As I stepped onto the stage, my heart raced with anticipation. The crowd roared, the lights blazed, and my fingers trembled. But this time, something was different. A small, metallic object on my finger caught the spotlight’s glare. Little did I know, this unassuming guitar pick ring was about to revolutionize my performance. As a … Read more
The first time I held an Okoume wood guitar, I knew I was experiencing something extraordinary. The instrument’s weight, or rather its lack thereof, caught me off guard. As I strummed the strings, a warm, resonant tone filled the room, defying my expectations for such a lightweight wood. That moment sparked a journey of discovery … Read more
When Machine Gun Kelly strummed his first chord on a Schecter prototype, little did he know he was about to revolutionize the guitar industry. As the editor of ‘Acoustic Guitar’ magazine, I’ve witnessed countless signature models, but MGK’s collaboration with Schecter struck a chord that resonated far beyond expectation. The fusion of pop-punk aesthetics and … Read more
The first time I saw a guitar with custom inlays, I was mesmerized. The intricate patterns dancing along the fretboard told a story that words couldn’t capture. That moment ignited a passion that would shape my career for the next three decades. As a luthier with an engineering background, I’ve come to appreciate the delicate … Read more
I strummed my beloved Stratocaster, expecting the searing wail of rock ‘n’ roll. Instead, a mellow, acoustic-like twang filled the room. My electric guitar sounded acoustic, and I was baffled. As the editor of ‘Acoustic Guitar’ magazine and a seasoned electric guitarist, I’ve encountered this perplexing issue numerous times. It’s a common problem that can … Read more
The first time I heard a bajo sexto, I felt like I’d discovered a hidden treasure. Its rich, resonant tones filled the air, weaving a tapestry of sound that was both familiar and exotic. As a guitar journalist with a master’s in Contemporary Improvisation, I’ve encountered countless string instruments, but the bajo sexto stood out … Read more
As I held the small, polished stone between my fingers, I never imagined it would revolutionize my guitar playing. The moment I struck the strings with this unconventional pick, a world of sonic possibilities opened up before me. The rich, warm tones that emanated from my instrument were unlike anything I’d ever heard before. This … Read more
The first time I laid eyes on a rainbow eucalyptus guitar, I was stunned. The vibrant, multicolored streaks dancing across the instrument’s body were unlike anything I’d seen in my years as a luthier. It was as if someone had captured a rainbow and woven it into wood. That moment sparked a journey of discovery … Read more
I never thought my expertise in crafting guitar cases would lead me down this path. As a luthier with decades of experience, I’ve always prided myself on creating the perfect protective shells for musical instruments. But life has a way of surprising you. It all started when a close friend, a touring musician with a … Read more
The year was 1990, and the metal world was about to be shaken to its core. As I held the freshly pressed vinyl of Megadeth’s ‘Rust in Peace’ in my hands, little did I know that this album would redefine thrash metal and become a guitar virtuoso’s holy grail. Fast forward three decades, and I’m … Read more