Desmond Bowe's Tiki Tube Amps

Written By Michael Koetsier

I saw Desmond’s Tiki Tube Amps at the recent T.H.E. Audio show in SoCal. Now, this is a show featuring mostly manufactured, high-priced equipment, so when I see something that is handcrafted and artistic, I pay attention. These aren’t the tube amps your grandfather tinkered with in his living room, and they aren’t the bejeweled tube amps that grace the cover of audiophile magazines. No, these are works of art, handcrafted, and each piece is a unique high-quality electronic component. They will most certainly be the talking point in your audio-listening space.

Desmond, can you describe what your business does?

We build high-fidelity stereo systems inside hand-carved tiki sculptures. Each piece is 100% handmade in Venice Beach, California, using sustainably sourced wood. No two are alike; they’re functional artworks that blend analog sound with bold design.

I always like asking this question, but in this case, I am particularly curious: where did the idea come from?

It started with a simple question: how do you make a tiki head cooler? After 15 years in the corporate world, I needed to pursue something meaningful, something creative that brought together my passions: tiki culture, woodworking, vintage audio, and community. I already had a background in building vacuum tube amps, but learning to carve was new. For me, the best way to learn a skill is when it becomes essential to express an idea.

Can you describe your typical work day?

My mornings start with journaling, yoga, and admin tasks. Afternoons are for the workshop; that’s when I carve the Tikis and wire the stereos. The space itself is part of the magic: a century-old building in Santa Monica that used to sell Ford Model Ts. I share it with other artisans, furniture makers, refinishers, and creatives. I try to block out big chunks of time without distractions so I can really get into a creative flow.

What is your best-selling design?

Our signature piece is an all-in-one totem: a sculptural tower over five feet tall that houses both the amp and the speakers. It’s a full sound system and a statement art piece in one. Every unit is made to order, fully customizable in terms of size, carving style, color, and audio design. Prices start at $25,000 depending on the configuration.

It’s probably a moot question, but I still have to ask: what sets you apart from other audio manufacturers?

No one else is doing this. Most stereos, no matter how expensive, are just boxes. We believe audio systems can also be beautiful, bold, and soulful. Our pieces are as much about aesthetic impact as they are about sound quality. That’s why we call them Stereos with Soul.

“Larry” tube amp

“Isaac” tube amp

How is social media important to your business?

It’s essential. Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn allow us to showcase the visual and handmade nature of our work. We post a mix of finished products, behind-the-scenes shots, and build process videos to tell the full story of what goes into each Tiki.

What are your thoughts on technology today?

Technology should serve the work, not get in the way of it. I use my phone for Instagram, but I try to keep it out of the studio when I’m creating. Notion is great for organizing the business—everything from calendars to product specs lives there. I avoid platforms like Google Docs where things tend to disappear or get lost.

Tools like ChatGPT can also be helpful for brainstorming, but I use them sparingly. I still believe in doing the work by hand, especially when craftsmanship is at the heart of the product. I take a lot of handwritten notes.

Regarding all the hard work that the business requires, do you hire contractors, or does your family participate?

I have a communications team that handles social media and business development. For now, I manage finances and technology myself. Outsourcing those would require more coordination than it would save, so I keep them in-house.

“Clarence” tube amp

“Clarence” tube amp (rear)

How do you manage finding new customers, conducting outreach, and marketing?

We use social media and a mailing list, but a lot of our sales come from direct outreach and word-of-mouth. Because this is a luxury, bespoke product, most customers don’t even know to search for it, so we have to reach them. It’s all about relationships, long conversations, and trust. We’re not trying to sell to everyone, just the right few.

Practically speaking, how do you balance work, growth, and personal time?

I love what I do, so it’s easy to go all in. But I’ve learned that stepping away is key to staying inspired. Whether it’s an afternoon surf session or a few days in nature, I make space to recharge. Day-to-day, I try to stay disciplined with cooking, workouts, and screen-free time. For me, being an artist means listening to my own rhythms, knowing when to push, and when to pause.

Regarding the environment, social issues, and being a partner to the community, do you have any specific things your business focuses on?

Yes, our wood is always sourced from felled or repurposed trees. We’re deeply committed to sustainability, and that ethos carries through everything we do. We also partner with local artisans and makers whenever possible, supporting the creative ecosystem around us.

“Phil” and “Lillian” 200 watt 3-way speakers

What do you see as the outlook for the future of your business?

As more people see that audio gear can be artistic, the potential grows. That said, we’re not trying to scale in a mass-market way. This is a craft business, and soul doesn’t scale. I’d love to explore new directions, maybe large metal sculptures, immersive listening rooms, or boutique sound lounges.

We’re already building accessories like album storage racks and offering design consultations. Long-term, my dream is to open a creative event space, a place for community, sound, and celebration. If I can keep showing up every day to a studio I love, making things that bring people joy, that’s success to me.

Do you have a final thought for the readers?

“When you’re born, you cry and the universe rejoices. Live your life so that when you die, the universe cries, and you rejoice.”

Where can we find out more about your amps?

Yes, we are active on social media, but the website is probably the best place to start:

 
 
Michael Koetsier

I am the editor of Business Owner Stories, a website about small business ownership. If, like me, you are running a small business, or just in the planning stages of a side-hustle, this is the place to find answers. All the interviews and articles are by and for business owners.

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