Frantone Electronics

Frantone Electronics is a Philadelphia-based effects pedal manufacturer run by Fran Blanche.

History

Blanche first made pedals in the 1990s[1] and her boutique fuzz pedals were used by notable musicians including Lou Reed and R.E.M.[2] The company's growth was never steady; Blanche moved Frantone repeatedly, being gentrified out of several NYC-area locations.[3]

Blanche's personal life as a transgender individual[2] also led to online attacks which she has cited as affecting the company's reputation and growth. Her insistence on staying personally involved in manufacturing, instead of outsourcing, may have also limited revenue growth.[2]

Blanche previously worked as an employee of Electro-Harmonix,[4] where she designed the second version of the Big Muff, one of EH's most popular effects pedals. She came up with the design after she was unable to afford to buy the first model, and built her own instead.[3]

After some years out of production, the firm has announced the release of new pedals in 2017, such as the Vibutron,[5] and reintroductions of the Peach Fuzz and Cream Puff designs as limited editions.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Astley-Brown, Michael. "Frantone announces return of Cream Puff guitar effects pedal". Music Radar. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  2. 1 2 3 "An Interview with Fran Blanche of Frantone Electronics". Sheshredsmag.com. 2016-02-05. Retrieved 2016-12-19.
  3. 1 2 Johanna Fateman (2016-09-24). "The Lenny Interview: Fran Blanche". Yahoo News. Retrieved 2016-12-19.
  4. ↑ Rockrgrl. Rockrgrl. 2002.
  5. ↑ "Franton Vibutron Tremelo". GAK. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  6. ↑ Astley-Brown, Michael (2016-04-19). "Frantone announces return of Cream Puff guitar effects pedal". MusicRadar. Retrieved 6 February 2017.

Further reading

  • Nicholas Kula (2015-06-18). "Welcome Back, Frantone: Her 5 Best". Tone Report. Retrieved 2016-12-19.
  • "The Return of Real Boutique: A Chat with Fran Blanche of Frantone". tonereport.com. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
  • "#263 – An Interview with Fran Blanche". The Amp Hour Electronics Podcast. 21 August 2015. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
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