When Mike Soldano released the original Super Lead Overdrive (SLO) 100 in the 1980s the sound of rock ‘n’ roll electric guitar was forever changed. With industry-shifting innovations such as dual footswitchable channels and the amp’s inherent focus and tone, Soldano quickly became the name you wanted on the front of your guitar rig. The man’s ceaseless commitment to quality and consistency has helped maintain his position as one of the gurus of high-gain amplification. And you’ll still find him personally hand-soldering Hot Rods, Decatones, and SLO-100 amps in his shop in Seattle, Washington.

The Soldano SLO-100 is one of the first boutique-style high-gain amplifier heads to ever hit the market. Previous amps had hinted at the evolution of hard rock guitar tone, yet it took the mighty SLO to define its chewy distortion, tight low end, cutting highs, and full-throated mids. The proof of the SLO-100’s legacy can be witnessed every time you find one still backing some of the biggest players in the world. Far from a one-trick-pony, the SLO’s singing sustain has even be found backing the lyrical playing of Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler. Whether pushing the swampy slide work of Warren Haynes, the New Wave stylings of Blondie’s Tommy Kessler, or the mention that even EVH himself used to crank one up, the Soldano SLO-100 continues to prove itself as one of the premier rock ‘n’ roll amps of all time.