News & latest Releases
News & latest Releases
Blood Sweat and Gear - 25 Years of Mojotone
Manufacturer celebrates silver jubilee with major website makeover, retrospective video interview
BURGAW, NC, August 12, 2025 – Mojotone, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, has just launched a refreshed website design that comprehensively presents its vast catalogue of vintage reproduction parts, amplifier kits, and custom cabinet, speaker, and pickup offerings. The company has also released a retrospective video interview with co-founders Michael McWhorter and Andy Turner that explores the company’s history from its founding in the early 2000s as a small, print catalogue-driven enterprise to its current status as one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality, hand-crafted goods in the pro audio/MI industry. For more information, please visit: https://mojotone.com/
Vintage supply, modern approach
Mojotone initially began as an extension of Turner’s instrument and amplifier repair shop in Winston-Salem, NC, supplying vintage and reproduction parts for guitars and amplifiers. Upon realizing the size and enthusiasm of the market, they quickly adopted a more ‘full-service’ vision that put their experience and expertise to the forefront in an industry that was well on its way to an analog revival. “The boutique amplifier and pedal market was just starting to take off and there was a real need for suppliers and educators who understood vintage-style circuits,” Turner explains. “We decided to put this knowledge at the forefront of everything we did and prioritize educating the market while also providing them with the best possible parts..”
In addition to serving vintage enthusiasts, Mojotone quickly made themselves an ally to manufacturers, supplying OEM cabinets, parts and expertise to major brands such as Gibson as well as burgeoning boutique amplifier makers like Budda, Germino, Swart, Victoria, and more. These efforts naturally led to collaborations with artists as well as touring techs for Weezer, Green Day, Neil Young, Phish, Jack White, John Mayer. “It all comes back to that mindset of offering the best equipment we can and trying to solve issues that we felt hadn’t been solved,” McWhorter states. “It’s driven us to develop these new product lines for our own satisfaction, and ultimately attracted interest from some of our most exciting artist partners.”
One of the most notable has been Lerxst – a cooperative effort with Rush’s Alex Lifeson that has resulted in a line of amplifiers, guitars, pickups, and effects inspired by the influential guitarist’s tone journey. The high-profile partnership provides insight into the next leg of Mojotone’s plans. “It's a different way for an artist to have ‘signature’ equipment – more holistic with a larger focus on the artist’s involvement and catering directly to their fans, rather than trying to appeal too broadly,” McWhorter explains. “They get 100% control of what happens, and we get to enjoy that collaboration and create something fresh and interesting for the market.”
The next generation of Mojo
Expanding the company’s product lines and artist relationships has also provided Mojotone with continued opportunities to expand their education and community-engagement efforts. The company now provides regular classes on amp manufacturing and pickup winding, as well as outreach efforts to local educational institutions. All of these efforts serve to seed the next generation of passionate craftspeople in the industry.“We really want to change the perception of manufacturing in this country and show how it can lead to meaningful, exciting careers built on craftsmanship and innovation,” explains Turner. “We have such a passion for all of this, and being able to share that with the youth guarantees that this knowledge will be passed on and continue to develop and grow.”
“Over the past 25 years, we’ve helped so many people realize their dreams, start businesses, and create great music – all of this stems from that initial desire to share our experience and knowledge of musical instruments,” concludes McWhorter. “We’ve very proud of what we’ve accomplished, and we can safely say that there is much more to come in the next 25 years!”
About MOJOTONE
Mojotone was founded in 2000 by partners Michael McWhorter and Andy Turner as a full-service manufacturer and supplier of modern and vintage-reproduction amplifier and guitar parts. In addition to serving as one-stop-shop parts supplier, the brand also manufactures its own lines of USA-made amplifiers, cabinets, pickups, and guitar pedals, as well as signature equipment for artists such as Alex Lifeson, Johnny Winter, Bill Kelliher, Rene Martinez, and many more.
For more information about MOJOTONE, please visit: https://mojotone.com/ (https://)
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Norman's Rare GuitarsNorman's Rare Guitars Podcast
Norman's Rare Guitars Documentary Trailer
live on Netflix NOW...!
5 years in the making. And we are excited to share Norman’s legacy with the world for the holidays. Thank you to everyone involved.
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Maddi Jane & Michael Lemmo: 'It can only get better'.
Don't miss Maddi Jane on The Voice this coming Monday night
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Ace Frehley – Cherry Medicine - (Official Music Video).
Ace previously released the title track, "10,000 Volts" and single "Walkin' on the Moon."
Rock ‘n’ roll and heavy metal simply wouldn’t sound, look, or feel the same without Ace Frehley. Among hundreds of accolades, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® inducted him in 2014 as a Co-founder and the original lead guitarist of Kiss. Guitar World named him in the Top 15 of its “100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time” and plugged the lead from “Shock Me” on the “50 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time.” Magnifying the imprint of his catalog as a solo artist, Foo Fighters cut a fan-favorite cover of “Ozone,” and he even jammed out “New York Groove” alongside The Roots on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The late Dimebag Darrell of Pantera proudly sported a tattoo of Frehley on his chest, while Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine celebrated him on X/Twitter as “My first guitar hero.”
