HOTTIE INC. TAKES BANDS FROM THE GARAGE TO THE KITCHEN:
Countless financially strapped musicians have experienced the ignominy that accompanies being forced to justify new gear purchases to family members. Portland guitarist Jean-Claude Escudie understands your pain and he’s found a way to help sneak gear into the house – through the kitchen. Each custom-made Hottie Amp is built into the chassis of a vintage American toaster. The toaster shell is a great hook for fans of art deco and Americana, but the Hottie isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a real amp. The unit’s solid-state circuit and 6” Jensen MOD speaker spits out a great crunchy tone for lead guitar or garage rock rhythm. Hottie Amps built into toasters with crumb trays even provide a measure of their own spring reverb. The Hottie Amp also excels as an overdrive and gain boost when driving a speaker cabinet. For a gadget with such a high “cool factor,” the Hottie Amp’s price tag is surprisingly modest. (Jeffrey Elbel)