MESA, AZ (03.15.23) – “No fairies, pixie dust… or unicorns, it’s all physics. We don’t make it up we just follow the laws… of physics,” according to Larry Van Sickle, that would be the first thing Larry Frederick would teach us if he were here today.
A few words to honor and commemorate the life of Larry Frederick, a 50-year veteran of the audio industry who passed last week.
Larry was a brilliant and passionate man who had a knack for making things work. He was a master of his craft and had a deep understanding of the inner workings of a wide variety of electronics, digital processing, speakers, and woofers. I am sure he, at one point in his life, help many of you to diagnose and repair a complex system with a speed and skill that amazed everyone who had the privilege of working with him. He was a trusted mentor and teacher who was always willing to share his knowledge with others. He was generous with his time and often took on the role of a teacher, passing on his expertise to all who sought it. One of his only requirements was that you owned a voltmeter and knew how to use it. Of course, if you didn’t, he would, send you to the store to buy one and do his best to train you how to use it.
Larry’s early career included working at Altech Lansing Professional, Audiomobile, a few years later, Larry joined Coustic, and drove the mix to include the famous XM3, AMP190 and AMP380 among many other products.
He joined Keith Peterson at Phoenix Gold in 1989 when they were only an audio accessory company. In a short amount of time Larry and Keith introduced the MS-250 and MS-2125 with 24 karat gold plated PCB’s that placed Phoenix Gold with a reputation for high quality products. Larry went on to develop many amps including the “Frank AMP’n stein”.
A large portion of Larry’s career was training, he trained 1000’s of enthusiasts and installers all over the world. He was famous for a flowerful tongue and his nerf gun, shooting students who were not paying attention or answering with a wrong answer.
Also, in the early 90’s Larry was also instrumental in the rules committee and judging of 1000’s of vehicles that competed in ISACA events nationwide. He was very passionate about the fact that the only seat in the car that mattered was the driver’s seat and would only judge a car from that seat.
His career path then took him to Electrromedia where he was instrumental in the introduction and training of the industry’s first serious aftermarket DSP, the Bit One. Larry helped to tune over 250 cars and could make any one of them sound good.
Followed by 10 years at Diamond Audio where he reintroduced the brand as a leader in Harley Davidson Audio.
Finally, he was presented with the opportunity to form his own company. His daughter, Catherine, came up with naming it Cicada, after the loudest bug on earth. Cicada Audio which was formed during the pandemic and started selling to the Motorcycle market just over a year ago. The successful introduction of his first Cicada product, the CH65 6-1/2” Coax Horn Loudspeaker and was first to stock 2 or 4 ohm versions. With its ability to fit into most locations with little or no modification it was a home run. Larry designed and developed 80 additional products in the current line. His passion for the category led him to a product plan of an additional 40 new products arriving to market in 2023 the second year of Cicada Audio’s existence.
Larry’s true passion was on display when he was the one who called the shots, decided the product plan, grooming the staff and was responsible for the bottom line.
Larry’s presence in the electronics industry was a guiding light, and he was a reliable source of support and guidance for all who had the good fortune of knowing him. His legacy in the industry will live on through the many people he touched with his vast knowledge and expertise. Larry will be remembered for his kind and generous nature and for the impact he had on ALL OF our lives. His life was a testament to his passion and dedication to his craft and his drive to make a difference in the world. Today we take this moment to remember, Larry Frederick, a beloved husband to Adriana, father to Catherine and Ashley, grandfather to Marcus and Addison, inventor, founder, friend and mentor to many. His passion for sharing knowledge was his life’s work.
12VoltNews.com 