Top Hat Amplifiers are designed and built by Brian Gerhard, a lifelong player and perfectionist with deep roots in hi-fi electronics and classic British amp tones. Since launching in 1994, Top Hat has built a devoted following among working musicians, producers, and engineers, with amps in regular rotation at major studios including Sunset Sound and the Record Plant. Gerhard’s philosophy centers on capturing the best qualities of vintage Vox and Marshall designs while adding the versatility and reliability that make those classics impractical in real-world use. Every component — from capacitors and transformers to cabinet joinery and speaker choice — is treated as critical to the final tone. Artists including Bonnie Raitt, Walter Becker of Steely Dan, and David Hidalgo and Cesar Rosas of Los Lobos have all found their way to the Top Hat shop.
Drawing on 30 years of experience making amps sound their best, Top Hat now also offers repair, restoration, and modification services for vintage, reissue, and boutique tube amps. Available locally in the Raleigh/Durham, NC triangle area or anywhere via shipping.