IN MEMORIAM
JEFF SLINGLUFF , 1967-2022 | Doug Doppler
Thomas Nordegg and Jeff Slingluff
If one spends enough time in the music gear space , they begin to realize that even mega-brands like Roland are comprised of a surprisingly small team of people pooling their collective talents together . Be it intensive product rollouts or grueling trade show hours , this side of the industry has its fair share of rock stars as well .
With the passing of Jeff Slingluff on September 9 , 2022 , we lost one of the brightest lights that has ever shined in the MI space . While you might not know his name , his work for Roland / Boss , Line 6 , and Jim Dunlop / MXR resulted in some of the most used ( and loved ) gear on the planet .
Part of what makes Jeff ’ s story so unique is that he was a hands-on innovator who wasn ’ t afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty . In so doing he learned , developed and integrated modeling technologies that impacted thousands of musicians across a multitude of genres . From POD to DL4 , WAZA Tube Amp Expander to Katana , Jeff ’ s hands , ears , and heart were integral to an astonishing array of truly awesome gear .
Aside from all that , Jeff was one of the warmest and most sincere people in the business . He was loved by so many and will be missed dearly . I had the pleasure of getting to know him at the various guitar camps Roland and Boss supported . Just one short month before his passing , Jeff and fellow Roland cohort Aaron Marino and I , laughed our way ‘ til dawn talking about guitars , gear , and life .
Jeff died from complications resulting from Covid-19 , a solemn reminder that this disease is very much a killer . He leaves behind a wake of brilliant innovations , and a sea of broken hearts . Thank you Jeff , your light is still shining bright .