Recent Posts

81
General Discussion / Important announcement!
« Last post by Doc B. on June 13, 2025, 06:06:26 PM »
Hey Bottleheads,

You may have noticed the mention of interesting developments coming in 2025 on our website. We’re now ready to share what’s happening. Eileen and I have had a blast creating and growing Bottlehead for the past 30 years. As I am approaching 70 we find ourselves ready to retire. But the big question was what to do with Bottlehead? We felt the ideal situation would be for someone who shared our enthusiasm for the DIY audio mindset to step in and keep a good thing going.

Today we’re thrilled to announce that a passionate family of enthusiasts who truly believe in what we’ve built has acquired Bottlehead. These folks aren’t just investors — they’re longtime fans and community members who are committed to preserving what makes Bottlehead special. Let’s introduce them:

● Jameson O’Guinn is a longtime Bottlehead customer who has assembled nearly every kit in the lineup over the years. He’ll lead product development and marketing.

● Lindsey Phelps will handle accounting and will head up initiatives Bottlehead intends to pursue in STEM and education.

● Jean Bauder will take over shipping and customer service duties from Eileen.

● Eric Bauder has a deep background in electrical and mechanical engineering, and will be working closely with the team to help with product design and community troubleshooting.

We’re also excited to share that Paul Joppa and Paul Birkeland are sticking around as consultants and product designers. If you have been following us for any length of time you understand what a huge contribution these two have made to Bottlehead’s success. So you can expect to see new products with the same Bottlehead family sound, as well as receive the same level of support on our community forums. Eileen and I will be helping with the transition and will stay around for a while in an advisory capacity.

Regarding the transition, there will be a brief intermission starting today, June 13th. Over the following couple of weeks the operation will move from Washington to Illinois, and we are working hard to have everything back up and running by month’s end.

Eileen and I want to give our heartfelt thanks to all of you who have supported us over the years. It’s been an amazing ride and we truly cherish your riding along with us. We're looking forward to this new chapter in the Bottlehead story with much satisfaction and excitement.

Dan “Doc B.” Schmalle
Former President for Life
Bottlehead Corp.

More detailed info is available at [email protected]
82
General Discussion / Re: Happy Trails to you Doc and Eileen.
« Last post by Doc B. on June 13, 2025, 06:02:51 PM »
Thanks John! The info is also posted on the home page - at least until the new site is up.

https://bottlehead.com/
83
General Discussion / Re: Happy Trails to you Doc and Eileen.
« Last post by 2wo on June 13, 2025, 05:26:57 PM »
First off, Congratulations As a relatively recent retiree myself It's nice to have a little time to yourself.
I Didn't get the newsletter so this is the 1st time hearing of this., I I gather that Bottle head  is going to continue Are the details posted somewhere? Or can someone send me a copy... John
84
General Discussion / Re: Happy Trails to you Doc and Eileen.
« Last post by aragorn723 on June 13, 2025, 04:49:16 PM »
Dan and Eileen,

Congrats on your retirement!  I can't believe this day is here, but know that you've created something special that we all enjoy regularly.  My Quickie has been going strong for the last 9 years or so, and maybe thousands of hours of listening time!  Wishing you all the best.

Dave Adamus
85
General Discussion / Re: Happy Trails to you Doc and Eileen.
« Last post by Cary on June 13, 2025, 03:11:06 PM »
Hi Dan and Eileen,

I know everybody is happy and sad that you are retiring, it's been a great run. We are all happy to hear both Paul's will be around.

Cary
86
General Discussion / Re: Happy Trails to you Doc and Eileen.
« Last post by Alonzo on June 13, 2025, 12:49:25 PM »
Congratulations to both of you on the retirement, wishing you the best future, fair winds and following seas.
Alonzo
87
General Discussion / Re: Happy Trails to you Doc and Eileen.
« Last post by larcenasb on June 13, 2025, 08:34:18 AM »
Doc & Queen B,

I was sad to see the newsletter at first, but am happy to know you both can enjoy your retirement after such a successful business venture. It was a blast the couple times I came to Bottleheadquarters to enjoy listening sessions and good company. And, Doc, I'll always remember that sunny summer afternoon in 2010, when there was a meet at some random library basement in Seattle and you showed me the Smack and the AKG K1000s thru the Paramount monoblocks! Also, I'll always cherish my own Bottlehead amps, ...but still need to get a Kaiju as my magnum opus build! Thank you both for all you've done for our community. What you offered: DIY, being local to WA, and focusing on the magic of tubes is what made Bottlehead the right choice for me. :) Congratulations and I wish you both a wonderfully happy and peaceful retirement. :)

- Lowell B.
88
General Discussion / Say it aint so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
« Last post by Thermioniclife on June 13, 2025, 08:26:30 AM »
Yeah but but but but, who's going to draw the happy faces on on the invoices now? In all seriousness thanks for the memories. Keep the shiny side up on the flats Dan.. Peace, Love and Happiness to you both.
89
Stereomour II / Re: Stereomour II: Stock Model, No Upgrades – Total Delight
« Last post by rsmiii on June 13, 2025, 05:54:45 AM »
Paul Birkeland: Thank you; I used two spray paints:

Rust-oleum metallic gold — for the chassis and power transformer end bell cover.

Rust-oleum hammered paint & primer, copper color — for the plate chokes.

Perhaps not the most professional paint job ever ... but hey, it's mine, and I did it!
90
General Discussion / Re: A quick hello
« Last post by Doc B. on June 13, 2025, 05:45:29 AM »
Jameson,

Thanks for the kind words and thanks for stepping in to keep this thing going. It's been a pleasure to work on this with you guys and we're really confident in Bottlehead's future.

Thanks also, Peej and Peebs, for staying with this thing. We've certainly had a lot of fun along the way and I'll never forget your contributions.