AST PRO PANEL Kit for AST
We have so much stuff going on and a plethora of great photos, mails, new artists, and a new model, already out the door. As for the AST Panel Kit, here's something to get those AST freaks into a lather. And I have to tell you, it's a two for one no brainer. All you need is a Philips Head along with open eyes and ears; the difference is not subtle.. More soon...I know, I know. I'm a horse's ass, but I will answer all mail in minutes or you get a free... -kh

AST 2x12 Cab ~ Dark 6V6se ~ D-Mojo Swart Fiend photos~Ludlow Guitars
Yeah, Sir Swart's B-Day arrived, sailed by, ran aground, and he's probably still recovering from that night, as it was one of those 4am Jam Sessions with nothing left on the table. Poor lad was last seen in the fetal position on the back seat of his '66 VW Bug. Yep, It's a good time to be around the Swart shop these days except for the banging of hammers on the Swart abode tike expansion. And you'll just have to see what all the fuss is about, including you AST lovers getting your own 2x12 cab, the cool new DARK custom ST-6V6se, more from Daddy "Cigar Box" Mojo. Oh, I can't forget the AST mule tide chassis love, ole E.J. going Swart crazy, and Ludlow Guitars & The Music Zoo...And I'm still loving the "Man, I thought Matchless was an amp co" mail!

4/15 SUMMARY: AST Head tease, custom ST-6V6se, Daddy Mojo, NEW Dealers, Swart Fiend photos... 3/30 HAPPY B-Day, Michael! 3/11 60mph gusts didn't slow Swart shop, atlhough taking a corner on a '61 Matchless is problematic. Rax Trax ST Harp Magic to Daddy Mojo Cigar Box AST Glory! 2/27 ROUND-UP: Photos, Cycle Fever. See Tyler's AST...Rufff Plus Jeremy's John 2/4 Big 2-4-08 Round-Up.

Daddy Mojo AST Blues & Harp 6V6se Magic
Swart is a rather unique company so we have appreciation for others taking the less beaten path. That's why we were all fired up when ole Lenny from Daddy Mojo sent us a link to his amazing Cigar Box Guitar videos featuring none other than our AST. Man, if you havent seen these beasts, you need to! I am wanting one of these something fierce as they sound like a tone monster via the AST. How could one resist half folk art, half uber soul instrument, meant to be played and placed on wall alike? And more thanks to Jay O'Rourke for sending along another Space Tone MP3 wonder via a client's HARP. The little Space Tone makes a helluva harp amp! ~ kh

AST Head Crazy & the Vintage Cycle Takeover
March is fast approaching and there has been enough warm weather bursts to lure the Swart Shop Inside-Out. If it's not AST Head caffeine induced 3am testing patrol, it's vintage Honda & Matchless dementia. Three times in one week, neighbors have walked into the shop, bleary-eyed, ranting and raving. What's not to love about 8,000RPM revs mixed with a Wall of Sonic Feedback? It's a twisted mix of Steel, aluminum, Tweed, and Exhaust, baby! See all plus my VERY favorite Swart user email photo of the year.... Meanwhile, Jeremy sits on his toilet...

Still reeling from all the people...
signing up for the Swart Newsletter - Great Response, except now I have to come up with a helluva Issue #1! Meanwhile, Michael is cackling to anyone that will listen about his latest projects coming whenever all shakes out. Stay tuned. Perhaps I'll only put this in the NEWSLETTER for a bit more intrigue. Also, for you pedal fans, there's something brewing in full 60s Vibe. Plus, see the Swart News 2-4-08 Round-up, this week's mailbag from Swart Fiends far and wide. And stay tuned for an upcoming swartamps.com contest with appropriate carrot...

