ARJEN RIENKS

"Arie!"

 

I got a record player at an early age. Listening to old blues on vinyl. Raw live recordings. Little Richard. Ike & Tina Turner. AC/DC. Early Joe Cocker. Grand Funk. All raw energy. The sound of a heavily distorted tube amplifier makes me happy. I have always wanted to make something myself with the taste and vibe of the 60's.

 

I have been a bass player in various bands. Some of them were 7Zuma7, Spoiler, The Fuel, Meyer Bliss and most recently Troy Torino. All based on the heavy rock genre and a strong association with the 70s. I’ve performed on small and sometimes big stages, and toured as support with the band Hermano. With Spoiler we once toured England in a converted camper with trailer. That was absolutely amazing.

 

And now I've started working on our own pedal together with Wilco, inspired by the dirty sound and look of the 60s and 70s. I don't really know where that inspiration comes from. I often think of the fact that my parents had a bowling alley. The American AMF machines roared all day long. Iron, noise, oil and grease. My dad used to autocross in old american cars. Welding, grinding and building. Maybe that's it. And lots of music of course.

 

We've had a lot of fun thinking up and building the Gran Fuzz so far. I hope you like it and we'll keep you posted.

 

Fuzz'on!
Arie

WILCO WITTE

"Willem!"

 

I’ve been fascinated by electronics since I was a kid, but that fascination really came to life when I started playing in bands at the age of fourteen. 


Inspired by bassists like Gene Simmons, Sting, Graham Maby, Adam Clayton, Paul McCartney, and later Jaco Pastorius, James Jamerson, and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, my bass playing evolved in parallel with my technical skills.

Always chasing that perfect sound. That warm, punchy low-end growl that lays down a solid foundation with a single note, yet remains defined enough to support the song both melodically and rhythmically. I developed a deep interest in vintage gear.

Over the course of my career as a bassist, I’ve built and modified amps and effects units for myself and for fellow musicians in pursuit of that sound.

So when Arjen told me about his plans, I was immediately intrigued. The idea of bringing back the sound of yesteryear and updating it to today’s standards was too good to pass up.

That’s exactly what we’re doing with King Sonic Audio. Its signature sound and kick-ass design make the Gran Fuzz a must-have for both guitarists and bassists. For us, this project has been an incredible journey.

Fuzz'on!
Willem