All amplifiers at Thicktone Audio are designed and built by Dr. Curtis Thigpen. Before Thicktone, he was a developmental neurobiologist, who used the physical concepts of electricity to understand excitable cellular membranes. At a very young age Curtis’ son, Tyler, was captivated by music, which led to guitars, guitar lessons, and of course tube amplifiers. With the goal of helping with his son’s musical aspirations, Curtis began studying vacuum tube based amplification. This yielded new designs, experimental amplifier prototypes and, as local guitarists became aware of his work, modifications and repairs; thus, blending theory with a practical knowledge of other tube amplifier designs and common failure scenarios.