McIntosh has played an integral role in the quality of sound reproduction demanded by the Grateful Dead practically since the band’s founding. It was in early 1969 that McIntosh engineers began creating the sound system that would be used at Woodstock. The Grateful Dead played on day two of that iconic festival, relying on McIntosh’s powerful amplifiers to project their music a full quarter of a mile away so everyone in the audience could hear. Renowned for their intense dedication to their fans, the Grateful Dead always did everything in their power to provide the very best possible sound at every concert.

In 1974, the Grateful Dead unveiled what they called their “Wall of Sound” – a mega stage system that utilized 48 MC2300 amplifiers to provide 28,800W of McIntosh amplifier power. The Wall delivered a musical experience that wasn’t just loud enough to be heard in the back row, but also clear and distortion-free – so everyone could hear the lyrics and relish all the psychedelic notes. As the band evolved, so too did the Wall. The completed wall was powered by 48 McIntosh MC2300s and two McIntosh MC350 mono tube amplifiers for a total of 29,500 watts!

McIntosh president Charlie Randall says, “McIntosh is deeply rooted in American music history, and a huge part of that history is the Grateful Dead. Like the members of the band, our brand has always recognized the importance of sound quality. We are proud not only to sponsor this exhibition, but also to have played a part in the band’s history. It’s an even bigger honour to have McIntosh artifacts included in the exhibit. From the sound system at Woodstock to the ‘Wall of Sound’ created especially for the Grateful Dead, McIntosh was at the very heart of an audio revolution that literally changed the way musicians played live concerts – and the way audiences enjoy them.”

The Grateful Dead: The Long, Strange Trip exhibit will include three McIntosh MC2300 amplifiers from the band’s personal collection, finished and working manuscripts for classic songs, an unprecedented collection of original album cover artwork, as well as numerous instruments used by the Dead over the years. Additionally, McIntosh is providing the museum with its world-class McIntosh’s SOHO Collection to showcase the premium craftsmanship and aesthetic that the brand is known for.

Even though the Grateful Dead formally disbanded in 1995, the band lives on as one of rock and roll’s brightest lights and most profound influences. Handcrafting its gear in upstate Binghamton, NY, McIntosh is proud to continue its own legacy as a world renowned American audio company and continues to be the gear of choice for music legends of the past and present.