This week we look at the sad news of the passing of Mark Sampson, the brilliant mind behind Matchless and Bad Cat. His passing leaves a void, but his legacy – a standard of excellence in amplifier design – will continue to inspire.Then we look at the Tunerette, a new cigarette-style chromatic tuner that seems a little dated. Finally, we check out the new StarGazy. Oscillating Reverb by Buzzing Bugs Audio Devices.
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Guitar Journal
Mark Sampson
The world of music amplification has lost a true visionary. Mark Sampson, the driving force behind Matchless Amplifiers and a key figure in the resurgence of boutique, hand-wired tube amps, has passed away. His legacy, however, reverberates through the countless amplifiers he designed and the musicians whose tones he shaped.
Bad Cat Announcement · Source: Facebook/Bad Cat
Bad Cat
From the humble beginnings in his kitchen, where Matchless Amps was born alongside Rick Ferrotta in 1989, to his impactful contributions to Bad Cat, Sampson’s dedication to sonic excellence was unwavering.
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Bad Cat had just announced at this year’s NAMM the return of Sampson with the newEra 30 amp models, and this news of his passing took everyone by surprise.
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Mark Sampson’s passing leaves a significant void in the amplifier community. However, his influence will continue to resonate through the amplifiers he created and the countless musicians touched by his work.
He was more than just an amplifier designer; he was a craftsman, an innovator, and a true artist who dedicated his life to the pursuit of perfect tone. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of amplifier builders and musicians alike.
Evoking the rebellious spirit of rock legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Keith Richards, a truly unique musical accessory has emerged: the Tunerette, a cigarette-shaped clip-on tuner.
This delightfully bizarre (or possibly tasteless, depending on your view of smoking) device promises to tune your guitar while channeling the iconic, smoke-filled stage presence of rock’s golden era.
I own a few Smokey amps that are packaged in old cigarette packets (purchsed many, many years ago), so this new tuner doesn’t really bother me. However, it is a little outdated in 2025.
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Packaged in a vintage-style cigarette packet, the Tunerette is a fully functional chromatic tuner that allows players to embrace the classic rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic without the health risks of actual smoking.
Perfect for anyone who doesn’t fancy getting lung cancer, or any of the other fantastic diseases associated with smoking cigarettes.
Smoking? · Source: Tunerette
E-Cig Tuner
It’s a playful nod to the days when guitar heroes would casually tuck cigarettes between their strings, smoke billowing as they unleashed fiery solos.
Beyond its novelty, the Tunerette is a practical tool. It boasts a bright, intuitive LED display, weighs a mere ounce, and features a rechargeable lithium battery via USB. It also includes an auto-off function to conserve power and a low-battery warning to prevent mid-set tuning emergencies.
It is not something I would want to use, as I prefer my TC PolyTune, but I guess it will appeal to some people. However, it will not leave an authentic burn mark on the headstock of your guitar, so there are some bonuses.
Unleash celestial textures with the Buzzing Bugs Audio DevicesStargazyOscillating Reverb . This isn’t just a regular reverb; it’s a portal to infinite landscapes.
Stargazy · Source: Buzzing Bugs Audio Devices
Immersive Reverb
Anchored by a transistor-driven preamp, the Stargazy delivers a rich, immersive reverb experience. But the true magic lies in its second footswitch, engaging a controllable feedback loop that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
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The controls begin with the Mix control, which determines the balance of reverb within your output signal. Load allows you to manipulate the reverb’s gain, transitioning from a pristine, shimmering effect to a more textured, grating quality.
Master governs the overall output volume, ensuring optimal level control. Engaging the ‘infinity’ footswitch activates a feedback loop, enabling the reverb to feed back on itself, producing either a sustained, almost endless decay or a wildly oscillating wall of noise.
Body shapes the fullness of your signal at the preamp’s input stage, adding depth and resonance. The bespoke transistor preamp offers a versatile Gain control, spanning from sparkling clean tones to a rich, growling fuzz.
Finally, a classic overdrive-style Tone stack provides an exceptionally flexible EQ sweep, allowing for precise tonal adjustments.
From ethereal, shimmering decays that stretch into infinity to howling walls of oscillating noise, the pedal empowers you to sculpt sound with unparalleled depth and intensity. “Gaze at the stars, ward off the devil,” as the Cornish legend goes – and with the Stargazy, you’ll wield a power that commands both beauty and ferocity.
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4,8 / 5,0 | 