10,000 Volts upholds an incredible legacy for Frehley, spanning 50-plus years in the limelight. Back in 1978, he delivered his solo debut, Ace Frehley. It reached platinum status and exploded as “the highest-selling of the four Kiss solo albums in the Soundscan era.” Pitchfork even retrospectively rated it a rare “8.5” score. In 1987, he dropped Frehley’s Comet. Following Anomaly in 2009, he went on to make history once again. His 2014 Space Invader LP captured #9 on the Billboard 200 and emerged as “The only solo album by a past or current Kiss member to reach the Top 10 on the chart.” 2016’s Origins Vol. 1, bowed at #1 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums Chart and in the Top 5 of the Billboard Top Rock Albums Chart. He notably maintained his momentum with Spaceman [2018]. "'10,000 Volts,' in its own time, in its own way, is similarly staggering – quite simply, OVERWHELMING. 10,000/10
-- Ghost Cult Magazine
(February 22, 2024) RRHOF-inductee and guitar legend Ace Frehley releases a new video for "Cherry Medicine," featured on his new album, "10,000 Volts."
His highly-anticipated album will be released tomorrow. Produced and co-written by Ace and Steve Brown, the uncontainable energy on the 11-tracks showcases some of Ace's best works since his '78 solo album.
On "Cherry Medicine," a mean palm-muted chug underlines his pensive vocals where he confesses, “I knew I had to change my ways for sure to keep you by my side.” The track showcases another side of Frehley with its saccharine and sweet, soaring hook as he promises, “I love you, cherry medicine. You heal my every need and some.” He seals the sentiment with another powerhouse solo.
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Marty Schwartz Epiphone ES-335.
NASHVILLE, TN (August 22, 2023) 2023 marks the 150th anniversary of Epiphone, a leading innovator in instrument design. By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the future, Epiphone has now set the stage for the next era of sound for present and future generations. Epiphone is proud to announce a partnership with the global influencer and music educator Marty Schwartz to create his very first Epiphone signature artist guitar. The Marty Schwartz ES-335 from Epiphone is now available worldwide at authorized Epiphone dealers, and in limited capacity on www.epiphone.com.
"Teaming up with Epiphone to bring my dream guitar to life is an absolute milestone in my musical journey,” says Marty Schwartz. “This guitar embodies everything I love about playing and teaching. We've truly created a guitar that's as unique as the journey it represents."
“Marty Schwartz is a tremendous talent whose infectious joy for learning and teaching guitar allows players of every level to easily connect with him all across the globe,” says Beth Heidt, Chief Marketing Officer, Gibson Brands. “We are proud to partner with Marty for this very special ES-335 model.”
Marty Schwartz or as he’s better known online as, Marty Music has been the face of guitar education on the internet for the last decade and a half. With nearly 4 million YouTube subscribers, over two billion video views, and a career longer than most rock bands, Marty has arguably taught more people how to play guitar than anyone else in the world. Marty knows quite a bit about what features a great guitar should have. His new namesake signature model ES-335 from Epiphone features a smooth-playing 60s SlimTaper Rounded C neck profile with an Indian laurel fretboard, small pearloid block inlays, and a Marty Music logo on the back of the headstock. The 5-ply layered maple body is capped with a beautiful AAA-figured maple veneer and is finished in Sixties Cherry. Rock solid tuning stability is ensured by the Grover 502C Roto-Grip Locking Rotomatic tuners and Graph Tech nut, while the other ends of the strings are anchored with an Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and Stop bar tailpiece. The flexible electronics include Epiphone Alnico Classic PRO pickups, each with a push/pull phase switch; a hardshell case is also included.
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Mesa Boogie Mark IIC Suite
Mesa Boogie Mark IIC Suite
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Gibson Custom Shop Kirk Hammett Greeny 1959 Les Paul Standard
The story of “Greeny” is shrouded in mystery, but few guitars are as illustrious. Greeny is one of the most iconic original Les Paul Standards ever made, with a unique sound as recognizable as the guitar itself. Originally owned by Peter Green, it was used throughout his time with Fleetwood Mac and later sold to Gary Moore, who used it for three decades with Thin Lizzy and as a solo artist. Now owned by Kirk Hammett, Greeny has passed through the hands of three legendary guitarists. Its distinctive sound is partly from the out-of-phase middle switch position due to the neck pickup’s reversed magnetic polarity.
The Kirk Hammett “Greeny” 1959 Les Paul Standard from the Gibson Custom Shop is artfully aged to match the original by the Murphy Lab and was inspired by this legendary guitar. With its Indian Rosewood fretboard, the Custom Shop Greeny gives players around the world the opportunity to experience some of the magic of “Greeny” for themselves. The Gibson Custom Shop “Greeny” arrives with an exclusive Lifton reissue 5 latch hardshell case with brown leather exterior and pink interior.
Due out on April 11, 2023, the Kirk Hammett “Greeny” Les Paul Standard version was inspired by this legendary guitar and gives players around the world the opportunity to experience some of the magic of “Greeny” for themselves. The Gibson Kirk Hammett “Greeny” Les Paul Standard comes with an Original Series hardshell case.
