ABOUT
Peter Arends' designs, experience, values, and more
As a guitarist, inventor, and CEO, I have a deep-rooted passion for crafting exceptional tone.
Through the convergence of these diverse paths, I have an intuitive understanding of how great tone is made. I have forged my distinctive career inventing cutting-edge guitar amplifiers and effects based on that knowledge.
Importantly, I translate that vision into reality while remaining cognizant of budget constraints, market segments, and manufacturing considerations. I pride myself on bridging the gap between engineers and corporate management.
I create a unified team, process, and products that give life to your vision while inspiring musicians to create.
MY VALUES
The Tone's In The Design
01
Great Tone Matters
As a lifelong guitarist, I know what great electric guitar tone should sound like. It informs every decision I make throughout my design process. Whether recreating a classic amp’s character or finding new colors in the tonal spectrum, my designs are always musical and inspiring.
03
It's All In The Design
Great guitar gear doesn’t always require a premium price tag. Through carefully thought-out design, I can create professional-level products for any market position. From top-of-the-line all-tube amplifiers to affordable overdrive pedals, great design makes them all possible.
02
Your Vision Is Paramount
There are many things to consider throughout the lifecycle of a product: budgets, positioning, design, etc.. Whether crafting the design or helping you scale your manufacturing, I always put these first and ensure you meet all of your guidelines.
04
Design Is Only The Beginning
Launching a product requires many resources and a lot of time. That’s why I also offer everything from manufacturing consulting to complete product management services. Through my decades of experience, I will assist you on your products’ journey from idea to release and beyond.
PETER ARENDS
Inventor | Designer | Engineer | Guitarist | Industry Expert | Strategist
Born in Germany, and raised in Europe Peter Arends would become an internationally respected name in electric guitar equipment design. Unlike many of his industry peers, however, his journey wasn't motivated by a love of electronics but by a passion for the electric guitar and chasing new and exciting tones. His interest in electronic design would bloom from necessity.
As a working guitarist, Arends wanted to learn enough about circuits to keep his gear running. Due to his love to details, he learned that great amps aren't magic; they were simply well-designed pieces of electronic equipment, often even "by mistake". That revelation and a lifetime surrounded by the precision of German engineering set him on the journey he pursues today.
Arends has since left an indelible mark on the industry, designing and overseeing guitar products for his own brand Ampete Engineering, as well as renowned brands in the musical instrument sector. His contributions are diverse, from servicing SVTs for Ampeg to collaborating with Steve Vai on the artist's signature Synergy Amplification preamp module.
As the head engineer at Boutique Amps Distribution, he played a pivotal role in the relaunch of the iconic Soldano SLO-100, while his tenure as CEO at Bad Cat Amplifiers transformed the brand from a forgotten entity to one of the most discussed in the industry.
From his humble beginnings at repair shops in Germany to his leadership roles in reviving heritage names, Arends has honed his understanding of every aspect of creating exceptional gear and building reputable brands. Today, he channels this wealth of knowledge, experience, and innovative artistry into his work. Every product he designs is a testament to his unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.