ABOUT

TRADEMARK

In 2024 when we became the custodians of the GOLDENTONE registered trademark.

This means that the name itself has been past to us, we are in control of the name and how it is used into the future. We do not however own the history, WE ALL DO.

Our mission statement is clear:

  • Do justice to the name and its history 
  • Protect the integrity of the brand
  • Design and build new valve amps here, in Australia
  • Tell this amazing Australian story

Understanding this unique brands history is central to knowing how to move forward with it. We understand this and are ready to move into the future, informed by the history and incredible music that Goldentone amplifiers have been a part of making.

SO.... WHO ARE WE??

Colin Leadbetter owns Nepean Music and Leadbetter Guitar Co in Mornington, Victoria.

Nepean was established by the Leadbetter family in 1997 and is primarily a retailer, music school and guitar repair workshop. When Colin took the business over in 2019, his desire to make things here in Australia, saw him launch Leadbetter Guitar Co from the Nepean repair workshop. Manufacturing of a range of Danelectro inspired guitars and hand wired pedals that have since ended up in the hands, and under the feet of players across the globe. 

Along side his time in the musical instrument industries, Colin is an accomplished record producer, Mixing and Mastering Engineer who has hundreds of credits under his belt. His time as a producer (primarily working from Melbourne's iconic Sing Sing Studios) saw Colin work with some of Australia's best, including: Katie Noonan, Renee Geyer, Sarah Blasko, Whitley, Jim Moginie and Rob Hurst (Midnight Oil), Paul Kelly, Whistle and Trick, Mission Songs Project, Archie Roach, Leah Senior, Grace Cummings, Daron Hanlon and many more.

Joel Wheeler runs Nepean Music repair workshop. An accomplished guitarist and avid collector of all things tone related. Classic valve amplifiers are a language Joel speaks and his "feel centered" perspective and no compromise search for tone makes him an invaluable part of Goldentone Customshop development team. 

Tim Occleshaw (The Tone Lab) is the chief circuit designer and valve product technician for the new Goldentone Customshop. Tim's immense contribution and dedication to the restoration of vintage Goldie's and of course, the development of Colin and Joel's Custom Shop vision cannot be overstated.