The History of Schroeder Amplification, Inc and Tim Schroeder
The expedient approach towards a difο¬cult frequency is to remove it altogether. But Timothy Schroeder would rather you enjoy truly full spectrum sound. (This will instantly be your preference as well. Complete utilization of your instrumentβs bandwidth is revelatory.) Timβs amps are masterworks allowing just that: the pulsing, breathing electrical embodiment of devotion to high ο¬delity living. Your electric guitar, your plugged-in nylon string, even your bowed double bass, is cast in glowing sound-light. An effortless continuation of yourself. The most demanding sonic expectations are exceeded (pesky tones hereby ο¬nessed shipshape), letting you create unimpeded.
Youβve read tons of gear origin stories and bios. All of it blurs into an organic/vintage/boutique/mojo-ο¬lled soup. Now, we all like soup, though we need to start our recipe from scratch to avoid competing ο¬avors. Timβs approach retains whatβs great about Great Amps in History while being something remarkable and fresh unto itself. Weβll extend the metaphor with Timβs depth of expertise the stock, fresh ingredients his careful selection of premium components, and the buzz you feel from satisfying seasoning the comprehensive success of Schroederization.
Timβs fascination with sound and music began in early childhood, becoming full-on obsession in his teen years. From the simple pleasure of plucking strings to analyzing wires on a 4-track tape machine, comparing different vinyl pressings of the same album followed by lots of playing and attentive listening, the foundation for a life maximizing musical potential was built. Columbia College in Chicago for audio engineering was his ο¬rst professional step, leading to The Apprentice Shop (a Gibson Factory Warranty facility) in Spring Hill, Tennessee, with Tim immersed in everything guitars. After graduation from The Apprentice Shop Tim continued his training under master repairman Gary Brawer in San Francisco. While at the Brawer shop, Tim interacted with the ο¬ne guitars of The Grateful Dead, Joe Satriani, Carlos Santana, Steven Stills, and Henry Kaiser, among many others. Late night access to a private studio gave Tim countless hours as a listener, player, and technician among some of the Great Amps: Dumbles, Tweed Fenders, Plexi Marshalls, Trainwrecks.
Returning to his Chicagoland home, Tim opened Schroeder Guitar Repair in 1991. Here he built archtops-that-people-who-donβt-like-archtops-love, inο¬uenced by training in Pennsylvania with the esteemed Bob Benedetto. (Approximately 40 SchrΓΆder archtops were built, and they are highly sought after now, rarely coming up for resale. The Schroeder Blister Agent distortion pedal and βITβ clean boost/tone enhancer/magicizer fall into this category as well.) Having created an acoustically balanced musical instrument, the missing piece was the ampliο¬er to broadcast the sound. Tim began development of his amps, laying the groundwork for todayβs Dozer, Formula 50, and SA9. But sensing the need for change after a highly focused spell, Tim closed his shop, deaccessioning large equipment and moving into a small space in Chicagoβs prestigious Fine Arts Building, a hotbed for creative artists of all disciplines. Tim expanded his repertoire to include professional sound engineer and builder of home audio systems and isolation racks. He continued development and repair work for a few years, even entering the realm of high-end kitchen cabinetry until a chance phone call from Fleetwood Macβs people brought music back to the fore: βWe need you to refret Lindsey Buckinghamβs guitar and overnight ship it for tomorrowβs gig in Boston.β Lindsey was thrilled; job well done, a good check-in, so no more custom kitchens for Tim, rather, back to music full-time (with clients like Rusted Root, Lucinda Williams, and Drive-By Truckers) in the building next to Chicagoβs legendary Makeβn Music for almost a decade before his current location of Highland Park, Illinois.
Many of the musicians who play Schroeder ampliο¬ers soon ο¬nd them an indispensable part of their sound live, in the studio, and at home. Jeff Beck, Wilco, Nels Cline, Umphreyβs McGee, Telegraph Canyon, Chauncey & Darrell Marrier, Killick Hinds, Andrew Bird, and many more have been seen and heard βround the globe with their Schroeders. Tim prides himself on roadworthy build quality, and a 100% commitment to customer service, with clients becoming friends bound by sound. Schroeder amps make rock, jazz, country, blues, avant-gardeβ any stylesβ sparkle. Secrets revealed: while the amps are made for clean warmth and are glorious at low volume, crank βem up for superlative thrash metal bite. Protect your ears and hold on tight!
Tim continues to relish the beauty in overlooked sonic detail. On the horizon is more electron sculpting and the release of the wildly expressive Ramjet preamp with its, ahem, βf****d upβ design. But donβt let that scare you. Spending time with Timβs creations is to enter a complete sonic universe whereby your listening capacity and your desire for musical creativity expands exponentially.
To learn more about Tim, check out this article on Popstache.com by Tory P-Lopez
