Dumble amplifiers have long held a mythical status in the guitar world. Built by the enigmatic Howard Alexander Dumble, these hand-crafted amps became the coveted tools of legendary players like Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, and countless others. Extremely limited in production and known for their meticulously tailored tones, Dumbles has become the ultimate “holy grail” amp for collectors and players alike, often fetching astronomical prices on the rare occasions they appear for sale.
UPDATE 31/10/24
There is much more to this, and John Cordy has just uploaded a video entitled No, They’re NOT Building Dumble Amps Again.
We will update you once Dumble.com makes an official statement.
Dumble Revival
However, a recent development has the guitar community buzzing with speculation: the official registration of a Dumble website domain. This seemingly innocuous act has ignited a firestorm of hope and apprehension, raising questions about the future of the Dumble brand and the potential for new Dumble amps to enter the market.
You can read more about Alexander “Howard” Dumble in our earlier article.
A Legacy of Handcrafted Excellence
Dumble’s story is of meticulous craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to tonal excellence. Ditching the traditional mass-production model, Dumble built each amp himself, meticulously tailoring them to his clientele’s specific needs and playing styles. This resulted in a collection of unique instruments renowned for their responsiveness, touch sensitivity, and ability to deliver a wide range of dynamic tones.
The limited production and personalized approach further fueled the mystique surrounding Dumbles. Only an estimated 300 amps were ever built, and those amps resided in the hands of A-list players. Dumbles became a symbol of exclusivity and unattainability for most guitarists.
The chance to snag a Dumble on the used market was slim to none, and the price tags were enough to make even the most dedicated gear aficionados break into a cold sweat.
A New Chapter Begins: Dumble.com
The recent registration of Dumble.com has sent shockwaves through the guitar community. In a statement released on the website, the new owners of the Dumble brand have confirmed their intention to “continue to manufacture and sell Dumble amplifiers,” alongside the development of “new and exciting product lines.” This news is nothing short of seismic for the world of guitar gear.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the statement lies in the new owners’ access to “schematics… and databases of all authentic Dumble amplifiers ever in existence.” This not only allows them to verify the authenticity of existing Dumbles, but also opens the door to a potential future of reissues – a prospect that raises both excitement and questions.
Can the Magic Be Recaptured?
The core concern surrounding the potential Dumble revival boils down to a single question: can these new amps truly capture the essence of the originals?
Dumble’s personal touch and legendary ear were integral to the magic of his creations. Replicating the unique characteristics of those amps without the maestro himself at the helm presents a significant challenge.
While access to schematics and production data represents a crucial first step, the human element remains undeniable. Dumble’s ability to “hear” what a player needed and translate it into a tangible sonic experience was a crucial ingredient in the success of his amps.
Can this intangible quality be recreated, or will these potential reissues fall short of the coveted Dumble name?
Preserving the Legacy, Expanding Accessibility
The new owners have expressed their commitment to upholding Dumble’s legacy, promising to “honor the legacy of Mr. Dumble” while remaining true to the enigmatic brand image.
Whether this translates to faithful reissues of iconic Dumble designs or the development of entirely new amps inspired by Dumble’s philosophy remains to be seen.
One intriguing possibility raised by the website statement is the potential reissue of amps based on those built for Dumble’s celebrity clientele.
Imagine owning an amp inspired by the legendary tones of Stevie Ray Vaughan or John Mayer! However, such a move could raise ethical questions and potentially dilute the exclusivity that makes Dumbles so desirable.
A New Era Dawns for Dumble
The future of Dumble is shrouded in mystery, as befits a brand known for its secretive nature. While questions remain about the exact form of these new Dumble products, one thing is sure: the guitar world is watching with bated breath.
The possibility of new Dumbles becoming available, potentially at a more accessible price point, could revolutionize the market and provide an exciting new chapter in the Dumble story.
Stay Tuned!
Dumble.com is still in its early stages, offering little concrete information beyond the initial statement.
However, the website promises upcoming announcements, so guitarists everywhere are advised to keep their eyes peeled for any updates.
One thing’s for sure: the revival of the Dumble brand marks a significant moment in guitar history, and its potential impact on the world of guitar amps could be truly game-changing.