Swart starting strong in 2008
It's the 9th....er...12th...ummm, now 18th of January and things are humming at Swart Amplifier Co (I think I've stopped and started this latest NEWS update too many times to count). Michael finally shelved the Patron Coffee Tequila and fired up the soldering iron big time, getting back into swing. Amps are shipping as I type. . We had an insanely busy last few months and are now catching up on orders far and wide. Swart Amps are heading to New Zealand, Norway, CAN, as well as across the USA. But I'm STILL recovering from Son of Hillbilly Ham... Recent LINKED highlights at Swart:

   • Dave Hemann samples the Space Tone Reverb
   • Jeff Hanna (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) with ST-6V6se
   • Mitch Townsend (Matt Costa) on Carson Daly
   • Jeff Engelbert sends his AST Regards
   • Too much other stuff to fit! Hillbilly Hell Ham II

Kenna Takes over World & MTV, Accolades, Freak FAQ, SWART MILK!
This has been a crazy fall. On Thanksgiving Day, my 80 year old Mother spies a Swart Amp on MTV from none other than the band KENNA (I have to up her wages... but why was she watching MTV?). Patrick is really digging his AST. Didn't know MTV still HAD music, actually; perhaps there's HOPE. Patrick sent some cool shots from their current tour. Meanwhile, Musicians are loving their Swart Tone Machines. John Berlinski delivers a very detailed analysis of his new STR while Jonathan Auerbach is blown away by the AST. And Grant Ferstat, down under in AUS wth The Jayco Brothers, can't get enough of his AST tone. Finally wrapping up The Swart FAQ for those tough "Michael, can I put a KT-88 Hookah in my lap while playing the Space Tone" queries. And last but certainly not least, GOT SWART MILK? WE DO. Man, November's been BERSERK. Plus, I finally paid my Time Warner Bill...

May a Swart Be With You...
Ever since Dave Wilson of ToneQuest fame did this riff on the Mel Brooks classic Space Balls riff of the classic Star Wars cliche, we've not heard the end of it. Praise thy Swart is coming from far and wide - Musicians are digging their Swart amps, writing in with MP3s, kudos, photos, and drool. And poor Michael has 3rd degree soldering burn dreams in his sleep; alas, it's better than seven days at Disney World... Now New Dealers in California and New Zealand! Who's next?

ToneQuest Cover Story & Testing Hell
We're pretty ecstatic to find a great cover story dedicated to Michael and Swart Amps in the November ToneQuest Report. Michael reveals all followed by a compelling AST review from David Wilson. Some GREAT lines by ole Dave, too! Meanwhile, Swart can barely keep up with the amps... you know it's insane when I start testing the beasts. We did a marathon six hour NON-STOP testing hell ride which had me drooling and calling for medicine. Ran out of riffs in @ 37 seconds so the rest of it resembled a scary mix of Johnny Thunders with no circulation to the brain and Dee-Dee Ramone playing with a deltoid cramp and snowgoose mittens. Amps shipped out today so don't fret. Meanwhile, check out the TONEQUEST SWART COVER STORY w/AST - kh

Swart Amps at LA Amp Show • Oct 6th
We don't get out to the West coast very often but due to the continued interest from musicians on the other coast, thought it time to head towards the Pacific, and what better excuse than the LA Amp Show. It's a one day show that leaves it all on the table, Michael included. Yep, , we're bringing it all for you to sample! Play the entire Swart line, including the SST-30, AST, Space Tone, and the new Space Tone Reverb, in all its 60s retro glory.

Michael & Swart Amps at the Boston Premier Guitar Festival • Sept 15-16th
Michael Swart and his Swart Amplifiers, including the SST-30, Atomic Space Tone, ST-6V6se, and ALL NEW Space Tone Reverb will be live at the Bayside Expo Center, Boston, MA on September 15th-16th in Booth 703. Please stop by to play and chat - All amps will be warmed up, ready for you to plug-in! Look forward to seeing you there.

Guitar World Super 30 Video Online!
Guitar World has evidently really been digging the SST-30 based on their review and reports from the staff. The amp caused a big stir at the studio where they recorded the latest Guitar World video for the Gear Review section, so much so, they went way over the normal time dedicated for video reviews! Rumor is, they've have been fighting over who gets to use the beast for gigs! Check it out!

GregV & AST Video-Live in Nashville
Greg V has been seen out and about Nashville with his AST. Here is a video of a recent show with Luke Dick featuring Luke's song, Howl. While the video is not of the highest quality, Greg, his favorite Nocaster, and the AST let go with some GREAT lead on a rockin', end of set song. Also, be sure to check out the August issue of PREMIER GUITAR for the Greg V interview. Great to see Greg getting deserved Press!

