Matthew Klopfenstein
Matthew Klopfenstein
Hi, I'm Matthew, and I'm very excited to be your Sales Engineer. I am very passionate about helping people achieve their musical goals, as well as helping you get the gear of your dreams.
When I was very young, I heard the music of David Bowie for the first time and from then on I was permanently hooked on rock n' roll. In my early teens, I heard the guitar playing of East Bay Ray of the Dead Kennedys and immediately knew that I was destined to live the life of a rock guitarist myself. From there, I spent years on the road and recording with multiple punk, surf, shoegaze, and alternative bands as a guitarist, vocalist, and occasionally drummer. I was also in a Misfits tribute band for 15 years.
I stopped touring a few years back when I met my wife, and spent seven years managing multi-million dollar music stores around the country. I still record and play shows when I can, but my major passion day-to-day has shifted focus primarily to helping people get to where they want to be musically, and to help them to create their own versions of the wonderful experiences in music and creativity that I have been able to enjoy.
As your personal contact here at Sweetwater, please let me know anytime I can offer help or advice.
(800) 222-4700 ext 3247
E-mail Matthew-
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Ocala, FL and most recently lived in Atlanta, GA.
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What was your occupation before coming to Sweetwater?
I've been in retail for 15 years, with the majority of the last decade dedicated to music retail. I've been very lucky to have helped people achieve their musical goals and dreams from all over the world.
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Why did you first apply for a job at Sweetwater?
I have many friends and family members who have heavily praised the organization over the years, and five years ago I made a trip to the campus and got to see first hand how different and special the operation is. Building relationships has been an enormous aspect of my past successes, and that is at the core of how Sweetwater does business. When it came time for a season of change for my family and I, Sweetwater was the first place I looked to. It's wonderful to be a part of an organization with such integrity, and it's great that my wife and I are now living close to our family here in beautiful Indiana.
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Technical strengths:
As a gear fanatic, some of my favorite technical strengths are my ability to design home and professional recording studios, guitar rigs, and as a "shoegazer" - pedalboard designs are a huge passion point for me. I excel in finding creative solutions that not only help you translate the desired sounds that you have in your head, but also set you apart in a world full of musicians and engineers.
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Other stuff we should know about you (hobbies, talents, interests, etc.):
I have a huge passion for reading books of all kinds, and I have a particular interest in rock and punk history. I am also an avid comic book fan and collector, The Sandman and Doctor Strange being among my favorite titles. Record collecting is also a big hobby of mine. I also love exploring antique shops with my wife and spending time with our family on the weekends.
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Real-life hero:
David Bowie, Glenn Danzig, Kevin Shields, Mike Patton, Dick Dale.
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What's the biggest gig you've ever played?
I've played quite a few "big gigs", but the most important that I've played was my longest running band's final show in 2011. It was held in the Downtown Square in our hometown of Ocala, FL and there were people as far as the eye could see. It was here in front of all of my dearest friends, fans, and family that I proposed on-stage to my now wife, Michele. It still rings out to me as an enormous moment, and I couldn't have imagined it happening any other way.
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Who are some of the notable artists you've worked with?
The Toadies, Nita Strauss, Off!, Hot Water Music, ICEAGE, Andrew W.K, Slipknot, Cold, Desparecidos, David Liebe Hart, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Jucifer, Shaquille O'Neal, Balance and Composure, Rob McGregor (Goldentone Studio), Andrew Wade (The Wade Studio)
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Links to my music
DFLKTR.bandcamp.com
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Top 5 desert island records?
Mr. Bungle - "California"; My Bloody Valentine - "Loveless"; The Mars Volta - "The Bedlam in Goliath"; The Misfits - "Earth A.D."; The Flaming Lips - "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots".
Interview with Matthew...
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I reached out to Matthew to ask his opinion on some vocal microphones since my go-to has typically been Shure's SM58. I needed 3 mics and cables and inquired about the sE Electronics V3 bundle since it had 3 at one price. He said it would be worth my while to stick with the sE Electronics brand, but level up to the V7 mics for a number of reasons, even thought they were priced and sold separately. I followed his advice and I'm very pleased with the quality of the mics! I don't need items terribly often, but Matt has taken superior care of me ever since we first spoke a couple of years ago. I really value his knowledge, opinions, and how valued he makes me feel as a Sweetwater customer! Thank you, Matt!
Brian from Idaho Falls, ID
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Matt was great, professional and friendly. I told him once before that he has all my business! In a world of people who don't or won't help or care about service, this was a nice surprise!
Patrick from Greenbrier, TN
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Sweetwater has done an amazingly smart thing. By assigning me a rep, one with knowledge and is a musician, they've allowed me to ask questions directly and get the right answers! Even rudimentary questions don't seem to bother Matthew and he's kind, understanding and helpful. Thank you!
Bob from Apex, NC
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Matthew was and is VERY knowledgeable on the guitars I was considering. He helped me confirm the one I purchased was "The one" in the sense of specs, pickups, playability ect. He answered all my questions and really makes me feel like he's looking out for me every step of the way. The guitar was set up fantastic. Played amazing right out of the case. The inspection was great as well. No issues. I had an issue with a latch on the case that came with the guitar and Matthew and the team handled it very professionally and quick. Thank you for that! You guys were phenomenal, especially when purchasing a expensive guitar sight unseen.
Judah from PA
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Hey Matthew, I really want to thank you so much for this book recommendation. You took the time to ask people in the know. Fantastic . You are so sweet. I just ordered it. That is exactly what I need. Thank you so much. I am so impressed with Sweetwater’s customers service and nice people.
Deborah from Oak Hills, CA
