The first time I heard Steel Guitar Rag, I was transported to a smoky honky-tonk, the twangy melody weaving through the air like a time machine. Little did I know that this iconic tune would become my lifelong passion and the subject of countless hours of study and practice. As a long-time editor of ‘Acoustic … Read more
The moment I first laid hands on the S101 electric guitar, I knew I was in for a surprise. As a seasoned guitar journalist, I’ve strummed countless strings, but this instrument struck a unique chord. What makes this budget-friendly axe stand out in a sea of entry-level options? The answer lies not just in its … Read more
The first time I held a Lucero classical guitar, I was struck by an unexpected revelation. Despite its modest price tag, the instrument resonated with a warmth and clarity that rivaled guitars twice its cost. As a luthier with decades of experience, I’ve encountered countless instruments, but this moment stood out. It left me wondering: … Read more
The first time I plucked the strings of a Timberline harp guitar, I knew I had stumbled upon something extraordinary. The resonant, multi-layered sound that filled my workshop was unlike anything I’d ever heard from a single instrument. As a luthier with an engineering background, I was instantly captivated by the intricate design and acoustic … Read more
Imagine a guitar with 100 strings, its neck as wide as a piano keyboard, producing a symphony of sounds unlike anything you’ve ever heard. As I stood before this musical marvel, my fingers itching to explore its vast fretboard, I realized how far the world of string guitars had come. From my first six-string at … Read more
I’ll never forget the day I watched in horror as a priceless vintage Martin guitar cracked right before my eyes. The cause? A sudden drop in humidity that wreaked havoc on its delicate wooden structure. That moment changed my perspective on guitar care forever. As a veteran guitar journalist with over two decades at Guitar … Read more
The first time I held a mahogany guitar, I knew I was experiencing something extraordinary. The rich, warm tones that emanated from its body were unlike anything I’d heard before. As a luthier with nearly three decades of experience, I’ve come to understand the profound impact that mahogany has on a guitar’s sound and performance. … Read more
The first time I plugged into a 4×12 guitar cabinet, I felt the ground shake beneath my feet. The raw power and sonic depth were unlike anything I’d experienced before. That moment changed my perception of guitar tone forever. As a luthier and former engineer, I’ve spent decades exploring the intricacies of these sonic powerhouses. … Read more
The first time I strummed the Yamaha FD01S, I was transported back to my early days as a budding guitarist. The familiar dreadnought shape felt like an old friend, but there was something different about this instrument. As I explored its tones and playability, I couldn’t help but wonder: could this be the perfect gateway … Read more
The first time I heard a guitar tuned so low it rumbled like distant thunder, I knew I had to explore this sonic frontier. As a seasoned guitarist and editor of ‘Acoustic Guitar’ magazine, I’ve witnessed countless players push the boundaries of their instruments. But nothing quite compares to the primal power of the lowest … Read more