Swart in Guitar World & Guitar Player!
Check out the Super Space Tone 30 rave in Guitar World magazine, out to subscribers and soon to hit the stands. Guitar World's Terry Buddingh, writes: "Plugging a Strat into the Lo input, with the gain switch set to Lo, the master volume set high, and with the amp loaded with 6V6s, the Super Space Tone 30 gushed with some of the richest and warmest clean tones I’ve heard, with tons of headroom, too." For a sneak preview, see the GW article in full. Also out is Guitar Player's take on the Atomic Space Tone. Check the stands for both these mags to see Swart Amps in the Press.

Greg V & SST-30 w/EL-34! NEW MP3s!
Greg V pulls out his guitar collection and lets go yet again with the Super Space Tone 30, this time powered by twin EL-34 in place of the quad 6V6. Once again, Greg V puts on a great show illustrating the SST-30's flexibility and range, all the while exhibiting rich, complex tonal structure.

Swart Amp Prints by John Golden
Check out the cool prints now being offered by Wilmington, NC artist, musician, and good friend, John Golden.  John does some really creative stuff and he's going to be doing a series of Swart Amp prints that will be available for sale, each featuring one of the models, the first of which is the AST.  See more on John's work via Etsy.  View Lunastrella ATOMIC | Order Print ~ Etsy

Paul Leary & his Semi-Legitimate, custom Red|Silver AST Twins...
I'd probably consider Paul Leary one of the most innovative guitarists of this generation although his fame resides more in the underground arena.   Leary, one of Butthole Surfers' founding members along with Gibby Haynes, took his psychedelic, bent stylings -progressions and produced some of the most twisted material on record.  If you ever caught them live, you'll NEVER forget it.  I STILL rank a show I saw with Leary and his brethren as a Top 10 of all time.  Now, it seems ole Paul has gone AST crazy...and he sent some photos to document...

Greg V & Luke Dick w/Kenny Greenberg, Viktor Krauss in Nashville May 31
Hoping everyone in the Nashville vicinity got down to The Basement to see Greg V  with Luke Dick along with a host of A-List players such as Kenny Greenberg (Pedal Steel), Viktor Krauss (Bass), and Dave Harrison (Drums).   Heard it was a great show as you could imagine.  Greg reports a busy June so keep an eye on gregv.us (And stay tuned for Greg's SST-30 EL-34 samples).  Show Photo

Tweedy & Wilco release Sky Blue Sky
Jeff Tweedy has been an Atomic Space Tone proponent since early on, using the AST  on tour and in the studio for the recording of Wilco's new release, Sky Blue Sky, just out on Nonesuch Records.  Actually, it's worth the extra ducats for the CD/DVD version given the excellent footage and sonics (nice shots of the AST and 6V6se, too).  Sky Blue Sky, recorded at Wilco's studio, The Loft, is a soulful, thoughtful, and honest recording, revealing the band in a contemplative light, if less boundary expanding.  See Wilco DVD Trailer

Great New York Amp Show!
Michael & Lincoln endured I-95 in a Honda Odyssey loaded with enough Swart Tone and vintage guitars (one Reverend Flatroc for good measure) to lose half their minds in route.  Luckily, even after circling Ho-Ho-kus for an hour, they found their way to the New York Amp Show.  Loved meeting the Swart fans - we heard some hot guitarists!  Thanks to all who stopped by - A few Swart Room 210 Photos

Swart Amps & Michael Swart
at New York Amp Show  • May 5th
Now there is a REAL reason to go to Piscataway, New Jersey!  Michael Swart and Swart Amplifiers, including the SST-30 head & cab, Atomic Space Tone, ST-6V6se, and Space Tone Reverb Proto will be live at this year's New York Amp Show - Room 210, 121 Centennial Ave, Piscataway, NJ on Saturday, May 5th, from 10am to 6pm.  Meet Michael, hear the Swart Tone Brigade, and grab a Swart Amps T-Shirt!  Show Site • MAP

Dallas International Guitar Festival Report:  Trace & Cody Take it down!
The Dallas International Guitar Festival was quite a show!  The Swart Booth was rockin' with some amazing guitarists of ALL ages; the area really has some impressive musicians.  Interestingly, one of the highlights of the show was a 13 and 16 yr old who wandered in and proceeded to burn the place up with unbridled, enthusiasm.  They had a crowd of grinning onlookers in short shrift.  In my view, it was perhaps the most "real" moment of the show.  Dallas Festival Report

