Like many brands, Hughes & Kettner has a humble beginning. Brothers Hans and Lothar Stamer founded the company when they began producing their own guitar amps in 1984. Their aspirations soon outgrew their modest production space. Word spread quickly, and before long they had to expand their operation and frequently upgrade their facilities.
Mr. Hughes, the synonym for the discerning guitar player, was on a tonal quest, looking to give players an expressive playing experience and the means to expand their sonic range. It was on this quest that he encountered Herr Kettner, the forward-thinking German engineer.
Looking to build an amp that ran the gamut from chime to snarl, Herr Kettner set out to build a compact amp that could pull fully formed sounds — including effects — at the touch of a button. This had never been done before and was the catalyst that led to the collaboration that still drives the company to this day.
The mission at Hughes & Kettner is a simple one: deliver incredible tone in an easy-to-use setup that will exceed the demands of even the most discerning guitarists. By focusing on the needs of the end users and never being satisfied with the status quo, Hughes & Kettner has continued to innovate and shape the sound of guitar amplification.
Passion is a driving force at Hughes & Kettner. This passion, paired with extensive know-how, has allowed Hughes & Kettner to celebrate many industry-milestone achievements and continue to be an innovator in the crowded field of guitar amplification.
