Himmelstrutz
ABOUT HIMMELSTRUTZ
Modest Beginning: Shift of Focus
My interest in the guitar had always been overwhelming, but quite early it dawned on me that I was not to become a virtuoso player. Rather than being discouraged, the energy was transferred to a field where I felt I could make a big difference: improving sound through the equipment itself. It was this shift that had lit the fire of passion for electronics in me. While I may not be the most accomplished player, perhaps I could help guitarists find their voice by making tools that expanded their sonic imagination.
Joakim Hedeby/C.J. Himmelstrutz, Founder & CEO (2021)
The First Amplifier and the Beginning
In 1982, I mustered the courage to take a leap where even angels would have feared to tread: to build an amplifier. I am not much into copying another product— too boring—but wanted to create something new and extend some new sonic possibilities that inspired. My vision looked ahead at an amplifier that could project peculiar tones and playing styles unique to each individual guitarist. Although far from perfect, these fired an unstoppable pursuit in bettering and perfecting my creations!
Handmade Simplicity for Innovation
Since then, I have taken up the task of making everything myself by hand, with a particular focus on keeping things simple yet innovative. My pedals and amps are made to be conducive to exploration, pushing the player toward innovative ideas without such complexity and costs. Through personal frustration with gear that hindered sonic expression, my goal has always been intuitive, reliable, and empowering equipment in which guitarists may focus on what matters most: making music.
Staying true to the Craft
Years later, in Sweden I am still handcrafting each single piece of gear myself. What out of personal need once was a necessity, grew into a lifelong commitment building premium equipment for guitar players. But despite all those years, with all the books about guitar amplifiers and effects that have come out, all those other products that have flowed from my shop, and all that touring done with so many fine bands, my fundamental aim has remained the same: to make playing the guitar a more fun, expressive, and personal experience. Well, I might never have become that lead guitarist, but I hope my amps and pedals are making it possible for others to achieve such mastery. For me, it is not about radical technology but more about simplicity and dependability, allowing guitarists to get to musical greatness.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Himmelstrutz started in 2004 as a one-man company and still is today (2024), with each piece still handcrafted the same way it was when I first began. Computer software has been used for tasks like designing all original printed circuit boards since the beginning. It has made the process more accurate and efficient. Even though this is important, the focus on quality remains important. This ensures that the gear stays true to its original purpose—helping guitarists express themselves without breaking their back or their wallet.
An Ordinary Day Year 2011