Hassle-free bamboo beats with Loudbasstard
Have you ever heard the sound of a non-metal music amplifier with no electrical wirings, no moving parts and no batteries or a plug to operate with? It may seem odd at first, but it is possible.
Loudbasstard, Inc. is a Cebu- based company that produces mobile phone accessories using indigenous materials. Its main product is a sound amplifier dock for mobile devices, which is made of bamboo and rattan, and does not make use of electricity or batteries. The tube-shaped design allows the device to naturally amplify the sound coming from a smartphone. Simplistic and practical, each dock is carefully cut, carved, polished, and painted by skilled and talented Cebuano artisans. All products are handcrafted and packaged in Cebu. These proudly Philippine- made bamboo amplifiers have already reached the US and UK markets.
Technically not classified as a regular speaker, the docks amplify the sound coming from the smartphone — perfect for parties in small rooms, listening to music in office cubicles, or even project presentations. The docks are very easy to use and are perfect for beach trips, mountain camps, and other areas where using electricity-powered devices might prove difficult.
The birth of an idea
The company was born in October 2012 and incorporated in July 2013 by two Cebubased entrepreneurs, Franz Ignacio and Koh Onozawa. Ignacio worked for Christie’s in New York and would take time off from his work to focus on Loudbasstard. His family is involved in furniture exports. Meanwhile, Onozawa is a Filipino-Japanese whose family is involved in architecture.
When the two met, both realized the possibility of establishing a start-up company. While brainstorming for ideas, Onozawa’s French girlfriend took her phone and placed it in a glass cup, which amplified the sound. During a trip to the mountains, the pair referred to the dock as a ‘loud bastard’ and realized that it would be the perfect name, adding an extra “s” to make the product more music-oriented.
The idea for the product was an instant hit, as it resulted to something hip and trendy. From a variety of raw materials, succeeding tests and trials, bamboo was chosen as the best material for being both environment-friendly and easily sourced.
Following the success of the trendy bamboo speaker docks, Loudbasstard also began producing environment- friendly smartphone cases made of bamboo and wood, a rechargeable hybrid dock that can actively or passively amplify sound, as well as chic and handy kickstands. Their ultimate goal is to offer various products that merge modern technology, industrial design, and sustainability.
Providing jobs and creating music
Loudbasstard is currently helping local employment by hiring artisans from a poor community in Cebu. Its factory is located near the artisan community, where they are able to provide skills training and regular employment. On the other hand, female artisans also weave the rattan from their homes, giving an additional source of income to help improve the community’s quality of life.
Sustainability is also at the heart of its production process wherein raw materials such as bamboo and rattan are among the fastest-growing plants while the full production process is completely handmade. No machineries are used except for the engraving procedure.
Loudbasstard also wants to spread its love for music to the youth by partnering with Sistemang Pilipino ( SP), a non- profit organization that gives free music lessons to underserved communities. True to the company slogan, “For the Love of Music,” Loudbasstard has provided recorders to gifted music students from underprivileged communities that are pursuing their musical studies at SP.