After extensive research with top Los Angeles studio bassists, SWR released its first commercial product in 1984, the PB-200 hybrid tube/solid-state bass guitar amplifier.

The company's name was changed to SWR Sound Corporation on 1 December 1997 as part of a restructuring plan.

At the January 2007 NAMM Show, SWR introduced the SM-1500 head, which combined the hybrid tube/solid-state platform with some Fender-era innovations, including a tube-driven compressor.

At 1500 watts (in bridged mode at 4 ohms), the SM-1500 was the most powerful toroidal-based amplifier on the market.

Bass Player magazine gave it a very favorable review and Editor's Award in the August, 2007 issue.