Hi Adam. This is Baris from Tone Journey. I’m glad to have you on my blog. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started with FU-Tone, how and when did it become as your full time business?
Growing up in the 80’sI loved playing guitar. It was the perfect time to be a teenaged guitarplayer! I loved tinkering with my guitar as much as I loved playing it. My first product to come to market was the EVH D-Tuna (Drop D unit for locking tremolos.) – After D-Tuna, I just kept looking for parts of the bridge to improve. FU-Tone was born from that quest!
What inspired you to focus on upgrading Floyd Rose tremolos specifically? How did you join in that Floyd Rose craziness?
I was always facinated with locking tremolos. Some people hate them, I know why. And some people love them. I loved them but I wanted more out of them.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting FU-Tone.com?
Breaking the stereotypes people have about locking tremolos. Showing people that locking tremolos can sound great and function properly. Changing the mindset of an entire industry.
What sets FU-Tone apart from other companies in the guitar parts industry? For example, why should a potential customer buy an FU product instead of an original Floyd Rose?
FU-Tone is the originator! We created the upgrade and do it the best. There are lot’s of weak immitators now. I always say “use what the pros use.” Have a look at our artist roster and see who is using FU-Tone. https://www.fu-tone.com/artists
What are your most popular products, and why do you think they resonate with musicians? Can you introduce us readers with your own words?
The cornerstone product is the Big Brass Block. By simply changing the block under your tremolo to a big block of high quality brass, you add tons of sustain, clarity, defination, note seperation and warmth. From there I always suggest titanium saddle inserts for functionality and clarity. Rounding out the top 3 are the noiseless springs which really round out your tone and take away alot of the underlying mud.
Considering Tone Journey as “pickup oriented” blog mostly, i request you to introduce us readers your F.U. pickups and FU Pickup Mounting System since i could never tried one before. I believe pickup fans all around the globe would like to more about them ;)
The PMS (Pickup Mounting System) is the next level up from direct mounting your pickups directly to the wood. Adding a nice bar of quality brass for your pickup to direct mount to give the pickup a tighter and warmer response. The FU pickups were just a natural progression for me. I designed a pickup that I thought sounded good. They are hot and powerful yet clear and transparent.
You have now a wide range of products from tremolos to locks, even elestric guitars to pickup mounting systems. Are all or partially made in US or outsourced products?
We are all over the place. I will make things where I think they come out the best. I am not stuck on any one country.
How do you ensure the quality and precision of your products?
Everything is crashtested at the highest levels. It has to get past me before it ends up on an artist sor consumers guitar!
Can you explain the benefits of different trem block materials and how it enhances a guitar's tone and sustain? A guitar player with a need for xxxxx and yyyyy should go for a block made of zzzzz material, i mean.
Very tough to explain in words. I make a lot of demo videos so people can make up their own minds. I just give you options. You decide what is best for you.
You have colored trems and related parts. Are they durable enough?
Hell yes!
Tone wood debate. Personally i try to avoid the most of the arguement but what i see is counting apples and tomatos. A guy with a huge distorted&saturated sound claims there is no tonewood. What wood can enrich to tone has already lost, maybe in the first stages of ultra high gain amp. And he is right, there is do difference for the tone sprang from the active pickups, digital effects and hi-gain amp. What do you think of that very popular debate and where do your products stands for the tone they offer?
I don’t buy into the debate. Eveyone has to find what is right for them. I never understood when people scream online about what is best for this and that… It’s crazy to me. Experiment with everything and see what is best for you! FU-Tone just gives you more of what you already have. We amplify it, clean it up and just take the blanket off of it.
How do you gather feedback from your customers, and how does it influence your product development?
I talk to customers every day. Emails, phone calls, social media, website feedback. I love it all! I draw on the feedback of the people and develop products from it.
Have you noticed any trends or shifts in what guitarists are looking for in tremolo upgrades over the years?
Yes: MORE of everything. Bigger, louder, faster!
What has been the most rewarding feedback you’ve received from a customer?
I have gotten so much great feedback and developed great relationships with a lot of people. When someone is happy and jazzed about the result I am thrilled!
How do you stay ahead of the competition in such a niche market?
I don’t even look at it. I do what I do. I do what I think is best.
What role does innovation play in your business strategy?
It’s huge. Very important.
Let’s discuss FU model guitars. How did you decide to design and sell also guitars? I see Neal Schon plays some of them and the tone sounds phenomenal, Buddy.
Thanks! İt was just the natural evolution of what I do. The guitars are a lot of fun! Stay tuned for new models and new signature models next year!
Speaking of Neal Schon, there are many famous guitarists using FU products on your website. From Slash to Nuno, Akira Takasaki to Pete Thorn, Satriani and Vai to Kirk Hammett... How did you reach out to these people, and are they really still using FU products? And i see Eddie Van Halen’s name on the list. What FU product did he use?
The artist roster really blows me away! It’s like my record collection came to life for me. It’s a huge honor to work with these amazing artists. EVH had various items on different guitars.
What guitarists or bands have inspired you the most in your career?
EVH, Warren DeMartini, Michael Wilton, Nuno, Snake Sabo and Scotti Hill, Wolf Hoffmann just to name a few real quick. I could give you 100.
What guitars (brand and model) defies you accurately?
I love the classics like Fender, Gibson, Charvel, Jackson, ESP, etc. But there are some killer botique builders out there now. They are the next generation of great!
How do you balance the demands of running a business with your personal life and interests? All i can think of is being too happy with your business :)
It’s hard sometimes. But, my wife Nadine is a music photographer so we work together all of the time. It’s a perfect life balance.
What new products or innovations can we expect from FU-Tone in the near future?
I have enough people who copy my stuff so you will just have to wait and see!
Where do you see FU-Tone.com in the next 5-10 years, and what are your long-term goals for the company?
Just more of the same. Keep growing and spreading the word about improving your tone and enjoying the greatest instrument in the world – GUITAR!
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Interview with Adam Reiver of FU-Tone
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