Amplitudes: The Mesa Boogie Blog

Killerburst Guitars - Bethany, CT

Our Story

Welcome to the Killerburst Guitars home on the web. As a long-time sufferer of GAS (Guitar/Gear Acquisition Syndrome), we are not only intimately familiar with its effects but also well versed in a variety of therapeutic measures. We look forward to discussing a treatment strategy with you!

Who Is Killerburst?

When we refer to ourselves as "we", we are acting as an entity; As a legitimate, brick-and-mortar retail store here to serve our customers. In fact, "we" is really "me". My name is Jon Stafford. I've been a guitarist and music industry professional for my entire adult life. In the mid-'90s I realized the internet was a place where guitar gear discussions could take place with like-minded individuals. Around that time I adopted the nickname "killerburst" for those discussion pages. The name refers to a gorgeous guitar I had custom-built for me in the early '90s with a solid flamed maple body, finished in a killer honey sunburst.

How Did I End Up Here?

My career has covered a lot of ground in the music products and Pro A/V business, but here's the abbreviated version: I started in the music retail business right after high school. I worked retail in a small full-service music store in CT for 8 years, specializing in bespoke instruments for players with high standards and discriminating tastes. I went on to work in the wholesale side of the business for many years, as a manufacturer's representative for dozens of high-profile companies, and as sales director for a couple of manufacturers. I've finally come full circle now, returning to my roots in the custom/boutique guitar world. I think this is where I can do the most good and where I am happiest.

I fully believe that while guitar tone is in the hands, the tools you choose can either help or hinder your efforts in achieving that ultimate, personal tone. That's why I am here - to help remove obstacles for players searching for the ultimate representation of the tone they hear in their heads. This is a labor of love for me, and I am honored to be part of this process with my fellow gear heads.

Shop Vibe

Owner-operated, every piece of inventory is personally selected and approved before it is ordered. Every received shipment is carefully inspected and adjusted as needed or rejected if it falls short of our standard. Every customer is personally served by the owner of the shop, a veteran guitarist and seasoned professional in the MI industry. No detail is too small, and no concern is left unaddressed. This small shop serves professionals and enthusiasts with the same level of personal care and integrity, whether it's a set of strings, a custom shop guitar, amplifier, hand-built pedalboard, or rack system. In addition to the gear offered for sale, a personal collection of pro gear from the last 30 years is on display for customers and friends to stop by and try out. We love hanging out and talking shop, and there is never any pressure.

Clientele

We tend to get working musicians and serious hobbyists looking to elevate their tone-shaping abilities. Whether it is a full setup or electronics mod on a favorite instrument, or shopping for a new piece to add to a studio inventory, or help with assembling a pro-level stage rig, we have the experience and expertise to squeeze the most out of existing gear and find the right piece to solve pretty much any problem you can describe.

Industry Trends

When I got into the business, the instruments and amps from the 50s and 60s were experiencing a peak in popularity and collectible value, as the generation who grew up during the early days of rock and roll revisited the gear played by their teenage idols. Since fashion trends tend to be cyclical, I am seeing a different generation of players reaching that point in life now, only this time the idols and equipment are from the MTV generation. While the modern music scene is always generating excitement and enthusiasm for players just coming up, the power of nostalgia drives players who grew up in the '80s to seek out period-specific pieces from their childhood memories, as well as new products that harken to that era.

Thanks for checking out our featured MESA/Boogie® dealer! To visit the shop online or via social, find their detailed contact info here.