“The World Needs It Back”: Sunn Amps Make Historic Return
New amps and accessories are due to hit the shelves later this year
Fender Musical Instrument Corporation (FMIC) and Mission Engineering have announced the resurrection of the Sunn brand. Famously used by players such as Jimi Hendrix and Pete Townshend, Sunn amps were a prominent fixture on the rock scene during the ‘60s and '70s.
Now, after an absence of some two decades, the Sunn brand is finally back. Reads today’s press release: “Under an exclusive licensing agreement with FMIC, Sunn Musical Equipment Corporation will spearhead the brand’s return, applying Sunn’s unique approach to amplifiers and other products.”
Following its closure in the early '00s, the historic brand will begin a new chapter with a variety of products due to hit the shelves later this year.
Boasting a dedicated factory based in the United States, Sunn’s revived line comprises items ranging in price from $499 to $3,299. These include “reproductions of the classic Sunn designs” made using original tooling (some of the original employees are also back on board!)
“Resurrecting the Sunn brand has long been a dream of our team, and we are thrilled to be the trusted partner Fender has selected to bring this vision to life,” commented James Lebihan, CEO of Sunn Amplification. “We are honored to have a robust group of Sunn enthusiasts, including some of the original employees, join us on this journey to restore Sunn for musicians worldwide.
“If you know the Sunn brand, and the historical significance it has in the music industry, you understand why the world needs it back.”
“We’re proud to partner with Mission Engineering to uphold the legacy of the Sunn Amplifier brand and look forward to introducing modern players to the raw power that these classic amplifiers are capable of,” added Richard Bussey, VP of Accessories, Lifestyle and Licensing FMIC.
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“We can’t wait to show what the Mission Engineering and Sunn Amplification team has in store.”
Visit Sunn Amps to stay tuned.
Rod Brakes is a music journalist with an expertise in guitars. Having spent many years at the coalface as a guitar dealer and tech, Rod's more recent work as a writer covering artists, industry pros and gear includes contributions for leading publications and websites such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar World, Guitar Player and MusicRadar in addition to specialist music books, blogs and social media. He is also a lifelong musician.
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