Space Tone Reverb Proto TX Bound
The OLD: Hey, you guys in love with the ST-6V6se, wait till you see what's coming next. We're talking WAAAY vintage cool. I want one already. The NEW: The All New Space Tone Reverb advanced Prototype is going to the Dallas International Guitar Festival!  The combo is decidedly 60s with cool retro box to match, this stuffed with a 12" Weber. The 6V6-Reverb has an extra gain stage to go with a "liquefy you" Tube Reverb. It's a BIIIIG sounding little beast, too, perfectly placed between the ST-6V6se and Atomic Space Tone.

Swart Amps at Dallas International Guitar Festival  •  April 20, 21,22
Come meet Michael Swart and the Super Space Tone 30, Atomic Space Tone, and ST-6V6se in person at the 30th Anniversary Dallas International Guitar Festival!  In addition to the whole Swart line, we'll be there with T-Shirts, amps, banter, and the kitchen sink!  We hope to see a great turnout and meet some of you Swart Fiends at the booth!  MORE | Show Online  | Hotels-Directions

Dean & Britta at Cat's Cradle w/ AST & Swart - Yeah, it got scary backstage
I couldn't make it, but from all accounts, it was a great show at the Cats Cradle on the 24th of March.  Michael drove up for the event, looking forward to meeting Dean, Britta, and their latest material.  Someone brought a camera. Poor Dean didn't know what hit him...

Martini Brothers Jump, Jive, & Wail...
Yeah, Wareham, Tweedy, Santiago, Miller, Rzeznik, Flansburgh et al all love their Swart Amps.  But I'm beginning to believe no one can touch ole Rick Fishman's elan.  And when the Martini Brothers launch into Jump, Jive, and Wail, aint no one sittin' on chairs. Love the wingtips, Mr. Rick!

Dean & Britta & Swart AST Tour 3/8
Dean Wareham & Britta Phillips are hitting the road on their Back Numbers tour with trusty SWART Atomic Space Tone.  We loved Dean in Galaxy 500.  We loved Dean & Britta in Luna.  And it follows that we love Dean & Britta.  Be sure to catch them at these cities/dates.  And if you're a LUNA fan, you have to see the superb documentary, LUNA: Tell Me Do You Miss Me

Super Space Tone 30 gets Boned!
....Chicken Boned, that is! All hell broke loose in Wilmington last Thurs when Rick and Southern Culture on the Skids rolled into town for a night of semi-organized debauchery.  Yep, the chicken was there and so was the Super Space Tone 30 Head #2 (#1 was here for a photo shoot, and I suddenly cant find it...Audrey!)  Rick went hog wild over the damn thing and actually PLAYED with it that very night, kicking off the SCOTS tour with a Swart Tone-Fest!  He already is head over heels (as in TAR) with the Atomic.  But even ole Michael was surprised when he pulled the Super 30 out for the show.  "Yeah," he said, "it's that finger lickin' good!"  If I've said it once, I'll say it twice, you gotta love ole Rick.

Greg V writes in. . .
We always love to hear from our compatriot to the West, Greg V.  Face it, the guy can play the guitar with style galore with the chops to back it all up.  He's a favorite around here mainly because we dig his playing so much which makes it all the more rewarding to know that he's crazy over his Swart Amps...

SST-30 & Cab Shipping 2/20!
The amps have been done for 10 days so what's the holdup?  Ok, I'll come clean and admit it's the owner's manual.  We had originally envisioned something akin to an R. Crumb-esque illustrated tome, with a lucid mixture of Wit & Wisdom on everything Super 30... We'll save that for the MASTER BOOK ON SWART.  Now, the first 25 Super Space Tone 30 owners get the lovely Audrey in full B&W splendor, going Tube Rolling MAD, all signed by Dr. Swart (GrayCat Paw Print included). I just want to know, "where can we go from here?"

Super 30 Amplifier AGlow - Photo
Orders are rolling in for the all new Swart Super Space Tone 30 head and cabinet. There's already a line so look for it at one of our authorized dealers near you or drop us a mail or call to see the latest on shipping dates. In need of a SST-30 fix? Then take a look at what makes it groove... Note to all you lucky AST Head owners: This new cabinet is AN INSANE MATCH as well!

