KSR Amps, a division of Rhodes Amplification, LLC, began in 2009 as a desire to design and build the finest guitar amplifiers possible. Today, we are recognized as one of the major players in the high-end guitar amplifier market the world over. Since then we’ve launched several more products in addition to our full-size amp heads — lunchbox amps, pedals, custom cables, software IRs, and cabs — made right here in Ohio. Through our continuous research and development we’re redefining what was thought possible with modern guitar amplifiers, cabinets, and pedals. We look forward to continually pushing the envelope for many years to come, and our 18K ft² Ohio based facility is driven by a passionate and talented team of engineers, technicians, and production specialists — all “doing it under one roof.”

The Rhodes Standard

A “Jack of all trades, master of many” aptly describes our founder Kyle Rhodes. From electrical design at the top level down to every step of the manufacturing process, Kyle has honed our production facility into a well-oiled machine. Years of experience in woodworking, machining, electrical and mechanical design, PCB design and all the black magic it entails, not to mention software engineering, designing, building, and modifying guitar amplifiers, allowed him to garner the wisdom necessary to build a successful engineering and manufacturing business. In addition to dreaming up new KSR products, Kyle continues to innovate and create fixtures, jigs, and even machines to speed and increase the quality of KSR products. This is of course, when we’re not bugging him to get lunch.

Earlier in Kyle’s life he worked with some truly inspiring companies/groups such as: Urschel Laboratories, Task Force Tips, New York Blower, the Purdue Robot Vision Laboratory, and gh / See Write Hear. Through experiences being immersed in USA manufacturing, robotics, software, hardware, and small business, Kyle’s ultimate goal was to start and grow a company that could make anything, do it exceptionally, and “do it all under one roof” — Made in USA.

“Personal inspiration came from several sources over the years, but some that come to mind are my brother Matt for teaching me how to play guitar and showing me what’s possible with illustration, design, and Star Wars. Jason Walther for taking me under his wing early in my life, thus enabling a huge jump-start into digital electronics and programming while barely 10 years of age. (I’m not sure where I’d be if I hadn’t met him one random evening at Radio Shack in 1990.) John Musall for my first oscilloscope, my favorite workbench, and the antagonization to do my best and most with my time. My father for teaching me everything he knew about woodworking, mechanics, cars, work ethic, women, and boating. My mom for somehow holding it all together while maintaining the most organized and spotless house I’ve ever known, and everyone I ever knew who visited “the museum.” Finally, my grandfather Ed Rhodes — the first entrepreneur I knew and whom I aspire to be. Rhodes Welding Works’ slogan was “We Know How” — and to this day I perpetually aspire to Know How.”

“We take pride in our work — and this is why our products bare my initials. You can always count on supreme quality and attention to detail. Of course, quality only gets you so far with something as subjective as electric guitar, however our sound always speaks for itself.” -Kyle Rhodes