Henriksen

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Overview

Henriksen Amplifiers manufactures compact, high-powered amplifiers designed primarily for jazz and acoustic musicians. The company specializes in portable amplifiers that deliver significant wattage in small form factors, with models ranging from 9x9x9 inches weighing around 13 pounds to larger configurations. Known for word-of-mouth reputation among professional musicians and jazz instructors, Henriksen has built approximately 10,000 amplifiers since its founding and maintains a global dealer network across Europe, Asia, and Australia.

History

Founded in 2005 by Richard 'Bud' Henriksen, an electronics engineer and retired technology developer who turned to amplifier design after taking up jazz guitar. Bud created the company after struggling to find an amplifier that matched the quality of his guitar. His son Peter Henriksen now leads the company as president. The business has grown through musician endorsements and professional recordings, with an estimated $1.2 million in global revenue reported in 2019.

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
The Bud	Premium dual-channel tube amplifier	$1,500 - $1,899
The Blu	Single-channel entry-level amplifier	$850 - $1,200
The Forte	Hybrid tube amplifier	$1,200 - $1,800

Manufacturing

Assembly and finishing work is performed in-house at the company's shop in Arvada, Colorado. Chassis fabrication is outsourced to Majestic Metals in Denver. Speakers are sourced from Eminence Speaker in Kentucky and tweeters from Dayton Audio.

Notable Products

The Bud 13/120 - Compact 120-watt amplifier measuring 9x9x9 inches and weighing 13 pounds, designed to fit under airplane seats while delivering club-level sound
The Bud (Dual-Channel) - Premium tube amplifier offering two channels for versatile tone shaping and professional performance
The Blu - Single-channel solid-state amplifier providing an affordable entry point to the Henriksen product line

Reputation

Henriksen amplifiers are highly regarded among jazz musicians and acoustic performers for their combination of portability and sound quality. The brand has built credibility through use on hundreds of professional recordings and endorsements from noted musicians and jazz instructors. The company is known for personalized customer service and commitment to supporting artistic communities, though limited production capacity means availability can be constrained.

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