Live music brings people together, and Montana is one of the best places to experience it. The state has consistently hosted impressive music events, and it looks like that won't be slowing down anytime soon. Musicians need quality equipment, and there are some pretty amazing things being built right here in Montana.

The Gibson Guitar Company recently announced a collaboration with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. They are manufacturing a replica of his legendary 1964 SJ-200 guitar. The guitar is manufactured at the Gibson facilities in Bozeman, Montana.

Musical instruments can be significant investments, and musicians want them to sound their best. That's where the Rattlesnake Cable Company comes in. Based in Missoula, the Rattlesnake Cable Company was voted "The Coolest Thing Made in Montana" in the small business category by the Montana Chamber of Commerce this year. I had the opportunity to speak with Hank Donovan, co-owner of Rattlesnake Cable Company. Donovan didn't initially set out to make instrument cables—he started by making guitar pedals. One day, he decided to make his own cable.

Rattlesnake Cable Company
Credit: Amy Donovan, Rattlesnake Cable Company
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I went to band practice and the bass players like, oh, where'd you get that cable?  I said, oh, I just made it. He was like "hey, can you make me one?"... Within days after that I started getting phone calls from other friends that heard I was making cables. I said "that's really weird". Then probably, you know, a couple months later, I was literally getting phone calls.

That’s how the business took off. Donovan also spent time on the company’s name, wanting to give "a hat tip" to the company’s location while appealing to various types of musicians.

I also wanted to cross genres. Jazz guys can relate to it. Country guys can relate, Rockers like it, Metal dudes like it.

The Rattlesnake Cable Company offers custom options for their clients, including cable lengths and components. They also pride themselves on providing excellent customer service. Congratulations to the Rattlesnake Cable Company on being named "The Coolest Thing Made in Montana," and we wish Hank, his wife Amy, and the entire crew continued success!

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