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MESABoogie Mark VII Demo
MESABoogie Mark VII Demo
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Gibson - The Collection Slash Custom Edition
Few artists have had as profound an impact on modern music as the rock icon SLASH. From Guns N’ Roses to Slash’s Snakepit, and Velvet Revolver to his latest collaborations with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators, SLASH brings his inimitable style and swagger to each project and continues to influence countless guitarists and musicians across generations and genres worldwide. In The Collection: Slash, the guitarist draws new insights into the stories behind the music through exclusive interviews with Mark Agnesi (Director of Brand Experience at Gibson). At over 300 pages in length, The Collection:Slash is lavishly illustrated, a rare and collectible book with numerous photos of the guitarist and his impressive guitar collection, shot by the Gibson team, and legendary rock photographer Ross Halfin, whose relationship with SLASH extends back to an early Guns N’ Roses portrait session from 1986. Written and edited by Gibson editor-in-chief Chris Vinnicombe, The Collection: Slash is a must-have for both SLASH fans, as well as anyone who admires fine and rare guitars.
Only the highly collectible Custom edition of The Collection: Slash is hand-signed by SLASH and limited to 500 copies worldwide. The Custom edition measures 297 x 420 mm (11.69 x 16.54”) and comes inside a deluxe clamshell protective box with premium case candy inside the package including an Axe Heaven® Appetite Les Paul miniature guitar, an exclusive SLASH bandana, a guitar pick tin with Dunlop® guitar picks, a cover poster, four guitar art prints, and a certificate of authenticity.
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Ty Segall Frog Meets Fly Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins
These plug-ins — compatible with both Mac and PC — work with all the major DAWs, vastly expanding the possible production canvas of music creators, producers, musicians and synthesists alike. The sound is legendary and instantly recognizable, with the original pedal collection having been used by the likes of both famous and experimental artists from Lou Reed to Thom Yorke, Kim Gordon, Daft Punk, Thundercat, and many more.
With stereo functionality, an extended feature set, automation capability and the ability to save and manage presets, Moogerfooger plug-ins are perfect for the modern digital creator, building on the classic analog iterations. While the original Moogerfooger pedals have long since been retired and are now collectors items, the Moogerfooger plug-ins impart the same analog soul for a fraction of the price. Please see below - it is a fabulous story and we have great images and a fabulous user example with Ty Segall, who has created an entire new song using Moogerfooger alongside several other instruments.
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Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1962 ES-335
NASHVILLE, TN: By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the future, Epiphone has set the stage for the next era of sound for present and future generations. Epiphone is proud to take the next step in its partnership with world-famous guitarist and guitar collector Joe Bonamassa and launch the Joe Bonamassa 1962 ES-335 in Sixties Cherry. The Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1962 ES-335 is now available worldwide at authorized Epiphone dealers and on www.Epiphone.com.
“I used my Gibson 335 on my first solo album because I wanted to sound like Eric Clapton,” says Joe Bonamassa. “A 335 makes you sound different because it’s semi-hollow, but it also has a very unique, fat and warm sound that no other guitar has. I sold the guitar about three years later to finance a move from NYC to Los Angeles. For almost 17 years I searched for that guitar, but then I finally got it back and now I want to share it with you.”
“Joe has many guitars, but none have more personal significance than this ES-335,” says Mat Koehler, Sr. Director of Product Development at Gibson Brands. “We absolutely love the story and we’re honored to be able to help tell it with the release of this faithful recreation.”
Some guitars are more special than others, even when that guitar is owned by a world-famous guitarist and guitar collector like Joe Bonamassa. In 1996, he purchased a red 1962 Gibson ES-335 and used the guitar on his first solo album, A New Day Yesterday. In 2001, he regrettably sold the guitar to help fund his move from New York to L.A. As the unexpected phone call resulted in Joe being reunited with his old friend, the red ES-335 that propelled him through his first solo album and launched him into a new life on the West Coast. Feeling fortunate to get his old guitar back, Joe promised that this important instrument would stay with him for the rest of his life. The Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1962 ES-335 is a tribute to a legendary guitarist and one of his cherished instruments. It features a one-piece mahogany neck with an Indian laurel fretboard and a comfortable Rounded C profile, Gibson BurstBucker 2 and 3 pickups wired to CTS potentiometers and Mallory capacitors, A Switchcraft pickup selector toggle switch and output jack and a Maestro Vibrola. The Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1962 ES-335 arrives with a custom hardshell case with Epiphone and Joe Bonamassa graphics and a certificate of authenticity.
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Faded Series Gibson Original Collection
NASHVILLE, TN: Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has shaped sound across generations and genres of music, becoming one of the most relevant, played, and loved guitar brands around the world. Gibson is proud to unveil the new Gibson Original Collection Faded Series on select electric and acoustic guitar models. The new models blend vintage appointments, and modern, high-quality construction and sound, with a satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish that gives them the look and playing feel of a long-treasured vintage instrument. The Gibson Original Collection Faded Series is available worldwide now at authorized dealers and on Gibson.com.