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 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
I never thought a simple skull guitar knob could change my entire perspective on instrument design. As I held that intricately crafted piece of metal in my hand, I realized I was witnessing the perfect marriage of form and function. These small components aren’t just decorative; they’re a testament to the evolving artistry in guitar … Read more
As I settled onto my Martin guitar stool for the first time, I felt a sudden shift in my playing. The comfort was undeniable, but it was the unexpected improvement in my technique that truly astounded me. Could a simple seat really make such a profound difference? This revelation sparked a years-long journey into the … Read more
I never thought a chair could make or break my guitar playing until that fateful day. After a grueling four-hour practice session, I stood up from my trusty kitchen stool, my back screaming in protest. That’s when I realized the profound impact a proper guitar chair can have on both comfort and performance. As a … Read more
The first time I laid hands on a PRS bass guitar, I knew I was in for something special. As the strings resonated through my fingers, I couldn’t help but wonder: could this be the instrument that changes the game for bass players everywhere? With decades of experience as a guitar journalist and editor of … Read more
I’ll never forget the day I first laid hands on a Johnson bass guitar. As the strings resonated through my fingers, I knew I was experiencing something special. Little did I know that this encounter would spark a journey through the world of affordable yet quality bass instruments. What made this particular bass stand out … Read more
Imagine unlocking a whole new dimension of sound with just one extra string. That’s the power of a 7-string guitar, but only if you can master its tuning. As the former Editor in Chief of Guitar Player magazine, I’ve seen countless guitarists struggle with this seemingly simple task. In fact, a surprising 68% of new … Read more
I’ll never forget the moment I first laid hands on a true intermediate electric guitar. The silky-smooth fretboard, the resonant body, and the crisp, articulate tone – it was like graduating from a tricycle to a high-performance bicycle. That transformative experience sparked a lifelong passion that led me from the practice rooms of the New … Read more
As I strummed the final chord of our set, I felt a sudden snap. My prized guitar plummeted towards the stage floor, narrowly missing destruction. That heart-stopping moment taught me a crucial lesson: never underestimate the importance of a reliable metal guitar strap. As a luthier and former engineer, I’ve always been fascinated by the … Read more