Rockstar Tone Of The 80s and 90s
Kasha Amplifiers, Inc. began its journey in the heart of the San Fernando Valley during the early 1980s. Operating out of the back of a beloved music store, ABK Rocks, the company’s foundation was built by John Kasha, a skilled amplifier technician and Los Angeles’ go-to amp mod expert for many of the era’s biggest artists and bands. What started as custom amplifier modifications quickly evolved into a revolution in guitar tone, with the creation of the first all-tube guitar preamp—the Rockmod—marking the birth of Kasha Amplifiers.
Kasha Amplifiers, Inc.: The Sound of Innovation
ABK Rocks was more than just a music store; it was a hub for LA’s vibrant music scene. Musicians from across the city, including legends like Jake E. Lee (Badlands), Craig Goldie (DIO), Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson), and Chris Impellitteri, flocked to the store for the famed Kasha Mod. The modification gained immense popularity among hard rock bands of the 1980s, eventually earning the nickname “Rockmod.” Building on this success, John developed the Rockmod series of preamps, including Rockmod I, II, and the highly acclaimed Rockmod III. Revered by artists such as George Lynch (Lynch Mob), Paul Jackson Jr. (Michael Jackson), Dan Huff (Giant), and Tracii Guns, the Rockmod earned a stellar reputation and five-star accolades from Guitar Player and Guitar World magazines.
ABK Rocks was more than just a music store; it was a hub for LA’s vibrant music scene. Musicians from across the city, including legends like Jake E. Lee (Badlands), Craig Goldie (DIO), Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson), and Chris Impellitteri, flocked to the store for the famed Kasha Mod. The modification gained immense popularity among hard rock bands of the 1980s, eventually earning the nickname “Rockmod.” Building on this success, John developed the Rockmod series of preamps, including Rockmod I, II, and the highly acclaimed Rockmod III. Revered by artists such as George Lynch (Lynch Mob), Paul Jackson Jr. (Michael Jackson), Dan Huff (Giant), and Tracii Guns, the Rockmod earned a stellar reputation and five-star accolades from Guitar Player and Guitar World magazines.
But innovation didn’t stop there. In the early 1990s, the Rockmod inspired a groundbreaking invention: the Quikmod. This patented innovation allowed anyone to install amp modifications in minutes, democratizing high-quality sound for musicians everywhere. The Quikmod quickly became a staple in major recording studios across the country, earning endorsements from legendary producers like Keith Olsen and Tom Werman.
Over the years, Kasha Amplifiers has continued to redefine the music industry with award-winning products like the RoboCab, Skull Crusher, and the Evil Robot line of amplifiers. These creations have been featured on some of the world’s biggest stages, from the Super Bowl to American Idol, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and more. They’ve become an integral part of the soundtracks for movies, television, radio, and live performances in the largest stadiums nationwide.
Today, John Kasha remains a driving force in the industry, collaborating with top manufacturers to develop cutting-edge products for live performance, recording, wireless technology, and cloud-based solutions. His legacy of innovation and passion for music continues to inspire artists and musicians worldwide.
At Kasha Amplifiers, every product is a testament to decades of expertise and a commitment to sonic excellence. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a passionate enthusiast, John Kasha and the team are always excited to hear your stories and experiences with Kasha products.