KSR Amps, a division of Rhodes Amplification, LLC, began in 2009 with a simple mission: design and build the finest guitar amplifiers possible. Over the years, that mission paid off. Today we’re recognized as one of the major players in the high-end amplifier world.

Since our first full-size amp heads, we’ve expanded into lunchbox amps, pedals, custom cables, software IRs, and cabs — all built right here in Ohio. Ongoing research and development drives everything we do, pushing modern music gear into places once thought impossible. With an 18,000 ft² facility and a dedicated team under one roof, we’re here for the long haul.

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The Rhodes Standard

If “Jack of all trades, master of many” ever described someone, it’s our founder, Kyle Rhodes. From top-level electrical design to hands-on manufacturing, Kyle has shaped our entire operation into a highly refined, ridiculously efficient production environment.

His background spans woodworking, machining, electrical and mechanical engineering, PCB design, software development, and the arcane art of building and modifying guitar amplifiers. Combined, these skills formed the backbone of a company built to make anything, do it exceptionally well, and do it all in-house.

When he isn’t designing new KSR products, Kyle’s usually developing new fixtures, jigs, and machines to improve our build quality… or being harassed by the team to fire up the grill.

Kyle’s early career included work with companies and groups such as Urschel Laboratories, Task Force Tips, New York Blower, the Purdue Robot Vision Laboratory, and gh / See Write Hear. Those experiences in U.S. manufacturing, robotics, hardware, software, and small business ultimately forged the vision for what would become KSR Amps: a place where world-class gear is built under one roof, right here in the USA.

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Personal Inspiration

Kyle credits his growth to a long list of people who helped shape his skills, work ethic, and creativity. A few highlights in his own words:

• His brother Matt, who taught him guitar and opened the door to art, design, and Star Wars.

• Jason Walther, who kickstarted his journey into digital electronics and programming at age ten — thanks to a chance meeting at Radio Shack in 1990.

• John Musall, for the first oscilloscope, the favorite workbench, and the constant push to do more with the time you have.

• His father, who passed down woodworking, mechanics, cars, and a no-nonsense work ethic.

• His mother, the keeper of a home so organized it earned the nickname “the museum.”

• And his grandfather Ed Rhodes, the first entrepreneur he knew — famous for the Rhodes Welding Works slogan: “We Know How.” That mantra continues to guide Kyle and the company today.

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The Standard We Live By

“We take pride in our work — and this is why our products bear my initials. You can always count on supreme quality and attention to detail. Tone is subjective, but our sound speaks for itself.”
— Kyle Rhodes