwater is absolutely amazing. Your staff exemplifies what customer service is. Bob Furlong is so knowledgeable and friendly and offers great insight on all products. Thank you!
Alexander from Miami, FL
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I've been in the music biz as a musician, producer, and studio owner for 5 decades, and dealt with Sweetwater over 30 years. My current sales engineer is Bob Furlong and we've known each other now for quite some time. Bob is super friendly and knowledgeable, and makes sure I'm up to speed with knowledge, as well as totally satisfied with my purchases. And it's more than just a purchase to me, as it is my business as well as my songwriting that grows each time. Sweetwater's tech department is awesome, too. I've had problems that were resolved the same day, and they've even overnighted me replacement gear for a warranty issue, all to keep my studio up and running. I can't say enough about the way I'm treated, and I will continue to recommend Bob Furlong and Sweetwater to all my friends in music.
Rich from Bloomington, IN
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Bob Furlong is a great asset to Sweetwater. His approach is never that of a sales person, but that of someone there for your best interest. He has never guided me wrong. I trust the man and his opinion. This is why I continue to use Sweetwater
Jim from Florissant, MO
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I have been dealing with Bob Furlong for years. He has treated me well and I will continue to go to him. I appreciate the way Sweetwater does business.
Martin from Littleton, CO
