Soldano Custom Amplification
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Musical instrument amplification |
| Founded | 1986 in Los Angeles, United States |
| Founder | Michael Soldano |
| Fate | Ownership transferred to Boutique Amps Distribution in 2019 |
| Successor | Boutique Amps Distribution |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Michael Soldano (founder and designer) |
| Products | Guitar amplifiers, preamp pedals |
| Owner | Boutique Amps Distribution |
| Parent | Boutique Amps Distribution |
| Website | soldano |
Soldano Custom Amplification is a manufacturer of guitar amplifiers, established in 1986 by Michael Soldano in Los Angeles before moving operations to Seattle. The company is distinguished for its high-gain amplifier designs, with the SLO-100 serving as its most iconic product.
History
Michael Soldano initially gained experience modifying amplifiers at Stars Guitars in San Francisco. He constructed his first amplifier—a Fender Bassman replica—using repurposed library books. Over several years, he enhanced this design and then concentrated on customizing Mesa/Boogie Mark II amplifiers, which eventually led to the development of the Super Lead Overdrive (SLO) 100. While working as a roadie to avoid financial difficulties, Soldano provided a prototype to Howard Leese from Heart. This exposure resulted in orders from notable musicians such as Lou Reed, Michael Landau, and Vivian Campbell. The official release of the SLO 100 occurred in 1987, attracting prominent users including Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Tommy Kessler (Blondie), Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, George Lynch, and Gary Moore. The amplifier received acclaim from Guitar Player magazine for its rich high-gain sound and dynamic responsiveness favored by lead guitarists.
In 1991, Eddie Van Halen replaced his Marshall 1959 amplifier with an SLO 100 during the production of For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge and later modeled his signature Peavey 5150 amplifier after it.
Soldano amplifiers are also featured at Seattle's Experience Music Project within interactive guitar rooms alongside Squier Stratocaster and Telecaster models.
Additionally, Soldano created the Supercharger G.T.O., a valve-driven preamp pedal powered by high voltage and named after its three control knobs: Gain, Tone, and Output.
Michael Soldano ceased amplifier production in 2018 but transferred ownership of the company to Boutique Amps Distribution in 2019 while continuing as a designer. In 2020, an updated version of the SLO-100 was introduced with an added depth control feature, along with a new lower-powered model called the SLO-30.