It's the Super 30...and it's a Home Run
When I first played the prototype of this head and cab combo, stuck in its pedestrian mule chassis, I was almost blown away more than my first time on the AST. Man, this thing sounds insanely good, and Michael hasn't even done much tweaking! Looking at it now, I'm speechless. It's beautiful. It's unique. And it kicks ass. It has ALL the tone and soul you expect from a Swart amp. Man, it's STUNNING looking. It's outta the park in my opinion. It's the new SWART SUPER SPACE TONE 30   **Now Taking Orders!**

Swart Amp MP3s Online!
We have a new sounds page with additional MP3s from the talented Greg V. Greg takes the potent Class A, 5W, ALL TUBE Tweed 6V6se and throws out 16 new samples. Also, see his new demo "Tundra" featuring the Atomic Space Tone.

Dean Wareham and his AST
Well, I knew as soon as Dean Wareham jumped on the Atomic Space Tone bandwagon, I'd be hearing from Dr. Swart. It wasn't long before the "man, guess who I just talked to today?" phone call came ringing through. I let my answer machine handle it, of course. Shouldn't have. I got 20 minutes of Swart Dean Wareham hero worship. Sad thing? I don't blame him. Who cant love ole Dean....

Jeff Tweedy ~ Wilco using Swart AST
Jeff Tweedy of Wilco fame has been using his Swart Atomic Space Tone throughout their summer tour, even getting into the studio with it for some sessions. A few intrepid photographers caught Wilco in action with the Swart AST front and center. Jeff reportedly loves the amp.

Atomic at Electric Guitar Review
OK, we're used to people loving this amp, and Cary Miller at EGR was no exception, "I’m going to tell you this right off the bat: the Atomic Space Tone puts my tweed Fender Blues Deluxe to shame. In fact, I’m not even sure how I’m going to go back to the Fender once I send this puppy back. Not only does it put my Fender to shame, but it does so with less weight, smaller dimensions, and a heck of a lot more style..." The ultimate compliment? Cary bought the amp.

Atomic Space Tone Video Online
Who doesn't love Montreal? And it's now home to one of our hot new dealers, Boutique Tone, who just released this cool Quick Time 7 demo video of Kenny Smilovitch's technique via a Duesenberg running through a soulful Swart Atomic Space Tone (check him out with the Atomic BOOST Pedal at end).. We dug Kenny and the video enough to throw it up here for some visual with all the sounds. Thanks Jeremy & Kenny for the great vid!

Sparkle Swart Atomic goes 60s!
Sometimes we get customers that love our amps to the point of getting a bit crazy to the tune of THREE of a kind! Except ChristopherG took it one notch up and wanted something on stage to mirror his love for 60s sparkle-dom, ala Myers Manx. And we're talking serious Atomic Love...the loon ordered TWO! And he already had a Tweed! See Custom Sparkle AST

Katrina, Brother Charles, Mr. Harp,
and the Swart Tweed 6V6se. . .
We love these kinds of stories. And so does Brother Charles, the lucky Harp player who has another lucky friend, Alan Ambler, who took home a Swart Tweed 6V6se glory via a post-Katrina Charity Event. To make a long story short, Brother Charles, the harp playin fool aint givin' back that beast! Lesson #1? Don't lend out your Swart Amp!

Swart Gallery - New Pictures Online!
Ok, the photos sections has been a bit stagnant as of late. Actually, those pictures were almost totally of our first run of the now sold out Swart ST-6V6se with cloth covering. We've come a long way since then. Meaning it's time for a photo update! Look for new photos weekly here showing all that's happening in and around Swart. And iF you have any cool shots of you and a Swart amp, send them in!

ST 6V6se Magic Mandolin ~Lapsteel
Will Hardy is happy,...Happy that he found the Soul and Tone solution to his quest for perfect sound with his electric Mandolin and Lap Steel. Apparently, this has not been an easy quest, mirroring the trials and tribulations of Monty Python's search for the Holy Grail (without the Man-Eating Rabbit). Based on his letter, the Holy Grail happened to be none other than the Swart Tweed ST-6V6se!