On March 12, we received the following message from NAMM’s Dan Del Fiorentino:It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Kustom Amp founder, Bud Ross. Bud was a pioneer in our industry as well as a strong supporter of the NAMM Oral History program over the years.
Bud made his first amplifier for his own band in 1958 to save a little money. Within 5 years he had established Kustom Amps, a leader in product design and innovations. The powerful speakers within the amps were as much a selling point to rock and rollers as the tuck and roll design of the cabinet. The success of the amplifiers allowed Bud to focus on other products for which he was equally innovative, such as radar and car monitors for law enforcement. Bud formed Ross Musical, Road Amps and Birdview among many ventures in and outside of the music industry.
Bud passed away on Saturday at the age of 77. I remember fondly the day of our interview and how he cleared his calendar when our 40 minute interview turned into two hours. He then drove me over to his old house to show me the garage where he built his first amp. Since that day Bud has gone out of his way to introduce me to several people that I have since interviewed. And, I’m proud to say, a strong friendship developed.
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